Safety gear device of elevator, elevator and operation method of safety gear device of elevator

Abstract

A safety tongs arrangement (100) for an elevator (1000) includes a gripping mechanism (10) having a gripping position and an inactive position, where the gripping mechanism (10) is configured to grip a guide rail (18) in the gripping position to provide braking, an electric actuator (30), a coupling mechanism (40) between the electric actuator (30) and the gripping mechanism (10), wherein the coupling mechanism (40) is adapted to place the clamping mechanism (10) into a clamping position by operation of the electric actuator (30), and an overspeed regulator (20) comprising at least an electrical energy source (22) arranged to provide electrical power to the electric actuator (30) at least in the event of an overspeed of the elevator (1000), in response to determining that the overspeed condition exists based on operation of the overspeed regulator (20), the clamping mechanism (10) is arranged to the clamping position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a safety clamp device for an elevator, an elevator comprising a safety clamp and an operating method of the elevator safety clamp device. Background Art

[0002] Elevators have a safety gear to stop the elevator car movement in an emergency, such as in the case of an overspeed of the car. Usually, the overspeed governor and the safety gear are separate devices. In known solutions, the safety gear is activated by a mechanical overspeed governor having a governor rope coupled to the safety gear and running via a governor pulley. In the case of an overspeed, the governor pulley is stopped by a centrifugal stop mechanism. This results in the stopping of the governor rope, which further results in the activation of the safety gear, so that the clamping mechanism of the safety gear moves to a clamping position against the guide rails of the car.

[0003] It is often the case that an elevator car has two such safety gears arranged on opposite sides of the car. They are interconnected by a common synchronizing shaft, which ensures that both safety gears will be activated upon operation of the centrifugal stop mechanism of the overspeed governor. The synchronizing shaft together with the safety gears requires space above or below the car to ensure correct operation.

[0004] In modern elevators, space efficiency is an increasingly important factor. Therefore, safety solutions are needed that operate reliably even in emergency situations but also save space. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a safety gear device for an elevator, an elevator and an operating method of a safety gear device of an elevator. Another object of the present invention is that the safety gear device, the elevator and the method provide a reliable and space-saving solution, providing braking even in elevator emergencies.

[0006] The objects of the invention are achieved by a safety gear arrangement for an elevator, an elevator and a method of operating a safety gear arrangement of an elevator as defined by the respective independent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a safety clamp device for an elevator is provided. The safety clamp device comprises a clamping mechanism having a clamping position and an inactive position, wherein the clamping mechanism is configured to clamp a rail in the clamping position to provide braking. In addition, the device comprises an electric actuator (such as an electric motor) and a coupling mechanism between the electric actuator and the clamping mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism is suitable for arranging the clamping mechanism to the clamping position by operation of the electric actuator (such as a force generated by the electric actuator). In addition, the device comprises an overspeed governor, which at least comprises an electrical energy source, which is arranged to provide power to the electric actuator at least in an overspeed situation of the elevator. In response to determining that an overspeed situation exists based on the operation of the overspeed governor, the clamping mechanism is arranged to the clamping position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the overspeed governor may include a speed sensor for determining an overspeed of the elevator car, wherein the source of electrical energy includes a battery.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the electrical energy source may include a generator for determining the overspeed of the elevator car and arranged to be operated to generate electricity when the electrical energy source moves relative to the track. In addition, the generator may be arranged to be rotated by a drive element of the overspeed governor. In a preferred embodiment, the drive element may be arranged to perform non-contact electromagnetic interaction with the track. Further, the drive element may include a permanent magnet for generating eddy currents in the track to cause rotation of the drive element.

[0010] In various embodiments, the electric actuator may be a DC motor, such as a brushless DC motor.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the electrical energy source may be a DC generator, such as a brushless DC generator.

[0012] Furthermore, the DC generator may be coupled to the DC motor via a controllable power switch.

[0013] In various embodiments, an overspeed condition may be configured to be determined based on the output voltage of the generator.

[0014] The safety gear arrangement may comprise a position or proximity sensor for determining the position of a safety gear wedge of the arrangement.

[0015] In some embodiments, the safety gear arrangement may include at least two clamping mechanisms, each clamping mechanism being configured to operate based on a determination of an overspeed condition by the overspeed governor.

[0016] In various embodiments, the coupling mechanism may be adapted to arrange the clamping mechanism into the clamping position by means of a force generated by the electrical actuator via the coupling mechanism to the clamping mechanism, such as by a pulling or pushing motion.

[0017] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism may be adapted to provide bi-directional braking.

[0018] In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism may include a cable, wire, or strap for transmitting the force generated by the electrical actuator to the clamping mechanism.

[0019] In various embodiments, the coupling mechanism may comprise a counterweight for balancing the mass of the safety gear wedge of the arrangement.The counterweight may be arranged to a rope, line or belt.

[0020] According to a second aspect, an elevator is provided. The elevator comprises an elevator car movable in an elevator hoistway, at least one track (such as a guide rail) extending along the elevator hoistway, and a safety gear device according to the first aspect, the safety gear device being coupled to the elevator car and arranged to provide braking with respect to the at least one track.

[0021] According to a third aspect, a method for operating a safety clamp device of an elevator is provided. The method comprises determining an overspeed condition based on the operation of an overspeed governor, and in response to the determination of the overspeed condition, providing power generated by or stored in the overspeed governor to an electric actuator to move a clamping mechanism of the device to a clamping position to provide braking relative to a track (e.g., a guide rail), wherein the electric actuator is mechanically coupled to the clamping mechanism of the safety clamp via a coupling mechanism.

[0022] The invention provides a safety gear device, an elevator and a method for operating the safety gear device of an elevator. The invention provides advantages over known solutions because the integrated overspeed governor and safety gear saves space while no external power supply is required because the safety gear device is powered by the electrical energy source of its overspeed governor.

[0023] Various other advantages will become apparent to the skilled person based on the following detailed description.

[0024] The expression "plurality" may refer to any positive integer starting from two (2), ie, at least two, two, three, four, etc.

[0025] The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used herein to distinguish one element from other elements and do not particularly prioritize or rank them unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0026] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention presented herein should not be interpreted as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "comprise" is used herein as an open-ended limitation, which does not exclude the presence of unlisted features. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the features recited in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other.

[0027] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention are particularly set forth in the appended claims.The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Some embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 schematically shows a safety gear arrangement.

[0030] Figure 2 schematically shows a safety gear arrangement.

[0031] Fig. 3 schematically shows a safety clamp device connected to an elevator car.

[0032] FIG4 schematically shows an overspeed governor.

[0033] Fig. 5 schematically shows an elevator.

[0034] FIG6 shows a flow chart of the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In various embodiments, a safety gear arrangement is provided, which preferably comprises a bidirectional safety gear, with electrically controllable activation. A bidirectional safety gear means that it has a clamping mechanism that acts in both directions of movement, ie in the up and down directions of the elevator car.

[0036] Electrically controlled activation may mean, for example, that the safety clamp device is activated in response to receiving an electrical activation signal. An electrical actuator of the device is then activated and the electrical actuator may change the position of the clamping mechanism of the safety clamp to provide braking, for example via a coupling mechanism therebetween, the coupling mechanism being used to transmit the force generated by the electrical actuator to change the position of one or more clamping mechanisms. For example, an overspeed governor detects the speed of the elevator car and, in an activation situation (such as due to an overspeed condition), supplies power to the safety clamp. Thus, the movement of the safety clamp wedge or roller is achieved based on electrical activation, wherein the overspeed detection device or overspeed governor is used to supply power to the electrical actuator, which generates a force to change the position to the clamping position. This is in contrast to conventional safety clamps, in which the activation of the safety clamp occurs in response to the tripping of the overspeed governor during its overspeed condition by centrifugal force, and then causes the safety clamp to activate via a mechanical coupling.

[0037] FIG1 schematically shows a safety clamp device 100 for an elevator, for example comprising one or more elevator cars that can be moved in one or more elevator shafts to serve landing floors. The safety clamp device 100 comprises a clamping mechanism 10 having a clamping position and an inactive position, wherein the clamping mechanism 10 is configured to clamp a guide rail 18 in the clamping position to provide braking. In FIG1 , the clamping mechanism 10 is shown in the inactive position. In the clamping position, a portion of the clamping mechanism 10 comes into contact with the guide rail 18.

[0038] The safety device 100 further comprises an electric actuator 30 and a coupling mechanism 40 between the electric actuator 30 (such as an electric motor) and the clamping mechanism 10, wherein the coupling mechanism 40 is adapted to arrange the clamping mechanism 10 in the clamping position by operation of the electric actuator 30. In various embodiments, the coupling mechanism 40 can mechanically transmit the force generated by the electric actuator 30 to change the position of the clamping mechanism 10. The safety clamp device 100 further comprises an overspeed governor 20, which comprises at least an electrical energy source 22, which is arranged to provide power to the electric actuator 30 at least in an overspeed situation of the elevator. In response to determining that an overspeed situation exists based on the operation of the overspeed governor 20 (such as a measurement thereof), the clamping mechanism 10 is arranged to the clamping position.

[0039] In addition, the output of the overspeed governor 20 (e.g., the output of its electrical energy source 22) can be connected to the input of the electrical actuator 30 via a controllable power switch 25 or other such switching device. In various embodiments, the switch 25 can be used to selectively provide or interrupt power to the electrical actuator 30 so that braking can be provided when needed, such as in an overspeed situation, that is, after detection or determination or substantially simultaneously. Therefore, in some embodiments, the switch 25 can be connected to an elevator or safety controller (not shown) or a relay (not shown) configured to operate the switch 25, etc.

[0040] In some embodiments, overspeed governor 20 may include a speed sensor for determining overspeed of the elevator car, and electrical energy source 22 may include a battery for storing and providing power for operating electrical actuator 30. Where electrical energy source 22 includes a battery, apparatus 100 may also include a speed sensor for determining the speed of the elevator car, and thereby may also determine an overspeed condition.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the electrical energy source 22 comprises a generator for determining an overspeed of the elevator car and arranged to be operated to generate electricity when the safety gear is moved relative to the guide rails 18 .

[0042] FIG. 1 also shows an optional position or proximity sensor 50 for determining the position of a safety gear wedge 52 of the device 100. The clamping mechanism 10 preferably also includes a safety gear block 54 for guiding the wedge 52. Thus, the safety gear wedge 52 can provide braking when it is wedged between the safety gear block 54 and the guide rail 18. The clamping mechanism 10 can be arranged to provide instant braking or progressive braking. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include rollers instead of the wedge 52. The wedge 52 or rollers may be arranged to move between the clamping position and the inactive position on a dedicated track.

[0043] In various embodiments, and as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in FIG. 1 , the safety gear arrangement 100 may include a bi-directional clamping mechanism 10 , ie, it may be configured to selectively provide braking in either direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 18 .

[0044] Regarding the position or proximity sensor 50, it may be used, for example, to identify the center position of the wedge 52. Furthermore, in some embodiments, it may alternatively or additionally be used in the process of resetting the safety clamp device 100. In this case, the switch 25 may be arranged to be switched on as soon as the wedge 52 moves towards and reaches the center position.

[0045] The sensor 50 can also be used, for example, to periodically check the operation of the safety clamp device 100 and its components. For example, the elevator car can move up and down through the electrical connection between the overspeed governor 20 and the electric actuator 30. During the movement, if operating correctly, the sensor 50 will change its state, such as open-closed-open. Therefore, the safety clamp device 100 can be used to determine and verify correct operation.

[0046] Figure 2 schematically shows a safety gear arrangement 100. The arrangement 100 may include some similar or even identical features to those shown in Figure 1. However, in Figure 2, the overspeed governor 20 is an electric generator. The overspeed governor 20 may in some embodiments be a permanent magnet DC (direct current) generator.

[0047] Furthermore, the overspeed governor 20 may comprise a drive element 21 which is arranged to drive (such as rotate) the generator when the device 100 moves relative to the guide rail 18. Thus, preferably, there is a mechanical coupling between the drive element 21 and the generator. They may be substantially the same element or at least an integrated unit, however, for example, there may also be a gear arrangement between them.

[0048] For example, the surface of the drive element 21 or at least the area close to the surface may have permanent magnets 21A, 21B, which are arranged in a polar alternating manner, i.e., for example, the magnetic poles of the permanent magnets 21A, 21B are in the order of north-south-north-south, etc. Therefore, the magnetic field of the drive element 21 preferably reaches the guide rail 18, which can preferably be made of ferromagnetic material. The permanent magnets 21A, 21B thus generate an alternating magnetic field when the device 100 moves relative to the guide rail 18, which generates eddy currents 104 in the guide rail 18. Due to the interaction 102 of the permanent magnets 21A, 21B and the magnetic field generated by the eddy currents 104, this causes the rotation of the drive element 21. The drive element 21 thus rotates due to a non-contact or non-contact manner or interaction 102 with the guide rail 18. Alternatively, the drive element can be a friction wheel, so that it contacts the guide rail 18 and rotates due to the friction therebetween.

[0049] In some embodiments, the generator of the overspeed governor 20 can be a brushless permanent magnet DC generator with electrical commutation. In such a generator, the magnitude of the DC voltage is directly related to the rotational speed, and the polarity of the voltage depends on the direction of rotation. The DC generator can be coupled to the electric actuator via a controllable power switch 25. Thus, if a voltage with a first amplitude is reached, the switch 25 between the generator and the electric actuator 30 can be turned on, wherein the first amplitude is related to an overspeed condition. In other words, the voltage generated by the generator (i.e., its amplitude) can be used to determine the speed and, therefore, compared with a threshold value for detecting an overspeed condition.

[0050] FIG. 2 also shows that the coupling mechanism 40 may include a rope 46, a line or a belt for transmitting the force generated by the electric actuator 30 to the clamping mechanism. Further, alternatively or additionally (as is the case in FIG. 2 ), the coupling mechanism 40 may include a counterweight 44 for balancing the mass of the safety clamp wedge 52 of the device 100. Thus, the safety clamp wedge 52 more easily maintains its position. For example, providing a two-way brake and / or moving the wedge 52 back to a neutral position when it is displaced from the wedge 52 for any reason (e.g. due to braking). Alternatively or additionally, small magnets may be added to keep the wedge 52 and / or the counterweight 44 (if any) in place.

[0051] Furthermore, in various embodiments, the electric actuator 30 may be a DC motor, such as a brushless permanent magnet DC motor. The DC motor may be electrically connected to the energy source 22 of the overspeed governor 20, such as a DC generator or a battery (and optionally a power converter), preferably directly or via an intermediate component / device, such as a power converter and / or a transformer.

[0052] Thus, the safety gear arrangement 100 may include a wedge 52 or wedge-shaped brake pad, a wedge guide mechanism including a safety gear block 54 , a rope 46 , a belt, an electric actuator 30 , a counterweight 44 and a position or proximity sensor 50 .

[0053] In various embodiments, such as shown in Figures 1 and 2, wedges 52 can be arranged on both sides of the guide rail 18, and they can be connected to each other. The connection can be such that the wedges 52 on both sides operate substantially simultaneously. This is marked by the arc between the wedges 52 in Figure 2, however, such a connection can also exist in Figure 1.

[0054] Additionally, in various embodiments, the safety gear arrangement 100 may include at least two clamping mechanisms, each of which is configured to operate based on an overspeed condition determined by the overspeed governor 20. Thus, no mechanical synchronizing shafts are required between the safety gears, as they may be electrically operated.

[0055] FIG3 schematically shows a safety clamp device 100 connected to an elevator car 60. There can be only one safety clamp and guide rail 18, or several safety clamps and guide rails 18 arranged to the elevator car 60. In the case of multiple safety clamps, i.e. at least the electric actuator 30 and the clamping mechanism 10, they can be electrically connected to each other via an interconnect 29. Thus, in some embodiments, multiple electric actuators 30 can be operated with one overspeed governor 20. As can be understood, there can alternatively be one overspeed governor 20 and one electric actuator 30 to operate multiple clamping mechanisms 10. Of course, the safety device 100 can also be duplicated with respect to all its components, so that one elevator car 100 includes multiple devices 100.

[0056] Fig. 4 schematically shows an overspeed governor 20. The overspeed governor 20 comprises a shaft 23 on which one or two rotors 24 with permanent magnets 21A, 21B are arranged. As mentioned above, the permanent magnets 21A, 21B may be arranged in an alternating polarity manner, i.e., for example, with their poles in the order of north-south-north-south, etc.

[0057] In FIG. 4 , permanent magnets 21A, 21B are arranged in holes at the peripheral portion of the rotor 24. In addition, there may be an electrical energy source 22, such as a permanent magnet DC generator, which is arranged to rotate along the shaft 29 or via a gear. In FIG. 4 , the guide rail 18 is not shown, however, the guide rail will be arranged adjacent to the permanent magnets 21A, 21B or between the permanent magnets 21A, 21B in the case of two rotors 24. The overspeed governor 20 can be attached to the elevator car 60 by a support or fixing member 26, which is coupled to the shaft 29, for example via a bearing, so that the shaft 29 can rotate relative to the support member 26. The support or fixing member 26 is used to fix the overspeed governor 20 to a support frame (not shown, however, it can be adjacent to the fixing member 26), which is further connected to the elevator car 60.

[0058] FIG5 schematically shows an elevator 1000. The elevator 1000 may include an electric motor 155 for moving an elevator car 60 in an elevator shaft 150 included in the elevator 1000. The elevator car 60 may be mechanically coupled to the electric motor 155, for example by means of a hoisting rope 140, a hydraulic device, or in a more direct manner in the case of a linear motor. The operation of the electric motor 155 may optionally be controlled by an electric drive 105, such as a frequency converter or inverter. The motor 155 may be arranged to rotate an elevator pulley.

[0059] As can be seen, the elevator 1000 comprises a safety gear arrangement 100 as described above. The safety gear arrangement 100 is coupled to the elevator car 60 and is arranged to operate with a guide rail 18 extending in an elevator hoistway 150.

[0060] The hoisting rope 140 may comprise, for example, steel or carbon fiber. In various embodiments, the hoisting rope 140 may be coupled to an elevator pulley and may therefore be operated by a motor 155. The term "hoisting rope" does not limit the form of the element in any way. For example, the hoisting rope 140 may be implemented as a rope, a belt, or a track in a ropeless or ropeless elevator.

[0061] The elevator 1000 may include an elevator control unit 1100 for controlling the operation of the elevator 1000. The elevator control unit 1100 may be a separate device or may be included in other components of the elevator 1000, for example in the electric drive 105 or as part of the electric drive 105. The elevator control unit 1100 may also be implemented in a distributed manner, so that, for example, a part of the elevator control unit 1100 may be included in the electric drive 105 and another part may be included in the elevator car 60. The elevator control unit 1100 may also be arranged in a distributed manner at more than two locations or in more than two devices.

[0062] The elevator 1000 may comprise an elevator braking device 145 comprising an elevator brake, preferably an electromechanical elevator brake, such as in connection with a motor 155 and / or an elevator pulley.

[0063] 5 that may or may not be used in embodiments of the invention are a main power source 125 (such as a three-phase or single-phase electrical grid), an electrical connection 120 to an electric drive 105 (if any), and / or an electric motor 155. The elevator car 130 may operate in a hoistway or shaft 150 serving landing floors 160. The counterweight 135 may or may not be used in embodiments of the invention.

[0064] FIG6 shows a flow chart of the method.

[0065] Item or method step 200 refers to the start-up phase of the method. Appropriate equipment and components are obtained, and the system is assembled and configured for operation. This may mean arranging the safety gear arrangement 100 as described above in conjunction with the elevator car 60 and guide rails 18.

[0066] Item or method step 210 involves determining an overspeed condition based on the operation of the overspeed regulator 20. This may be accomplished, for example, by a speed sensor of the overspeed regulator 20, or based on the operation of the electrical energy source 22 of the regulator 20, such as its measured output voltage, if the electrical energy source 22 produces a voltage that can be used to indicate speed.

[0067] Item or method step 220 involves, in response to determining an overspeed condition, providing power generated by or stored in the overspeed governor 20 to an electrical actuator 30, such as a motor, to move a clamping mechanism 10 of the device 100 to a clamping position for providing braking relative to a track 18, such as a guide rail, wherein the electrical actuator 30 is mechanically coupled to the clamping mechanism via a coupling mechanism 40 of the device 100.

[0068] Method execution may be stopped at step 299 .

[0069] In some embodiments in which the safety clamp device 100 comprises a position or proximity sensor 50 for determining the position of a safety clamp wedge 52 of the device 1000, the method may further comprise moving the safety clamp wedge 52 to a neutral position, e.g. to a center position, based on measurements of the position or proximity sensor 50 in the event that the safety clamp wedge 52 has been displaced from the neutral position for one reason or another, e.g. after braking has been provided.

[0070] In some embodiments, item or method step 220 may include providing electrical power generated by or stored in the overspeed governor 20 to a plurality of electrical actuators 30 arranged to operate different safety gear wedges 52 .

Claims

1. A safety clamp device (100) for an elevator (1000), the safety clamp device (100) comprising: A clamping mechanism (10) having a clamping position and an inactive position, wherein the clamping mechanism (10) is configured to clamp a track (18) in the clamping position to provide braking, An electric actuator (30), a coupling mechanism (40) located between the electric actuator (30) and the clamping mechanism (10), wherein the coupling mechanism (40) is adapted to arrange the clamping mechanism (10) to the clamping position through operation of the electric actuator (30), and an overspeed governor (20), the overspeed governor comprising at least an electrical energy source (22), the electrical energy source being arranged to supply power to the electrical actuator (30) at least in the event of an overspeed of the elevator (1000), Wherein, in response to determining that the overspeed condition exists based on the operation of the overspeed governor (20), the clamping mechanism (10) is arranged to the clamping position.

2. The safety gear device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The overspeed governor (20) comprises a speed sensor for determining an overspeed of an elevator car (60), wherein the electrical energy source (22) comprises a battery.

3. The safety clamp device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical energy source (22) includes a generator for determining overspeed of the elevator car (60) and arranged to operate to generate electricity when the electrical energy source (22) moves relative to the track (18).

4. The safety clamp device (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The generator is arranged to be rotated by a drive element (21) of the overspeed governor (20).

5. The safety clamp device (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The drive element (21) is arranged to perform non-contact electromagnetic interaction (102) with the track (18).

6. The safety gear device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the drive element (21) comprises permanent magnets (21A, 21B) for generating eddy currents (104) in the track (18) to cause rotation of the drive element (21).

7. The safety clamp device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The electric actuator (30) is a DC motor, such as a brushless DC motor.

8. The safety clamp device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The electrical energy source (22) is a DC generator, such as a brushless DC generator.

9. The safety clamp device (100) according to claims 7 and 8, wherein: The DC generator is coupled to the DC motor via a controllable power switch (25).

10. The safety clamp device (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein: The overspeed condition is configured to be determined based on an output voltage of the generator.

11. A safety gear device (100) according to any one of claims 1-10, comprising a position or proximity sensor (50) for determining the position of a safety gear wedge (52) of the device (100).

12. The safety clamp device (100) according to any one of claims 1-11, comprising at least two clamping mechanisms (10), each of the at least two clamping mechanisms being configured to operate based on an overspeed condition determined by the overspeed governor (20).

13. The safety clamp device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The coupling mechanism (40) is adapted to arrange the clamping mechanism (40) into the clamping position by means of a force generated by the electric actuator (30) via the coupling mechanism (40) to the clamping mechanism (10).

14. The safety clamp device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The clamping mechanism (10) is suitable for providing bidirectional braking.

15. The safety clamp device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The coupling mechanism (40) comprises a rope (46), a wire or a belt for transmitting the force generated by the electric actuator to the clamping mechanism (10).

16. The safety clamp device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The coupling mechanism (40) comprises a counterweight (44) for balancing the mass of a safety gear wedge (52) of the device (100).

17. The safety clamp device (100) according to claims 15 and 16, wherein: The counterweight (44) is arranged to the rope (46), line or belt.

18. An elevator (1000), comprising: An elevator car (60) is movable in an elevator shaft (150), at least one track (18), such as a guide rail, extending along the elevator shaft (150), and A safety gear device (100) according to any one of claims 1-16, coupled to the elevator car (60) and arranged to provide braking relative to the at least one rail (18).

19. A method for operating a safety clamp device (100) of an elevator (1000), the method comprising: - determining (210) an overspeed condition based on operation of the overspeed governor (20), and - In response to determining an overspeed condition, providing (220) power generated by or stored in the overspeed governor (20) to an electric actuator (30) to move a clamping mechanism (10) of the device (100) to a clamping position to provide braking with respect to a track (18), such as a guide rail, wherein the electric actuator (30) is mechanically coupled to the clamping mechanism (10) of the device (100) via a coupling mechanism (40) of the device (100).

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