Guide rail arrangement and elevator

Abstract

The invention relates to a guide rail arrangement (100;200), comprising a guide rail section (101;201), which is an elongated profile member, and comprises a guide branch (102;202) for guiding a guide device (2) of an elevator car (1) or a counterweight, along it and at least one fixing branch (103;203) via which the guide rail (101;201) can be fixed to a support member (3), the fixing branch (103;203) comprising a front face (103a;203a), a back face (103b;203b) and a flank face (103c;203c); and a support member (3) having a front face (3a); and one or more guide rail fixing clips (104;204) arranged to fix the guide rail section (101;201) to the support member (3) such that the back face (103b;203b) of the fixing branch (103;203) faces the front face (3a) of the support member (3); wherein one or more of said guide rail fixing clips (104;204) comprises a fixing portion (105;205) fixed to the support member (3), in particular against the front face (3a) thereof; a compression portion (106;206) in front of the front face (103a;203a) of the fixing branch (103;203) for compressing the guide rail (102;202) towards the support member (3), in particular towards the front face (3a) thereof, the compression portion (106;206) comprising a compression face (106a;206a) facing the front face (103a;203a) of the fixing branch; and a connecting portion (107;207) connecting the fixing portion and the compression portion. The guide rail arrangement (100;200) comprises a first layer (108a; 208a) of elastic material between the front face(103a;203a) of the fixing branch (103;203) and the compression face (106a;206a) of the compression portion (106;206); and / or a second layer (108b; 208b) of elastic material between the back face (103b;203b) of the fixing branch (103;203) and the front face (3a) of the support member (3); and / or a third layer (108c; 208c) of elastic material between the flank face (103c;203c) of the fixing branch (103;203) and the lateral face (107a;207a) of the connecting portion (107;207). The invention also relates to an elevator implementing the guide rail arrangement (100;200).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a guide rail arrangement of an elevator and an elevator. The elevator is in particular an elevator for transporting passengers and / or goods.Background of the invention

[0002] An elevator has an elevator car, which is vertically movable in a hoistway for transporting passengers and / or goods. In addition, elevators usually, although not necessarily, have also a counterweight vertically movable in the hoistway. These elevator units are each guided with at least one vertically oriented guide rail mounted in the hoistway. Typically, each guide rail has a plurality of vertically oriented guide rail sections placed end-to-end on top of each other. The guide rail sections are mounted to take support in transverse direction from a mounting base, such as hoistway wall structures, with support brackets. The guide rail sections are typically mounted by rail clips to the support brackets. Each elevator unit is provided with guide devices, such as roller-guides or sliding guides, which can move along the guide rails and take support in transverse direction from them.

[0003] A drawback of known solutions has been that the guide rail sections and the structures by which they are mounted on the mounting base form a route via which vibration can transmit from the hoisting machine and / or the moving parts of elevator to the mounting base and thus to other parts of the building in which the elevator is installed. Such vibration may be felt and / or heard and thereby it is likely to disturb people.

[0004] In prior art such solutions are known where damping of noise is suggested by providing an elastic member in the support bracket. This kind of solution is for example disclosed in document CN215905648U. Generally, there has been difficulties in adding well working isolation between the guide rail sections and the mounting base, because the guide rail sections should receive relatively rigid, reliable and fail-safe horizontal support from the mounting based, which is not the case if the mounting structures yield excessively or in an uncontrolled manner.

[0005] Document JP S52 102665 U discloses the preamble of claim 1. discloses a guide rail mounted on a rail bracket, wherein a vibration absorbing elastic body is wrapped around the base of the guide rail.Brief description of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to achieve a solution by which transmission of vibration via guide rail sections to other parts of a building can be reduced. An object is particularly to provide with a simple solution well working isolation between a guide rail section and its mounting base. An object is moreover to achieve this such that a desired position of the guide rail section can be reliably ensured without risk of excessive deflection of the guide rail section in use.

[0007] It is brought forward a new guide rail arrangement according to claim 1, comprising a guide rail comprising one or more guide rail sections, which guide rail section is an elongated profile member, and comprises a guide branch for guiding a guide device of an elevator car or a counterweight along it, and at least one fixing branch via which the guide rail can be fixed to a support member, the fixing branch comprising a front face, a back face and a flank face; a support member having a front face; one or more guide rail fixing clips arranged to fix the guide rail section to the support member such that the back face of the fixing branch faces the front face of the support member; wherein one or more of said guide rail fixing clips comprises a fixing portion fixed to the support member, in particular against the front face thereof; a compression portion in front of the front face of the fixing branch for compressing the fixing branch towards the support member, in particular towards the front face thereof, the compression portion comprising a compression face facing the front face of the fixing branch; a connecting portion connecting the fixing portion and the compression portion; and wherein the guide rail arrangement comprises a first layer of elastic material between the front face of the fixing branch and the compression face of the compression portion, in particular filling a gap between them; and / or a second layer of elastic material between the back face of the fixing branch and the front face of the support member, in particular filling a gap between them; and / or a third layer of elastic material between the flank face of the fixing branch and the lateral face of the connecting portion, in particular filling a gap between them.

[0008] With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated.

[0009] Aspects of the invention and preferable further details of the arrangement are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the arrangement individually or in any combination within the scope of the claims.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail arrangement comprises a first layer of elastic material between the front face of the fixing branch and the compression face of the compression portion, in particular filling a gap between them, and the compression face is a first distance apart from the front face of the fixing branch, and the guide rail arrangement comprises a first stopping member having a first stop face and / or first stop edge in front of the front face of the fixing branch, a second distance apart from the front face of the fixing branch, which second distance is smaller than the first distance. The first stopping member is advantageous since it can limit the movement range of the guide rail section. Thus, it is avoided that the guide rail section would deflect harmfully much towards the front direction thereof. For instance, excessive deflection due to excessive elastic deformation of the elastic member or due to failure thereof can be avoided. Said second distance is preferably at most 2.5 mm, whereby in most cases the deflection of the guide rail section is not excessive in terms of ability to safely guide an elevator unit. Said second distance is preferably at least 1.0 mm. Thus, a large portion of vibration can be isolated from being transmitted via a rigid metal connection between parts. Preferably, the fixing branch is forceable to move against the elastic resistance of the first elastic layer towards the compression portion.

[0011] Preferably, if the fixing branch is moved such far towards the compression portion that it contacts the first stop face and / or stop edge, for example due to elasticity of the first elastic layer or deterioration thereof or incorrect position thereof or absence thereof, the first stop face and / or stop edge is arranged to block the fixing branch from moving further towards the compression portion. Preferably, the first stop face and / or stop edge and the front face of the fixing branch delimit an air gap between them into which the third layer does not extend. The thickness of the air gap particularly preferably defines said second distance.

[0012] Preferably, the first stopping member is a protrusion of the guide rail fixing clip, which protrusion protrudes from the compression portion towards the front face of the fixing branch. The compression portion and the first stopping member are preferably continuous plate portions.

[0013] In an aspect of the invention, the guide rail arrangement comprises a second layer of elastic material between the back face of the fixing branch and the front face of the support member, in particular filling a gap between them, and the back face of the fixing branch is a first distance apart from the front face of the support member, and the guide rail arrangement comprises a second stopping member having a second stop face and / or a second stop edge on the back side of the back face of the fixing branch, a second distance apart from the back face of the fixing branch, which second distance is smaller than the first distance. The second stopping member is advantageous since it can limit the movement range of the guide rail section. Thus, it is avoided that the guide rail section would deflect harmfully much towards the back direction thereof. For instance, excessive deflection due to excessive elastic deformation of the elastic member or due to failure thereof can be avoided. Said second distance is preferably at most 2.5 mm, whereby in most cases the deflection of the guide rail section is not excessive in terms of safe ability to guide an elevator unit. Said second distance is preferably at least 1.0 mm. Thus, a large portion of vibration can be isolated from being transmitted via a rigid metal connection between parts.

[0014] Preferably, the fixing branch is forceable to move against the elastic resistance of the second layer of elastic material towards the front face of the support member.

[0015] Preferably, if the fixing branch is moved such far towards the support member that it contacts the second stop face and / or stop edge, for example due to elasticity of the second elastic layer or deterioration thereof or incorrect position thereof or absence thereof, the second stop face and / or stop edge is arranged to block the fixing branch from moving further towards the support member.

[0016] Preferably, the second stop face and / or the second stop edge and the back face of the fixing branch delimit an air gap between them into which the second layer does not extend. The thickness of the air gap particularly preferably defines said second distance.

[0017] Preferably, the second stopping member is a protrusion of the guide rail fixing clip, in particular of the fixing portion, which protrusion extends between the back face of the fixing branch and the front face of the support member- Preferably, the fixing portion and the second stopping member are coplanar continuous plate portions In an aspect of the invention, the guide rail arrangement comprises a third layer of elastic material between the flank face of the fixing branch and the lateral face of the connecting portion, in particular filling a gap between them, and the flank face is a first distance apart from the lateral face of the connecting portion, and the guide rail arrangement comprises a third stopping member having a third stop face and / or third stop edge on the lateral side of the flank face of the fixing branch, a second distance apart from the flank face of the fixing branch, which second distance is smaller than the first distance. The third stopping member is advantageous since it can limit the movement range of the guide rail section. Thus, it is avoided that the guide rail section would deflect harmfully much in lateral direction thereof. For instance, excessive deflection due to excessive elastic deformation of the elastic member or due to failure thereof can be avoided. Said second distance is preferably at most 2.5 mm, whereby in most cases the deflection of the guide rail section is not excessive in terms of safe ability to guide an elevator unit. Said second distance is preferably at least 1.0 mm. Thus, a large portion of vibration can be isolated from being transmitted via a rigid metal connection between parts.

[0018] Preferably, the fixing branch is forceable to move against the elastic resistance of the third elastic layer towards the lateral face of the connecting portion.

[0019] Preferably, if the fixing branch is moved such far towards the connecting portion that it contacts the third stop face and / or stop edge, for example due to elasticity of the third elastic layer or deterioration thereof or incorrect position thereof or absence thereof, the third stop face and / or stop edge is arranged to block the fixing branch from moving further towards the connecting portion.

[0020] Preferably, the third stop face and / or stop edge and the flank face of the fixing branch delimit an air gap between them into which the third layer does not extend. The thickness of the air gap particularly preferably defines said second distance.

[0021] Preferably, the third stopping member is a protrusion of the guide rail fixing clip, in particular of the fixing portion, which protrusion protrudes from the fixing portion to be beside the flank face of the fixing branch closer to it than the connection portion.

[0022] Preferably, the fixing portion and the third stopping member are continuous plate portions, the third stopping member being bent to protrude from the fixing portion as above defined.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail section and the fixing portion, the compression portion and the connecting portion are made of metal.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail arrangement comprises an elastic member forming all said layers of elastic material.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail clip comprises said first stopping member, and / or said second stopping member and / or said third stopping member. Thus, accurate elastic moving range can be provided for the guide rail section simply, without additional parts and such that there is little need for adjustment of parts on installation site.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail arrangement comprises an elastic member wrapped around the fixing branch, in particular such that it extends from the back side of the fixing branch to the lateral side of the fixing branch, and onwards to the front side of the fixing branch.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the fixing portion is a planar plate portion and the connecting portion is a plate portion forming a continuation of the fixing portion, and the compression portion is a plate portion forming a continuation of a the connecting portion.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail section is shaped to have a T-letter -shaped cross-section.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail section is a hollow or solid profile member.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, Shore A hardness of the elastic material is preferably lower than 90, preferably 30-80. This kind of elasticity facilitates good isolation of vibration.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail section is vertically oriented.

[0032] It is also brought forward a new elevator comprising a guide rail arrangement as defined anywhere above or in any of claims 1-14.

[0033] With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated.

[0034] Preferable further details of the elevator are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the elevator individually or in any combination.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator comprises an elevator car and / or a counterweight vertically movable in a hoistway along the guide rail in particular along the guide branch(es) of the one or more guide rail sections.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, said elevator car and / or a counterweight comprises one or more guide devices, preferably a roller guide or sliding guide, each of which is arranged to move, in particular slide or roll, respectively, along a guide branch of a guide rail section.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the support member is fixed to a stationary mounting base, which is preferably a hoistway wall structure.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator comprises an elevator car and a hoisting roping connected to the elevator car and a motor and a drive wheel rotatable by the motor. The elevator is preferably in particular an elevator for transporting passengers and / or goods comprising an elevator control system configured to control movement of the elevator car in response to signals received from one or more user interfaces, such as user interfaces located at one or more landings and / or a user interface located inside the car, in particular by controlling rotation of a motor.Brief description of the drawings

[0039] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates schematically an elevator according to an embodiment and a guide rail arrangement according to an embodiment. Figures 2-4 illustrate details of the guide rail arrangement of Figure 1 according to a first kind. Figure 5 illustrates the guide rail clip of the embodiment shown in Figures 2-4. Figure 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastic member and a fixing branch of the guide rail section of the embodiment shown in Figures 2-4. Figures 7-9 illustrate details of the guide rail arrangement of Figure 1 according to a second kind. Figure 10 illustrates the guide rail clip of the embodiment shown in Figures 7-9. Figure 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of an elastic member and a fixing branch of the guide rail section of the embodiment shown in Figures 7-9. Detailed description

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates an elevator according to an embodiment and a guide rail arrangement 100;200 according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figures 2-6 illustrate details of a first embodiment of the guide rail arrangement 100 and 7-11 illustrate details of a first embodiment of the guide rail arrangement 200.

[0042] The elevator comprises an elevator unit, which is in the preferred embodiment an elevator car 1 vertically movable in a hoistway along a guide rail G of the guide rail arrangement 100;200, in particular along the guide branch(es) 102;202 of one or more guide rail sections 101;201 of the guide rail G. The elevator car 1 comprises guide devices 2, preferably roller guides or sliding guides, each of which is arranged to slide or roll, respectively, along a guide branch 102;202 of a guide rail section 101;201 of a guide rail G. The elevator comprises support members 3 for guide rail sections, which are fixed to a stationary mounting base, which is in the preferred embodiment a hoistway wall structure. The support members 3 are preferably so called guide rail brackets.

[0043] The guide rail arrangement 100;200 comprises a guide rail G comprising one or more vertically oriented guide rail sections 101;201 piled end-to-end on top of each other, where a guide rail section 101;201 is an elongated profile member, and comprises a guide branch 102;202 for guiding a guide device 2 of an elevator car 1 or a counterweight along it, and at least one fixing branch 103;203, in particular via which the guide rail section 101;201 can be fixed to a support member 3. The fixing branch 103;203 comprises a front face 103a;203a, a back face 103b;203b and a flank face 103c;203c. Each said branch 102,103;202,203 is an elongated profile portion of the guide rail section 101;201. The guide rail arrangement 100;200 further comprises a support member 3 having a front face 3a and guide rail fixing clips 104;204 arranged to fix the guide rail section 101;201 on the support member 3 such that the back face 103b;203b of the fixing branch 103;203 faces the front face 3a of the support member 3. The support member 3 is fixed to a stationary mounting base W, which is preferably a hoistway wall structure. The hoistway wall structure is preferably a concrete wall for example as shown in Figures 2 and 7, or alternatively it could be a stationary hoistway beam, for example.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the guide rail section 101;201 comprises two of said fixing branches 103;203 and one guide branch 102;202, the guide rail section 101;201 being in particular shaped to have a T-letter -shaped cross-section. The rail section 101;201 can be a solid profile member, as it is the case with the embodiment of Figures 2-6 or a hollow profile member, as it is the case with the embodiment of Figures 7-11. In the preferred embodiment, the guide rail arrangement 100;200 comprises at least one guide rail fixing clip 104;204 acting on each of said two fixing branches 103;203.

[0045] As visible in Figures 2 and 7, the guide rail fixing clip 104;204 comprises a fixing portion 105;205 fixed to the support member 3, in particular against the front face 3a thereof; and a compression portion 106;206 in front of the front face 103a;203a of the fixing branch 103;203 for compressing the fixing branch 103;203 towards the support member 3, in particular towards the front face thereof, the compression portion 106;206 comprising a compression face 106a;206a facing the front face 103a;203a of the fixing branch; and a connecting portion 107;207 connecting the fixing portion and the compression portion 106;206.

[0046] The guide rail arrangement 100;200 further comprises a first layer 108a; 208a of elastic material between the front face 103a;203a of the fixing branch 103;203 and the compression face 106a;206a of the compression portion 106;206, in particular filling the gap between them. This elastic layer provides isolation and resisted moveability towards the front direction thereof. Thus, transmission of vibration via guide rail sections to other parts of a building can be reduced.

[0047] The compression face 106a;206a is a first distance d1[103a] apart from the front face 103a;203a of the fixing branch 103;203, and the guide rail arrangement 100;200 comprises a first stopping member 109;209 having a first stop portion, in particular a stop face and / or stop edge 109a;209a, in front of the front face 103a;203a of the fixing branch 103;203, a second distance d2[103a] apart from the front face of the fixing branch 103;203, which second distance is smaller than the first distance. Said second distance is preferably at most 2.5 mm and preferably at least 1.0 mm. The stopping member 109;209 is advantageous since it can limit the movement range of the guide rail section 101;201. Thus, it is avoided that the guide rail section 101;201 would deflect harmfully much towards the front direction thereof. For instance, excessive deflection due to excessive elastic deformation of the elastic member 108;208 or due to failure thereof can be avoided.

[0048] The fixing branch 103;203 is forceable to move against the elastic resistance of the elastic layer 108a towards the compression portion 106;206, in particular the length of the second distance, such that the first layer 108a; 208a of elastic material is elastically compressed thinner. If the fixing branch 103;203 is moved such far towards the compression portion 106;206 that it contacts the first stop face and / or stop edge 109a;209a, for example due to elasticity of the first elastic layer or deterioration thereof or incorrect position thereof or absence thereof, the first stop face and / or stop edge 109a;209a is arranged to block the fixing branch 103;203 from moving further towards the compression portion 106;206.

[0049] The first stop face and / or stop edge and the front face 103a;203a of the fixing branch 103;203 delimit an air gap g1 between them into which the first layer does not extend, the thickness of the air gap g1 defining said second distance d2[103a]. Owing to the air gap the allowed movement can be limited accurately to a specific maximal amount.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment, the first stopping member 109;209 is a protrusion of the guide rail fixing clip 104;204, which protrusion protrudes from the compression portion 106;206 towards the front face 103a;203a of the fixing branch 103;203. The compression portion 106;206 and the first stopping member 109;209 are continuous plate portions, the first stopping member 109;209 being bent to protrude from the compression portion 106;206 as above mentioned.

[0051] The guide rail arrangement 100;200 further comprises a second layer 108b; 208b of elastic material between the back face 103b;203b of the fixing branch 103;203 and the front face 3a of the support member 3, in particular filling a gap between them. This elastic layer provides isolation and resisted moveability for the guide rail section towards back direction thereof. Thus, transmission of vibration via guide rail sections to other parts of a building can be reduced.

[0052] The back face of the fixing branch 103;203 is a first distance d1[103b] apart from the front face 3a of the support member 3, and the guide rail arrangement 100;200 comprises a second stopping member 110;210 having a second stop portion, in particular a stop face and / or stop edge 110a;210a on the back side of the back face 103b;203b of the fixing branch 103;203, a second distance d2[103b] apart from the back face 103b;203b of the fixing branch 103;203, which second distance d2[103b] is smaller than the first distance d1[103b], said second distance d2[103b] preferably being at most 2.5 mm and preferably at least 1.0 mm. The stopping member 110;210 is advantageous since it can limit the movement range of the guide rail section 101;201. Thus, it is avoided that the guide rail section 101;201 would deflect harmfully much towards the back direction thereof. For instance, excessive deflection due to excessive elastic deformation of the elastic member 108;208 or due to failure thereof can be avoided.

[0053] The fixing branch 103;203 is forceable to move against the elastic resistance of the second layer 108b; 208b of elastic material towards the front face 3a of the support member 3 such that the second elastic layer is elastically compressed thinner. If the fixing branch 103;203 is moved such far towards the support member 3 that it contacts the second stop face and / or stop edge 110a;210a, for example due to elasticity of the second elastic layer or deterioration thereof or incorrect position thereof or absence thereof, the second stop face and / or stop edge 110a;210a is arranged to block the fixing branch 103;203 from moving further towards the support member 3.

[0054] The first and second distance have been shown in Figure 3. The rail clips 104;204 being in the illustrated embodiment similar and correspondingly positioned on both sides of the guide rail section 101;201, the aforementioned gaps between parts are also similar.

[0055] The second stop face 110b;210b and / or the second stop edge and the back face 103b;203b of the fixing branch 103;203 delimit an air gap g2 between them into which the second layer 108b does not extend, the thickness of the air gap g2 defining said second distance d2[103b]. Owing to the air gap the allowed movement can be limited accurately to a specific maximal amount.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment, the second stopping member 110;210 is a protrusion of the guide rail fixing clip 104;204, in particular of the fixing portion 105;205, which protrusion extends between the back face 103b;203b of the fixing branch 103;203 and the front face 3a of the support member 3. In the preferred embodiment, the fixing portion 105;205 and the second stopping member 110;210 are coplanar continuous plate portions.

[0057] The guide rail arrangement 100;200 further comprises a third layer 108c; 208c of elastic material between the flank face 103c;203c of the fixing branch 103;203 and the lateral face 107a;207a of the connecting portion 107;207, in particular filling a gap between them. This elastic layer provides isolation and resisted moveability for the guide rail section towards the lateral direction thereof. Thus, transmission of vibration via guide rail sections to other parts of a building can be reduced.

[0058] The flank face 103c;203c is a first distance d1[103c] apart from the lateral face 107a;207a of the connecting portion 107;207, and the guide rail arrangement 100;200 comprises a third stopping member 111;211 having a third stop portion, in particular a stop face and / or stop edge 111a;211a on the lateral side of the flank face 103c;203c of the fixing branch 103;203, a second distance d2[103c] apart from the flank face 103c;203c of the fixing branch 103;203, which second distance d2[103c] is smaller than the first distance d1[103c], said second distance d2[103c] preferably being at most 2.5 mm, and preferably at least 1.0 mm. The stopping member 111;211 is advantageous since it can limit the movement range of the guide rail section 101;201. Thus, it is avoided that the guide rail section 101;201 would deflect harmfully much in lateral direction thereof. For instance, excessive deflection due to excessive elastic deformation of the elastic member 108;208 or due to failure thereof can be avoided.

[0059] The fixing branch 103;203 is in particular forceable to move against the elastic resistance of the third elastic layer towards the lateral face of the connecting portion such that the third elastic layer is elastically compressed thinner. If the fixing branch 103;203 is moved such far towards the connecting portion 107;207 that it contacts the third stop face and / or stop edge 111a;211a, for example due to elasticity of the third elastic layer or deterioration thereof or incorrect position thereof or absence thereof, the third stop face and / or stop edge 111a;211a is arranged to block the fixing branch 103;203 from moving further towards the connecting portion 107;207.

[0060] The third stop face and / or stop edge and the flank face 103c;203c of the fixing branch 103;203 delimit an air gap g3 between them into which the third layer does not extend, the thickness of the air gap g3 defining said second distance d2[103c]. Owing to the air gap g3 the allowed movement can be limited accurately to a specific maximal amount.

[0061] In the preferred embodiment, the third stopping member 111;211 is a protrusion of the guide rail fixing clip 104;204, in particular of the fixing portion 105;205, which protrusion protrudes from the fixing portion 105;205 to be beside the flank face 103c;203c of the fixing branch 103;203 closer to it than the connection portion 107;207. In the preferred embodiment, the fixing portion 105;205 and the third stopping member 111;211 are continuous plate portions, the third stopping member 111;211 being bent to protrude from the fixing portion 105;205 as above defined.

[0062] In the preferred embodiment, the guide rail arrangement 100;200 comprises all said layers 108a,108b, 108c; 208a,208b,208c of elastic material, which is advantageous and preferable since hereby the guide rail has isolation and resisted moveability towards the front, back and lateral direction thereof, whereby good overall isolation is achieved. The elastic material layers are preferably provided such that the guide rail arrangement 100;200 comprises an elastic member 108 forming all said layers 108a,108b, 108c; 208a,208b,208c of elastic material layers. As illustrated in Figures 6 and 11, in the preferred embodiment, the elastic member 108;208 is wrapped around the fixing branch 103;203, in particular such that it extends from the back side of the fixing branch 103;203 to the lateral side of the fixing branch 103;203, and onwards to the front side of the fixing branch 103;203. The material thickness of the elastic member 108;208 is preferably between 3-10 mm when not under compression.

[0063] In the preferred embodiments, the guide rail clip 104;204 comprises each said stopping member 109,110,111;209,210,211. Thus, no parts that are separate from the clip are needed and accurate elastic moving range for the guide rail section 102;202 is ensured.

[0064] In the preferred embodiments, the guide rail clip 104;204 is made of a metal plate. The shape thereof has been produced by bending and cutting and / or machining. In the preferred embodiments, the fixing portion 105;205 is a planar plate portion and the connecting portion 107;207 is a plate portion forming a continuation of the fixing portion 105;205, and the compression portion 106;206 is a plate portion forming a continuation of a the connecting portion 107;207. The connecting portion 107;207 connects the fixing portion 105;205 and the compression portion 106;206 such that the compression portion 106;206 is offset from the plane of the fixing portion 105;205. The connecting portion 107;207 is particularly bent to extend away from the plane of the fixing portion 105;205.

[0065] The guide rail arrangement 100;200 moreover comprises fixing means 112;212, in particular screw-type fixing means, preferably bolt-and-nut means, by which each said guide rail fixing clip 104;204 is fixed to the support member 3.

[0066] In the arrangement, the compression portion 106;206 has been arranged to compress the guide rail 102;202 towards the support member 3, in particular towards the front face thereof, via the first layer 108a; 208a of elastic material between the front face 103a;203a of the fixing branch 103;203 and the compression face 106a;206a of the compression portion 106;206. This has been implemented by aid of the fixing means 112;212. The fixing means 112;212 are arranged to tighten the compression portion 106;206 to compress the guide rail section 101;201, in particular the fixing branch 103;203, towards the support member 3, in particular towards the front face thereof with such a force that one or more portions of the clip, in particular preferably at least the connecting portion 107;207, bends. Hereby, sufficient compression can be maintained reliably.

[0067] In the preferred embodiments, the guide rail section 101;201 and the fixing portion 105;205, the compression portion 106;206 and the connecting portion 107;207 are preferably made of metal. Generally, the elastic material can be any elastic material. Preferably, it is rubber or a polymer material. Shore A hardness of the elastic material is preferably lower than 90, preferably 30-80.

[0068] In the preferred embodiments, the fixing means 112;212 are arranged to tighten the compression portion 106;206 to compress the guide rail section 101;201 in particular the fixing branch 103;203, towards the support member 3. Owing to the compression, one or more of the elastic material layers 108a,108b, 108c; 208a,208b,208c may be (at least slightly) elastically deformed under this compression. The vibration of the guide rail section and other forces exerted on it can cause, in use, repeated changes of the compression experienced by the elastic material layers. In Figures 2 and 3 a slight bulge in thickness of the first elastic material layer 108a is visible in the end portion of the first elastic material layer 108a that protrudes out from between the compression portion 106 and the fixing branch 103, because this end portion is not under compression. Such a bulge is however not necessarily present since the thickness of the elastic material layers depends on the prevailing forces and material hardness of the elastic material layers. Also, it is not necessary to dimension the first elastic material layer 108a such that it protrudes out from between the compression portion 106 and the fixing branch 103.

[0069] As mentioned earlier above, each stopping member has a stop portion. Generally, the stop portion can be in the form of a stop face or a stop edge, and this can be easily varied by varying the shape of the stopping member (e.g. the angle thereof). Thus, in the application preferred kinds are shown and described but different combinations and alternatives could be used. By shaping the clip such that the distance between the stopping member and the opposing portion of the guide rail section is shortest at the point of an edge of the stopping member, then the stopping portion is in the form of a stopping edge. By shaping the clip such that the distance between the stopping member and the opposing portion of the guide rail section is shortest at the point of a face of the stopping member, then the stopping portion is in the form of a stop face. For example, in the case of stopping member 109 in Figure 2, the edge of the stopping member 109 is a stopping edge. For example, in the case of stopping member 110 in Figure 2, the face of the stopping member 110 is a stop face.

[0070] Generally, the guide rail G could comprise only one guide rail section 101;201 but preferably it comprises plurality of guide rail sections 101;201 piled end-to-end on top of each other since in this way the guide rail sections can be made shorter. Figure 1 illustrates only part of the elevator. The not-illustrated parts can be as it is known in the field of elevators. The elevator unit 1 shown is an elevator car, but alternatively with the guide rail arrangement a counterweight could be guided.

[0071] Generally preferably, each said first distance d1[103a], d1[103b], d1[103c] is preferably shorter than 10 mm, more preferably shorter than 6 mm, however preferably more than 2.5 mm.

[0072] Generally preferably, each said second distance d2[103a], d2[103b], d2[103c] is preferably at most 2.5 mm, however preferably more than 0.5 mm, most preferably at least 1.0 mm. Generally preferably, the thickness of the first layer 108a,208a is such that the it fills the gap between the front face 103a;203a of the fixing branch 103;203 and the compression face 106a;206a of the compression portion 106;206. Correspondingly, generally preferably, the thickness of the second layer 108b,208b is such that it fills the gap between the faces between which it is positioned. Correspondingly, generally preferably, the thickness of the third layer 108c,208c is such that it fills the gap between the faces between which it is positioned. Generally preferably, the thickness of each said layer 108a,108b, 108c; 208a,208b,208c is more than 2.5 mm when not under compression.

[0073] It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying Figures are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The above-described embodiments of the invention may thus be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A guide rail arrangement (100;200), comprising a guide rail (G) comprising one or more guide rail sections (101;201), which guide rail section (101;201) is an elongated profile member, and comprises a guide branch (102;202) for guiding along it a guide device (2) of an elevator unit, which is an elevator car (1) or a counterweight, and at least one fixing branch (103;203) via which the guide rail section (101;201) can be fixed to a support member (3), the fixing branch (103;203) comprising a front face (103a;203a), a back face (103b;203b) and a flank face (103c;203c); and a support member (3) having a front face (3a); and one or more guide rail fixing clips (104;204) arranged to fix the guide rail section (101;201) to the support member (3) such that the back face (103b;203b) of the fixing branch (103;203) faces the front face (3a) of the support member (3); and wherein one or more of said guide rail fixing clips (104;204) comprises a fixing portion (105;205) fixed to the support member (3), in particular against the front face (3a) thereof; and a compression portion (106;206) in front of the front face (103a;203a) of the fixing branch (103;203) for compressing the fixing branch (103;203) towards the support member (3), in particular towards the front face (3a) thereof, the compression portion (106;206) comprising a compression face (106a;206a) facing the front face (103a;203a) of the fixing branch (103;203); and a connecting portion (107;207) connecting the fixing portion (105;205) and the compression portion (106;206); wherein the guide rail arrangement (100;200) comprises a first layer (108a; 208a) of elastic material between the front face (103a;203a) of the fixing branch (103;203) and the compression face (106a;206a) of the compression portion (106;206), in particular filling a gap between them; and / or a second layer (108b; 208b) of elastic material between the back face (103b;203b) of the fixing branch (103;203) and the front face (3a) of the support member (3), in particular filling a gap between them; and / or a third layer (108c; 208c) of elastic material between the flank face (103c;203c) of the fixing branch (103;203) and the lateral face (107a;207a) of the connecting portion (107;207), in particular filling a gap between them, characterized in that the guide rail arrangement (100;200) comprises a second layer (108b; 208b) of elastic material between the back face (103b;203b) of the fixing branch (103;203) and the front face (3a) of the support member (3), in particular filling a gap between them, and the back face of the fixing branch (103;203) is a first distance (d1[103b]) apart from the front face (3a) of the support member (3), and the guide rail arrangement (100;200) comprises a second stopping member (110;210) having a second stop face and / or a second stop edge (110a;210a) on the back side of the back face (103b;203b) of the fixing branch (103;203), a second distance (d2[103b]) apart from the back face (103b;203b) of the fixing branch (103;203), which second distance is smaller than the first distance, said second distance preferably being at most 2.5 mm, said second distance preferably being at least 1.0 mm; and / or the guide rail arrangement (100;200) comprises a third layer (108c; 208c) of elastic material between the flank face (103c;203c) of the fixing branch (103;203) and the lateral face (107a;207a) of the connecting portion (107;207), in particular filling a gap between them, and the flank face (103c;203c) is a first distance (d1[103c]) apart from the lateral face (107a;207a) of the connecting portion (107;207), and the guide rail arrangement (100;200) comprises a third stopping member (111;211) having a third stop face and / or third stop edge (111a;211a) on the lateral side of the flank face (103c;203c) of the fixing branch (103;203), a second distance (d2[103c]) apart from the flank face (103c;203c) of the fixing branch (103;203), which second distance is smaller than the first distance, said second distance preferably being at most 2.5 mm, and said second distance preferably being at least 1.0 mm.

2. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail arrangement (100;200) comprises a first layer (108a; 208a) of elastic material between the front face (103a;203a) of the fixing branch (103;203) and the compression face (106a;206a) of the compression portion (106;206), in particular filling a gap between them, and the compression face (106a;206a) is a first distance (d1[103a]) apart from the front face (103a;203a) of the fixing branch (103;203), and the guide rail arrangement (100;200) comprises a first stopping member (109;209) having a first stop face and / or first stop edge (109a;209a) in front of the front face (103a;203a) of the fixing branch (103;203), a second distance (d2[103a]) apart from the front face (103a;203a) of the fixing branch (103;203), which second distance is smaller than the first distance, said second distance preferably being at most 2.5 mm, said second distance preferably being at least 1.0 mm.

3. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to claim 2, wherein the fixing branch (103;203) is forceable to move against the elastic resistance of the first elastic layer (108a; 208a) towards the compression portion (106;206).

4. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to claim 3, wherein if the fixing branch (103;203) is moved such far towards the compression portion (106;206) that it contacts the first stop face and / or stop edge (109a;209a), the first stop face and / or stop edge (109a;209a) is arranged to block the fixing branch (103;203) from moving further towards the compression portion (106;206).

5. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to any of the preceding claims 2-4, wherein the first stop face and / or the first stop edge (109a;209a) and the front face (103a;203a) of the fixing branch (103;203) delimit an air gap (g1) between them into which the first layer (108a; 208a) does not extend.

6. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing branch (103;203) is forceable to move against the elastic resistance of the second layer (108b; 208b) of elastic material towards the front face (3a) of the support member (3).

7. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to claim 6, wherein if the fixing branch (103;203) is moved such far towards the support member (3) that it contacts the second stop face and / or stop edge (110a;210a), the second stop face and / or stop edge (110a;210a) is arranged to block the fixing branch (103;203) from moving further towards the support member (3).

8. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second stop face and / or the second stop edge (110a;210a) and the back face (103b;203b) of the fixing branch (103;203) delimit an air gap (g2) between them into which the second layer (108b; 208b) does not extend.

9. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing branch (103;203) is forceable to move against the elastic resistance of the third elastic layer (108c) towards the lateral face (107a;207a) of the connecting portion (107;207).

10. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to claim 9, wherein if the fixing branch (103;203) is moved such far towards the connecting portion (107;207 that it contacts the third stop face and / or stop edge (111a;211a), the third stop face and / or stop edge (111a;211a) is arranged to block the fixing branch (103;203) from moving further towards the connecting portion (107;207).

11. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the third stop face and / or the third stop edge (111a;211a) and the flank face (103c;203c) of the fixing branch (103;203) delimit an air gap (g3) between them into which the third layer (108c; 208c) does not extend.

12. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide rail clip (104;204) comprises said first stopping member (109;209) and / or said second stopping member (110;210) and / or said third stopping member (111;211).

13. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide rail arrangement (100;200) comprises an elastic member (108;208) forming all said layers (108a, 108b, 108c; 208a,208b,208c) of elastic material, the elastic member (108;208) preferably being wrapped around the fixing branch (103;203), in particular such that it extends from the back side of the fixing branch (103;203) to the lateral side of the fixing branch (103;203), and onwards to the front side of the fixing branch (103;203).

14. A guide rail arrangement (100;200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein Shore A hardness of the elastic material is lower than 90, preferably 30-80.

15. An elevator comprising a guide rail arrangement (100;200) as defined in any of the preceding claims.

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