Rope guide unit for an elevator system

Abstract

A rope guide unit (116) for an elevator compensation assembly (108) is disclosed. The rope guide unit (116) comprises a guide member (302) adapted to guide the compensation rope (114). Further, the cord guide unit (116) includes at least one support bracket (304) movably coupled to the guide member (302). The guide member (302) is adapted to move in a horizontal direction relative to the at least one support bracket (304), thereby changing a horizontal position of the guide member (302) relative to the elevator compensation assembly (108). Furthermore, the rope guide unit (116) comprises at least one clamping bracket (306) movably coupled to the at least one support bracket (304) and adapted to be clamped to at least one fixing component (202) of the elevator system (100). The at least one clamping bracket (306) is adapted to move in a vertical direction relative to the at least one stationary component (202) of the elevator system (100), thereby changing the vertical position of the guide member (302) relative to the elevator compensation assembly (108).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator, and more particularly to a rope guiding unit of an elevator compensation unit for an elevator. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, elevators are an important part of multi-story buildings such as commercial buildings and residential buildings. Generally, an elevator system such as a traction-based system includes an elevator car and a counterweight that are connected to each other by traction ropes. In such an elevator system, a drive machine is usually provided for moving the traction ropes so as to move the elevator car and the counterweight within the elevator shaft of a building. In such a traction-based system, it is necessary to maintain a desired tension in the traction ropes to achieve smooth movement of the elevator car and the counterweight, thereby achieving the best operating performance of the elevator system.

[0003] Currently, an elevator system includes a compensation mechanism for maintaining a desired tension in the traction ropes. Such a compensation mechanism generally includes compensation ropes suspended below the elevator car and the counterweight. In addition, the compensation mechanism fastens the compensation ropes suspended on the elevator car and the counterweight downward near the bottom of the elevator shaft. Such a compensation mechanism maintains the desired tension on the traction ropes by utilizing the compensation ropes.

[0004] However, in some cases, the compensation mechanism may be insufficient to maintain the best operating performance of a traction-based elevator system in a high-rise building. For example, in a high-rise building, the traction ropes and the compensation ropes are prone to large-amplitude lateral swinging due to factors such as building sway. This may result in rope entanglement and misalignment of the ropes relative to the pulleys and / or the compensation mechanism. Such entanglement and misalignment of the ropes may impede the overall operation of the elevator system and may also damage sub-components of the elevator system such as the compensation mechanism.

[0005] To overcome the above problems, a rope protection device / guide rail is deployed in the elevator system to maintain proper alignment of the ropes relative to the compensation mechanism. Specifically, the rope protection device / guide rail is arranged to guide the compensation ropes to the compensation mechanism by eliminating the influence of building sway on the compensation ropes, thereby maintaining the operability of the compensation mechanism.

[0006] However, such rope protection devices / guide rails are permanently fixed to a specific position relative to the compensation mechanism, and thus it is not easy to adjust for the influence on the compensation ropes based on factors such as building sway. Currently, such rope protection devices are either permanently fixed above the compensation mechanism in the elevator system or permanently deployed within the compensation mechanism. This greatly increases the overall complexity of the elevator system and reduces the flexibility of maintenance personnel to adjust the position of the rope protection device based on the misalignment of the compensation ropes relative to the compensation mechanism. In addition, due to the fixed position of the rope guide rail, such rope guide rails are prone to wear / tear during the lateral movement of the compensation ropes caused by building sway, thus shortening the overall service life of the rope guide rails.

[0007] EP3892581A1 describes an elevator compensation assembly that includes at least one compensation pulley having an outer surface configured to engage a plurality of compensation rope members. A protection device has an inner surface located near the outer surface of the compensation pulley. A plurality of dividers extend from at least one of the outer surface of the compensation pulley or the inner surface of the protection device. The dividers create spaces between adjacent dividers among the dividers for accommodating the compensation rope members. As described above, the protection device is located near the outer surface of the compensation pulley of the elevator compensation assembly and thus cannot be adjusted relative to such a compensation pulley. This protection device cannot overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the existing rope protection devices / guide rails.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a rope guiding unit that can be separately deployed from the elevator compensation assembly and can also be adjusted relative to such an elevator compensation assembly to eliminate the above-mentioned related disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is specifically to provide a rope guiding unit for an elevator compensation assembly of an elevator system. The rope guiding unit is adapted to be adjusted relative to the compensation assembly in the vertical or horizontal direction to compensate for rope crossing or excessive rope movement during the operation of the elevator system or due to factors such as building sway. According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a rope guiding unit having the features described in claim 1 and an elevator system having the features described in claim 15.

[0010] The present invention discloses a rope guiding unit for an elevator compensation assembly. The rope guiding unit includes a guiding member adapted to guide a compensation rope. In addition, the rope guiding unit includes at least one support bracket movably coupled to the guiding member. The guiding member is adapted to move in a horizontal direction relative to the at least one support bracket, thereby changing the horizontal position of the guiding member relative to the elevator compensation assembly. Further, the rope guiding unit includes at least one clamping bracket movably coupled to the at least one support bracket and adapted to be clamped to at least one fixed component of the elevator system. The at least one clamping bracket is adapted to move in a vertical direction relative to the at least one fixed component of the elevator system, thereby changing the vertical position of the guiding member relative to the elevator compensation assembly.

[0011] As described above, the guiding member can be adjusted in the horizontal or vertical direction relative to the elevator compensation assembly. The horizontal position of the guiding member can be adjusted by moving the guiding member relative to the at least one support bracket. In addition, the vertical position of the guiding member can be adjusted by moving the at least one clamping bracket relative to the at least one fixed component of the elevator system. This significantly reduces the overall complexity while maintaining the alignment of the compensation rope relative to the elevator compensation assembly. Further, by moving the position of the guiding member in the horizontal or vertical direction, wear / tear of the guiding member due to misalignment of the compensation rope can be eliminated, thereby extending the overall service life of the guiding member.

[0012] In an embodiment, the guiding member includes a first end and a second end remote from the first end. Each of the first end and the second end is adapted to be coupled to the at least one support bracket.

[0013] In an embodiment, the at least one support bracket includes a first support bracket movably fastened to the first end of the guiding member and a second support bracket movably fastened to the second end of the guiding member. This allows relative movement between the guiding member and each of the first support bracket and the second support bracket. Thus, the vertical position of the guiding member can be adjusted relative to the elevator compensation assembly.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the at least one support bracket includes a first mounting wall adapted to be fixed to the at least one clamping bracket. In addition, the at least one support bracket includes a pair of second mounting walls extending from the first mounting wall and oriented parallel to each other. Each of the pair of second mounting walls is adapted to be movably fastened to one of the first end and the second end of the guiding member. The at least one clamping bracket is adapted to move in a horizontal direction relative to the first mounting wall. Further, the guiding member is adapted to move in a horizontal direction relative to the pair of second mounting walls, thereby changing the horizontal position of the guiding member relative to the elevator compensation assembly.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first mounting wall includes a first set of elongated slots adapted to receive fastening members to couple at least one clamping bracket to the first mounting wall.

[0016] In an embodiment, at least one clamping bracket is adapted to move relative to the first mounting wall in a horizontal direction to align a fastening member with one of a plurality of positions along the length of each of the first set of elongated slots, thereby changing the horizontal position of the at least one clamping bracket relative to the first mounting wall.

[0017] In an embodiment, each of a pair of second mounting walls includes a second set of elongated slots adapted to receive fastening members to couple a guiding member to one of the pair of second mounting walls.

[0018] In an embodiment, a gap is defined between the pair of second mounting walls and the gap is adapted to receive one of a first end and a second end of the guiding member.

[0019] In an embodiment, at least one clamping bracket includes a mounting plate adapted to be coupled to the first mounting wall of at least one support bracket. Additionally, a plurality of clamping rings are attached to the mounting plate and are adapted to be coupled to at least one fixed component of the elevator system. The plurality of clamping rings are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction.

[0020] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of clamping rings includes a first half-ring and a second half-ring adapted to be coupled to the first half-ring.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first half-ring is attached to the mounting plate and is adapted to be fastened to the second half-ring by a fastener.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first half-ring and the second half-ring are adapted to move radially relative to each other by a fastener to change the diameter of one of the plurality of clamping rings.

[0023] In an embodiment, by changing the diameter of each of the plurality of clamping rings, the plurality of clamping rings are adapted to move vertically relative to at least one fixed component of the elevator system. Since the diameter of the plurality of clamping rings is variable, the guiding member can be clamped to different fixed components having different diameters. This improves the overall flexibility associated with the positioning of the guiding member in the elevator system.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, at least one fixed component is embodied as one of the following: one or more fixed components of a buffer unit of the elevator system, one or more hoistway walls, and a vertical structural element of the elevator system.

[0025] The above object is achieved by an elevator system including at least one rope guiding unit. The elevator system includes at least one counterweight and at least one elevator car, and the elevator car is connected to at least one counterweight by a traction rope. At least one elevator car is adapted to move in an elevator shaft. In addition, the elevator system includes an elevator compensation assembly, and the elevator compensation assembly is positioned below at least one counterweight and at least one elevator car. The elevator compensation assembly is adapted to receive a compensation rope suspended below at least one counterweight and at least one elevator car. The elevator system includes a drive machine for moving at least one counterweight and at least one elevator car in the elevator shaft by the traction rope. In addition, the elevator system includes a rope guiding unit, and the rope guiding unit is arranged above the elevator compensation assembly in the vertical direction and guides the compensation rope towards the elevator compensation assembly. The rope guiding unit is adapted to guide the compensation rope in the vertical direction to the elevator compensation assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15. Description of the Drawings

[0026] Additional advantages, features and details of the present invention are derived from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the drawings; in the drawings, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0027] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings. It should be understood that these drawings only depict typical embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as limiting its scope. The present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail in conjunction with the drawings.

[0028] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout all the drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic view of an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A partial perspective view of an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, depicting a rope guiding unit and an elevator compensation assembly;

[0031] Figures 3a and 3b show partial perspective views of an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, depicting one of the rope guiding units and an elevator compensation assembly;

[0032] Figure 4 A perspective view of one of the rope guiding units of an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0033] Figure 5Shows a partial perspective view of one of the rope guiding units of an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the drawings are for simplicity of illustration and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the method in terms of the most important steps involved to help improve the understanding of various aspects of the present invention. In addition, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional reference numerals, and the drawings may only show those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that are readily understandable to those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the description herein. Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0035] To facilitate the understanding of the principles of the present invention, embodiments shown in the drawings will now be referred to and described in specific language. However, it will be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and such changes and further modifications to the shown system, as well as such further applications of the principles of the present invention shown therein, are generally contemplated by those skilled in the art in the field to which the present invention pertains. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0036] Any specific and all details described herein are used in the context of some embodiments and thus are not necessarily considered limiting factors for the appended claims. The appended claims and their legal equivalents may be implemented in the context of embodiments other than those used as illustrative examples in the following description.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 Shows a schematic diagram of an elevator system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The elevator system 100 may include, but is not limited to, at least one elevator car 102, at least one counterweight 104, a drive machine 106, and an elevator compensation assembly 108. The elevator car 102 may be adapted to move between multiple floors of a building within an elevator shaft (not shown). In an embodiment, the counterweight 104 may be adapted to balance the load of the elevator car 102 and the sum of a predetermined load associated with the payload capacity of the elevator car 102.

[0039] The counterweight 104 may include, but is not limited to, a counterweight frame (not shown) that is adapted to support at least one heavy block that serves as a counterweight. The counterweight 104 may be movably coupled to the elevator car 102 by a plurality of traction members. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of traction members may include, but are not limited to, traction ropes 110 and a plurality of traction pulleys 112a, 112b.

[0040] The elevator car 102 and the counterweight 104 may be coupled to each other by the traction rope 110. In an embodiment, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the traction rope 110 may be embodied as one of a round rope and a flat belt. The traction rope 110 may be movably engaged with the plurality of traction pulleys 112a, 112b. The plurality of traction pulleys 112a, 112b may movably support and guide the traction rope 110. Additionally, the drive machine 106 may be adapted to move the traction rope 110 to control the movement and position of the elevator car 102 and the counterweight 104 within the hoistway.

[0041] Furthermore, the elevator compensation assembly 108 may be positioned below the counterweight 104 and the elevator car 102. The elevator compensation assembly 108 may be adapted to facilitate maintaining sufficient tension on the traction rope 110 to achieve a desired traction force under different system conditions of the elevator system 100. The elevator compensation assembly 108 may be adapted to receive a compensation rope 114 that is suspended below the counterweight 104 and the elevator car 102. In an embodiment, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the compensation rope 114 may be embodied as one of a round rope, a belt, and a chain.

[0042] In an embodiment, the elevator compensation assembly 108 may include a plurality of compensation pulleys (not shown) that are adapted to guide the compensation rope 114 that is suspended from the elevator car 102 and the counterweight 104. In an exemplary embodiment, one of the plurality of compensation pulleys may receive and guide the compensation rope 114 that is suspended from the elevator car 102. In such an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of compensation pulleys may receive and guide the compensation rope 114 that is suspended from the counterweight 104. Additionally, the elevator compensation assembly 108 may be provided with mechanisms known in the art to tighten the compensation ropes 114 received from the elevator car 102 and the counterweight 104.

[0043] In an embodiment, the elevator system 100 may include at least one rope guiding unit 116 that is disposed vertically above the elevator compensation assembly 108. The at least one rope guiding unit 116 may be arranged to ensure that the compensation rope 114 maintains a desired alignment when entering the elevator compensation assembly 108. The at least one rope guiding unit 116 may be adapted to move relative to the elevator compensation assembly 108 in a vertical or horizontal direction to adjust the alignment of the compensation rope 114 or to compensate for excessive rope movement due to factors such as building sway.

[0044] For example, if the compensating rope 114 becomes entangled or swings laterally to a large extent in a high-rise building, the position of at least one rope guiding unit 116 can be adjusted relative to the elevator compensating assembly 108 to ensure that the compensating rope 114 enters the elevator compensating assembly 108 with a desired alignment. At least one rope guiding unit 116 can guide the compensating rope 114 towards the elevator compensating assembly 108. At least one rope guiding unit 116 can be adapted to guide the compensating rope 114 in a vertical direction to the elevator compensating assembly 108.

[0045] Figure 2 A partial perspective view of an elevator system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, depicting a rope guiding unit 116 and an elevator compensating assembly 108. FIGS. 3a and 3b show partial perspective views of an elevator system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, depicting one of the rope guiding units 116 and the elevator compensating assembly 108. Refer Figure 1 ring to FIGS. 3a to 3b, in the illustrated embodiment, the elevator system 100 can include a first rope guiding unit 116a and a second rope guiding unit 116b. The first rope guiding unit 116a can be adapted to guide the compensating rope 114 from the elevator car 102 towards the elevator compensating assembly 108. Similarly, the second rope guiding unit 116b can be adapted to guide the compensating rope 114 from the counterweight 104 towards the elevator compensating assembly 108.

[0046] It should be understood that the construction and operation details of the first rope guiding unit 116a and the second rope guiding unit 116b are similar to each other. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only the construction and operation details of the rope guiding unit 116 are explained with respect to the first rope guiding unit 116a. Hereinafter, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first guiding unit 116a can be interchangeably referred to as the rope guiding unit 116a.

[0047] The construction and operation details of the rope guiding unit 116a will be explained in detail in the subsequent part of the present disclosure.

[0048] As can be seen from the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure, the elevator system 100 is shown to include a counterweight 104. However, those skilled in the art will understand that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the rope guiding units 116a, 116b of the present disclosure are equally applicable to elevator units without a counterweight assembly 106. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure may not be limited to elevator systems having a counterweight assembly 104.

[0049] Figure 4 A perspective view of a rope guiding unit 116a of an elevator system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5A partial perspective view of a rope guiding unit 116a of an elevator system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Referring to FIGS. 3a to 3b, Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the rope guiding unit 116a may include, but is not limited to, a guiding member 302, at least one support bracket 304, and at least one clamping bracket 306. The guiding member 302 may be adapted to guide a compensating rope 114 towards an elevator compensating assembly 108. The guiding member 302 may include, but is not limited to, a first end 402a and a second end 402b remote from the first end 402a. Each of the first end 402a and the second end 402b may be adapted to be coupled to at least one support bracket 304.

[0050] In addition, the guiding member 302 may include a plurality of cavities 308 adapted to receive the compensating rope 114 therein. The plurality of cavities 308 may be spaced equidistantly from each other and distributed between the first end 402a and the second end 402b of the guiding member 302. Each of the plurality of cavities 308 may extend from a top 404 of the guiding member 302 to a bottom 406. Each of the plurality of cavities 308 may receive one of the compensating ropes 114 from the top 404 of the guiding member 302 and may allow the compensating rope 114 to exit from the bottom 406 of the guiding member 302.

[0051] At least one support bracket 304 may be movably coupled to the guiding member 302. The guiding member 302 may be adapted to move relative to at least one support bracket 302 in a horizontal direction, thereby changing a horizontal position of the guiding member 302 relative to the elevator compensating assembly 108. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one support bracket 304 may include, but is not limited to, a first support bracket 304a and a second support bracket 304b. The construction and operation details of the first support bracket 304a and the second support bracket 304b are similar to each other and will be explained in a subsequent part of the present disclosure.

[0052] The first support bracket 304a may be movably fastened to the first end 402a of the guiding member 302. Similarly, the second support bracket 304b may be movably fastened to the second end 402b of the guiding member 302. Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , each of the first support bracket 304a and the second support bracket 304b may include, but is not limited to, a first mounting wall 408 and a pair of second mounting walls 410a, 410b.

[0053] The first mounting wall 408 may be adapted to be fastened to at least one clamping bracket 306. The first mounting wall 408 may include, but is not limited to, a first set of elongated slots 412 that are adapted to receive fastening members 414 to couple the at least one clamping bracket 306 to the first mounting wall 408. Construction and operational details of the at least one clamping bracket 306 will be explained in a subsequent portion of the present disclosure.

[0054] A pair of second mounting walls 410a, 410b may extend from the first mounting wall 408 and be oriented parallel to each other. Refer Figure 5 , a gap 'G' may be defined between the pair of second mounting walls 410a, 410b. The gap 'G' may be adapted to receive one of the first end 402a and the second end 402b of the guide member 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the gap 'G' defined between the pair of second mounting walls 410a, 410b of the first support bracket 304a may receive the first end 402a, and similarly, the gap 'G' defined between the pair of second support mounting walls 410a, 410b of the second support bracket 304b may receive the second end 402b of the guide member 302.

[0055] In addition, the pair of second mounting walls 410a, 410b may be adapted to be movably fastened to one of the first end 402a and the second end 402b of the guide member 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the second mounting walls 410a, 410b of the first support bracket 304a may be movably fastened to the first end 402a, and similarly, the second mounting walls 410a, 410b of the second support bracket 304b may be movably fastened to the second end 402b of the guide member 302. Each of the pair of second mounting walls 410a, 410b may include a second set of elongated slots 416 that are adapted to receive fasteners 418 to couple the guide member 302 to one of the pair of second mounting walls 410a, 410b.

[0056] The guide member 302 may be adapted to move in a horizontal direction relative to the pair of second mounting walls 410a, 410b, thereby changing the horizontal position of the guide member 302 relative to the elevator compensating assembly 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 302 may be adapted to move in a horizontal direction relative to the second mounting walls 410a, 410b of the first support bracket 304a and the second support bracket 304b.

[0057] Specifically, the guiding member 302 can be moved to align the fastening member 418 with one of a plurality of positions along the length of each of the second set of elongated slots 416 in the second mounting walls 410a, 410b. Subsequently, the fastening member 418 can be fastened to one of the plurality of positions, thereby fixing the guiding member 302 relative to the elevator compensating assembly 108 to a desired horizontal position. Thus, this allows the position of the guiding member 302 to be changed in the horizontal direction relative to the elevator compensating assembly 108.

[0058] As previously described, at least one clamping bracket 306 can be movably fastened to the support brackets 304 (such as the first support bracket 304a and the second support bracket 304b). In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one clamping bracket 306 can include, but is not limited to, a first clamping bracket 306a and a second clamping bracket 306b. The first clamping bracket 306a can be movably fastened to the first mounting wall 408 of the first support bracket 304a. Similarly, the second clamping bracket 306b can be movably fastened to the first mounting wall 408 of the second support bracket 304b. The construction and operational details of the first clamping bracket 306a and the second clamping bracket 306b are similar to each other and will be explained in a subsequent part of the present disclosure.

[0059] Each of the first clamping bracket 306a and the second clamping bracket 306b can include, but is not limited to, a mounting plate 420 and a plurality of clamping rings 422. The mounting plate 420 can be adapted to be coupled to the first mounting wall 408 of at least one support bracket (such as 304a and 304b). In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 420 of the first clamping bracket 306a can be coupled to the first mounting wall 408 of the first support bracket 304a. Similarly, the mounting plate 420 of the second clamping bracket 306b can be coupled to the first mounting wall 408 of the second support bracket 304b.

[0060] The first clamping bracket 306a and the second clamping bracket 306b can be adapted to move horizontally relative to the first mounting walls 408 of the first support bracket 304a and the second support bracket 304b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamping bracket 306a can move horizontally relative to the first mounting wall 408 of the first support bracket 304a to align the fastening member 414 with one of a plurality of positions along the length of each of the first set of elongated slots 412. Subsequently, the fastening member 414 can be fastened to one of the plurality of positions, thereby fixing the first clamping bracket 306a to a desired horizontal position relative to the mounting wall 408 of the first support bracket 304a. Thus, this allows the position of the first clamping member 306a to be changed in the horizontal direction relative to the first mounting wall 408 of the first support bracket 304a.

[0061] Similarly, the second clamping bracket 306b can be moved horizontally relative to the first mounting wall 408 of the second support bracket 304b to align the fastening member 414 with one of a plurality of positions along the length of each of the first set of elongated slots 412. Subsequently, the fastening member 414 can be fastened to one of the plurality of positions, thereby fixing the second clamping bracket 306b relative to the mounting wall 408 of the second support bracket 304b to a desired horizontal position. Thus, this allows the position of the second clamping member 306b to be changed horizontally relative to the first mounting wall 408 of the second support bracket 304b.

[0062] In addition, at least one clamping bracket 306 (such as 306a, 306b) can be adapted to be clamped to at least one fixed component 202 of the elevator system 100 (as Figure 2 shown). In the illustrated embodiment, at least one fixed component 202 can be embodied as a fixed component of the buffer unit of the elevator system 100. However, this should not be considered limiting, and in various embodiments, at least one fixed component can be embodied as one of the following: one or more fixed components of the buffer unit of the elevator system 100, one or more hoistway walls, and vertical structural elements of the elevator system 100.

[0063] At least one clamping bracket 306 can be adapted to move vertically relative to at least one fixed component 202 of the elevator system 100, thereby changing the vertical position of the guiding member 302 relative to the elevator compensation assembly 108. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first clamping bracket 306a and the second clamping bracket 306b can be movably clamped to at least one fixed component 202 of the elevator system 100, such as a component of the buffer system.

[0064] As previously described, the clamping brackets (such as 306a, 306b) can include a plurality of clamping rings 422. The plurality of clamping rings 422 can be attached to the mounting plate 420 and are adapted to be coupled to at least one fixed component 202 of the elevator system 100. The plurality of clamping rings 422 can be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of clamping rings 422 can be embodied as a first set of clamping rings 422a and a second set of clamping rings 422b. The first set of clamping rings 422a can be attached to the mounting plate 420 of the first clamping bracket 306a and are adapted to be coupled to at least one fixed component 202. Similarly, the second set of clamping rings 422b can be attached to the mounting plate 420 of the second clamping bracket 306b and are adapted to be coupled to at least one fixed component 202.

[0065] In one example, the first set of clamping rings 422a and the second set of clamping rings 422b can be fixedly attached to the mounting plates 420 of the first clamping bracket 306a and the second clamping bracket 306b, respectively. In another example, the first set of clamping rings 422a and the second set of clamping rings 422b can be removably attached to the mounting plates 420 of the first clamping bracket 306a and the second clamping bracket 306b, respectively.

[0066] Each of the plurality of clamping rings 422 (such as 422a, 422b) can include, but is not limited to, a first half-ring 424 and a second half-ring 426 adapted to be coupled to the first half-ring 424. In the illustrated embodiment, the first half-ring 424 can be attached to the mounting plate 420 and is adapted to be fastened to the second half-ring 426 by a fastener 428. The first half-ring 424 and the second half-ring 426 can be adapted to move radially relative to each other by the fastener 428 to change the diameter of one of the plurality of clamping rings 422. By changing the diameter of each of the plurality of clamping rings 422, the plurality of clamping rings 422 can be adapted to move vertically relative to at least one fixed component 202 of the elevator system 100.

[0067] In summary, the present invention provides a rope guiding unit 116 for an elevator compensation assembly 108 of an elevator system 100. The rope guiding unit 116 can be deployed separately from the elevator compensation assembly. In addition, as described above, the vertical position and the horizontal position of the rope guiding unit can be adjusted relative to the elevator compensation assembly. The vertical position of the guiding member can be adjusted by moving the plurality of clamping rings 422 relative to the fixed component 202 to which these clamping rings are mounted. In addition, the horizontal position of the guiding member can be adjusted by moving the guiding member relative to support brackets (such as 304a, 304b). This reduces the overall complexity associated with the maintenance process for maintaining the alignment of the compensation ropes relative to the elevator compensation assembly. In addition, the position of the guiding member can be adjusted based on the misalignment or sway of the compensation ropes, thereby eliminating wear / tear of the guiding member.

[0068] Therefore, the rope guiding unit 116 and the elevator system 100 of the present invention are efficient, durable, flexible in implementation, low-cost, and convenient.

[0069] Although the subject matter has been described in a specific language, it is not intended to thereby impose any limitation on the subject matter. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various effective modifications can be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concepts taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements can be well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements can be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment can be added to another embodiment.

Claims

1. A rope guiding unit (116) for an elevator compensation assembly (108), the rope guiding unit (116) comprising: A guiding member (302) adapted to guide a compensation rope (114); At least one support bracket (304) movably coupled to the guiding member (302), the guiding member (302) being adapted to move horizontally relative to the at least one support bracket (304) so as to change the horizontal position of the guiding member (302) relative to the elevator compensation assembly (108); And At least one clamping bracket (306) movably coupled to the at least one support bracket (304) and adapted to be clamped to at least one fixed component (202) of an elevator system (100), wherein the at least one clamping bracket (306) is adapted to move vertically relative to the at least one fixed component (202) of the elevator system (100) so as to change the vertical position of the guiding member (302) relative to the elevator compensation assembly (108).

2. The rope guiding unit (116) according to claim 1, wherein the guiding member (302) includes a first end (402a) and a second end (402b) remote from the first end (402a), each of the first end (402a) and the second end (402b) being adapted to be coupled to the at least one support bracket (304).

3. The rope guiding unit (116) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one support bracket (304) includes: A first support bracket (304a) movably fastened to the first end (402a) of the guiding member (302); And A second support bracket (304b) movably fastened to the second end (402b) of the guiding member (302).

4. The rope guiding unit (116) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one support bracket (304) includes: A first mounting wall (408) adapted to be fastened to the at least one clamping bracket (306); And A pair of second mounting walls (410a, 410b) extending from the first mounting wall (408) and oriented parallel to each other, each of the pair of second mounting walls (410a, 410b) being adapted to be movably fastened to one of the first end (402a) and the second end (402b) of the guiding member (302), wherein the at least one clamping bracket (306) is adapted to move horizontally relative to the first mounting wall (408), and / or The guiding member (302) is adapted to move in a horizontal direction relative to the pair of second mounting walls (410a, 410b), so as to change the horizontal position of the guiding member (302) relative to the elevator compensation assembly (108).

5. The rope guiding unit (116) according to claim 4, wherein the first mounting wall (408) includes a first set of elongated slots (412), and the first set of elongated slots (412) is adapted to receive fastening members (414) for coupling the at least one clamping bracket (306) to the first mounting wall (408).

6. The rope guiding unit (116) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one clamping bracket (306) is adapted to move in a horizontal direction relative to the first mounting wall (408) to align the fastening member (414) with one of a plurality of positions along the length of each of the elongated slots in the first set of elongated slots (412), so as to change the horizontal position of the at least one clamping bracket (306) relative to the first mounting wall (408).

7. The rope guiding unit (116) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each of the pair of second mounting walls (410a, 410b) includes a second set of elongated slots (416), and the second set of elongated slots is adapted to receive fastening members (418) for coupling the guiding member (302) to one of the pair of second mounting walls (410a, 410b).

8. The rope guiding unit (116) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a gap (G) is defined between the pair of second mounting walls (410a, 410b), and the gap (G) is adapted to receive one of the first end (402a) and the second end (402b) of the guiding member (302).

9. The rope guiding unit (116) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the at least one clamping bracket (306) includes: a mounting plate (420) adapted to be coupled to the first mounting wall (408) of the at least one support bracket (304); and a plurality of clamping rings (422a, 422b) attached to the mounting plate (420) and adapted to be coupled to the at least one fixed component (202) of the elevator system (100), wherein the plurality of clamping rings (422a, 422b) are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

10. The rope guiding unit (116) according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of clamping rings (422a, 422b) includes a first half-ring (424) and a second half-ring (426), and the second half-ring is adapted to be coupled to the first half-ring (424).

11. The rope guiding unit (116) according to claim 10, wherein the first half-ring (424) is attached to the mounting plate (420) and is adapted to be fastened to the second half-ring (426) by a fastener (428).

12. The rope guiding unit (116) according to claim 11, wherein the first half-ring (424) and the second half-ring (426) are adapted to move radially relative to each other via the fastener (428) to change the diameter of one of the plurality of clamping rings (422a, 422b).

13. The rope guiding unit (116) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein by changing the diameter of each of the plurality of clamping rings (422a, 422b), the plurality of clamping rings (422a, 422b) are adapted to move vertically relative to the at least one fixed component (202) of the elevator system (100).

14. The rope guiding unit (116) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fixed component (202) is embodied as one of the following: one or more fixed components of a buffer unit of the elevator system (100), one or more hoistway walls, and a vertical structural element of the elevator system (100).

15. An elevator system (100) comprising: at least one counterweight (104); at least one elevator car (102) that is coupled to the at least one counterweight (104) via a traction rope (110) and is adapted to move within an elevator shaft; an elevator compensation assembly (108) that is positioned below the at least one counterweight (104) and the at least one elevator car (102), and the elevator compensation assembly (108) is adapted to receive a compensation rope (114) suspended below the at least one counterweight (104) and the at least one elevator car (102); a drive machine (106) for moving the at least one counterweight (104) and the at least one elevator car (102) within the elevator shaft via the traction rope (114); and a rope guiding unit (116) that is disposed above the elevator compensation assembly (108) in a vertical direction and guides the compensation rope (114) towards the elevator compensation assembly (108), wherein the rope guiding unit (116) is adapted to guide the compensation rope (114) in a vertical direction to the elevator compensation assembly (108) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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