Pulley assembly for elevator and method for installing pulley assembly in elevator

Abstract

A pulley assembly (1) for an elevator, comprising: a pulley (2) having a groove (3) in which a rope is intended to travel; a frame (6); a rope guard (4) mounted on the frame (6) such that it at least partially surrounds the pulley groove (3), the rope guard (4) comprising a first element (4a) and the frame (6) comprising a second element (6a), the first element (4a) and the second element (6a) being shaped to fit one within the other, or vice versa, such that the rope guard (4) and the frame (6) are rigidly coupled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pulley assembly for an elevator and a method for installing a pulley assembly in an elevator.

[0002] It is known to use ropes, in particular steel wire ropes, for many applications in elevators, such as, for example, in drive units and overspeed governors. In this case, it is known to use a pulley assembly in which the pulley rotates freely about its axle and the rope runs over the pulley groove. Ropeway safety regulations require that the pulley groove be protected by a rope guard. The rope guard not only covers and protects the rope, but also aims to prevent the rope from jumping out of the groove. This requires a certain stiffness to keep the rope in the groove in case the rope becomes slack or the tension changes rapidly due to lifting or similar stopping events. The rope guard is usually mounted on a fixed part such as a frame. Background Art

[0003] In the known solution, the bushing is welded to the rope guard and is bolted to the frame of the overspeed governor.

[0004] However, this solution is complicated because it requires welding and bolting. In addition, the installation of the rope guard requires a lot of time because the operator must tighten each bolt. In addition, the manufacture of the rope guard requires the step of welding the bushing. Summary of the invention

[0005] Under such circumstances, the technical task of the present invention is to propose a pulley assembly for an elevator and a method for installing a pulley assembly in an elevator, which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art as described above.

[0006] In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a pulley assembly for an elevator which is as safe as known solutions but is simpler and faster to produce and install.

[0007] The technical task and the specific purpose are substantially achieved by a pulley assembly for an elevator, the pulley assembly comprising:

[0008] a pulley having grooves in which the rope is intended to travel;

[0009] frame;

[0010] A rope guard is mounted on the frame so that it at least partially surrounds the pulley groove.

[0011] The rope guard comprises a first element and the frame comprises a second element, the first element and the second element being shaped so that the first element fits within the second element or the second element fits within the first element, so that the rope guard and the frame are rigidly coupled.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the coupling between the first element and the second element is such that the first element and the second element cannot be detached from each other.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first element is a tab protruding from the rope guard and the second element is a hole obtained in the frame. The tab is fitted into the hole and is shaped so that the tab cannot escape from the hole.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the tab protrudes from the hole and abuts against the frame.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the tab is twisted relative to the hole.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the rope guard comprises a protruding part, which in turn comprises a first portion originating from the rope guard and said tab. The tab and the first portion are connected by a second portion, which has a reduced cross-section relative to the tab.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the tab comprises one or more protrusions that clip onto the frame.

[0018] The technical task and the specific purpose are substantially achieved by a method for installing a pulley assembly in an elevator, the pulley assembly comprising a pulley with a groove, a rope guard and a frame, the rope guard comprising a first element and the frame comprising a second element. The method comprises the steps of installing the rope guard on the frame so that the rope guard at least partially surrounds the pulley groove to protect the rope, the step of installing the rope guard on the frame comprising the step of fitting the first element inside the second element or the step of fitting the second element inside the first element so as to rigidly couple the rope guard and the frame.

[0019] According to one aspect of the method, the first element is a tab protruding from the rope guard and the second element is a hole obtained in the frame. Preferably, the tab is inserted into the hole so that it passes through the hole and protrudes from the hole. The tab is then preferably twisted so that it abuts against the frame and cannot escape from the hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a pulley assembly for an elevator and a method for installing a pulley assembly in an elevator, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] - Figure 1A to Figure 1B shows perspective views of two different embodiments of a rope guard;

[0022] - FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The diagrams are shown respectively installed on the frame. Figure 1A to Figure 1B A three-dimensional diagram of a rope protection device;

[0023] - Figure 3 Shows Figure 1A or Figure 1B A top view of the details (protruding parts) of the rope protection device;

[0024] - Figure 4 A perspective view of an overspeed governor having a pulley assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0025] - Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram of the installed state of the pulley assembly (pre-twisting of the tab);

[0026] - Figure 6 Shows the Figure 1A Steps for installing the rope guard on the frame (twist the tabs);

[0027] - FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A front perspective view and a rear perspective view respectively show an installation state of a pulley assembly in a rope tensioning device according to the present invention;

[0028] - Fig. 8A and Figure 8C A perspective view and a top view respectively show a drive unit for an elevator having a pulley assembly according to the present invention;

[0029] - Figure 8B Shows Fig. 8A The installation status of the pulley assembly of the drive unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a pulley assembly for an elevator.

[0031] The pulley assembly 1 comprises a pulley 2. The pulley 2 has a groove 3 in which the rope is intended to run. As is known, the rope is received in the groove 3 and slides therein as the pulley rotates.

[0032] The pulley assembly 1 comprises a rope guard 4 arranged at least partially around the pulley groove 3. In other words, the rope guard 4 at least partially surrounds the pulley groove 3. In yet other words, the rope guard 4 is deployed around the pulley groove 3 when installed. The rope guard 4 is a component known in the art. In particular, it requires a certain stiffness to keep the rope in the groove in case the rope becomes slack or the tension changes rapidly due to lifting or similar stopping events. These requirements are known to those skilled in the art.

[0033] Preferably, the rope protector 4 comprises a body 5 having an arc-shaped development to follow the circular development of the pulley groove 3 and protect the rope.

[0034] According to one embodiment, Figure 1A As shown, the rope protector body 5 is a circular belt.

[0035] according to Figure 1B In an alternative embodiment shown, the rope guard body 5 comprises a plurality of plates which are arranged in sequence to define a polygonal arc having an arc shape.

[0036] The pulley assembly 1 comprises a frame 6 to which the rope guard 4 is fixed. Preferably, the frame 6 comprises side plates 7 to which the rope guard 4 is fixed.

[0037] The rope guard 4 comprises a first element 4a, and the frame 6 comprises a second element 6a. The first element 4a and the second element 6a are shaped to fit one inside the other, or vice versa, so that the rope guard 4 and the frame 6 are rigidly coupled. In other words, the coupling between the first element 4a and the second element 6a defines an interlocking device for rigidly connecting the rope guard 4 to the frame 6. This prevents movement of the rope guard 4 relative to the frame 6.

[0038] The expression "vice versa" above means that it is also possible that the second element 6a, ie the element of the frame 6, is fitted inside the first element 4a, ie the element of the rope protector 4.

[0039] In particular, the first element 4a and the second element 6a are coupled such that they cannot be separated from each other.

[0040] In particular, the first element 4a and the second element 6a are co-shaped such that they cannot be detached from each other.

[0041] This is at least standard working conditions.

[0042] Preferably, the first element 4a is inserted into the second element 6a so as to protrude from the second element 6a. The first element 4a is shaped so that it abuts on the frame 6 and cannot be separated from the second element 6a.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the first element 4a is a tab protruding from the rope protector 4 and the second element 6a is a hole obtained in the frame 6. The tab 4a is fitted into the hole 6a. The tab 4a is shaped so that it cannot escape from the hole 6a.

[0044] According to the embodiment shown, the tab 4a protrudes from the hole 6a and abuts on the frame 6. In particular, the tab 4a abuts on the side of the frame 6 (the side of the side plate 7) opposite to the side where the rest of the rope guard 4 is located.

[0045] Preferably, the tab 4a is twisted relative to the hole 6a so that detachment is not possible.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the tab 4a can be configured to be in a first state and a second state, the first state and the second state are respectively defined by the axis of the tab 4a assuming two different tilt angles relative to the reference axis. In the first state, the tab 4a can pass through the hole 6a (for installation operation). In the second state, the tilt is such that the tab 4a cannot pass through the hole 6a (for working state).

[0047] Preferably, the reference axis and the axis of the tab 4a are parallel to each other.

[0048] Preferably, the second state is characterized in that the twisted tab 4a has at least two distinct parts abutting against the frame 6. Preferably, the two parts are two opposite ends or two vertices.

[0049] Preferably, the tab 4a and the hole 6a have matching shapes to facilitate the passage of the tab 4a into the hole 6a. The tab 4a is then twisted to define a rigid connection.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, both the tab 4a and the hole 6a have a rectangular cross section. However, as long as the tab 4a can pass through the hole 6a and then be twisted so as not to be detached, there is no limitation on its shape.

[0051] Preferably, the rope guard 4 comprises at least one protruding portion 8. The protruding portion 8 comprises a first portion 8a originating from the rope guard 4, a tab 4a and a second portion 8b interconnecting the tab 4a with the first portion 8a. The second portion 8b has a reduced cross-section relative to the tab 4a. This facilitates twisting of the tab 4a during installation.

[0052] according to Figure 3 In the preferred embodiment shown, the tab 4a comprises one or more protrusions 9 that are clamped on the frame 6. This consolidates the rigid connection between the rope guard 4 and the frame 6. Preferably, the tab 4a has two protrusions 9 located on opposite sides. In particular, the tab 4a comprises a surface 10 that abuts on the frame 6. The protrusions 9 start from the surface 10 and spread out towards the frame 6.

[0053] Preferably, the protrusion 9 is a bump or a rounded wedge.

[0054] According to at least one preferred embodiment (not shown), the first element 4a is a hole and the second element 4b is a tab. It is considered that what has been described and explained above with respect to the other embodiment is equally applicable to this embodiment, mutatis mutandis.

[0055] Preferably, the rope guard 4 comprises more than one tab 4a (the illustrated embodiment shows two or three tabs per section of the rope guard of a semicircle of about 180°). The number of holes 4b is equal to the number of tabs 4a.

[0056] Preferably, the tabs 4a are distributed along the arc-shaped flared portion of the rope protector body 5 .

[0057] An overspeed governor 100 is also an object of the present invention. The overspeed governor 100 comprises a pulley assembly 1 as described above.

[0058] The frame 6 in the overspeed governor 100 defines an outer frame structure surrounding the other components of the overspeed governor 100 .

[0059] Preferably, the frame 6 comprises a plurality of walls arranged so as to define an inner space in which other components of the overspeed governor are placed. Preferably, the frame 6 comprises at least one side panel 7 which laterally delimits the inner space. The side panel 7 has an inner surface facing the inner space and an outer surface opposite the inner surface.

[0060] Other components of the overspeed governor 100 are well known in the art and will not be described further.

[0061] A rope tensioning device 200 for an overspeed governor 100 is also an object of the present invention. The rope tensioning device 200 comprises a pulley assembly 1 as described above.

[0062] Other components of the rope tensioning device 200 are well known in the art and will not be described further.

[0063] A drive unit 300 for an elevator is also an object of the invention. The drive unit 300 comprises a pulley assembly 1 as described above.

[0064] Other components of the drive unit 300 are well known in the art and will not be described further.

[0065] An elevator is also an object of the present invention. The elevator comprises a pulley assembly 1 as described above.

[0066] A method for installing a pulley assembly 1 in an elevator is also an object of the present invention. The method is advantageously implemented by a pulley assembly 1 as described above. The steps of the method not explicitly described below can be derived from the technical features of the pulley assembly described above.

[0067] The pulley assembly 1 comprises a pulley 2 having a groove 3, a rope guard 4 and a frame 6. The rope guard 4 comprises a first element 4a, and the frame 6 comprises a second element 6a. The first element 4a and the second element 6a are shaped to fit one inside the other, or vice versa, so that the rope guard 4 and the frame 6 are rigidly coupled.

[0068] The method comprises the step of mounting the rope guard 4 on the frame 5. The step of mounting the rope guard 4 on the frame 5 comprises in turn the step of fitting the first element 4a of the rope guard 4 and the second element 4b of the frame 6 one inside the other so as to rigidly couple the rope guard 4 and the frame 6.

[0069] The first element 4a and the second element 6a are shaped such that detachment is not possible after coupling.

[0070] Preferably, the first element 4a is a tab protruding from the rope guard 4, and the second element 6a is a hole obtained in the frame 6. The tab 4a is inserted into the hole 6a so that it passes through the hole 6a and protrudes from the hole 6a. Then, the tab 4a is twisted so that it abuts on the frame 6 and cannot escape from the hole 6a.

[0071] The features of the pulley assembly for an elevator and the method for installing a pulley assembly in an elevator according to the invention are clearly apparent from the above description, as are the advantages.

[0072] In particular, the rigid coupling between the rope protector and the two elements of the frame makes the connection possible without the need to use other anchoring means such as, for example, bolts. This reduces the complexity relative to known solutions.

[0073] Furthermore, the solution with the twist tab makes the installation operation simple and fast, since the operator only needs to mount the rope guard on the frame and then twist the tab.

[0074] Furthermore, these parts are easier and faster to produce since laser cutting can be used.

Claims

1. A pulley assembly (1) for an elevator, the pulley assembly (1) comprising: a pulley (2), the pulley (2) having a groove (3) in which the rope is intended to run; Frame (6); a rope guard (4) mounted on the frame (6) such that it at least partially surrounds the pulley groove (3), The rope guard (4) comprises a first element (4a), and the frame (6) comprises a second element (6a), the first element (4a) and the second element (6a) being shaped so that the first element (4a) is fitted inside the second element (6a), or the second element (6a) is fitted inside the first element (4a), so that the rope guard (4) and the frame (6) are rigidly connected.

2. The pulley assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling between the first element (4a) and the second element (6a) is such that the first element (4a) and the second element (6a) cannot be separated from each other.

3. The pulley assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first element (4a) is a tab protruding from the rope protector (4), and the second element (6a) is a hole obtained in the frame (6), the tab (4a) being fitted into the corresponding hole (6a) and being shaped so that the tab (4a) cannot escape from the hole (6a).

4. The pulley assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The tab (4a) protrudes from the hole (6a) and abuts against the frame (6).

5. The pulley assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The tab (4a) is twisted relative to the hole (6a).

6. The pulley assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The rope guard (4) comprises a protruding portion (8), which in turn comprises a first portion (8a) originating from the rope guard (4) and the tab (4a), the tab (4a) and the first portion (8a) being connected by a second portion (8b), the second portion (8b) having a reduced cross-section relative to the tab (4a).

7. The pulley assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein: The tab (4a) comprises one or more protrusions (9) which are clamped on the frame (6).

8. Elevator comprising a pulley assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A method for installing a pulley assembly (1) in an elevator, the pulley assembly (1) comprising a pulley (2) having a groove (3), a rope guard (4) and a frame (6), the rope guard (4) comprising a first element (4a), the frame (6) comprising a second element (6a), the method comprising the step of installing the rope guard (4) on the frame (6) so that the rope guard (4) at least partially surrounds the pulley groove (3) to protect the rope, the step of installing the rope guard (4) on the frame (6) comprising the step of assembling the first element (4a) inside the second element (4b) or assembling the second element (4b) inside the first element (4a) so as to rigidly connect the rope guard (4) and the frame (6).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The first element (4a) is a tab protruding from the rope protector (4), and the second element (6a) is a hole obtained in the frame (6), the tab (4a) is inserted into the hole (6a) so that the tab (4a) passes through the hole (6a) and protrudes from the hole (6a), and then the tab (4a) is twisted so that the tab (4a) abuts against the frame (6) and cannot escape from the hole (6a).

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