A bracket assembly for mounting an elevator drive of an elevator installation

Abstract

A bracket assembly (102) to mount an elevator drive (104) of an elevator installation (100). The bracket assembly (102) comprises a wall fixation bracket (202) adapted to be mounted on a supporting structure (108), at least a pair of connecting elements (210) fixedly attached to the wall fixation bracket (202). Each connecting element (210) comprises at least one first locking portion (214). The bracket assembly (102) comprises a mounting block (402) adapted to be attached to a support bracket (106). The mounting block (402) comprises a pair of openings, each opening having at least one second locking portion (501) and adapted to receive the respective connecting element (210). The mounting block (402) moves along the pair of connecting elements (210), and is to be secured at one of a plurality of positions along a length of the pair of connecting elements (210) by engaging the second locking portion (501) with the first locking portion (214).

Description

[0001] A BRACKET ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING AN ELEVATOR DRIVE OF AN ELEVATOR INSTALLATION

[0002] The present invention relates to elevators and more particularly, to a bracket assembly for mounting an elevator drive of an elevator installation.

[0003] Elevator installations are an essential part of multi-storey buildings, such as commercial or residential buildings, for transporting persons / goods between different floors. The elevator installation usually includes an elevator car and a counterweight, which are moved in opposite directions. The elevator car and the counterweight are guided along guide rails and are supported by at least one traction means, which is guided over a drive pulley. Further, the elevator installation includes an elevator drive to move the traction means to control the movement and position of the elevator car and the counterweight. Such elevator drive is usually mounted at the top end of the guide rails and supported by one or more horizontal brackets to construct a rigid structure. The horizontal bracket may be fixed to building wall or a shaft wall.

[0004] However, the existing horizontal brackets lack a sufficient adjustments range, stiffness, and strength to withstand variations in the shaft dimensions. There are various challenges in designing of an elevator drive bracket due a combination of loads generated during the operation of the elevator installation. Further, the existing brackets require one or more onsite mounting operations, such as welding and / or drilling, and many individual components to facilitate the attachment of such brackets with the rigid structure to support the elevator drive. This increases the overall complexity of the assembling / installation process for the brackets.

[0005] Therefore, there is an immense desire to develop a bracket assembly that can eliminate one or more shortcomings associated with the abovementioned elevator installations.

[0006] It is the object of the present invention to provide a bracket assembly to mount an elevator drive of an elevator installation, where the bracket assembly can be installed and adjusted with ease and has sufficiently high strength / reliability to withstand various loads. According to the invention, this object is solved by the bracket assembly having the features of claim 1, a method for installing the elevator drive having the steps of claim 14, and an elevator installation having the features of claim 15.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, the bracket assembly to mount an elevator drive of an elevator installation is disclosed. The bracket assembly comprises a wall fixation bracket adapted to be mounted on a supporting structure. Further, the bracket assembly comprises at least a pair of connecting elements fixedly attached to the wall fixation bracket and orthogonally extending from the wall fixation bracket. Each connecting element comprises at least one first locking portion formed on an outer surface of the respective connecting element. Further, the bracket assembly comprises a mounting block adapted to be attached to a support bracket of the elevator installation. The mounting block comprises at least a pair of openings. Each opening has at least one second locking portion and is adapted to receive the respective connecting element therethrough. The mounting block moves along the pair of connecting elements in a direction towards or away from the wall fixation bracket, and is to be secured at one of a plurality of positions along a length of the pair of connecting elements by engaging the second locking portion of the mounting block with the first locking portion of the pair of connecting elements.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for installing an elevator drive in an elevator installation is disclosed. The elevator installation comprises the bracket assembly 102 as explained in the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises mounting the wall fixation bracket on a supporting structure. At least the pair of connecting elements are attached to the wall fixation bracket and orthogonally extend from the wall fixation bracket. The method comprises attaching the mounting block of the bracket assembly to the connecting elements. The mounting block is freely coupled to the support bracket to allow a movement of the mounting block over the connecting elements. Further, the method comprises adjusting the distance between the wall fixation bracket and the support bracket by moving the mounting block along with the support bracket over the connecting elements. The method comprises tightening, at the adjusted distance, the mounting block to the support bracket such that the mounting block and the support bracket are fixed at one of the plurality of positions along the connecting elements.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the invention, an elevator installation is disclosed. The elevator installation comprises a support bracket having a first end and a second end distal to the first end. Further, the elevator installation comprises an elevator drive supported on the first end of the support bracket. Furthermore, the elevator installation comprises the bracket assembly positioned on the second end of the support bracket. The bracket assembly is adapted to attach the support bracket to a supporting structure and adjust the distance between the support bracket and the supporting structure.

[0010] Possible features and advantages of embodiments / aspects of the invention can be considered, among other things, and without limiting the invention, to be dependent upon the concepts and findings described below.

[0011] In the first aspect, the bracket assembly is provided to mount the elevator drive on the supporting structure in a building. In particular, the bracket assembly may facilitate in mounting of the support bracket that supports the elevator drive thereon. The bracket assembly comprises the wall fixation bracket that is mounted on the supporting structure and has the connecting elements provided with the first locking portion. The mounting block of the bracket assembly may be pre-attached / pre-assembled to the support bracket. Preferably, the mounting block may be freely coupled to the support bracket such that the connecting elements can be inserted within at least the pair of openings of the mounting block. This has the advantage that the mounting block along with the support bracket can be moved with respect to the connecting elements such that a distance between the support bracket and the wall fixation bracket can be adjusted. In particular, the connecting elements remain stationary and, the mounting block and the support bracket together can be moved over the connecting elements in a direction towards or away from the wall fixation bracket. Therefore, the bracket assembly provides flexibility in implementation based on the requirements, such as the operational requirement of the elevator installation and / or a size of a mounting space within which the elevator installation is to be deployed.

[0012] Further, upon adjusting the mounting block and the support bracket at a desired distance from the wall fixation bracket, the mounting block is secured at a position along the length of the pair of connecting elements by engaging the second locking portion of the mounting block with the first locking portion of the pair of connecting elements. This has the advantage that the mounting block is interlocked with the connecting elements such that the relative movement between the support bracket, the mounting block, and the connecting elements is restricted. Owing to such interlocking, the bracket assembly along with the support bracket attains high structural stiffness and can withstand high loads during the operation of the elevator installation. This substantially reduces the possibility of effects, such as bending or twisting, in the bracket assembly or the support bracket during the operation of the elevator installation. This has the advantage that the elevator drive can be securely / firmly mounted on the support bracket that is further attached to the supporting structure via the bracket assembly.

[0013] As explained earlier, the mounting block is loosely pre-attached / pre-assembled to the support bracket such that the connecting elements can be inserted in the pair of openings of the mounting block. In particular, the support bracket can be mounted on the supporting surface with ease by simply inserting the connecting elements in the pair of openings of the mounting block and thereafter interlocking the mounting block with the connecting elements. This eliminates the requirement of performing extensive onsite mounting operations, such as drilling or welding, to mount the support bracket on the supporting structure. This has the advantage that the overall physical effort and the time requirement for installing the elevator drive in the elevator installation are substantially reduced. Further, the implementation of the bracket assembly eliminates the requirement of multiple individual components / hardware required for mounting the support bracket on the supporting structure.

[0014] Therefore, the bracket assembly of the present invention is reliable, effective, efficient, less complex, and easy to implement.

[0015] In the following, further embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the second locking portion and the first locking portion have matching contours to enable interlocking between the mounting block and the connecting elements when the first locking portion engages with the second locking portion.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first locking portion comprises threads, ridges, grooves, or a combination thereof adapted to be engaged with the second locking portion. This has the advantage that the mounting block is interlocked with the connecting elements such that the relative movement between the support bracket, the mounting block, and the connecting elements is restricted. Owing to such interlocking, the bracket assembly along with the support bracket attains high structural stiffness and can withstand high loads during the operation of the elevator installation. This substantially reduces the possibility of effects, such as bending or twisting, in the bracket assembly or the support bracket during the operation of the elevator installation. This has the advantage that the elevator drive can be securely / firmly mounted on the support bracket that is further attached to the supporting structure via the bracket assembly.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the first locking portion is formed on an entire length of each connecting element, or a plurality of the first locking portion is formed at the plurality of positions along each connecting element.

[0019] The advantage of providing the first locking portion on the entire length of each connecting element is that the mounting block along with the support bracket can be adjusted at any position over the connecting elements and, can be secured at any required distance from the wall fixation wall.

[0020] Further, the plurality of the first locking portion can also be formed at the plurality of positions along each connecting element. For example, the first locking portion may be formed at two distinct positions along the connecting element. In such an example, the mounting block along with the support bracket can be secured at the two positions along the connecting element. This has the advantage that the first locking portion is to be formed at desired positions on the connecting elements such that different distances can be attained between the support bracket and the wall fixation bracket when the mounting block is secured to the first locking portion at the desired positions. Advantageously, the connecting element may function as a measuring tool such that the first locking portion formed at distinct positions on the connecting elements may correspond to different distances which can be attained between the support bracket and the wall fixation bracket. This has the advantage that a technician, with minimal effort, can secure the mounting bracket at one of the plurality of positions based on a desired distance that needs to be attained between the support bracket and the wall fixation bracket. In one or more embodiments, the mounting block is to be positioned within a channel defined in the support bracket and is adapted to be coupled with a plurality of walls of the channel. The mounting block is moved along with the support bracket on the pair of connecting elements to adjust a distance between the support bracket and the wall fixation bracket.

[0021] Advantageously, the mounting block is positioned within the channel such that the mounting block can be fastened with more than one wall, such as side walls and a bottom wall, of the support bracket. This has the advantage that the mounting block along with the support bracket attains high structural stiffness and can withstand high loads during the operation of the elevator installation. This substantially reduces the possibility of effects, such as bending or twisting, in the bracket assembly or the support bracket during the operation of the elevator installation. Further, this has the advantage that the elevator drive can be securely / firmly mounted on the support bracket that is further attached to the supporting structure via the bracket assembly.

[0022] Further, the mounting block is freely / loosely coupled to the support bracket such that the mounting bracket can be moved on the connecting elements to adjust the distance between the support bracket and the wall fixation bracket. This eliminates the requirement of performing extensive physical adjustments to mount the support bracket at different distances with respect to the wall fixation bracket. Further, this has the advantage that the overall physical effort and the time requirement for adjusting the distance between the support bracket and the wall fixation bracket are substantially reduced. Furthermore, the implementation of the mounting block and the connecting elements eliminates the requirement of multiple individual components / hardware required for mounting the support bracket on the supporting structure.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the mounting block comprises a first split block having a first pair of openings adapted to receive the pair of connecting elements therein. The mounting block comprises a second split block positioned adjacent to the first split block and has a second pair of openings adapted to receive the pair of connecting elements therein. Further, the mounting block comprises a connecting plate disposed at a top end of each of the first split block and the second split block. The connecting plate is adapted to couple the first split block with the second split block. The advantage of providing two split blocks, such as the first split block and the second split block, is that the overall stiffness and strength of the bracket assembly are substantially increased. In particular, the first split block and the second split block can be fastened to the support bracket and can be secured to the connecting element, therefore two split blocks collectively achieve higher mechanical engagement between the support bracket and the connecting element. This substantially increases the overall stiffness and the strength of the bracket assembly and thereby reduces the possibility of effects, such as bending or twisting, in the bracket assembly or the support bracket during the operation of the elevator installation.

[0024] Further, the advantage of providing the pair of openings, such as the first pair of openings and the second pair of openings, in each split block is that a rotational movement of each split block can be restricted with respect to the connecting elements. In particular, the connecting elements are inserted through the pair of openings of each split block such that the rotational movement of the split blocks is prevented. This has the advantage that the overall stiffness and strength of the bracket assembly are substantially increased.

[0025] The advantage of providing the connecting plate is that the first split block can be coupled to the second split block such that the relative movement between the split blocks can be prevented. This further has the advantage that the overall stiffness and strength of the bracket assembly are substantially increased.

[0026] Although, preferably, the mounting block comprises two split blocks. However, it should not be construed as limiting, and the mounting block may also include only one split block or more than one split block, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, each of the first split block and the second split block comprises a first sub-block and a second sub-block positioned vertically below the first sub-block. The second sub-block is coupled to the first sub-block via a fastening member vertically inserted through each of the first sub-block and the second sub-block. Each of the first sub-block and the second sub-block comprises a first wall, a second wall formed opposite to the first wall, and a pair of lateral walls extending between the first wall and the second wall. Further, each of the first sub-block and the second sub-block comprises a pair of engaging surfaces formed on the second wall and has the second locking portion.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the first sub-block is coupled to the second sub-block such that the pair of engaging surfaces of the first sub-block align with the pair of engaging surfaces of the second sub-block to form the pair of openings to receive the connecting elements therein.

[0029] The advantage of providing two sub-blocks, such as the first sub-block and the second sub-block, for each split block is that the split blocks can be moved on the connecting elements with ease and also can be secured at distinct positions on the connecting elements without any requirement of additional hardware. In particular, the first sub-block and the second sub-block can be pre-coupled / pre-assembled to each other via the fastening member such that the pair of engaging surfaces form the pair of openings to receive the connecting elements therein. This enables the technician to simply align the sub-blocks with the connecting elements and insert the connecting elements within the pair of openings formed between the sub-blocks of each split block. This simplifies the overall process of assembly of the mounting block with the connecting elements and eliminates any requirement for additional hardware to attach the mounting block with the connecting elements of the wall fixation bracket.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, each of the first split block and the second split block is positioned in the channel of the support bracket such that the fastening member is inserted through the wall of the support bracket to couple the respective split block with the support bracket and to couple the first sub-block and the second sub-block of the respective split block with each other.

[0031] Advantageously, the first split block and the second split block are positioned in the channel of the support bracket such that the fastening member is inserted through the bottom wall of the support bracket. This has the advantage that the fastening member can be used for coupling the split blocks with the support bracket and also for coupling the subblocks of the respective split block together. This eliminates the requirement of multiple hardware in the bracket assembly and thereby reduces the overall complexity of the bracket assembly. In one or more embodiments, the first sub-block and the second sub-block are freely coupled to each other when the fastening member is untightened such that the respective split block is moved along with the support bracket and adjusted freely to one of the plurality of positions defined along the connecting elements.

[0032] Advantageously, the fastening member can be kept untightened such that the first sub-block and the second sub-block are freely coupled to each other. In the untightened condition, a gap can be created between the first sub-block and the second sub-block to allow the movement of the respective split block along the connecting elements. In particular, when the fastening member is untightened, the first locking portion of the connecting elements and the second locking portions of the sub-blocks of each split block are not interlocked with each other. This has the advantage that the mounting block, including the first split block and the second split block, can be moved along the connecting element to one of the plurality of positions.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the first sub-block and the second sub-block are tightly coupled to each other when the fastening member is tightened such that the second locking portion of the pair of engaging surfaces of each sub-block interlocks with the first locking portion of the connecting elements at one of the plurality of positions defined along the connecting elements.

[0034] Advantageously, the fastening member can be tightened to perform at least two actions. Firstly, the split blocks can be tightened to the support bracket, and secondly, the sub-blocks of each split block can be tightened together such that the pair of engaging surfaces of each sub-block interlocks with the first locking portion of the connecting elements. This has the advantage that the mounting block is interlocked with the connecting elements such that the relative movement between the support bracket, the mounting block, and the connecting elements is restricted. Owing to such interlocking, the bracket assembly along with the support bracket attains high structural stiffness and can withstand high loads during the operation of the elevator installation. This substantially reduces the possibility of effects, such as bending or twisting, in the bracket assembly or the support bracket during the operation of the elevator installation. This has the advantage that the elevator drive can be securely / firmly mounted on the support bracket that is further attached to the supporting structure via the bracket assembly.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, a pitch of the first locking portion of each connecting element is similar to a pitch of the second locking portion of each engaging surface such that each sub-block interlocks with the connecting elements.

[0036] This has the advantage that each sub-block interlocks tightly with the connecting elements. Further, uniformity in the pitch of the first locking portion and the second locking portion distributes forces evenly across the bracket assembly, enhancing stability and strength. This reduces the likelihood of loosening or failure of the mounting block under load. Further, matching pitches of the first locking portion and the second locking portion streamline the assembly process. The technician can rapidly align and engage the subblocks of each split block with the connecting elements without needing adjustments or additional fittings. This reduces assembly time and simplifies the manufacturing process, potentially lowering production costs. Further, the uniform pitch ensures that the interlocking between the connecting members and the sub-blocks withstands mechanical stress over time. This minimizes wear and tear on the threads, the ridges, the grooves, or a combination thereof, extending the lifespan of the bracket assembly and reducing maintenance requirements. Finally, the similar pitches of the first locking portion and the second locking portion ensure a secure fit between the connecting elements and the engaging surfaces of each sub-block. This prevents unintended disengagement or movement, particularly critical in applications where vibration, shock, or dynamic loads are present.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the pair of lateral walls of each sub-block is to be fastened to the walls of the support bracket upon adjusting the distance between the support bracket and the wall fixation bracket.

[0038] This has the advantage that the mounting block can be fastened with more than one wall, such as the side walls and a bottom wall, of the support bracket. In particular, the pair of lateral walls of each sub-block can be fastened to the side walls of the support bracket. This has the advantage that the mounting block along with the support bracket attains high structural stiffness and can withstand high loads during the operation of the elevator installation. This substantially reduces the possibility of effects, such as bending or twisting, in the bracket assembly or the support bracket during the operation of the elevator installation.

[0039] The term “supporting structure” may refer to a rigid structure, such as a wall, being a part of a building structure in which the elevator installation is to be deployed.

[0040] The term "interlocking” may refer to mechanical engagement between two or more complementary locking portions, such as the first location portion of the connecting members and the second locking portion of each split block of the mounting block.

[0041] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments and from the drawings, in which identical or functionally identical elements are denoted with identical reference signs.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an elevator installation depicting a bracket assembly to mount an elevator drive, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the bracket assembly coupled to a support bracket of the elevator installation, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion A of the bracket assembly as depicted in Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the bracket assembly coupled to the support bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the bracket assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0047] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate different isometric views of the bracket assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an elevator installation 100 depicting a bracket assembly 102 to mount an elevator drive 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elevator installation 100 being adapted to be installed in a building having a plurality of floors for transporting persons / goods between different floors. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator installation 100 comprise, but is not limited to, an elevator car (not shown), a counterweight 101, a machine pulley 103, the elevator drive 104, a support bracket 106, and the bracket assembly 102.

[0049] The elevator car being adapted to be moved between the plurality of floors of the building. In an embodiment, the elevator car being adapted to move within a vertical passage connected to each floor of the building. In one embodiment, the vertical passage may be a closed passage formed as a hoistway or an elevator shaft, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In another embodiment, the vertical passage may be an open passage, defined between each floor, without having any elevator shaft.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator car is coupled to the counterweight 101 via at least one traction medium 105. The elevator car is adapted to move along a guide rail 107. In an embodiment, the traction medium 105 may be embodied as one or more ropes, cables, chains, belts, or combinations thereof, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, the counterweight 101 may move along a guide rail (not shown). The counterweight 101 is adapted to counterbalance a sum of a load of the elevator car and a predetermined load associated with a payload capacity of the elevator car. In an embodiment, the counterweight 101 may comprise, but is not limited to, a counterweight frame (not shown) adapted to support at least one weight which acts as a counterweight.

[0051] Further, the elevator drive 104 is adapted to move the traction medium 105 to control the movement and position of the elevator car and the counterweight 101 within the vertical passage. Referring to Figure 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the elevator drive 104 is mounted on the support bracket 106. The support bracket 106 is coupled to a top portion of the guide rail 107 and a supporting structure 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting structure 108 may be embodied as a wall located in the vertical passage within which the elevator car and the counterweight 101 traverse. In another embodiment, the supporting structure 108 may be embodied as any planar structure integral to a structure of the building and located proximal to a top region of the vertical passage, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the support bracket 106 comprise a first end 106-1 and a second end 106-2 distal to the first end 106-1. The elevator drive 104 is supported on the first end 106-1 of the respective support bracket 106. Further, the bracket assembly 102 is positioned on the second end 106-2 of the support bracket 106. The bracket assembly 102 is adapted to attach the support bracket 106 to the supporting structure 108 and adjust the distance between the support bracket 106 and the supporting structure 108.

[0053] Although, in the illustrated embodiment, only one elevator drive 104 is depicted in the elevator installation 100. However, it should not be construed as limiting, and the elevator installation 100 may include more than one elevator drive 104. In such a case, multiple support brackets 106 may be deployed to support each elevator drive 104 and each support bracket 106 may be mounted on the supporting structure 108 using the bracket assembly 102.

[0054] Constructional and operational details of the bracket assembly are explained in the subsequent paragraphs with respect to Figures 2-6.

[0055] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the bracket assembly 102 coupled to the support bracket 106 of the elevator installation 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion ‘A’ of the bracket assembly 102 as depicted in Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the bracket assembly 102 coupled to the support bracket 106, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figures 2-4, the bracket assembly 102 comprises a wall fixation bracket 202 adapted to be mounted on the supporting structure 108. The wall fixation bracket 202 is mounted on the supporting structure 108 using fasteners including, but not limited to, screws and bolts. The wall fixation bracket 202 comprises a first mounting element 204 and a second mounting element 206. The first mounting element 204 is coupled to the second mounting element to form the wall fixation bracket 202.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting element 204 comprises a first portion 204-1 and a second portion 204-2 extending orthogonally with respect to the first portion 204-1. The first mounting element 204 forms a surface contact with the supporting structure 108 when the wall fixation bracket 202 is mounted on the supporting structure 108. The first portion 204-1 comprises a plurality of slots to facilitate the fastening of the first mounting element 204 to the supporting structure 108 using the plurality of fasteners.

[0058] Similarly, the second mounting element 206 comprises a first portion 206-1 and a second portion 206-2 extending orthogonally with respect to the first portion 206-1. The first mounting element 204 and the second mounting element 204 is coupled to each other such that the first portion 204-1 aligns with the first portion 206-1 and the second portion 204-2 aligns with the second portion 206-2. The first portion 206-1 comprises a plurality of slots adapted to be aligned with the slots formed on the first portion 204-1 of the first mounting element 204. The plurality of fasteners are inserted through the slots of the first portion 206-1 and the first portion 204-1 to facilitate mounting of the first mounting element 204 and the second mounting element 206 on the supporting structure 108.

[0059] Further, the second portion 206-2 of the second mounting element 206 comprises at least a pair of dampening elements 208. The pair of dampening element 208 is adapted to be attached to the second portion 204-2 of the first mounting element 204. The pair of dampening element 208 is positioned between the first portion 204-1 and the first portion 206-1 when the first mounting element 204 and the second mounting element 206 are coupled to each other.

[0060] Further, the bracket assembly 102 comprises at least a pair of connecting elements 210 fixedly attached to the wall fixation bracket 202 and orthogonally extending from the wall fixation bracket 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of connecting elements 210 are fixedly attached to the second portion 206-1 of the second mounting element 206 of the wall fixation bracket 202 and orthogonally extends from the second portion 206-1. The connecting elements 210 may be formed of a metallic material. In an example, the pair of connecting elements 210 may be welded to the second portion 206-1. In one or more examples, the pair of connecting elements 210 may be fixedly attached to the second portion 206-1 by using any other joining process, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0061] Each connecting element 210 comprises a first locking portion 214 formed on an outer surface of the respective connecting element 210. The first locking portion 214 may comprise threads, ridges, grooves, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking portion 214 comprises a circular non-helical thread, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking portion 214 are formed on an entire length of each connecting element 210. In another embodiment, each connecting element 210 comprises a plurality of the first locking portion 214 formed at a plurality of positions along each connecting element 210. In the illustrated embodiment, each connecting element 210 are embodied as a circular rod. However, this should not be construed as limiting, and the connecting element 210 may also have different shapes and profiles, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to Figure 4, the bracket assembly 102 comprises a mounting block 402 adapted to be attached to the support bracket 106 of the elevator installation 100. The mounting block 402 are positioned within a channel 106-3 defined in the support bracket 106. The mounting block 402 are adapted to be coupled with a plurality of walls 109 of the channel 106-3 via a plurality of fasteners 303, such as bolts. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of walls 109 comprise a pair of side walls 109-1, 109-2 and a bottom wall 109- 3 extending between the side walls 109-1, 109-2. The mounting block 402 can be moved along with the support bracket 106 on the pair of connecting elements 210 to adjust a distance ‘d’ (as shown in Figure 1) between the support bracket 106 and the wall fixation bracket 202.

[0064] Constructional details of the mounting block 402 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs with respect to Figures 5-6b. Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the bracket assembly 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6a and 6b illustrate different isometric views of the bracket assembly 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to Figures 3 -6b, the mounting block 402 comprises at least a pair of openings. Each opening has a second locking portion 501 and is adapted to receive the respective connecting element 210 therethrough. The mounting block 402 moves along the pair of connecting elements 210 in the direction towards or away from the wall fixation bracket 202. The mounting block 402 is adapted to be secured at one of the plurality of positions along the length of the pair of connecting elements 210 by engaging the second locking portion 501 of the mounting block 402 with the first locking portion 214 of the pair of connecting elements 210.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting block 402 comprises a first split block 406, a second split block 408, and a connecting plate 410. The first split block 406 comprises a first pair of openings 602 (as shown in Figures 6a-6b) adapted to receive the pair of connecting elements 210 therein. The second split block 408 is positioned adjacent to the first split block 406. In the illustrated embodiment, the term ‘positioned adjacent’ refers to positioning the second split block 408 at a predefined distance ‘s’ (as shown in Figure 6b) from the first split block 406.

[0067] The second split block 408 comprises a second pair of openings 604 (as shown in Figures 6a-6b) adapted to receive the pair of connecting elements 210 therein. The connecting plate 410 is disposed at a top end 606 (as shown in Figure 6b) of each of the first split block 406 and the second split block 408. The connecting plate 410 is adapted to couple the first split block 406 with the second split block 408. Further, the connecting plate 410 maintains the predefined distance ‘s’ between the first split block 406 and the second split block 408.

[0068] Constructional details of the first split block 406 are similar to the constructional details of the second split block 408, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Constructional details of the first split block 406 and the second split block 408 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs. Referring to Figure 5, each of the first split block 406 and the second split block 408 comprises a first sub-block 502 and a second sub-block 504 positioned vertically below the first sub-block 502. The second sub-block 504 is coupled to the first sub-block 502 via a fastening member 506 vertically inserted through each of the first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504.

[0069] Each of the first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504 comprises a first wall 508, a second wall 510 formed opposite to the first wall 508, a pair of lateral walls 512 extending between the first wall 508 and the second wall 510. Each of the first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504 comprise a through hole 511 formed between the first wall 508 and the second wall 510. The through hole 511 vertically receive the fastening member 506 to couple the first sub-block 502 with the second sub-block 504.

[0070] Further, each of the first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504 comprise a pair of engaging surfaces 514-1, 514-2 formed on the second wall 510. Each engaging surface 514-1, 514-2 have the second locking portion 501. The first sub-block 502 is coupled to the second sub-block 504 such that the pair of engaging surfaces 514-1, 514-2 of the first sub-block 502 aligns with the pair of engaging surfaces 514-1, 514-2 of the second sub-block 504 to form the pair of openings, such as the first pair of openings 602 or the second pair of openings 604, to receive the connecting elements 210 therein.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of engaging surfaces 514-1, 514-2 of the first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504 have a semi-circular profile. In such an embodiment, the first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504 are coupled to each other such that the pair of engaging surfaces 514-1, 514-2 of the first sub-block 502 aligns with the pair of engaging surfaces 514-1, 514-2 of the second sub-block 504 to form the pair of openings 602 604 having a circular profile, to receive the connecting elements 210, i.e., the circular rod, therein. However, this should not be construed as limiting, and the pair of engaging surfaces 514-1, 514-2 of each sub-block 502, 504 have different profiles based on the shape and profile of the connecting elements 210 which is to be engaged with the second locking portion 501 formed on each engaging surface 514-1, 514-2, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each of the first split block 406 and the second split block 408 are rested on a wall, i.e., the bottom wall 108-3, of the support bracket 106, and fastened to the bottom wall 108- 3. In particular, each of the first split block 406 and the second split block 408 are rested on the bottom wall 108-3 such that the first wall 508 of the second sub-block 504 of each of the first split block 406 and the second split block 408 face towards the bottom wall 108- 3 of the support bracket 106. Each of the first split block 406 and the second split block 408 are positioned in the channel 106-3 of the support bracket 106 such that the fastening member 506 is inserted through the bottom wall 109-3 of the support bracket 106 to couple the respective split block 406, 408 with the support bracket 106 and to couple the first subblock 502 and the second sub-block 504 of the respective split block 406, 408 with each other.

[0072] The first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504 are freely coupled to each other when the fastening member 506 is untightened such that the respective split block 406, 408 is moved along with the support bracket 106 and adjusted freely to one of the plurality of positions defined along the connecting elements 210. When the fastening member 506 is untightened, the first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504 remain loosely / freely coupled to each other and a gap can be created between the first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504. Such a gap allows the movement of the respective split blocks 406, 408 along with the support bracket 106.

[0073] Further, the first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504 may be tightly coupled to each other when the fastening member 506 is tightened such that the second locking portion 501 of the pair of engaging surfaces 514-1, 514-2 of each sub-block 502, 504 interlocks with the first locking portion 214 of the connecting elements 210 at one of the plurality of positions defined along the connecting elements 210. The interlocking between the first locking portion 214 and the second locking portion 501 can restrict the movement of the respective split blocks 406, 408 on the connecting elements 210.

[0074] Further, the pair of lateral walls 512 of each sub-block 502, 504 are fastened to walls, such as the side walls 109-1, 109-2, of the support bracket 106 upon adjusting the distance ‘d’ between the support bracket 106 and the wall fixation bracket 202. The first sub-block 502 and the second sub-block 504 of each of the first split block 406 and the second split block 408 are individually coupled to the side walls 109-1, 109-2 of the support bracket 106 using the fasteners 303. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to Figure 5, the lateral walls 512 comprise openings 512-1 to receive the fasteners 303 for coupling the respective sub-block 502, 504 to the side walls 109-1, 109-2. In particular, the side walls 109-1, 109-2 comprise fastening slots (not shown) which align with the openings 512-1 formed on the lateral walls 512. The fasteners 303 can be inserted through the fastening slots of the side walls 109-1, 109-2 and the openings 512-1 of the lateral walls 512 to couple the respective sub-block 502, 504 to the side walls 109-1, 109-2.

[0075] As explained earlier, the bracket assembly 102 is employed for mounting the elevator drive 104 in the elevator installation 100. The elevator drive 104 is mounted on the support bracket 106 which is further mounted on the supporting structure 108 using the bracket assembly 102. Herein, a method for installing the elevator drive 104 in the elevator installation 100 is explained. For the sake of brevity, the details, of the bracket assembly 102, as explained with respect to Figures l-6b are not again explained in the subsequent paragraphs.

[0076] Firstly, the method comprises mounting the wall fixation bracket 202 on the supporting structure 108. At least the pair of connecting elements 210 are attached to the wall fixation bracket 202 and orthogonally extend from the wall fixation bracket 202. Preferably, the wall fixation bracket 202 may be fastened to the supporting structure 108 using the plurality of fasteners.

[0077] Further, the method comprises attaching the mounting block 402 of the bracket assembly 102 to the connecting elements 210. The mounting block 402 can be freely coupled to the support bracket 106 to allow a movement of the mounting block 402 over the connecting elements 210. The mounting block 402 is attached to the connecting elements 210 by inserting the connecting elements 210 through the first pair of openings 602 of the first split block 406 and the second pair of openings 604 of the second split block 408. Further, the mounting block 402 may be loosely pre-fitted to the support bracket 106 using the fastening members 506 inserted through the bottom wall 109-3 to couple the first split block 406 and the second split block 408 to the support bracket 106.

[0078] Subsequently, the method comprises adjusting the distance ‘d’ between the wall fixation bracket 202 and the support bracket 106 by moving the mounting block 402 along with the support bracket 106 over the connecting elements 210. The fastening member 506 is in a loosened condition such that the mounting block 402 along with the support bracket 106 can be moved over the connecting elements 210 to adjust the distance ‘d’. Thereafter, the method comprises tightening, at the adjusted distance ‘d’, the mounting block 402 to the support bracket 106 such that the mounting block 402 and the support bracket 106 are fixed at one of the plurality of positions along the connecting elements 210. The mounting block 402 may be tightened to the support bracket 106 by tightening the fastening members 506. In particular, upon adjusting the distance ‘d’, the fastening members 506 may be tightened such that the first split block 406 and the second split block 408 interlock with the connecting members 210 and, also each split block 406, 408 is tightened to the bottom wall 109-3 of the support bracket 106. Further, the fasteners 303 can be inserted through the fastening slots of the side walls 109-1, 109-2 of the support bracket 106 and the openings 512-1 of the lateral walls 512 to couple the respective sub- block 502, 504 of each split block 406, 408 to the side walls 109-1, 109-2.

[0079] Lastly, the method comprises mounting the elevator drive 104 on the first end 106- 1 of the support bracket 106.

Claims

Claims:

1. A bracket assembly ( 102) to mount an elevator drive ( 104) of an elevator installation (100), the bracket assembly (102) comprising: a wall fixation bracket (202) adapted to be mounted on a supporting structure (108); at least a pair of connecting elements (210) fixedly attached to the wall fixation bracket (202) and orthogonally extending from the wall fixation bracket (202), each connecting element (210) comprising at least one first locking portion (214) formed on an outer surface of the respective connecting element (210); and a mounting block (402) adapted to be attached to a support bracket (106) of the elevator installation (100), and comprising at least a pair of openings (602, 604), each opening (602, 604) having at least one second locking portion (501) and adapted to receive the respective connecting element (210) therethrough, wherein the mounting block (402) moves along the pair of connecting elements (210) in a direction towards or away from the wall fixation bracket (202) and is to be secured at one of a plurality of positions along a length of the pair of connecting elements (210) by engaging the second locking portion (501) of the mounting block (402) with the first locking portion (214) of the pair of connecting elements (210).

2. The bracket assembly ( 102) according to claim 1 , wherein the second locking portion (501) and the first locking portion (214) have matching contours to enable interlocking between the mounting block (402) and the connecting elements (210) when the first locking portion (214) engages with the second locking portion (501).

3. The bracket assembly (102) according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the first locking portion (214) comprises threads, ridges, grooves, or a combination thereof adapted to be engaged with the second locking portion (501).

4. The bracket assembly (102) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein: the first locking portion (214) is formed on an entire length of each connecting element (210), ora plurality of the first locking portion (214) is formed at the plurality of positions along each connecting element (210).

5. The bracket assembly (102) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the mounting block (402) is to be positioned within a channel (106-3) defined in the support bracket (106) and is adapted to be coupled with a plurality of walls (109-1, 109-2, 109-3) of the channel (106-3), wherein the mounting block (402) is moved along with the support bracket (106) on the pair of connecting elements (210) to adjust a distance (d) between the support bracket (106) and the wall fixation bracket (202).

6. The bracket assembly (102) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting block (402) comprises: a first split block (406) having a first pair of openings (602) adapted to receive the pair of connecting elements (210) therein; a second split block (408) positioned adjacent to the first split block (406) and having a second pair of openings (604) adapted to receive the pair of connecting elements (210) therein; and a connecting plate (410) disposed at a top end (606) of each of the first split block (406) and the second split block (408), wherein the connecting plate (410) is adapted to couple the first split block (406) with the second split block (408).

7. The bracket assembly (102) according to claim 6, wherein each of the first split block (406) and the second split block (408) comprises: a first sub-block (502); and a second sub-block (504) positioned vertically below the first sub-block (502), wherein the second sub-block (504) is coupled to the first sub-block (502) via a fastening member (506) vertically inserted through each of the first sub-block (502) and the second sub-block (504), wherein each of the first sub-block (502) and the second sub-block (504) comprises: a first wall (508); a second wall (510) formed opposite to the first wall (510);a pair of lateral walls (512) extending between the first wall (508) and the second wall ( 10); and a pair of engaging surfaces (514-1, 514-2) formed on the second wall (510) and having the second locking portion (501).

8. The bracket assembly (102) according to claim 7, wherein the first sub-block (502) is coupled to the second sub-block (504) such that the pair of engaging surfaces (514- 1, 514-2) of the first sub-block (502) align with the pair of engaging surfaces (514- 1, 514-2) of the second sub-block (504) to form the pair of openings (602, 604) to receive the connecting elements (210) therein.

9. The bracket assembly (102) according to any of claims 5-8, wherein: each of the first split block (406) and the second split block (408) is positioned in the channel (106-3) of the support bracket (106) such that the fastening member (506) is inserted through the wall (109-3) of the support bracket (106) to couple the respective split block (406, 408) with the support bracket (106) and to couple the first sub-block (502) and the second sub-block (504) of the respective split block (406, 408) with each other.

10. The bracket assembly (102) according to any of claims 7-9, wherein: the first sub-block (502) and the second sub-block (504) are freely coupled to each other when the fastening member (506) is untightened such that the respective split block (406, 408) is moved along with the support bracket (106) and adjusted freely to one of the plurality of positions defined along the connecting elements (210).

11. The bracket assembly (102) according to any of claims 7-10, wherein: the first sub-block (502) and the second sub-block (504) are tightly coupled to each other when the fastening member (506) is tightened such that the second locking portion (501) of the pair of engaging surfaces (514-1, 514-2) of each subblock (502, 504) interlocks with the first locking portion (214) of the connecting elements (210) at one of the plurality of positions defined along the connecting elements (210).

12. The bracket assembly (102) according to claim 11, wherein a pitch of the first locking portion (214) of each connecting element (210) is similar to a pitch of the second locking portion (501) of each engaging surface (514-1, 514-2) such that each sub-block (502, 504) interlocks with the connecting elements (210).

13. The bracket assembly (102) according to any of claims 7-12, wherein: the pair of lateral walls (512) of each sub-block (502, 504) is to be fastened to the walls (109-1, 109-2) of the support bracket (106) upon adjusting the distance (d) between the support bracket (106) and the wall fixation bracket (202).

14. A method for installing an elevator drive (104) in an elevator installation (100), the elevator installation (100) comprising a bracket assembly (102), according to claims 1-13, the method comprising: mounting the wall fixation bracket (202) on a supporting structure (108), wherein at least the pair of connecting elements (210) is attached to the wall fixation bracket (202) and orthogonally extends from the wall fixation bracket (202); attaching the mounting block (402) of the bracket assembly (102) to the connecting elements (210), wherein the mounting block (402) is freely coupled to the support bracket (106) to allow a movement of the mounting block (402) over the connecting elements (210); adjusting the distance between the wall fixation bracket (202) and the support bracket (106) by moving the mounting block (402) along with the support bracket (106) over the connecting elements (210); and tightening, at the adjusted distance, the mounting block (402) to the support bracket (106) such that the mounting block (402) and the support bracket (106) are fixed at one of the plurality of positions along the connecting elements (210).

15. An elevator installation (100) comprising : a support bracket (106) having a first end (106-1) and a second end (106-2) distal to the first end (106-1); an elevator drive (104) supported on the first end (106-1) of the support bracket (106); and a bracket assembly (102), according to claims 1-13, positioned on the second end (106-2) of the support bracket (106), the bracket assembly (102) adapted toatach the support bracket (106) to a supporting structure (108) and adjust the distance between the support bracket (106) and the supporting structure (108).

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