Elevator safety actuator system
By utilizing the automatic reset mechanism of the overspeed safety system and the upward movement of the elevator car, the reset process of the elevator safety system is simplified, reducing complexity and cost, and improving the reliability and maintainability of the system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- OTIS ELEVATOR CO
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing elevator mechanical safety systems are complex and costly to reset, and may introduce maintenance and failure points.
An overspeed safety system is adopted, including a brake assembly, an actuator assembly, an energy storage device, and a triggering element. The system automatically resets the elevator car as it moves upward. The energy release from the energy storage device and the clamping element of the reset assembly enable the safety brake to engage and disengage from the guide rail, simplifying the reset process.
This system simplifies the reset of the elevator safety system, reduces system complexity and maintenance costs, avoids additional energy input requirements, and improves system reliability and maintainability.
Smart Images
Figure CN122403239A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The subject matter disclosed in this article generally relates to elevator systems, and more particularly to safety systems for elevators and the reset of such safety systems after operation or actuation. Background Technology
[0002] A typical elevator mechanical safety system uses a regulator overspeed system coupled to a mechanical safety actuation module, which is connected to a safety brake (or multiple brakes) that activates in the event of a car overspeed event, a car over-acceleration event, free fall, etc. The elevator safety system will operate or actuate to stop the excessively fast movement of the elevator car. Such a safety actuation module includes a linkage mechanism to simultaneously engage one or more car safety brakes (e.g., on one or more corresponding guide rails associated with the elevator system). The regulator is located in the machine room, shaft, or elevator hoistway, or may be mounted to the elevator car. After operating the elevator safety system to stop the movement of the elevator car, resetting the elevator safety system may be necessary to allow the elevator car to resume normal operation and to reset the safety system for future safe operation. Improving the mechanism used to reset such an elevator safety system can be beneficial, for example, by reducing the complexity and / or cost associated with such a system. Summary of the Invention
[0003] According to some embodiments, an elevator system is provided. The elevator system includes a traveling member capable of moving along guide rails within an elevator shaft and an overspeed safety system operatively connected to the traveling member. The overspeed safety system includes a brake assembly and an actuator assembly. The brake assembly has a safety brake element configured to selectively and releasably engage with the guide rails. The actuator assembly includes: a coupling operatively connected at one end to the safety brake element; a reset assembly operatively connected at the end opposite the safety brake element to the coupling; an energy storage device arranged to apply a biasing force to the coupling; and a trigger element arranged to selectively fix the energy storage device in a stored-energy state. The trigger element is configured to release the stored energy of the energy storage device in response to an overspeed event, causing engagement of the safety brake element with the guide rails to stop downward travel of the traveling member along the guide rails. When the safety brake element engages with the guide rails, upward movement of the traveling member causes the safety brake element to disengage from the guide rails and returns the energy storage device to the stored-energy state.
[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, another embodiment of the elevator system may include: after the energy storage device returns to the energy storage state, a trigger element is configured to re-engage to maintain the energy storage device in the energy storage state.
[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, other embodiments of the elevator system may include: the energy storage device being a spring.
[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, another embodiment of the elevator system may include: a brake assembly including a safety brake frame mounted to the traveling member, wherein the safety brake element is configured to travel along a guide surface of the safety brake frame to engage with a guide rail.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, another embodiment of the elevator system may include a connecting member that can be pivotally connected to a reset assembly.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, other embodiments of the elevator system may include: a reset assembly including a clamping device configured to be selectively, releasably, and fixedly connected to a guide rail.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, other embodiments of the elevator system may include: a triggering element including a locking element that can extend to maintain the energy storage device in a stored energy state, and the locking element can retract to release the energy of the energy storage device.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, other embodiments of the elevator system may include: a triggering element fixedly attached to the traveling member, and a reset element not fixedly attached to the traveling member.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, other embodiments of the elevator system may include: the traveling component being an elevator car or a counterweight for the elevator car.
[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, another embodiment of the elevator system may include: a brake assembly comprising two safety brake elements, wherein each safety brake element is connected to a reset assembly via a corresponding connector.
[0013] According to some embodiments, a method for operating an elevator system is provided. The method includes: storing energy within an energy storage device by holding an energy storage device of an overspeed safety system in an energy storage state between a reset assembly of the overspeed safety system and a portion of a traveling member; wherein the overspeed safety system includes: a brake assembly including a safety brake element configured to selectively and releasably engage with a guide rail; and an actuator assembly including a coupling and a reset assembly, the coupling being operably connected at one end to the safety brake element, and the reset assembly being operably connected at the opposite end to the safety brake element; wherein the energy storage device is arranged to apply a biasing force to the coupling, and a trigger element... The device is configured to selectively fix the energy storage device in a stored energy state; detect an overspeed event of the traveling member; operate a trigger element to release the stored energy of the reset assembly and the energy storage device, thereby causing the safety brake element to engage with the guide rail to stop the downward movement of the traveling member; engage a portion of the guide rail with the reset assembly to selectively and permanently connect the reset assembly to the guide rail; move the traveling member upward along the guide rail toward the reset assembly to return the energy storage device to the stored energy state and release the engagement of the safety brake element from the guide rail; and disengage the portion of the reset assembly engaged with the guide rail to allow the traveling member to move along the guide rail.
[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, another embodiment of the method may include: re-engaging the trigger element to maintain the energy storage device in the energy storage state after the energy storage device returns to the energy storage state.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, another embodiment of the method may include: the energy storage device being a spring.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, another embodiment of the method may include: a brake assembly including a safety brake frame mounted to the traveling member, wherein the safety brake element is configured to travel along a guide surface of the safety brake frame to engage with a guide rail.
[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, another embodiment of the method may include: a connector that can be pivotally connected to a reset assembly.
[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, other embodiments of the method may include: a reset assembly including a clamping device configured to be selectively, releasably, and securely connected to a guide rail.
[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, other embodiments of the method may include: a triggering element comprising a locking element that is extendable to maintain the energy storage device in a stored energy state, and a locking element that is retractable to release the stored energy of the energy storage device.
[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, other embodiments of the method may include: a trigger element fixedly attached to a traveling member, and a reset element not fixedly attached to the traveling member.
[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, other embodiments of the method may include: the traveling member being an elevator car or a counterweight for an elevator car.
[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, another embodiment of the method may include: the brake assembly includes two safety brake elements, wherein each safety brake element is connected to the reset assembly via a corresponding connector.
[0023] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements, and their operation, will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and interpretative in nature, rather than limiting. Attached Figure Description
[0024] This disclosure is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate similar elements.
[0025] Figure 1 These are schematic illustrations of elevator systems that may employ various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2A The diagram shows the layout of the overspeed safety system for the elevator in its first operating state. Figure 2B The diagram shows the second operating state. Figure 2A Overspeed safety system; Figure 2C The diagram shows the third operating state. Figure 2A Overspeed safety system; Figure 3AThis is a schematic illustration of an overspeed safety system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in normal operating condition; Figure 3B Illustration Figure 3A The overspeed safety system is in a stopped operating state; Figure 3C Illustration Figure 3A The reset operation status of the overspeed safety system; and Figure 4 This is a process for operating an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation
[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an elevator system 101, which includes an elevator car 103, a counterweight 105, a tension member 107, a guide rail 109, a machine 111, a position reference system 113, and an elevator controller 115. The elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105 are connected to each other via the tension member 107. The tension member 107 may include or be configured as, for example, ropes, cables (e.g., steel cables), and / or belts (e.g., coated steel belts). The counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of the elevator car 103 and the passengers, and is configured to facilitate simultaneous and opposite movement of the elevator car 103 relative to the counterweight 105 within an elevator shaft 117 and along the guide rail 109. As used herein, the term "traveling member" refers to either the elevator car 103 or the counterweight 105.
[0027] Tension member 107 engages machine 111, which is part of the overhead structure of elevator system 101. Machine 111 is configured to control movement between elevator car 103 and counterweight 105. Position reference system 113 may be mounted on a fixed portion at the top of elevator shaft 117, such as on a support or guide rail, and may be configured to provide a position signal related to the position of elevator car 103 within elevator shaft 117. In other embodiments, position reference system 113 may be directly mounted to the moving component of machine 111, or may be located in other locations and / or configurations as known in the art. Position reference system 113 may be any device or mechanism as known in the art for monitoring the position of elevator car and / or counterweight. For example, but not limited to, position reference system 113 may be an encoder, sensor, or other system, and may include speed sensing, absolute position sensing, etc., as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0028] As shown, elevator controller 115 is located in controller room 121 of elevator shaft 117 and is configured to control the operation of elevator system 101, and specifically the operation of elevator car 103. For example, elevator controller 115 may provide drive signals to machine 111 to control the acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of elevator car 103. Elevator controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. When moving up or down along guide rail 109 within elevator shaft 117, elevator car 103 may stop at one or more floors 125 as controlled by elevator controller 115. Although shown in controller room 121, those skilled in the art will recognize that elevator controller 115 may be located and / or configured in other locations or positions within elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the controller may be remotely located or located in the cloud.
[0029] Machine 111 may include a motor or similar drive mechanism. According to embodiments of this disclosure, machine 111 is configured to include an electrically driven motor. The power supply device for the motor may be any power source, including a power grid, which supplies power to the motor in combination with other components. Machine 111 may include a traction sheave that applies force to tension member 107 to move elevator car 103 within elevator shaft 117.
[0030] Although a rope-hanging system including tension member 107 is shown and described, embodiments of this disclosure can be used in elevator systems employing other methods and mechanisms for moving the elevator car within the elevator shaft. For example, embodiments can be used in ropeless elevator systems that use a linear motor to apply motion to the elevator car. Embodiments can also be used in ropeless elevator systems that use a hydraulic lift to apply motion to the elevator car. Figure 1 These are non-restrictive examples presented merely for illustrative and explanatory purposes.
[0031] Now go to Figures 2A to 2C This illustrates an illustrative sequence of operation of a portion of an overspeed safety system 200. The overspeed safety system 200 includes an electromechanical actuator 202 and a safety brake 204 connected via a connecting link 206. The overspeed safety system 200 may be mounted to or otherwise attached to a traveling member (e.g., an elevator car or counterweight). The safety brake 204 is arranged around a guide rail 208 and configured to operatively engage with the guide rail 208 to apply braking force to the traveling member. The safety brake 204 includes a safety brake element 210 (e.g., a brake pad, wedge, etc.) operatively engaged with the guide rail 208. The electromechanical actuator 202 includes an actuator element 212 operatively connected to the connecting link 206 to actuate the safety brake element 210. Figure 2AThe overspeed safety system 200 is shown in a first operating state, such as normal operation, in which the traveling component (hereinafter referred to as the elevator car) can travel freely along the guide rail 208. Figure 2B The diagram illustrates a second state that occurs in response to an overspeed event, in which the overspeed safety system 200 is partially actuated and partially engaged with the guide rail 208. Figure 2C The diagram illustrates the third state of the overspeed safety system 200, where the overspeed safety system 200 is fully engaged with the guide rail 208 and is in a state that prevents the elevator car from moving downwards or further. It will be understood that the second state ( Figure 2B The response can be instantaneous or a change in state, and it occurs very quickly in response to an overspeed event, thereby activating the overspeed safety system 200.
[0032] In this illustrative configuration, actuator element 212 includes a first magnetic element 214 and a second magnetic element 216. The first magnetic element 214 may be an electromagnet (e.g., a coil) that generates a magnetic field to provide engagement with the second magnetic element 216. The second magnetic element 216 may be a permanent magnet. The states of the first magnetic element 214 and the second magnetic element 216 are bistable, and a current pulse is sent through the first magnetic element 214 for a first state of actuator element 212. Figure 2A ) and second state ( Figure 2B The polarity of the current is used to control the direction of the transition (i.e., from first to second or from second to first). The operation described above is provided merely as an example, and other arrangements are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, a current may be supplied to the first magnetic element to generate a repulsive magnetic field, and thus push the second magnetic element away from the first magnetic element.
[0033] When the magnetic field of the first magnetic element 212 ceases to be generated, the second magnetic element 216 moves to contact and magnetically attach to the guide rail 208, as shown in the middle image (second state) of FIG2. That is, because the first magnetic element 214 is no longer magnetized (e.g., no current flows through the coil), the second magnetic element 216 will be attracted to the metal of the guide rail 208 and magnetically adhere to the metal. Therefore, when no electrical power is supplied to the first magnetic element 214, the second magnetic element 216 will automatically engage with the guide rail 216.
[0034] The second state shown in the middle image of Figure 2 exists when the elevator car is stationary, or represents the transition state between the disengaged state (left image) and the actuated or engaged state (right image). In the second state (middle image), as the elevator car travels downwards, and because the second magnetic element 216 engages with the guide rail 208, the second magnetic element 216 will apply force to the connecting rod 206 to push the safety brake element 210 into engagement with the guide rail 208 (third state, shown in the right image of Figure 2). With the safety brake element 210 engaged with the guide rail 208, further downward movement of the elevator car is prevented. As shown in Figure 2, the safety brake element 210 is arranged as a wedge that can be pulled upwards along the angled block 218 to push the safety brake elements 210 toward each other and capture the guide rail 208 between them. Angled blocks 218 provide a surface along which safety brake element 210 will travel and is then fixed between the respective angled blocks 218 and guide rails 208, such that braking or stopping force is applied to stop the movement of the traveling member.
[0035] After the elevator car is operated and stopped by actuating the overspeed safety system 200, the overspeed safety system 200 needs to be reset. When the overspeed safety system 200 is reset, the elevator car will operate normally and travel up and down the elevator shaft along the guide rails. Various mechanisms exist for resetting such systems using electronic, electrical, mechanical, and / or electromechanical mechanisms. However, such systems can be relatively complex or introduce points of failure that can cause increased maintenance, operational malfunctions, etc. Therefore, improved safety systems can be beneficial for implementation within elevator systems.
[0036] Now for reference Figures 3A to 3C The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an overspeed safety system 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3A The image shows the overspeed safety system 300 in normal operating condition. Figure 3B The diagram shows the stopped operation state of the overspeed safety system 300, and... Figure 3C The diagram illustrates the reset operation state of the overspeed safety system 300. The overspeed safety system 300 includes an actuator assembly 302 and a brake assembly 304. The overspeed safety system 300 is mounted or otherwise attached to the elevator car 306 (or other traveling member), and the elevator car 306 is configured to travel along guide rails 308 within the elevator shaft or hoistway.
[0037] The overspeed safety system 300 is configured to provide emergency braking to the elevator car 306 in response to an overspeed event. Similar to... Figures 2A to 2CIn the embodiments described above, the brake assembly 304 includes a set of safety brake elements 310 (e.g., brake pads, wedges, etc.) disposed within a safety brake frame 312. The safety brake frame 312 includes a guide surface 314 along which the safety brake elements 310 can travel during actuation of the overspeed safety system 300. The safety brake frame 312 is fixedly connected to the elevator car 306, such as to an elevator car frame, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The guide surface 314 is tapered or otherwise angled to narrow over a separation distance, thereby guiding the safety brake elements 310 to follow and be pressed into engagement with the guide rail 308. In other words, when the safety brake element 310 moves during actuation, as described herein, the safety brake element 310 is pulled or moved along the guide surface 314 to clamp or engage on the opposite side of the guide rail 308 to apply braking force (e.g., frictional force), as Figure 3B As shown in the figure.
[0038] The overspeed safety system 300 includes a corresponding connector 316 that operatively connects the safety brake element 310 to the actuator assembly 302. The actuator assembly 302 includes an actuator frame 318 attached to the elevator car 306. A trigger element 320, including a locking element 322, is fixedly attached to or mounted on the actuator frame 318. The trigger element 320 may be an electromagnet, solenoid, or other electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical device that can be operated or actuated in response to an overspeed event, for example, similar to [the aforementioned...]. Figures 2A to 2C The magnetic operation is described. The locking element 322 of the trigger element 320 is configured to typically extend (e.g., as...). Figure 3A , Figure 3C(As shown) and arranged to hold the reset assembly 324 in place. The reset assembly 324 is part of the actuator assembly 302, but is not fixedly attached to the actuator frame 318. Instead, the reset assembly 324 is arranged at the end of the connector 316 opposite to the safety brake element 310. The reset assembly 324 may be arranged to include a housing, etc., containing a clamping element 326. The operation of the clamping element 326 will be described herein in relation to the operation of the overspeed safety system 300. The reset assembly 324 is typically held under load by compressing one or more energy storage devices 328. The energy storage device 328 may be a compression spring, a biasing element, a piston, a hydraulic or pneumatic element, etc. As illustrated, the energy storage device 328 is shown as a spring. The energy storage device 328 is fixedly connected to or attached to the elevator car 306 and / or the actuator frame 318 at a first end 330. The first end 330 may include a base or structure for attaching the energy storage device 328 and allowing the connector 316 to pass through it. At the second end 332, the energy storage device 328 can be pivotally connected, fixedly connected, or otherwise attached to the reset assembly 324 (e.g., by bonding, adhesive, welding, using fasteners, etc.). The locking element 322 is selected to ensure that the energy storage device 328 is held under compression during normal operation by securing the reset assembly 324 in place, such as... Figure 3A As shown in the figure.
[0039] Figure 3B The diagram illustrates an overspeed safety system 300 in a state of actuation or engagement, such as in response to an overspeed event. When an overspeed event is detected using a conventional detection mechanism (e.g., a regulator, digital sensor, sensor on the elevator machine or elevator car, etc.), the trigger element 320 may receive a command to operate the locking element 322. The command may be as simple as an electrical signal providing power to the trigger element 320 to retract the locking element 322, or an interruption of a circuit (e.g., an electrical safety chain). When the trigger element 320 is operated in response to an overspeed event, the locking element 322 is retracted and removed from the movement of the blocking reset assembly 324. With the locking element 322 removed, the energy storage device 328 is freed from the compressed state ( Figure 3A Extend, expand, or otherwise deploy to an extended state. Figure 3B ).
[0040] When the energy storage device 328 extends (after the obstruction provided by the locking element 322 is removed), the energy storage device 328 will push the reset assembly 324 upward and away from the safety brake frame 312. As the reset assembly 324 is pushed upward, it will pull on the connector 316, which in turn applies an upward force to the safety brake element 310. When the safety brake element 310 is pulled upward or moved, it will travel along the guide surface 314. Therefore, the safety brake elements 310 will move toward each other and clamp or otherwise engage with the guide rail 308. When the safety brake element 310 engages with the guide rail 308, as... Figure 3B As shown, to prevent the elevator car 306 from moving downwards, the elevator car 306 is stopped from moving.
[0041] After the elevator car 306 stops, the overspeed safety system 300 must be reset to allow normal operation of the elevator car 306. Figure 3C During the reset operation, as schematically illustrated, a series of steps are performed to return the elevator system to its normal operating state. Note that the reset operation is performed after an actuation or operation that engages the safety brake element 310 with the guide rail 308. During the reset operation, the safety brake element 310 disengages from the guide rail 308, the energy storage device 328 is compressed and returned to its under-load state (e.g., stored energy), and the locking element 322 extends to secure the reset assembly 324.
[0042] For example, refer to Figure 3C In the first step, the clamping element 326 of the reset assembly 324 engages with the guide rail 308, as illustrated by arrow S1. The clamping element 326 may be a magnet, a gripping structure, a structure with a friction surface, etc., for temporary and selective fixed engagement with the guide rail 308. The clamping element 326 is configured to apply a clamping force to engage with the guide rail 308. In some configurations, the clamping element 326 may be arranged to be driven (e.g., pneumatically, hydraulically, electrically, electromechanically, mechanically, etc.) to engage with the guide rail 308 and apply a clamping force to it. For example, in some embodiments, the clamping element 326 may be arranged on a piston, shaft, or other linear structure that can be driven by a solenoid to apply a clamping force to the guide rail 308. In other embodiments, the clamping element 326 may be an electromagnet supplied with current for power and magnetically engaged with the guide rail 308. It will be appreciated that other mechanisms can be used to selectively and releasably engage the clamping element 326 to the guide rail 308.
[0043] Next, as indicated by arrow S2, the elevator car 306, such as through the elevator machine (e.g., Figure 1 The operation of the machine 111 shown causes it to move upward along the guide rail 308. This movement of the elevator car 306 will cause the safety brake frame 312 to move upward. Because the safety brake element 310 engages with the guide rail 308, the compression from the guide surface 314 will be released as the safety brake frame 312 moves upward along the guide rail 308, and the safety brake element 310 can disengage from the guide rail 308. At the same time, because the clamping element 326 engages with the guide rail 308, the reset assembly 324 will remain stationary, and the elevator car 306 will move toward and closer to the reset assembly 324. During this operation, the energy storage device 328 will be compressed between the reset assembly 324 and the elevator car 306 (or the base / structure at the first end 330 of the energy storage device 328), as indicated by arrow S3.
[0044] Once the energy storage device 328 is fully compressed and the reset assembly 324 moves downward relative to the trigger element 320, the locking element 322 can extend to secure the reset assembly 324 in place and maintain the compression of the energy storage device 328, as indicated by arrow S4. After the locking element 322 extends and is arranged to secure the reset assembly 324, the clamping element 326 can be released from engagement with the guide rail 308, thereby returning the overspeed safety system 300 to the normal operating state of the elevator car 306 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 3A (As shown in the image).
[0045] As will be appreciated from the above description, the reset of the overspeed safety system 300 is performed by the upward movement of the elevator car 306. That is, in addition to releasing the safety brake element 310 from engagement with the guide rail 308, the upward travel of the elevator car 306 also resets the overspeed safety system 300. By moving the elevator car 306 upward, the energy storage device 328 can be compressed to re-energize the energy storage device 328 when the clamping element 326 engages with the guide rail 308. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the energy storage device 328 is maintained under compression and energized during normal elevator system operation. Due to the energized state of the energy storage device 328, by releasing the locking element 322, the energy storage device 328 will automatically release the stored energy to extend and cause actuation of the safety brake element 310 and engagement with the guide rail 308.
[0046] In light of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various different configurations of the components of the overspeed safety system disclosed herein may be employed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, and not limited to, some configurations may include a ratchet coupling that moves freely until a reset operation, at which point the ratchet configuration compresses the energy storage device and resets it to its energy storage state. In other embodiments, the coupling may be a piston, a linear actuator, etc.
[0047] Now for reference Figure 4 This illustrates a process 400 for operating an elevator system according to the present disclosure. Process 400 may be employed using overspeed safety systems shown and described herein, and similar systems, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.
[0048] At step 402, the trigger element is engaged to maintain one or more energy storage devices in a stored energy state. The stored energy state can be a compressed spring, or a compressed piston, etc., which is typically biased when the trigger element is engaged. At step 402, the system is in a normal operating state, allowing the elevator car to travel freely along the guide rails.
[0049] At step 404, an overspeed event is detected. The detection of the overspeed event can be performed using an elevator regulator, which can be mounted on the machine or car. In other configurations, or in combination with other elevators, optical sensors, proximity sensors, or other sensors can be used to detect the overspeed event. In still other configurations, or in combination with other elevators, other methods and / or mechanisms in the art can be used to detect the overspeed event.
[0050] At step 406, in response to the detection of an overspeed event, the trigger element disengages from the energy storage device(s). Disengagement of the trigger element can be achieved by interruption in the electronic safety chain, supplying power to the trigger element, mechanical switching, electromechanical switching, etc. The trigger element can retract from engagement by removing the power supply device (or providing power depending on the specific configuration) to allow the release of stored energy (at step 408).
[0051] At step 408, when the stored energy of the (multiple) energy storage devices is released, the energy storage devices will push the safety brake element to move into braking engagement with the guide rail. For example, when the stored energy is released, the energy storage devices will cause the connecting member to be pulled upward on the safety brake element, which causes the safety brake element to move into contact with the guide rail to brake the movement of the elevator car.
[0052] Once normal operation of the elevator car is to be restored, the overspeed safety system must disengage from the guide rail to allow the elevator car to move freely. Therefore, at step 410, the reset element of the overspeed safety system engages with the guide rail. The reset element may be a clamping element or clamping system, a ratchet system, etc., as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The reset element provides a temporary fixed engagement between a portion of the overspeed safety system and the guide rail.
[0053] At step 412, with the reset element engaged with the guide rail, the elevator car can move upward along the guide rail. Because the reset element is fixedly engaged with the guide rail, the energy storage device is compressed and energy is input into it as the elevator car moves upward along the guide rail. In other words, the upward movement of the elevator car during the reset operation automatically re-energizes the energy storage device, allowing it to be used for the next overspeed event.
[0054] At step 414, with the energy storage device recharged, the reset element can disengage from the guide rail, thus restoring the overspeed safety system to normal operating mode or state. During the release of the reset element at step 414, the trigger element is re-engaged to maintain the energy storage device in the stored energy state. In this state, the elevator car travels freely along the guide rail.
[0055] Advantageously, the embodiments described herein provide an elevator safety system configured to provide emergency stop or braking using a simple reset operation. For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, during a reset operation of an overspeed safety system, the system can be reset by the upward travel of the elevator car. The upward travel of the elevator car, combined with the characteristics of the overspeed safety system, causes the energy storage device to be compressed or otherwise stored. Accordingly, during return to normal operation, the safety system can be reset without additional or separate energy input (e.g., a motor, linear actuator, etc.). Advantageously, the reset operation is built into the safety system, thereby eliminating the need for additional electronic equipment or components for reset after an overspeed event.
[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with a measurement based on a particular quantity and / or manufacturing tolerance of equipment available at the time of filing of this application. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.
[0057] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various exemplary embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in a particular embodiment, but this disclosure is not intended to be limited thereto. Rather, modifications may be made to this disclosure to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but commensurate with the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, while various embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it will be understood that aspects of this disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, this disclosure should not be considered limited to the foregoing description, but only to the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An elevator system, comprising: The traveling component is capable of moving along guide rails within the elevator shaft; as well as An overspeed safety system operatively connected to the traveling member, the overspeed safety system comprising: A braking assembly, comprising a safety brake element configured to selectively and releasably engage with the guide rail; and Actuator assembly, comprising: A connector that is operatively connected at one end to the safety brake element; A reset assembly, which is operatively connected to the connector at the end opposite to the safety brake element; An energy storage device arranged to apply a bias force to the connecting member; and A triggering element, which is arranged to selectively fix the energy storage device in an energy storage state; The triggering element is configured to release stored energy in the energy storage device in response to an overspeed event, thereby causing the safety brake element to engage with the guide rail to stop the traveling member from moving downwards along the guide rail. When the safety brake element engages with the guide rail, the upward movement of the traveling member causes the safety brake element to disengage from the guide rail and returns the energy storage device to the energy storage state.
2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, After the energy storage device returns to the energy storage state, the triggering element is configured to re-engage to maintain the energy storage device in the energy storage state.
3. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The energy storage device is a spring.
4. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The brake assembly includes a safety brake frame mounted to the traveling member, wherein the safety brake element is configured to travel along a guide surface of the safety brake frame to engage with the guide rail.
5. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The connector can be pivotally connected to the reset assembly.
6. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The reset assembly includes a clamping device configured to be selectively, releasably, and securely connected to the guide rail.
7. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The triggering element includes a locking element that can extend to maintain the energy storage device in the energy storage state and retract to release the energy from the energy storage device.
8. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The triggering element is fixedly attached to the traveling member, while the reset element is not fixedly attached to the traveling member.
9. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The traveling component is an elevator car or a counterweight for an elevator car.
10. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The brake assembly includes two safety brake elements, each of which is connected to the reset assembly via a corresponding connector.
11. A method for operating an elevator system, the method comprising: Energy is stored within the energy storage device of the overspeed safety system by holding it in an energy storage state between a reset assembly and a portion of the traveling member of the overspeed safety system. The overspeed safety system includes: a brake assembly comprising a safety brake element configured to selectively and releasably engage with a guide rail; and an actuator assembly comprising a connector and a reset assembly, the connector being operatively connected at one end to the safety brake element, and the reset assembly being operatively connected at the connector at an end opposite to the safety brake element. The energy storage device is arranged to apply a biasing force to the connector, and a triggering element is arranged to selectively hold the energy storage device in the energy storage state. Detect overspeed events of the traveling component; The trigger element is operated to release the stored energy of the reset assembly and the energy storage device, thereby causing the safety brake element to engage with the guide rail to stop the downward movement of the traveling member; Engage the guide rail with a portion of the reset assembly to selectively and permanently connect the reset assembly to the guide rail; The traveling member is moved upward along the guide rail toward the reset assembly to return the energy storage device to its energy storage state and release the engagement of the safety brake element from the guide rail; and Disengage the portion of the reset assembly that engages with the guide rail to allow the traveling member to move along the guide rail.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, After the energy storage device returns to the energy storage state, the trigger element is re-engaged to maintain the energy storage device in the energy storage state.
13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The energy storage device is a spring.
14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The brake assembly includes a safety brake frame mounted to the traveling member, wherein the safety brake element is configured to travel along a guide surface of the safety brake frame to engage with the guide rail.
15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The connector can be pivotally connected to the reset assembly.
16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The reset assembly includes a clamping device configured to be selectively, releasably, and securely connected to the guide rail.
17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The triggering element includes a locking element that can extend to maintain the energy storage device in the energy storage state and retract to release the stored energy of the energy storage device.
18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The triggering element is fixedly attached to the traveling member, while the reset element is not fixedly attached to the traveling member.
19. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The traveling component is an elevator car or a counterweight for an elevator car.
20. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The brake assembly includes two safety brake elements, each of which is connected to the reset assembly via a corresponding connector.