Safety gear assembly for an elevator

Abstract

A safety gear assembly (100) for an elevator, comprising: at least two safety gears (101); a trigger assembly (110) for triggering the safety gears (101 ); said trigger assembly (110) comprising: - a support frame (111); - a synchronization rod (1) having elongated development according to a longitudinal direction and mounted on the support frame (111); said synchronization rod (1) being operatively connected to both the safety gears (101) so that it will activate or deactivate both the safety gears synchronously. The synchronization rod (1) comprises: - a first portion (2) having elongated development according to a first direction; - a second portion (3) mounted on the first portion (2) so as to be able to slide along a direction substantially parallel to said first direction.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SAFETY GEAR ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELEVATOR

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a safety gear assembly for an elevator.

[0005] Background art

[0006] As known, it is required that the speed of the elevator car is monitored in order to stop it if a predetermined maximum speed is exceeded or it starts moving without being commanded to when standing. The devices typically used for satisfying these safety requirements are an overspeed governor and a safety gear assembly connected to the overspeed governor and attached to the elevator car or the car frame. The overspeed governor activates the safety gear assembly to stop the elevator car in case a predetermined maximum speed is exceeded.

[0007] In this context, a prior art solution of a safety gear assembly - illustrated in figure 2 - envisages the use of a synchronization rod mounted on a frame. The two ends of the synchronization rod are each connected to their respective safety gear so that it may activate them if certain conditions (for example, excessive speed) are met. The synchronization rod is controlled via a linkage system by the overspeed governor.

[0008] In this context, known synchronization rods have to be manufactured ad hoc for each application, in particular in relation to the dimensions of the elevator car. This makes the manufacturing process complex. In particular, operations are slowed in case a new model not already on the market is needed, since it must be designed and manufactured from scratch. Moreover, these multiplicity of models of synchronization rods have to be stored in warehouse, taking up a considerable amount of space.

[0009] Another inconvenient is that the known synchronization rod are manufactured by welding.

[0010] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a safety gear assembly for an elevator, which overcomes the drawbacks in the prior art as described above. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a safety gear assembly for an elevator, which is versatile and quickly adaptable to different elevator models.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a safety gear assembly for an elevator, comprising: at least two safety gears; a trigger assembly for triggering the safety gears; said trigger assembly comprising:

[0013] - a support frame;

[0014] - a synchronization rod having elongated development according to a longitudinal direction and mounted on the support frame; said synchronization rod being operatively connected to both the safety gears so that it will activate or deactivate them synchronously, wherein the synchronization rod comprises: a first portion having elongated development according to a first direction; a second portion mounted on the first portion so as to be able to slide along a direction substantially parallel to said first direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the second portion partly protrudes from one end of the first portion.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are mutually arranged so that the second portion defines an extension of the first portion.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first portion is shaped so as to guide the second portion in its slide.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the second portion is at least partly embraced by the first portion.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the synchronization rod comprises a third portion mounted on the first portion at an opposite end with respect to the second portion, so as to be able to slide along a direction which is substantially parallel to said first direction. Preferably, the second portion and the third portion are slidable along opposite directions.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first portion has a plurality of through holes defining a correspondent plurality of discrete positions that the second portion may assume with respect to the first portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the first portion has one or more elongated slots.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first portion has both a plurality of through holes and one or more elongated slots, the second portion having at least one corresponding bore matched with one of the through holes, the third portion having at least one corresponding hole matched with one of the elongated slots.

[0023] Preferably, both the first portion and the third portion comprise an abutment wall, said synchronization rod comprising a spacer interposed between said abutment walls.

[0024] In particular, the first portion have extension along said first direction which is greater than of the second portion and of the third portion.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first portion and / or the second portion and / or the third portion have a C-shaped cross section.

[0026] The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by an elevator, comprising: a car; an emergency system associated with the car; said emergency system comprising:

[0027] - an overspeed governor with an overspeed limiter rope operatively connected with the car;

[0028] - a safety gear assembly as described;

[0029] - a linkage system for connecting the overspeed limiter rope and the synchronization rod of said safety gear assembly.

[0030] Brief description of drawings

[0031] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the non-limiting, description of a preferred, but nonexclusive embodiment of a safety gear assembly for an elevator, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

[0032] - figure 1 illustrates a prior art solution of a synchronization rod, in a perspective view;

[0033] - figure 2 illustrates a prior art solution of a safety gear assembly, with the synchronization rod of figure 1 , in a perspective view;

[0034] - figure 3 illustrates a synchronization rod, according to the present invention, in a perspective view;

[0035] - figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the synchronization rod of figure 3;

[0036] - figure 5 illustrates a part (first portion) of the synchronization rod of figure 3, in a perspective view;

[0037] - figure 6 illustrates a part (second portion) of the synchronization rod of figure 3, in a perspective view;

[0038] - figure 7 illustrates a part (third portion) of the synchronization rod of figure 3, in a perspective view;

[0039] - figures 8 and 9 illustrate a safety gear assembly for an elevator, according to the present invention, respectively in a perspective and a frontal views.

[0040] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0041] With reference to the figures, number 100 indicates a safety gear assembly for an elevator.

[0042] The safety gear assembly 100 comprises at least two safety gears 101 .

[0043] The safety gear is a component well known to a skilled person in the field of elevators, therefore it will not be further discussed. The present invention can be used in combination with different types of safety gear known, without any substantial modifications, as will appear more evident from the below description.

[0044] The safety gear assembly 100 comprises a trigger assembly 110 for triggering both the safety gears 101. As is known, the trigger assembly 110 solve the task of triggering (i.e. activating / deactivating) the safety gears 101 in the presence of an event. Typically, this event is the overcoming of a threshold speed for the car of the elevator.

[0045] The trigger assembly 110 comprises a support frame 111.

[0046] The trigger assembly 110 comprises a synchronization rod 1 having elongated development along a longitudinal direction. The synchronization rod 1 is mounted on the support frame 111.

[0047] The synchronization rod 1 is operatively connected to both the safety gears 101 so that it will activate or deactivate them synchronously.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the support frame 111 is an elevator car frame.

[0049] Preferably, the trigger assembly 110 comprises a leverage mechanism 120 which connects the synchronization rod 1 with the safety gears 101. The leverage mechanism 120 is per se known in the art.

[0050] In particular, the end of the synchronization rod 1 is connected to the safety gear 101 via the leverage mechanism 120.

[0051] In particular, the leverage mechanism 120 comprises at least one lifting lever 121 per safety gear 101. The lifting lever 121 is mounted on the support frame 111 so as to be rotatable about an axis. In particular, the rotation axis is preferably perpendicular to the support frame 111. One side of the lifting lever 121 is connected to the safety gear 101 and the opposite side is connected to the synchronization rod 1 .

[0052] The synchronization rod 1 transfers the movement from one lever 121 to the other by a pulling force.

[0053] The arrangement and function of the synchronization rod 1 are known in the art. The present invention is mainly focused on the structure of the above-mentioned synchronization rod 1 itself, as it follows.

[0054] The synchronization rod 1 comprises a first portion 2. The first portion 2 has elongated development according to a first direction. Preferably, the first direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction above mentioned. More preferably, the first direction is the longitudinal direction. The synchronization rod 1 comprises a second portion 3. The second portion 3 is mounted on the first portion 2 so as to be able to slide along a direction which is substantially parallel to the first direction. In other words, the second portion 3 is telescopic.

[0055] Preferably, the second portion 3 slides along the first direction.

[0056] In particular, the second portion 3 partly protrudes from one end of the first portion 2. This means that a part of the second portion 3 overlaps with the first portion 2 and the rest protrudes from the first portion 2.

[0057] Preferably, the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 are mutually arranged so that the second portion 3 defines an extension (variable in size, since it is telescopic) of the first portion 2.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the second portion 3 is mounted at one end of the first portion 2.

[0059] Preferably, the first portion 2 is shaped so as to guide the second portion 3 in its slide.

[0060] Preferably, the second portion 3 is at least partly embraced by the first portion 2. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 2 has a C-shaped cross section. This means that the first portion 2 has a central support 2a with two flaps 2b protruding from opposite sides of it, with a development away from it in a transverse direction, preferably substantially orthogonal. The two flaps 2b defines an inner space in which the second portion 3 may be housed and guided.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the synchronization rod 1 comprises a third portion 4. The third portion 4 is mounted on the first portion 2 at an opposite end with respect to the second portion 3. The third portion 4 is mounted on the first portion 2 so as to be able to slide along a direction which is substantially parallel to the first direction. In other words, the third portion 4 is telescopic.

[0062] Preferably, the third portion 4 slides along the first direction.

[0063] In particular, the third portion 4 partly protrudes from one end of the first portion 2. This means that a part of the third portion 4 overlaps with the first portion 2 and the rest protrudes from the first portion 2.

[0064] Preferably, the first portion 2 and the third portion 4 are mutually arranged so that the third portion 4 defines an extension (variable in size, since it is telescopic) of the first portion 2.

[0065] In particular, the second portion 3 and the third portion 4 are slidable along opposite directions. In particular, they define the extensions of both ends (along the first direction) of the first portion 2.

[0066] Preferably, the first portion 2 has a plurality of through holes 5 defining a correspondent plurality of discrete positions that the second portion 3 may assume with respect to the first portion 2. These discrete positions define different degrees of extension of protrusion.

[0067] In particular, the second portion 3 has at least one corresponding bore 6 which is matched with one of the through holes 5 of the first portion 2. The synchronization rod 1 comprises at least one locking element which is inserted into one of the through holes 5 and the corresponding bore 6 to lock the second portion 2 in position.

[0068] Preferably, the first portion 2 has one or more elongated slots 7. Differently from the through holes 5, the elongated slot 7 allows for a fine adjustment of mutual position.

[0069] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 2 has both a plurality of though holes 5 and one or more elongated slots 7. The second portion 3 has at least one corresponding bore 6 matched with one of the through holes 5. The third portion 4 has at least one corresponding hole 8 matched with one of the elongated slots 7.

[0070] The combination of through holes and elongated slots allows for a precise assembling of the portions to reach the desired length of the synchronization rod 1 . Indeed, the second portion 3 is assembled with a coarse adjustment via the through holes 5. Then, the third portion 4 is assembled with a fine adjustment via the elongated slots 7.

[0071] Preferably, the first portion 2 and the third portion 4 both comprise an abutment wall 2c, 4c. The synchronization rod 1 comprises a spacer 9 interposed between said abutment walls 2c, 4c. Preferably, the spacer 9 is an adjustment screw.

[0072] Preferably, the central support 2a of the first portion 2 has an aperture 10. The abutment wall 4c of the third portion 4 in inserted into the aperture 10 from below so as to protrude above the first portion 2. Preferably, the abutment wall 2c of the first portion 2 protrudes from the central support 2a.

[0073] Preferably, the first portion 2 have extension along the first direction which is greater than of the second portion 3 and of the third portion 4.

[0074] Preferably, the first portion 2 and / or the second portion 3 and / or the third portion 4 have a C-shaped cross section.

[0075] Note that the expressions “second portion” and “third portion” are merely formal to provide a clear description and illustration of the components, but in any case this can be considered a limitation of features of the second portion or third portion. Indeed, what is described for the second portion can be intended applicable for the third portion, and vice versa.

[0076] An elevator is also an object of the present invention. The elevator comprises a car and an emergency system.

[0077] The emergency system comprises an overspeed governor with an overspeed limiter rope operatively connected with the car.

[0078] The emergency system comprises the safety gear assembly 100 as described above.

[0079] The emergency system comprises a linkage system (illustrated in figures 8 and 9 with the number 130) connected to both the overspeed limiter rope and the safety gear assembly 100.

[0080] Overspeeding of the car activates the overspeed governor, whereby the rotation of the overspeed governor is stopped together with the overspeed limiter rope. This exerts a pull on a linkage system 130 which connects the overspeed governor with the safety gears assembly 100, resulting in the activation of both of the safety gears 101. In particular, the linkage system 130 acts on one lifting lever 121 which, by rotating, make the synchronization rod 1 exerting a pulling force causing the rotation of the other lifting lever 121 associated with the other safety gear 101 .

[0081] As substantiated above, the emergency system with its components are per se known to a skilled person. The present invention is mainly focused on the synchronization rod 1 which is part of the emergency system.

[0082] The characteristics of the safety gear assembly for an elevator, according to the present invention, emerge clearly from the above description, as do the advantages.

[0083] In particular, the synchronization rod made of telescopic portions allows versatility and adaptability to the manufacturing of the safety gear assembly. This solution is highly customable and adjustable with respect to the previous known solutions.

[0084] Moreover, the presence of a third portion, telescopic as well, increase the versatility of adjustments in both directions. It also provides a better range of length, which is difficult to achieve with only one telescopic portion.

[0085] Moreover, the elongated slots and the abutment walls allow for a fine adjustment, increasing precision.

[0086] Moreover, the solution proposed does not require welding. In particular, the proposed solution is fully based on sheet metal components, thus also cutting and milling is not required, in contrast with prior art solutions, since all cutouts can be laser cut or punched before bending.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A safety gear assembly (100) for an elevator, comprising: at least two safety gears (101 ); a trigger assembly (110) for triggering the safety gears (101 ); said trigger assembly (110) comprising:- a support frame (111 );- a synchronization rod (1 ) having elongated development according to a longitudinal direction and mounted on the support frame (111 ); said synchronization rod (1 ) being operatively connected to both the safety gears (101 ) so that it will activate or deactivate both the safety gears synchronously, characterized in that the synchronization rod (1 ) comprises: a first portion (2) having elongated development according to a first direction; a second portion (3) mounted on the first portion (2) so as to be able to slide along a direction substantially parallel to said first direction.

2. The safety gear assembly (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the second portion (2) partly protrudes from one end of the first portion (2).

3. The safety gear assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion (2) and the second portion (3) are mutually arranged so that the second portion (3) defines an extension of the first portion (2).

4. The safety gear assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (2) is shaped so as to guide the second portion (3) in its slide.

5. The safety gear assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion (3) is at least partly embraced by the first portion (2).

6. The safety gear assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the synchronization rod (1 ) comprises a third portion (4) mounted on the first portion (2) at an opposite end with respect to the second portion (3), so as to be able to slide along a direction which issubstantially parallel to said first direction.

7. The safety gear assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein the second portion (3) and the third portion (4) are slidable along opposite directions.

8. The safety gear assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (2) has a plurality of through holes (5) defining a correspondent plurality of discrete positions that the second portion (3) may assume with respect to the first portion (2).

9. The safety gear assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (2) has one or more elongated slots (7).

10. The safety gear assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (2) has both a plurality of through holes (5) and one or more elongated slots (7), the second portion (3) having at least one corresponding bore (6) matched with one of the through holes (5), the third portion (4) having at least one corresponding hole (8) matched with one of the elongated slots (7).

11. The safety gear assembly (100) according to claim 10, wherein both the first portion (2) and the third portion (4) comprise an abutment wall (2c, 4c), said synchronization rod (1 ) comprising a spacer (9) interposed between said abutment walls 2c, 4c.

12. The safety gear assembly (100) according to any one of claims 6 to11 , wherein the first portion (2) have extension along said first direction which is greater than of the second portion (3) and of the third portion (4).

13. The safety gear assembly (100) according to any one of claims 6 to12, wherein the first portion (2) and / or the second portion (3) and / or the third portion (4) have a C-shaped cross section.

14. An elevator comprising: a car; an emergency system associated with the car; said emergency system comprising:- an overspeed governor with an overspeed limiter rope operativelyconnected with the car;- a safety gear assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims;- a linkage system (130) for connecting the overspeed limiter rope and the synchronization rod (1 ) of said safety gear assembly (100).

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