Elevator guide rail block assembly

Abstract

An elevator guide rail block assembly (40) is provided that is configured for use with an elevator car or counterweight guide rail (15, 25). The elevator guide rail block assembly (40) includes a frame (42) and a plurality of rotatable cams (44a-44d) attached to the frame (42). An actuator element (46) is configured to actuate rotation of the plurality of rotatable cams (44a-44d). A clamping structure (50) is attached to the frame (42) and spaced apart from the plurality of rotatable cams (44a-44d). In a rotated orientation, the combination of the plurality of rotatable cams (44a-44d) and the clamping structure (50) forms a clamping action that is configured to secure the elevator guide rail block assembly (40) to the elevator car or counterweight guide rail (15, 25).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 196,286, filed June 3, 2021. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to tools used in the construction and maintenance of vertical transport equipment (i.e., elevators), and more specifically to devices configured for temporarily suspending or suspending elements from the car or counterweight guide rails. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information relating to this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] An elevator is a vertical transport device that efficiently moves people and / or goods between floors, levels, and / or decks of a building, ship, or other structure. One type of elevator is called a traction elevator. Traction elevators use a geared or gearless traction mechanism to drive a suspension element that is connected at one end to the elevator car and at the opposite end to a counterweight. In certain cases, the suspension element is a steel wire rope.

[0006] The elevator car and counterweight are located within a section of the building known as the shaft. The geared or gearless mechanism is driven by an electric motor.

[0007] Generally, the elevator car moves vertically on opposite car guides, and the counterweight moves vertically in the opposite direction on opposite counterweight guides. Typically, the car and counterweight guides are positioned so that they can be close to each other.

[0008] In certain situations, such as the construction, installation, and / or maintenance of elevator components and the hoistway, it may be desirable to temporarily suspend or hang components from the car or counterweight guide rails. Structures and devices for temporarily engaging the car or counterweight guide rails are known in the art. However, these structures and devices may be heavy, require more than one person to implement, are time-consuming to install, and have limited load capacity.

[0009] It would be advantageous to improve the structure and devices configured to temporarily engage the car or counterweight guide rails. Summary of the Invention

[0010] It should be understood that this summary is provided to introduce the selected concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of elevator guide block assemblies.

[0011] The aforementioned objectives, and other objectives not specifically listed, are achieved by an elevator guide block assembly configured for use with an elevator car or counterweight guide rail. The elevator guide block assembly includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable cams attached to the frame. An actuator element is configured to actuate rotation of the plurality of rotatable cams. A clamping structure is attached to the frame and spaced apart from the plurality of rotatable cams. In a rotational orientation, the combination of the plurality of rotatable cams and the clamping structure forms a clamping action configured to secure the elevator guide block assembly to the elevator car or counterweight guide rail.

[0012] The above objectives, as well as other objectives not specifically listed, are also achieved by a method of using an elevator guide rail block assembly configured for use with an elevator car or counterweight guide rail. The method includes the steps of: aligning a gap formed in the elevator guide rail block assembly with a flange of the elevator car or counterweight guide rail, the gap being formed between a plurality of rotatable cams arranged in a frame and a clamping structure adjacent to the frame, such that the flange of the elevator car or counterweight guide rail abuts against the frame, engaging the flange of the elevator car or counterweight guide rail with the elevator guide rail block assembly, clamping the flange of the elevator car or counterweight guide rail between the plurality of rotatable cams and the clamping structure, thereby securing the elevator guide rail block assembly to the elevator car or counterweight guide rail.

[0013] Further areas of application will become clear from the description provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this invention are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, representing selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective diagram of a traditional elevator, with some parts shown as dashed lines:

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the right side of the new elevator guide rail block assembly;

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Front perspective view of the elevator guide rail block assembly;

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of the elevator guide rail block assembly;

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cut-out right-side perspective view of the frame of the elevator guide rail block assembly;

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the elevator guide rail block assembly;

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Left perspective view of the frame of the elevator guide rail block assembly;

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Right perspective view of the frame of the elevator guide rail block assembly;

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 Right perspective view of the rotatable cam of the elevator guide block assembly;

[0024] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Bottom perspective view of the rotatable cam of the elevator guide block assembly;

[0025] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 Right perspective view of the actuator element of the elevator guide block assembly;

[0026] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Left perspective view of the actuator element;

[0027] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 Rotatable cam and Figure 11 The right-side perspective view of the actuator element.

[0028] Figure 14 yes Figure 2 Right perspective view of the clamping structure of the elevator guide rail block assembly;

[0029] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A front view of a portion of the clamping structure;

[0030] Figure 16 It is connected to the elevator guide rail. Figure 2 A side perspective view of the elevator guide rail block assembly;

[0031] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A side perspective view of an elevator guide rail block assembly, shown as being positioned with... Figure 16 The installation location of the elevator guide rail;

[0032] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A side perspective view of the elevator guide rail block assembly and the elevator guide rail, showing a U-shaped clamp configured for lifting; and

[0033] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A side perspective view of the elevator guide rail block assembly and the elevator guide rail, showing that the elevator guide rail block assembly and the elevator guide rail are equipped with structural members configured to support landing loads. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description of the technology is exemplary only in relation to the nature of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or use of any particular invention claimed in this application or in other such applications that may claim priority to this application, or from any published patent thereof. Regarding the disclosed methods, the order of the presented steps is exemplary in nature, and therefore the order of steps may differ in various embodiments, including where certain steps may be performed simultaneously, unless otherwise expressly stated. As used herein, “a (A)” and “an (an)” indicate the presence of “at least one” item; multiple such items may be present where possible. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all numerical quantities in this specification should be understood to be modified by the word “about,” and all geometric and spatial descriptors should be understood to be modified by the word “substantially” to describe the broadest scope of the technology. When applied to numerical values, “about” indicates some slight inaccuracy in the calculation or measurement of the value (some close precision of the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; almost). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and / or “substantially” is not understood in the art in that ordinary sense, then “about” and / or “substantially” as used herein at least indicates a variation that may be caused by the common methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0035] Although the open-ended term "comprising" is used herein as a synonym for non-limiting terms (such as including, comprising, or having), embodiments of the present technology may alternatively be described using more restrictive terms (such as "consisting of" or "substantially consisting of") to describe embodiments. Therefore, for any given embodiment listing materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or substantially consisting of, such materials, components, or process steps, excluding additional materials, components, or processes (for constituting "consisting of") and excluding additional materials, components, or processes that significantly affect the characteristics of the embodiment (substantially consisting of), even if such additional materials, components, or processes are not expressly listed herein. For example, a description of a composition or method of elements A, B, and C specifically contemplates embodiments consisting of, or substantially consisting of, A, B, and C, excluding element D, which may be described in the art, even if element D is not expressly described as excluded herein.

[0036] As mentioned herein, unless otherwise specified, the disclosure of a range includes endpoints and encompasses all distinct values ​​and further subdivisions throughout the range. Thus, a range such as "from A to B" or "from about A to about B" includes both A and B. The disclosure of values ​​and ranges of values ​​for specific parameters (such as quantities, weight percentages, etc.) does not exclude other values ​​and ranges of values ​​useful herein. It is conceivable that two or more specific example values ​​for a given parameter may define the endpoints of the range of values ​​that can be claimed for the parameter. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein as having a value A and also exemplified as having a value Z, then parameter X may have a range of values ​​from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is conceivable that two or more ranges of values ​​for a parameter disclosed (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) encompass all possible combinations of ranges of values ​​that may be claimed using the endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is here exemplified as having a value in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also conceivable that parameter X could have other ranges of values, including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, etc.

[0037] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "joined to," "connected to," or "attached to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly joined to," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0038] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0039] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature as shown in the figure to other elements or features. Spatial relative terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would be oriented as “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatial relative descriptors used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0040] According to the embodiments shown in this disclosure, an elevator guide rail block assembly is provided. Typically, the elevator guide rail block assembly is configured to establish a robust and removable connection to the car or counterweight guide rail. Once the elevator guide rail block assembly is secured to the car or counterweight guide rail, it can be used to temporarily suspend, suspend, and / or lift elements from the car or counterweight guide rail. The removable connection of the elevator guide rail block assembly to the car or counterweight guide rail allows the elevator guide rail block assembly to be moved to another location on the car or counterweight guide rail and allows for the rapid establishment of a new, robust connection.

[0041] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 The diagram shows an elevator 10 in both schematic and simplified view. Elevator 10 is conventional in the art and will only be described briefly herein. Elevator 10 includes an elevator car 12 that moves in a substantially vertical direction on opposing car guide rail stacks 14. Each stack of car guide rails 14 is formed by a plurality of individual car guide rails 15 (often also referred to as main rails) arranged end-to-end. These opposing car guide rail stacks 14 are disposed in an elevator shaft 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 16 is defined by mating shaft walls 17a-17d. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the shaft 16 may be defined by other structures, components, and parts, such as non-limiting examples of structural partition beams, etc. The elevator car 12 is supported at one end by one or more suspension ropes 18 that move together with the elevator machine 20. The other end of the one or more suspension ropes 18 is connected to a counterweight assembly 22. The counterweight assembly 22 is configured to balance a portion of the weight of the elevator guide rails and moves in a substantially vertical direction within a plurality of individual counterweight guide rails 24 arranged in an end-to-end stacked configuration. In certain situations, it may be necessary to temporarily suspend or suspend components on the car or counterweight guide rails. Non-limiting examples of these include lifting loads within the elevator shaft 16, assembling, servicing, and / or repairing the elevator car 12, and supporting cross structures within the elevator shaft 16.

[0042] See now Figures 2 to 6 A first embodiment of the elevator guide rail block assembly (hereinafter referred to as the "block assembly") is generally shown as 40. The block assembly 40 includes a frame 42, a plurality of cams 44a-44d mounted for rotation, an actuator element 46, a retaining element 48, and a clamping structure 50.

[0043] See now Figures 2 to 8 The frame 42 has a longitudinal axis AA and includes a base element 52 having a first face 54, an opposing second face 56, a first side 58, an opposing second side 60, a first end 62, and an opposing end 64. A plurality of spaced-apart support elements 66a-66c extend from the first face 54 in a substantially perpendicular direction, and each support element is positioned adjacent to the second side 60. Each of these support elements 66a-66c has a distal end 68a-68c. Each distal end 68a-68c includes a plurality of threaded holes 70a-70f. These threaded holes 70a-70f will be discussed in more detail below.

[0044] See now Figure 7 and Figure 8 Support element 66a includes a first flat surface 72 and an opposing second arcuate surface 74. Support element 66b includes a first arcuate surface 76 and an opposing second arcuate surface 78, and support element 66c includes a first arcuate surface 80 and an opposing second flat surface 82. As will be explained in more detail below, these arcuate surfaces 74, 76, 78, and 80 have diameters approximately the same as those of cams 44a-44d and are positioned adjacent to cams 44a-44d.

[0045] See now Figure 8 An optional first recess 86a is positioned adjacent to the first intersection 88a of the support element 66a and the first surface 54. Similarly, an optional second recess 86b is positioned adjacent to the second intersection 88b of the support element 66b and the first surface 54, and an optional third recess 86c is positioned adjacent to the third intersection 88c of the support element 66c and the first surface 54. Without being limited to theory, it is believed that the recesses 86a-86c operate to effectively distribute the stress generated between the support elements 66a-66c and the first surface 54. Although Figure 7 and Figure 8 The embodiment of the frame 42 shown includes recesses 86a-86c, but it is conceivable that in other embodiments, the stress generated between these support elements 66a-66c and the first surface 54 can be distributed by other structures, mechanisms, devices and methods.

[0046] See now Figure 7The first surface 54 includes a first arcuate recess 90a located near the support element 66b and a second arcuate recess 90b located near the support element 66c. As will be explained in more detail below, the first recess 90a and the second recess 90b are configured to guide during rotation of the cams 44a-44d and provide hard stops for portions of the cams 44b, 44d. Although Figure 8 The embodiments of the first recess 90a and the second recess 90b provided herein are shown to have an arcuate cross-sectional shape, but in other embodiments, the first recess 90a and the second recess 90b may have other cross-sectional shapes sufficient for the functions described herein.

[0047] See you again Figure 8 The first surface 54 also includes a first spring recess 92a and a second spring recess 92b. The first and second spring recesses are configured to receive an actuating spring (not shown for clarity). In the illustrated embodiment, the first spring recess 92a and the second spring recess 92b are parallel, and each spring recess is oriented in an arrangement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AA. However, in other embodiments, the first and second spring recesses may have other relative relationships and may be oriented at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis AA.

[0048] See now Figures 6 to 8 A first sidewall 96a extends from the second surface 56 of the base element 52 in a direction generally planar with the first side 58. Similarly, a second sidewall 96b extends from the base element 52 together with the second side 60 in a generally planar direction. A rear wall 98 extends from the second end 64 of the base element 52 in a direction generally planar with the second end 64 and connects the first and second sidewalls 96a, 96b. The combination of walls 96a, 96b, 98 is configured to provide structural support for the block assembly 40 during use. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second sidewalls 96a, 96b has a triangular shape, while the rear wall 98 has a rectangular shape. In alternative embodiments, each of the walls 96a, 96b, 98 may have other shapes sufficient to provide structural support to the block assembly 40 during use.

[0049] although Figure 7 and Figure 8 The embodiment of frame 42 shown is represented as a whole, but in other embodiments, frame 42 may be formed from separate components assembled together.

[0050] See now Figure 9 and Figure 10The diagram shows cam 44a. Cam 44a represents cams 44b-44d. Cam 44a has the form of an offset cylinder having a first end 102, an opposing second end 104, a circumferential surface 106, and a cam lob angle 107. As used herein, the term "cam lob angle" is defined as the asymmetrical portion of the cam configured to abut against an elevator car or counterweight guide rail. A spring notch 108 is located at the first end 102 and configured to receive a first spring 110. A shaft bore 112 extends from the first end 102 to the second end 104 and is configured to receive a camshaft 114 extending beyond the first end 102 and the second end 104. A pin 116 extends from the second end 104 and is configured to engage with actuator element 46 ( Figure 6 Connection. The protrusion 118 extends from the second end 104 and is configured to engage with the first arcuate recess 90a of the base element 52. The cutout 120 is located in the second end 104. The cutout 120 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0051] See now Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 13 A first cam spring 110a is shown. Cam spring 110a represents a second cam spring 110b. The first and second cam springs 110a and 110b are configured to cause the cam lobes 107 of cams 44a-44d to contact the surface of the car or counterweight guide rail, thereby applying a load to the working surface of the car or counterweight guide rail. Each cam spring 110a and 110b includes a first end 111 and a second end 113. The first end 111 is located within a notch 121 located on the mating surface of the retaining element 48, and the second end 113 is located within a notch 108. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second cam springs 110a and 110b is in the form of a torsion spring. However, in other embodiments, each of the first and second cam springs 110a and 110b may have other forms sufficient to cause the cam lobes 107 of cams 44a-44d to contact the surface of the car or counterweight guide rail, thereby applying a load to the working surface of the car or counterweight guide rail.

[0052] See now Figure 11 and 12Actuator element 46 is shown. Actuator element 46 has a longitudinal axis BB and includes an inner main surface 122, an opposing outer main surface 124, a first end 126, and an opposing second end 128. A track 130 extends along the inner main surface 122 from the first end 126 to the second end 128 and is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis BB. In the illustrated embodiment, track 130 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape that approximates the size and cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal groove 132 located in the second side 60 of the base element 52, so that actuator element 46 is slidable when positioned against the base element 52. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, track 130 and the associated groove 132 may have other complementary cross-sectional shapes.

[0053] See you again Figure 11 and 12 The first support section 134 extends from the inner main surface 122 and includes a first arm 136 and a spaced-apart second arm 138. Similarly, the second support section 140 extends from the main inner surface 122 and includes a first arm 142 and a spaced-apart second arm 144. The first and second support sections 134, 140 and the first and second arms 136, 138, 140, 144 are parallel to the longitudinal axis BB.

[0054] See now Figure 11 Each of the first and second arms 136, 138, 140, 144 includes holes 146a-146d. Each hole 146a-146d is configured to receive a pin 116 extending from the associated cam 44a-44d. Figure 10 As will be explained in more detail below, the axial movement of actuator element 46 causes axial movement of the first support section 134 and the second support section 140, which in turn causes cams 44a-44d to rotate about their respective cam shafts 114 and cause the cam cam lobes 107 to contact the elevator car or counterweight guide rail.

[0055] See you again Figure 12 A gripping section 148 extends from the main outer surface 124. The gripping section 148 is configured to contact a user's hand (not shown) for the purpose of axially moving the actuator element 46. The gripping section 148 includes a plurality of surface features 150 configured to facilitate active contact with the user's hand. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of surface features 150 are in the form of parallel, adjacent channels. In other embodiments, the plurality of surface features 150 may have other forms sufficient to facilitate active contact with the user's hand, including non-limiting examples such as cross-cuts, protrusions, serrations, etc.

[0056] Although Figure 11 and Figure 12The embodiment of actuator element 46 shown is represented as a whole, but in other embodiments, actuator element 46 may be formed from separate components assembled together.

[0057] See now Figure 13 These cams 44a-44d are shown in an orientation in which they are assembled with actuator element 46. In this orientation, each of the pins 116 extending from cams 44a-44d has abutted against adjacent first and second arms 136, 138, 142, 144 of actuator element 46.

[0058] See you again Figure 13 The first actuating spring 154 has a first end 156, an opposing second end 158, and an intermediate section 160 positioned therebetween. The first end 156 includes a hole 162 configured to receive a fastener (not shown) for attachment to the base element 52. In the mounted position, the first actuating spring 154 is located within a first spring recess 92a. The second end 158 of the first actuating spring 154 includes an upwardly oriented section 164. In the mounted position, the upwardly oriented section 164 abuts against a notch 120 of the cam 44a in a manner that prevents rotation of the cam 44a. The intermediate section 160 includes a raised portion 166. In the mounted position, the raised portion 166 of the first actuating spring 154 is positioned above a plane defined by a first surface 54 of the base element 52.

[0059] See you again Figure 13 The second actuation spring 168 has the same or similar structure as the first actuation spring 154 and is configured to engage the cam 44c in the same manner as described above for the first actuation spring 154.

[0060] See now Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The clamping structure 50 includes an upper section 170 and a lower section 172. The upper section 170 includes a first surface 174. In the mounting arrangement, the first surface 174 is configured to align with the support elements 66a-66c in a parallel orientation to form opposing clamping surfaces. Although Figure 14 The embodiment of the first surface 174 shown is illustrated as a continuous surface, but it should be understood that in other embodiments, the first surface 174 may have the form of multiple discontinuous surfaces sufficient to be aligned with the support elements 66a-66c in a parallel orientation, thereby forming opposing clamping surfaces.

[0061] See you again Figure 2 , Figure 14 and Figure 15The upper section 170 of the clamping structure 50 includes a second surface 176. The second surface 176 is configured to slidably abut against the first surface 54 of the base element 52 to facilitate the clamping action between the first surface 174 and the support elements 66a-66c. The second surface 176 forms an angle α1 with the first surface 174. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α1 is approximately 90°. In an alternative embodiment, the angle α1 may be greater than or less than approximately 90°, sufficient to allow the second surface 176 to be slidably abut against the first surface 54 of the base element 52 to facilitate the clamping action between the first surface 174 and the support elements 66a-66c.

[0062] See you again Figure 2 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The lower section 172 of the clamping structure 50 includes a third surface 178. The third surface 178 is configured to abut against a first side 58 of the base element 52 to facilitate the clamping action between the first surface 174 and the support elements 66a-66c. The third surface 178 forms an angle α2 with the second surface 176. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α2 is approximately 90°. In an alternative embodiment, the second angle α2 may be greater than or less than approximately 90°, sufficient to allow the second surface 176 to be slidably configured to abut against the first surface 54 of the base element 52 to facilitate the clamping action between the first surface 174 and the support elements 66a-66c.

[0063] See now Figure 14 and Figure 15 The upper part of the first surface 174 includes multiple lip segments 180a-180c. The lip segments 180a-180c are axially aligned with each other. These lip segments 180a-180c extend beyond the first surface 174 in a direction perpendicular to it. As will be explained in more detail below, these lip segments 180a-180c are all configured to abut against and secure the car or counterweight guide rail. Although these lip segments 180a-180c... Figure 14 While shown as discontinuous segments, it is conceivable that in other embodiments, these lip segments 180a-180c could be formed as continuous segments.

[0064] See now Figure 6 and Figure 14 The lower section 172 of the clamping structure 50 includes a plurality of spaced-apart slots 182a-182d. Each of these slots 182a-182d is configured to receive a fastener 184 configured to secure the clamping structure 50 to the base element 52 of the frame 42. Figure 14 In the embodiment shown, each of these slots 182a-182d is divided into a plurality of holes 186a-186d. Each of these holes 186a-186d is configured for use with a car or counterweight guide rail of a specific size.

[0065] Although Figure 14 and Figure 15 The embodiment of the clamping structure 50 shown is represented as a whole, but in other embodiments, the clamping structure 50 may be formed from separate components assembled together.

[0066] See now Figure 4 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 The installation of block assembly 40 will be described below. In a first step, the gap 188 formed between the support elements 66a-66c of frame 42 and the first surface 174 of clamping structure 50 is aligned with the flange 190 of car or counterweight guide rail 192. In a next step, block assembly 40 is positioned on flange 190 such that the front surface 194 of car or counterweight guide rail 192 abuts against the first surface 54 of frame 42. Next, when the front surface 194 of car or counterweight guide rail 192 abuts against the first surface 54, the front surface 194 engages the raised portion 166 of actuation spring 154. In a next step, the engagement of the raised portion 166 of actuation spring 154 forces actuation spring 154 away from cams 44a-44c, thereby causing the upward section 164 of actuation spring 154 to leave the cutout 120 formed in the second end of cams 44a-44d. Next, once the actuating spring 154 disengages from the notch 120, the cams 44a-44d can rotate via the linear movement of the first and second support sections 134, 140. In the next step, as the cams 44a-44c rotate, they close the gap 188 by clamping through the combination of the cam cam lobes 107 and the first surface 174 of the clamping structure 50. The cams 44a-44d can rotate until the protrusion 118 extending from the second end of the cam is located at the end of the arcuate recesses 90a, 90b. Next, once the cam lobes 107 and the first surface 174 of the clamping structure 50 are in place against the sides 196a, 196b, the lip sections 180a-180c engage with the shoulder 200 formed in the car or counterweight guide rail 192.

[0067] See now Figure 16 and Figure 17 As previously described, these holes 184a-184d are all configured to adjust the distance d of the lip segments 180a-180c from the first surface 54 of the base element 52 for use with car or counterweight guides of different sizes. Advantageously, the block assembly 40 is configured for elevator cars and counterweight guides 192 of various sizes, including non-limiting examples of standard sizes of 6 lbs, 8 lbs, 12 lbs, 15 lbs, 18 lbs, 22 lbs, and 30 lbs. Alternatively, the block assembly 40 can mate with elevator guides 192 of other sizes. It is also contemplated that the block assembly 40 can be configured for elevator cars and counterweight guides with non-traditional cross-sectional profiles.

[0068] The block component 40 is envisioned to have many uses. Some non-limiting examples of these uses will be described in this document. See now. Figure 18 The diagram illustrates a first non-limiting example. In this example, block assembly 240 is fitted with hook attachment 280. Hook attachment 280 includes one or more holes 282 configured to receive various attachments, including a non-limiting example of U-clamp 284. In this way, the guide block 240, combined with hook 280, can be used to temporarily lift, suspend, or suspend elements from the car or counterweight guide rail 292.

[0069] Figure 19 Another non-limiting application is shown. Block assembly 340 is fitted with structural member 342. Structural member 342 can be configured as a platform for constructing an elevator car (schematically shown at 350). Structural member 342 can also serve as a support for lifting, suspending, or suspending elements from the car or counterweight guide rails 392. Figure 19 In the illustrated embodiment, structural member 342 is in the form of a portion of an angle iron, one leg of which is oriented in a downward direction, and the outer flat portion of the opposite leg has a substantially horizontal orientation. However, in other embodiments, other structural members with other shapes, configurations, and dimensions may be used. Structural member 342 may have any desired length.

[0070] While the illustrated embodiment utilizes a single block assembly 40, it is conceivable that multiple block assemblies can be used in conjunction with each other. In one non-limiting embodiment, the block assemblies may be positioned on the same car or counterweight rail and may be coupled to each other in a manner that allows one block assembly to move while simultaneously supporting a load with another block assembly. In this way, the load can "travel" along the rail to another location. In another non-limiting example, a first block assembly may be positioned on the car or counterweight rail, and a second block assembly may be positioned on an opposing car or counterweight rail. Once the opposing block assemblies are in place, the structure can be positioned across the opposing block assemblies. These structures can then be used to temporarily suspend, suspend, and / or lift elements as needed.

[0071] Exemplary embodiments are provided to make this disclosure comprehensive and to fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatuses, and methods, are set forth to provide a full understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail. Equivalent variations, modifications, and changes to embodiments, materials, compositions, and methods may be made within the scope of this art, resulting in substantially similar outcomes.

Claims

1. An elevator guide rail block assembly configured for use with an elevator car or counterweight guide rail, the elevator guide rail block assembly comprising: A frame, the frame including a plurality of spring recesses positioned in a first surface of a base element; A plurality of rotatable cams are attached to the frame; An actuator element configured to actuate the rotation of the plurality of rotatable cams; as well as A clamping structure, the clamping structure being attached to the frame and spaced apart from the plurality of rotatable cams; Each of the plurality of spring recesses is configured to receive an actuation spring, which is configured to selectively prevent or allow rotation of the plurality of rotatable cams. In the rotational orientation, the combination of the plurality of rotatable cams and the clamping structure forms a clamping action, which is configured to fix the elevator guide block assembly to the elevator car or counterweight guide rail.

2. The elevator guide rail block assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the actuation springs includes a raised portion configured to contact the elevator car or counterweight guide rail.

3. The elevator guide rail block assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of rotatable cams includes a cutout configured to contact the actuation spring.

4. The elevator guide rail block assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of rotatable cams includes a protrusion configured to limit the rotation of the rotatable cam.

5. The elevator guide rail block assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator element includes a plurality of arms, each of which has a hole configured to engage with a pin extending from each of the rotatable cams.

6. The elevator guide rail block assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator element includes a track configured to slidably engage with a slot located in the frame.

7. The elevator guide rail block assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping structure includes a first surface configured to form a gap with the plurality of rotatable cams.

8. The elevator guide rail block assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The first surface includes one or more lip segments configured to engage with a shoulder formed in the elevator car or counterweight guide rail.

9. The elevator guide rail block assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The clamping structure is adjustable to accommodate elevator cars or counterweight guide rails of different sizes.

10. A method of using an elevator guide rail block assembly configured for use with an elevator car or counterweight guide rail, the method comprising the steps of: Align the gap formed in the elevator guide block assembly with the flange of the elevator car or counterweight guide rail, the gap being formed between a plurality of rotatable cams arranged in the frame and a clamping structure adjacent to the frame. Multiple spring recesses are positioned in the first surface of the base element of the frame; The flange of the elevator car or counterweight guide rail is engaged with the elevator guide rail block assembly in such a way that the elevator car or counterweight guide rail abuts against the frame. The flange of the elevator car or counterweight guide rail is clamped between the plurality of rotatable cams and the clamping structure, thereby fixing the elevator guide rail block assembly to the elevator car or counterweight guide rail; and The rotation of the plurality of rotatable cams is selectively prevented or permitted by means of an actuation spring located in each of the plurality of spring recesses.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of contacting the raised portion of each of the actuation springs with the elevator car or counterweight guide rail.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of forming a slit in each of the plurality of rotatable cams, the slit being configured to contact the actuation spring.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of limiting the rotation of each of the plurality of rotatable cams by means of a protrusion extending from each of the plurality of rotatable cams.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of engaging a pin extending from each of the plurality of rotatable cams with a plurality of arms extending from an actuator element.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of forming a gap between the first surface of the clamping structure and the plurality of rotatable cams.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of engaging a shoulder formed in the elevator car or counterweight guide with one or more lip segments formed in the first surface of the clamping structure.

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