Elevator safety device

Abstract

An elevator safety device comprises: a housing configured for attachment to an elevator car of an elevator system or to an elevator counterweight of the elevator system, the housing comprising a passage for allowing a guide member to pass through; a brake shoe attached to the housing and located on a first side of the guide member passing through the passage; a spring assembly disposed on a second side of the guide member passing through the passage and including at least one leaf spring, the spring assembly having a fixed end fixed to the housing and an opposite free end not fixed to the housing; and a roller. The spring assembly extends at an angle relative to the guide member such that a tapered region is defined between the guide member and the spring assembly, with a free end of the spring assembly disposed closer to the guide member than a fixed end of the spring assembly. At least in an activated state of the elevator safety device, the roller is located within the tapered region defined by the spring assembly and the guide member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator safety device. The present invention also relates to an elevator car, an elevator counterweight, and an elevator system each including the elevator safety device, and to a method of activating the elevator safety device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] An elevator system typically includes at least one elevator car configured to move along a hoistway extending between a plurality of landings, and drive means configured to drive the elevator car. The elevator system may also include an elevator counterweight that moves simultaneously and in an opposite direction relative to the elevator car. To ensure safe operation, the elevator system typically includes at least one elevator safety device. The at least one elevator safety device is configured to brake the movement of the elevator car and / or the elevator counterweight relative to guide means (such as guide rails) in an emergency situation, for example when the movement of the elevator car and / or the elevator counterweight exceeds a predetermined speed and / or acceleration. The elevator safety device typically includes at least one engagement member configured to engage with the guide means when the elevator safety device is activated to brake the movement of the elevator safety device along the guide means.

[0003] Currently available elevator safety devices have a relatively large size, particularly a relatively long extension in the direction of movement along the guide means. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an improved elevator safety device for an elevator system that can have a smaller size, particularly a smaller size in the direction of movement along the guide means.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elevator safety device includes a housing configured to be attached to an elevator car or to an elevator counterweight. The housing includes a passage for allowing an elevator guide rail to pass through. The elevator safety device further includes: a brake shoe attached to the housing and located on a first side of the elevator guide rail passing through the passage; and a spring assembly disposed on a second side of the guide rail passing through the passage and including at least one leaf spring. The spring assembly has a fixed end attached to the housing and an opposite free end not attached to the housing. The spring assembly extends at an angle relative to the guide rail, thereby defining a tapered region between the guide rail and the spring assembly, wherein the free end of the spring assembly is arranged closer to the guide rail than the fixed end of the spring assembly. The elevator safety device further includes a roller. At least in the activated state of the elevator safety device, the roller is located within the tapered region defined by the spring assembly and the guide rail. The roller is also capable of moving along the spring assembly towards the free end of the spring assembly into a wedged state between the spring assembly and the guide rail.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also include a method of activating an elevator safety device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the method includes: moving a roller towards a guide rail such that the roller is clamped between the guide rail and a spring assembly; when the elevator safety device moves along the guide rail, the roller moves towards the free end of the spring assembly due to frictional engagement with the guide rail; and the roller elastically bends the free end of the spring assembly away from the guide rail.

[0007] Providing a spring assembly having a free end (which is not fixed to the housing such that it can move relative to the housing) allows for a reduction in the length of the spring assembly in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the elevator safety device can have a smaller size, particularly in the direction of movement along the guiding member.

[0008] Consequently, the weight of the elevator safety device, the amount of material required, and the cost can be reduced.

[0009] Numerous optional features of an elevator safety device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are set forth below. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, these features can be implemented individually in a particular embodiment or in combination with any other feature.

[0010] A portion of the spring assembly adjacent to the free end of the spring assembly can be configured to be elastically bent away from the guide rail by the roller when the roller moves towards the free end of the spring assembly. In such a configuration, the bent spring assembly applies an elastic force to the roller, thereby elastically pressing the roller against the guide rail. This results in the generation of an elastic braking force for reliably braking the movement of the elevator safety device relative to the guide rail.

[0011] The elevator safety device can include at least one support member configured to support a portion of the spring assembly and / or to limit the bending of the spring assembly caused by the roller. Providing such a support member can prevent the spring assembly from being overly bent. Overly bending the spring assembly may cause damage or even destruction of the spring assembly. Overly bending the spring assembly can also prevent the spring assembly from providing a sufficiently large braking force, i.e., a braking force large enough to ensure the safe braking of the corresponding elevator car or elevator counterweight.

[0012] The elevator safety device can include a plurality of support members. The plurality of support members can be arranged along the longitudinal extension of the spring assembly. The plurality of support members can define the bending profile of the spring assembly. This can allow for an enhancement of the braking ability of the elevator safety device.

[0013] The elevator safety device can include at least one elongate support member that extends over an elongate portion of the spring assembly and defines the bending profile of the spring assembly. The at least one support member can in particular be at least partially arcuate, thereby defining an arcuate bending profile.

[0014] At least one support member may have a continuous or smooth profile. Alternatively, at least one support member may have a profile including at least one kink.

[0015] The elevator safety device may include a fixing device configured to fix a fixed end of the spring assembly to the housing. The fixing device may be configured to receive the fixed end of the spring assembly. The fixing device may be configured to fix the spring assembly by employing a fixing element (such as a screw or bolt) extending through the spring assembly. Alternatively, the fixing device may also be configured to fix the spring assembly by means of clamping, brazing, welding or adhesive bonding.

[0016] The fixing device may be attached to the housing. Alternatively, the fixing device may be provided by a part of the housing and / or integrally formed with a part of the housing. Integrally forming the fixing device with the housing may facilitate the manufacture of the elevator safety device, since the manufacturing steps of producing a separate fixing device and attaching the separately produced fixing device to the housing may be omitted.

[0017] The spring assembly may include a plurality of leaf springs. The plurality of leaf springs may in particular be arranged on top of each other in a sandwich structure, thereby forming a stack of leaf springs. The plurality of leaf springs, in particular the plurality of leaf springs arranged in a sandwich structure, provide a powerful spring assembly that is capable of reliably providing a sufficiently large braking force.

[0018] The spring assembly may have a length of not more than 60 mm. The spring assembly may in particular have a length in the range between 54 mm and 58 mm. A spring assembly having a length in this range has been found to reliably provide a sufficiently large braking force while allowing the size of the elevator safety device to be reduced.

[0019] The spring assembly of the support member depends on its length and on the load for which the elevator safety device is designed.

[0020] If the spring assembly consists of a single leaf spring, it may for example have a thickness in the range between 3 mm and 5 mm at its thinnest point. A spring assembly designed for a heavier load and formed as a stack of a plurality of leaf springs may for example have a total thickness of more than 15 mm.

[0021] A groove may be formed in the surface of the spring assembly facing the guide rail, and a collar may be formed on the circumferential peripheral surface of the roller. The collar may be received in the groove formed in the surface of the spring assembly for guiding the movement of the roller along the spring assembly.

[0022] The elevator safety device may further include a stop located near the free end of the spring assembly. The stop may be configured to prevent the roller from moving beyond the free end of the spring assembly.

[0023] The stop member can be attached to and supported by the housing. Alternatively, the stop member can be integrally formed with the housing, i.e., as part of the housing. Integrally forming the stop member with the housing can facilitate the manufacture of the elevator safety device, as the manufacturing steps of producing a separate stop member and attaching the separately produced stop member to the housing can be omitted.

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also include an elevator car and an elevator counterweight, each including at least one elevator safety device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The elevator car and / or the elevator counterweight according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a first elevator safety device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a second elevator safety device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] In the first elevator safety device, the fixed end of the spring assembly may be the lower end of the spring assembly facing the floor of the hoistway, and the free end of the spring assembly may be the upper end of the spring assembly facing the upper end of the hoistway.

[0027] In the second elevator safety device, the free end of the spring assembly may be the lower end of the spring assembly facing the floor of the hoistway, and the fixed end of the spring assembly may be the upper end of the spring assembly facing the upper end of the hoistway.

[0028] Such a combination of the first elevator safety device and the second elevator safety device allows braking of the elevator car or the elevator counterweight in both moving directions along the guiding member, i.e., upward movement and downward movement.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also include an elevator system, which includes at least one guiding member and at least one elevator car and / or at least one elevator counterweight traveling along the at least one guiding member, wherein the at least one elevator car and / or at least one elevator counterweight includes at least one elevator safety device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 An elevator system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically depicted.

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view of an elevator car according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 3A A schematic plan view of an elevator safety device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a deactivated standby state is depicted.

[0034] Figure 3B depicts Figure 3A a schematic plan view of the elevator safety device depicted in Figure 3A in a starting state.

[0035] Figure 4 Schematically depicts a support structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 Schematically depicts a support structure according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 Schematically depicts a support structure according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0038] Figure 1 Schematically depicts an elevator system 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The elevator system 2 includes a hoistway 4 that extends vertically between a plurality of landings 8 located on different floors. The elevator system 2 includes an elevator car 6 that is disposed within the hoistway 4 for movement between the plurality of landings 8. The elevator car 6 is particularly movable along a plurality of car guiding members 14 (such as guide rails) that extend in the vertical direction of the hoistway 4. Only one of the car guiding members 14 is visible in Figure 1 . Although only a single elevator car 6 is depicted in Figure 1 , exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include an elevator system 2 that includes a plurality of elevator cars 6 that move within one or more hoistways 4. Figure 1 in which only one of the car guiding members 14 is visible. Although Figure 1 only a single elevator car 6 is depicted in Figure 1 , exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include an elevator system 2 that includes a plurality of elevator cars 6 that move within one or more hoistways 4.

[0040] The elevator car 6 is movably suspended by means of a tension member 3. The tension member 3 is coupled to an elevator drive 5 that is configured to drive the tension member 3 in order to move the elevator car 6 along the height of the hoistway 4 between the plurality of landings 8. The elevator drive 5 is controlled by an elevator system controller 9.

[0041] The tension member 3 may be a rope, such as a steel rope or a belt. The tension member 3 may be uncoated. Alternatively, the tension member 3 may be coated with a coating, such as a coating in the form of a polymer sheath. In a particular embodiment, the tension member 3 may be a belt that includes a plurality of polymer-coated steel ropes (not shown). The elevator system 2 may have a traction drive that includes a traction sheave for driving the tension member 3.

[0042] Figure 1The exemplary embodiment shown in [the figure] uses a 1:1 rope winding for suspending the elevator car 6. However, it is readily understood by a person skilled in the art that the type of rope winding is not essential for the present invention, and different types of rope windings, such as 2:1 or 4:1 rope windings, may also be used.

[0043] Figure 1 The elevator system 2 depicted in [the figure] further includes an elevator counterweight 21. The elevator counterweight 21 is attached to the tension member 3 opposite to the elevator car 6 and is configured to move along at least one counterweight guide member 15. The present invention can be similarly applied to an elevator system 2 that does not include an elevator counterweight 21.

[0044] In an alternative configuration not shown in the figure, the elevator system 2 can be an elevator system 2 without a tension member 3. Alternatively, the elevator system 2 can include, for example, a hydraulic drive or a linear drive. The elevator system 2 can have Figure 1 a machine room not shown in [the figure], or it can be a machine-roomless elevator system.

[0045] Each floor station 8 is provided with a landing door 11, and the elevator car 6 is provided with a corresponding elevator car door 12 for allowing passengers to transfer between the floor station 8 and the interior of the elevator car 6 when the elevator car 6 is positioned at the corresponding floor station 8.

[0046] Inputs to the elevator system controller 9 can be provided via the landing control panels 7a provided at each floor station 8, particularly near the landing doors 11, and / or via the elevator car control panel 7b provided inside the elevator car 6.

[0047] The landing control panel 7a can include elevator hall call buttons and / or destination call buttons. The destination call buttons allow passengers to enter their respective destinations before entering the elevator car 6. In the case where the landing control panel 7a is equipped with elevator hall call buttons, it is not necessary to provide the elevator car control panel 7b inside the elevator car 6, because the elevator system 2 is entirely controlled by commands input via the landing control panel 7a.

[0048] The landing control panel 7a and the elevator car control panel 7b can be connected to the elevator system controller 9 by means of Figure 1 wires not shown in [the figure], particularly by an electrical bus or by means of a wireless data connection.

[0049] The elevator car 6 is equipped with at least one elevator safety device 20, which is Figure 1 schematically shown at the elevator car 6 in [the figure].

[0050] The elevator safety device 20 is operable to brake or at least assist in braking, i.e., slowing down or stopping the movement of the elevator car 6, by engaging with at least one car guide member 14.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the elevator counterweight 21 may be equipped with at least one elevator safety device 20 configured to engage with at least one counterweight guide member 15. For simplicity of illustration, Figure 1 the elevator counterweight 21 depicted in

[0052] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of an elevator car 6 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The elevator car 6 includes a car top plate 62, a car floor 64, and a plurality of car side walls 66. The car top plate 62, the car floor 64, and the plurality of side walls 66 together define an interior space 68 of the elevator car 6 for accommodating and transporting passengers 70 and / or goods. For simplicity of illustration, Figure 2 goods are not shown in

[0053] An elevator safety device 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is attached to the side wall 66 of the elevator car 6.

[0054] Although only a single elevator safety device 20 is depicted in Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively, those skilled in the art will understand that a single elevator car 6 and a single elevator counterweight 21 may each be equipped with a plurality of safety devices 20.

[0055] In particular, in a configuration where the elevator system 2 includes a plurality of car guide members 14, each elevator car 6 may be equipped with a plurality of elevator safety devices 20. Each of the plurality of elevator safety devices 20 may be respectively associated with one of the car guide members 14.

[0056] Similarly, in a configuration where the elevator system 2 includes a plurality of counterweight guide members 15, each elevator counterweight 21 of the elevator system 2 may be equipped with a plurality of elevator safety devices 20. Each elevator safety device 20 may be respectively associated with one of the counterweight guide members 15.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, two or more elevator safety devices 20 may be provided on top of each other at the same side wall 66 of the elevator car 6 or the elevator counterweight 21 to engage with the same guide members 14, 15.

[0058] The safety device 20 is generally operable to brake its movement relative to the guide members 14, 15 in only one direction. Thus, the elevator car 6 and / or the elevator counterweight 21 may be equipped with at least two elevator safety devices 20 configured to brake movement in opposite directions relative to the guide members 14, 15.

[0059] At least two elevator safety devices 20 may in particular include a first elevator safety device 20 configured to brake the downward movement of the elevator car 6 / elevator counterweight 21 relative to the guide members 14, 15; and a second elevator safety device 20 configured to brake the upward movement of the elevator car 6 / elevator counterweight 21 relative to the guide members 14, 15.

[0060] Below, reference will be made to FIGS. 3 to Figure 6 describe the structure and operating principle of the elevator safety device 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 3A FIG. 9 depicts a schematic plan view of the elevator safety device 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a deactivated standby state. Figure 3B depicts in the activated state Figure 3A the elevator safety device depicted in

[0062] The elevator safety device 20 includes a housing 22. When the elevator safety device 20 is installed in the elevator system 2, the housing 22 is enclosed, for example, by a cover plate which is not shown in the figures. In Figure 3A and Figure 3B FIGS. 20, the housing 22 is depicted in an open state without the cover plate in order to allow the internal structure of the elevator safety device 20 to be shown.

[0063] A first opening 24a is formed in the top portion of the housing 22, and a second opening 24b is formed in the bottom portion of the housing 22. The two openings 24a, 24b provide a passage 25 extending through the elevator safety device 20 which allows the elevator guide members 14, 15 to pass through the elevator safety device 20.

[0064] The elevator safety device 20 includes a first engaging member 26, in particular a brake shoe 26, and a second engaging member 28 provided as a roller 28.

[0065] The first engaging member 26 and the second engaging member 28 are arranged opposite each other and a gap is formed therebetween. The gap is part of the passage 25 extending through the elevator safety device 20 and it is configured to receive a part of the guide members 14, 15 of the elevator system 2 extending in the longitudinal direction, in particular in the vertical direction.

[0066] The first engaging member / brake shoe 26 is supported by the housing 22 on a first side of the elevator guide members 14, 15 passing through the elevator safety device 20.

[0067] The second engaging member / roller 28 is arranged on the second side of the guiding members 14, 15 passing through the elevator safety device 20 such that the guiding members 14, 15 extend through the elevator safety device 20 between the first engaging member 26 and the second engaging member 28. The roller 28 is capable of rolling along the longitudinal extension of the guiding members 14, 15.

[0068] The elevator safety device 20 further includes a spring assembly 30 which is arranged on the second side of the guiding members 14, 15.

[0069] The spring assembly 30 includes at least one leaf spring 32. Optionally, the spring assembly 30 may include a plurality of leaf springs 32. In particular, the spring assembly 30 may include a plurality of leaf springs 32 which are arranged on top of each other in a sandwich structure so as to form a stack of guiding springs 32.

[0070] The spring assembly 30 may have a length L not exceeding 60 mm. In particular, the spring assembly 30 may have a length between 54 mm and 58 mm.

[0071] The thickness of the spring assembly 30 depends on its length and on the load for which the elevator safety device 2 is designed.

[0072] If the spring assembly 30 consists of a single leaf spring 32, it may for example have a thickness in the range between 3 mm and 5 mm at its thinnest point.

[0073] The spring assembly 30 designed for a heavier load and formed as a stack of a plurality of leaf springs 32 may for example have a total thickness of more than 15 mm.

[0074] The spring assembly 30 has a fixed end 30a fixed to the housing 22 and an opposite free end 30b not fixed to the housing 22 such that it is movable relative to the housing 22.

[0075] The elevator safety device 20 may include a fixing device 34 which is configured to fix the fixed end 30a of the spring assembly 30 to the housing 22. The fixing device 34 may be mounted to the housing 22. Alternatively, the fixing device 34 may be integrally formed with the housing 22.

[0076] The spring assembly 30 may be fixed within the fixing device 34 by fixing elements not shown in FIG. 3. Such fixing elements may include screws or bolts extending through the spring assembly 30. The spring assembly 30 may also be fixed to the fixing device 34 by clamping, brazing, welding or bonding.

[0077] The spring assembly 30 extends at an angle relative to the guide members 14, 15, thereby defining a tapered region between the guide members 14, 15 and the spring assembly 30. The free end 30b of the spring assembly 30 is arranged closer to the guide members 14, 15 than the fixed end 23b of the spring assembly 30.

[0078] The spring assembly 30 can be arranged, for example, at an angle within the range between 3° and 15° relative to the guide members 14, 15.

[0079] The roller 28 is movably arranged within the tapered region defined by the guide members 14, 15 and the spring assembly 30.

[0080] When the elevator safety device 20 is in the standby configuration, as depicted in Figure 3A wherein the elevator safety device 20 is not activated, the roller 28 is in the standby position, in which it does not contact the guide members 14, 15. In the standby configuration, the elevator safety device 20 and thus the elevator car 6 or the elevator counterweight 21 to which the elevator safety device 20 is mounted can move freely along the guide member 14.

[0081] The standby position of the roller 28 can be located, in particular, near the fixed end 23b of the spring assembly 30, as shown by the roller 28 in Figure 3A

[0082] To activate the elevator safety device 20, the roller 28 is moved towards the guide members 14, 15 by an activation mechanism (not depicted in the figure).

[0083] Contact of the roller 28 with the guide members 14, 15 results in a frictional engagement between the roller 28 and the guide members 14, 15. Due to this frictional engagement, a downward movement of the elevator safety device 20 relative to the guide members 14, 15 causes the roller 28 to roll along the guide members 14, 15 on one side ( Figure 3A and 3B the left side of the roller in Figure 3A and 3B the right side of the roller 28 in

[0084] Since the spring assembly 30 is inclined relative to the guide members 14, 15, this movement of the roller 28 causes the roller 28 to move into a wedged state, in which the roller 28 is clamped between the guide members 14, 15 and the spring assembly 30, as shown in Figure 3B

[0085] In the wedged state, the roller 28 presses against the guide members 14, 15, thereby generating a braking force between the guide members 14, 15 and the brake shoe 26 of the elevator safety device 20. The braking force brakes the movement of the elevator safety device 20 relative to the guide members 14, 15 until the movement has been stopped.

[0086] Optionally, a groove 31 may be formed in the surface of the spring assembly 30 facing the guide members 14, 15, and a corresponding collar 29 may be formed on the circumferential surface of the roller 28. The collar 29 formed on the roller 28 may be received in the groove 31 formed in the surface of the spring assembly 30 for guiding the movement of the roller 28 along the spring assembly 30.

[0087] The elevator safety device 20 may further include a stop member 36 located near the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30 and configured to prevent the roller 28 from moving beyond the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30.

[0088] The stop member 36 may be attached to and supported by the housing 22. The stop member 36 may also be integrally formed with the housing 22, i.e., as part of the housing 22.

[0089] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The elevator safety device 20 depicted in is configured to brake the downward movement of the elevator safety device 20 relative to the guide members 14, 15.

[0090] An elevator safety device 20 configured to brake the upward movement of the elevator safety device 20 relative to the guide members 14, 15 will be oriented in a reversed orientation relative to Figure 3A and Figure 3B the orientation depicted in, i.e., in an orientation in which the fixed end 30a of the spring assembly 30 is oriented towards the top and the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30 (which is closer to the guide members 14, 15 than the fixed end 30a) is oriented towards the bottom.

[0091] As previously described, when the roller 28 rolls along the spring assembly 30, the force exerted by the roller 28 on the spring assembly 30 causes the spring assembly 30 to deform in the lateral direction, i.e., in a direction transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the longitudinal extension of the spring assembly 30.

[0092] As Figure 3B depicted in, the force exerted by the roller 28 on the spring assembly 30 may in particular cause the free end 32b of the spring assembly 30 to elastically bend away from the guide members 14, 15. Thus, when the roller 28 moves towards the free end 32b of the spring assembly 30, an elastic reaction force of the spring assembly 30 is generated, which elastically presses the roller 28 against the guide members 14, 15.

[0093] The elevator safety device 20 may include a support structure for supporting at least a portion of the spring assembly 30 and / or for restricting the bending of the spring assembly 30 caused by the roller 28.

[0094] In Figures 4 to 6 a possible configuration of such a support structure is schematically shown. For the sake of clarity of illustration, only the most essential components of the elevator safety device 20 are schematically depicted in Figures 4 to 6 . A person skilled in the art understands that these components belong to the elevator safety device 20 depicted in FIG. 3.

[0095] In Figures 4 to 6 , the deactivated static configuration of the elevator safety device 20 is depicted by solid lines, and the activated configuration of the roller 28 and the spring assembly 30 is depicted by dashed lines.

[0096] It should be noted that Figures 4 to 6 the support structure described in Figures 4 to 6 is only shown by way of example. In other words, the support structure that can be employed in the elevator safety device 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the support structure shown in

[0097] Figure 4 . The elevator safety device 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include additional support structures that are not explicitly depicted in the figures. Figure 4 A support structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. In the embodiment depicted in

[0098] , a first support member 40 is arranged near the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30 on a side facing away from the roller 28. Figure 4 The first support member 40 does not firmly fix the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30 to the housing 22. Instead, the first support member 40 is arranged at a certain distance from the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30. The distance between the first support member 40 and the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30 allows the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30 to bend away from the guide members 14, 15 when the roller 28 moves to its wedging position near the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30, as shown by the dashed lines in

[0099] Optionally, a second support member 42 may be provided on the same side of the spring assembly 30 as the first support member 40. The second support member 42 may be arranged at a position between the first support member 40 and the fixed end 30a of the spring assembly 30, particularly near the fixed end 30a of the spring assembly 30, in order to restrict the bending of the spring assembly 30.

[0100] Alternatively or in addition to the second support member 42, the third support member 44 may be provided on the same side of the spring assembly 30 as the roller 28 (i.e., on the side of the spring assembly 30 opposite to the side on which the first support member 40 is arranged).

[0101] Two or more support members 40, 42, 44 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the spring assembly 30 for restricting the bending of different parts of the spring assembly 30, which may allow defining a bending profile of the spring assembly 30, particularly an arcuate bending profile. Defining the bending profile of the spring assembly 30 may allow adjusting the elastic characteristics of the spring assembly 30. In other words, defining the bending profile of the spring assembly 30 may allow adjusting the force exerted by the spring assembly 30 on the roller 28 when the roller 28 moves from its starting position near the fixed end 30a of the spring assembly 30 to its wedging position near the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30.

[0102] In Figure 5 an exemplary embodiment of a support structure including a plurality of support members 40, 42, 44 defining an arcuate bending profile of the spring assembly 30 is schematically depicted.

[0103] The support structure may further include at least one elongate support member 48 that extends along an elongate portion of the spring assembly 30.

[0104] In Figure 6 an exemplary embodiment of a support structure including such an elongate support member 48 is depicted. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 6 the elongate support member 48 has an arcuate profile facing the spring assembly 30. When the roller 28 moves from its starting position near the fixed end 30a of the spring assembly 30 towards its wedging position near the free end 30b of the spring assembly 30, the spring assembly 30 is bent by the roller 28 such that it extends along the arcuate profile of the elongate support member 48.

[0105] In Figure 6 only a single elongate support member 48 that extends substantially along the entire length of the spring assembly 30 is depicted. In an alternative embodiment not explicitly depicted in the figures, the elevator safety device 20 may include two or more elongate support members 48 that may be arranged in close proximity to each other along the longitudinal extension of the spring assembly 30. Each elongate support member 48 may respectively have a profile, particularly an arcuate profile, that extends along a part of the spring assembly 30.

[0106] Figure 6 The elongate support member 48 depicted in

[0107] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements thereof can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the basic scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention include all embodiments falling within the scope of the dependent claims.

[0108] Reference

[0109] 2 Elevator system

[0110] 3 Tensile member

[0111] 4q Hoistway

[0112] 5 Elevator drive

[0113] 7a Landing control panel

[0114] 7b Elevator car control panel

[0115] 8 Landing

[0116] 11 Landing door

[0117] 12 Elevator car door

[0118] 14 Car guiding member

[0119] 15 Counterweight guiding member

[0120] 20 Elevator safety device

[0121] 21 Elevator counterweight

[0122] 22 Housing

[0123] 26 First engaging member / brake shoe

[0124] 28 Second engaging member / roller

[0125] 29 Collar

[0126] 30 Spring assembly

[0127] 31 Groove

[0128] 32 Leaf spring

[0129] 34 Fixing device

[0130] 36 Stop

[0131] 40 First supporting member

[0132] 42 Second supporting member

[0133] 44 Third support member

[0134] 48 Extension support member

[0135] 62 Car top plate

[0136] 64 Car floor

[0137] 66 Side wall

[0138] 68 Interior space

[0139] 70 Passengers.

Claims

1. An elevator safety device (20), comprising: a housing (22) configured for attachment to an elevator car (6) of an elevator system (2) or to an elevator counterweight (21) of said elevator system (2), said housing (22) comprising a passage (25) for allowing a guide member (14, 15) to pass therethrough; a brake shoe (26) attached to the housing (22) and located on a first side of the guide member (14, 15) passing through the passage (25); a spring assembly (30) arranged on a second side of the guide member (14, 15) passing through the passage (25) and comprising at least one leaf spring (32), the spring assembly (30) having a fixed end (30a) fixed to the housing (22) and an opposite free end (30b) not fixed to the housing (22); and roller(28); wherein the spring assembly (30) extends at an angle relative to the guide member (14, 15) so as to define a tapered region between the guide member (14, 15) and the spring assembly (30), wherein a free end (30b) of the spring assembly (30) is arranged closer to the guide member (14, 15) than a fixed end (30a) of the spring assembly (30); wherein, at least in the activated state of the elevator safety device (20), the roller (28) is located in the tapered area defined by the spring assembly (30) and the guide components (14, 15); and The roller (28) is movable along the spring assembly (30) toward a free end (30b) of the spring assembly (30) to a wedged state between the spring assembly (30) and the guide components (14, 15).

2. The elevator safety device (20) according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the spring assembly (30) adjacent to the free end (30b) of the spring assembly (30) is configured to bend away from the guide member (14, 15) by the roller (28) when the roller (28) moves toward the free end (30b) of the spring assembly (30).

3. The elevator safety device (20) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising at least one supporting member (40, 42, 44, 48) for supporting a portion of the spring assembly (30) and / or for limiting bending of the spring assembly (30) caused by the roller (28).

4. The elevator safety device (20) according to claim 3, comprising a plurality of support members (40, 42, 44, 48) arranged along the spring assembly (30), and / or comprising at least one support member (40, 42, 44, 48) extending over an elongated portion of the spring assembly (30); wherein, The at least one support element (40, 42, 44, 48) is in particular an at least partially arc-shaped support element (40, 42, 44, 48).

5. The elevator safety device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fixing device (34) which fixes the fixed end (30a) of the spring assembly (30) to the housing (22); wherein The fixing device (34) in particular accommodates a fixing end (30a) of the spring assembly (30).

6. The elevator safety device (20) according to claim 5, wherein: The fixing means (34) is provided by a portion of the housing (22) and / or is formed integrally with a portion of the housing (22).

7. An elevator safety device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spring assembly (30) comprises a plurality of leaf springs (32), wherein the plurality of leaf springs (32) are arranged on top of each other, in particular in a sandwich structure, so that a stack of guide springs (32) is formed.

8. An elevator safety device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spring component (30) has a length (L) of no more than 60 mm, wherein the spring component (30) in particular has a length of 54 mm to 58 mm.

9. An elevator safety device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A groove (31) is formed in a surface of the spring assembly (30) facing the guide member (14, 15), wherein a collar (29) is formed on a peripheral surface of the roller (28), and wherein the collar (29) is received in the groove (31) for guiding the movement of the roller (28) along the spring assembly (30).

10. The elevator safety device (20) of claim 9, a stopper (36) located near the free end (30b) of the spring assembly (30), and configured to prevent the roller (28) from moving beyond the free end (30b) of the spring assembly (30), wherein: The stop (36) is in particular formed by a portion of the housing (22).

11. Elevator car (6) or elevator counterweight (21) comprising at least one elevator safety device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The elevator car (6) or elevator counterweight (21) according to claim 11, comprising: The first elevator safety device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fixed end (30a) of the spring assembly (30) is a lower end of the spring assembly (30) facing the floor of the hoistway, and wherein the free end (30b) of the spring assembly (30) is an upper end of the spring assembly (30) facing the upper end of the hoistway; and The second elevator safety device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the free end (30b) of the spring assembly (30) is the lower end of the spring assembly (30) facing the floor of the hoistway, and wherein the fixed end (30a) of the spring assembly (30) is the upper end of the spring assembly (30) facing the upper end of the hoistway.

13. An elevator system, comprising an elevator car (6), wherein the elevator car (6) is movable along guide members (14, 15) between a plurality of landings (8); wherein: The elevator car (6) is an elevator car (6) according to claim 11 or claim 12.

14. The elevator system according to claim 12, further comprising an elevator counterweight (21) configured to move simultaneously and in opposite directions relative to the elevator car (6), wherein The elevator counterweight (21) is Elevator counterweight (21) according to claim 11 or claim 12.

15. A method for activating an elevator safety device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The method comprises moving the roller (28) towards the guide member (14, 15) so that The roller (28) is sandwiched between the guide members (14, 15) and the spring assembly (30); When the elevator safety device (20) moves along the guide member (14, 15), the roller (28) moves toward the free end (30b) of the at least one leaf spring (32) due to frictional engagement with the guide member (14, 15); and The roller (28) elastically bends the free end (30b) of the at least one leaf spring (32) away from the guide member (14, 15).

Images