CN107074504B

CN107074504B - Counterweight guide device for elevator

Info

Publication number: CN107074504B
Application number: CN201580059785.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·雷梅斯
Original assignee: Kone Corp
Current assignee: Kone Corp
Priority date: 2014-11-04
Filing date: 2015-10-29
Publication date: 2019-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-29
Also published as: WO2016071194A1; EP3018085B1; EP3018085A1; CN107074504A

Abstract

A counterweight guide apparatus for an elevator is disclosed. It comprises at least one guide rail (10) comprising two lateral parts (11) defining a guide groove (12) therebetween, at least one roller guide (20) configured to move along the guide rail. The roller guide comprises a guide frame (21) and at least two rollers (22) attached to the guide frame (21). Each of the rollers has a plane of rotation (23). The counterweight guiding arrangement is characterized in that each of the rollers is configured to move along a guide groove facing surface (13) of one of the lateral portions, such that each of the guide groove facing surfaces has at least one roller configured to move thereon. It is further characterized in that the roller has at least two planes of rotation, the planes of rotation being at an angle to each other, and projections of the roller onto a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the roller guide at least partially overlap.

Description

Counterweight guide device for elevator

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to elevator counterweight guiding devices and applications thereof. The disclosure further relates to a roller guide, a counterweight and an elevator.

Background

In traction elevators, a counterweight is used to balance the load of the elevator car, thereby reducing the power required for vertical movement of the elevator car. An elevator car and a counterweight are attached to opposite ends of the hoisting cable, and they move back and forth in the elevator hoistway. The movement of the counterweight is generally guided by at least one guide rail, typically two guide rails located on two opposite sides of the counterweight.

The counterweight is formed from a metal frame, which often includes two vertical side beams and two horizontal cross beams. The weight of the counterweight is adjusted by a filler packed in the frame. The counterweight further has an attachment mechanism for lifting the cable and a guide shoe that adjusts contact between the counterweight and the guide rail.

In order to keep energy consumption to a minimum and to avoid noise and vibrations during operation of the elevator, the counterweight should move as smoothly as possible along the guide rails. Counterweight is in the elevator shaft and tends to have limited space for it in both the vertical and horizontal directions. At the same time, the counterweight needs to have sufficient weight to effectively perform its balancing function.

Currently, counterweight guide shoes are often roller guides equipped with three rollers, each facing the blade of the T-shaped guide rail from one direction. This type of guide shoe must be mounted above the upper counterweight frame beam and below the lower counterweight frame beam, thereby reducing the effective height available for packing. Alternatively, patent document CN 101423163 discloses an elevator running guide apparatus including a guide rail member and a guide shoe member. The guide rail part includes a guide rail provided with two guide surfaces forming a guide groove. The width of the guide groove decreases as the groove depth increases. The guide shoe member includes a roller running inside the guide groove, and working surfaces matching the guide surfaces are formed on both sides of an outer edge of the roller, respectively. Roller guides of this type are prone to vibration and uneven loading on the components because the rollers have more than one contact surface with the rail.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a counterweight guiding device that functions smoothly and can enhance space utilization of a counterweight device.

The counterweight guide arrangement, roller guide and counterweight according to the present disclosure and their applications are particularly, but not exclusively, intended for elevators, especially passenger or goods elevators of buildings.

The counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure is characterized by what is presented in claim 1.

The roller guide according to the present disclosure is characterized by what is presented in claim 9.

The counterweight according to the present disclosure is characterized by what is presented in claim 10.

An elevator according to the disclosure is characterized by what is presented in claim 14.

The use of the counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure is characterized by what is presented in claim 15.

The counterweight guiding device and its application according to the present disclosure may provide at least one of the following advantages over the prior art.

It is possible to effectively reduce the undesired horizontal movement of the counterweight while keeping the number of roller guide members moderate.

The horizontal space occupied by the roller guide can be reduced. The cross orientation of the rollers may save space within the counterweight. Furthermore, the roller guides may be partially mounted within the counterweight frame, perhaps resulting in further space savings and allowing for an increase in the effective height of the counterweight.

The volume available for packing can be increased, allowing the use of more varied packing materials.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles thereof. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated in the figures.

In the figure:

Fig. 1 presents a counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure, seen in the direction of movement of the roller guides.

Fig. 2A and 2B present a roller guide according to the present disclosure from two different perspectives.

Fig. 3 depicts a counterweight having a roller guide according to the present disclosure mounted at its side beams.

Fig. 4 depicts details of the counterweight presented in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 depicts a counterweight and counterweight guide apparatus according to the present disclosure, viewed in the direction of movement of the roller guide.

Fig. 6 presents details of the counterweight and counterweight guide of fig. 5.

Fig. 7, panels a) to i) are schematic illustrations of some possible rail cross-sectional profiles.

Fig. 8, panels a) to d) are schematic illustrations of some possible roller profiles.

Detailed Description

in one aspect, a counterweight guide apparatus for an elevator is disclosed. It includes at least one guide rail and at least one roller guide configured to move along the guide rail. The guide rail includes two lateral portions defining a guide groove therebetween, the guide groove extending in a direction in which the roller guide moves. The roller guide includes a guide frame and at least two rollers attached to the guide frame, each of the rollers having a plane of rotation. The counterweight guiding arrangement is characterized in that each of the rollers is configured to move along a guide groove facing surface of one of the lateral portions such that each of the guide groove facing surfaces has at least one roller configured to move thereon. The counterweight guiding means is further characterized in that the projections of the rollers on a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the roller guide at least partly overlap and that the rollers have at least two planes of rotation, the planes of rotation being at an angle to each other.

Counterweights are used in traction elevators to reduce the amount of power required for moving an elevator car vertically in a hoistway. The movement of the counterweight is guided by at least one guide rail along which the counterweight moves.

The guide rails typically extend the entire length of elevator movement. The guide rails are mounted to a wall or walls of the elevator hoistway. The guide rail according to the present disclosure has two lateral portions defining a guide slot therebetween. Each lateral portion has at least one surface. The surface facing the guide groove is a guide groove facing surface. The guide groove is substantially as long as the guide rail, allowing movement of the roller guide in the direction of the guide groove. By direction of movement of the roller guide is meant herein the direction in which the roller guide is configured to move, i.e. the direction in which the guide groove extends. The determination of this direction does not require movement of the roller guide.

The lateral portions defining the guide groove are such that a cross-section of the guide rail according to the present disclosure has a valley between two lateral portions. By guide groove facing surface is meant herein the entire length of the cross section of the guide groove side. The guide groove facing surface may have various forms. It may be straight, curved or it may have one or more bends with straight or curved sections in between. The depth of the guide groove (i.e. the distance between the lowest point of the guide groove and the top of the side) may be varied. The width of the guide groove and the ratio between the depth and the width of the guide groove may also vary.

The preferred form of the guide groove cross section is symmetrical. This means that the two guide groove facing surfaces of the lateral parts of the guide rails have the same shape but are mirror-inverted with respect to each other. Other portions of the lateral portion are also generally symmetrical in cross-section, but are not necessary, and embodiments with asymmetrical lateral portions are contemplated.

The groove may have a bottom in addition to a guide groove facing surface forming a guide rail lateral part of the side face of the groove. The width of the bottom may vary and depends on the overall shape of the rail cross-section. The bottom of the guide groove may be a structure connecting the two lateral portions. The guide rails may have other configurations of connecting lateral portions in addition to or instead of the base portion.

In one embodiment, each of the guide groove facing surfaces of the lateral parts has a straight cross section. In this embodiment, the guide groove facing surface is a straight slope. The ramp surfaces may meet in the middle of the guide groove or there may be a flat or curved bottom in the guide groove. In one embodiment, when the guide groove facing surfaces of the lateral parts in the guide rail have a straight cross section, there is an angle between the guide groove facing surfaces of the guide rail, and the angle is 80 ° to 110 °, preferably 85 ° to 100 °. For example, the angle between the facing surfaces of the guide groove may be 90 °. The guide groove facing surface may have a cross section in which there are one or more straight sections at an angle to each other and a bend between the straight sections. In this case, the angle between the surfaces is determined by those surfaces on which the roller is configured to move.

In addition to the two lateral parts and the guide groove, additional elements such as guide rails for wall-mounted or rail-constructed devices are also possible. Their design is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art. Any material known in the art may be used to construct a guide rail according to the present disclosure. Examples of materials include metals such as steel or aluminum. Methods of manufacturing guide rails according to the present disclosure are within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

Smooth movement of the counterweight is preferred in order to reduce noise and vibration generated during operation of the elevator. Thus, counterweight movement along at least one guide rail is conveyed by at least one guide shoe mounted between and in contact with the counterweight and the guide rail. The guide shoe may be a separable part of the counterweight. It may optionally be a part of the counterweight. In many cases, there are two shoes running along each guide rail for one counterweight. For a counterweight, there may be three or more shoes running along each guide rail.

The guide shoe may be a roller guide. Roller guides are guide shoes that utilize rollers that roll along a guide rail. The rollers in the roller guide may be replaceable. As they may wear during use, resulting in uneven movement of the counterweight. By counterweight guiding means is meant herein a system comprising at least one guide rail and at least one guide shoe, the guide shoe being a roller guide. Together they form a functional weight guiding entity when their positions and structures match. There may be more than one counterweight guide for one counterweight. A counterweight guiding means may comprise a guide rail and two or three roller guides.

A roller guide according to the present disclosure includes a guide frame and at least two rollers attached to the guide frame. Typically, the roller runs at least partially in the guide groove. The guide frame provides a support for the rollers. It is typically made of a metal such as steel, iron, aluminum, or a combination thereof. It may alternatively be made of a composite material such as a fibre reinforced plastic. For example, the guide frame may be made of prefabricated profiles cut out in the correct shape. Alternatively, the guide frame may be made by casting a suitable material. Suitable materials are any materials which can be introduced into the mould and thereafter be cured. The guide frame may be constructed from one piece. Alternatively, it may be constructed of more than one piece attached to each other to form the guide frame. The guide frame comprises fastening means for attaching the roller to the guide frame. It is configured to position the roller in the proper orientation relative to the guide rail. The fastening means may be of any type known in the art as long as it is sufficiently strong and allows easy rotation of the roller. The fastening means may be holes configured to receive bolts or screws for attaching the roller to the guide frame.

The distance between the rollers in the direction of movement of the roller guide may vary. The longer the guide frame, the further away the rollers can be from each other. A suitable distance may be selected for each application. An example of a suitable distance measured as the distance between the axes of the two rollers is approximately 6m to 135mm, depending on the diameter of the rollers.

The guide frame further comprises mounting means for fixing it to the counterweight. A counterweight, for a portion of which includes a mounting point or points for receiving a roller guide or guides. In a simple embodiment, the mounting means and the respective mounting point may mean a hole through which a bolt or screw may be fitted for attaching the roller guide at the counterweight. In many cases, the counterweight includes a frame having two side beams. In such a case, the roller guide according to the present disclosure is typically mounted at the side sill. The guide frame may be mounted on or in the side beam. For example, if the roller guide is welded to the counterweight, the mounting may be permanent. The roller guide may be non-permanently mounted by removable mounting means such as screws or bolts as is known in the art. In many applications, there are four roller guides attached to the counterweight, two on each side. The two roller guides positioned on one side of the counterweight tend to be located as far as possible from each other in order to provide the best possible support for the counterweight. There may be only one roller guide on each side of the counterweight. It is also possible to have more than two roller guides, for example three or four, on one side of the counterweight.

In one embodiment, the guide frame includes at least one resilient element for dampening (springing) the roller guide. The movement of the roller guide along the guide rail may be smoother if at least one resilient element is present in the roller guide. By vibration damping is meant herein the damping of the run-out and vibrations that occur during the movement of the roller guide. A resilient element may be used in the mounting device. Alternatively, elastic elements may be used in the fastening means between the roller and the guide frame. There may be more than one resilient element either in the mounting means, or in the fastening means, or in both the mounting means and the fastening means. It is also possible that some other part of the guide frame comprises at least one elastic element. In one embodiment, when at least one resilient element is present in the roller guide, the at least one resilient element is a resilient spacer or a spring such as a helical spring or a leaf spring, or an integrated spring obtained by local resilience of the roller guide. Often, one or more coil springs are used to dampen the vibration of the wheels running on the surface. For this purpose, leaf springs may also be used. If the damping is obtained by local elasticity of the roller guide, the elasticity can be located in the guide frame. This may be achieved, for example, by constructing the guide frame from more than one part and using different materials in them. In some cases, sufficient damping may be obtained by selecting the resilient material to be used in the roller.

The roller guide further includes at least two rollers. Each roller is known in the art as is its associated shaft and appropriate bearings. The rollers may be attached to the guide frame by fastening means in the guide frame. The diameter of the rollers may vary depending on the particular application. In a typical example, the diameter is 50 mm. The diameter may vary between applications in an approximate range from 45mm to 100 mm. For example, the diameter may be 70 mm. The diameter may be 55 mm. The thickness of the roller, i.e. the dimension of the roller measured in the direction of the axis, may also vary. Typically it measures at least 20 mm. In most cases, the thickness is measured at the thickest point of the roller. For example, the thickness may be 30mm or 45 mm.

Many different profiles for the rollers are possible. By roller profile is meant herein the overall shape of the area of roller adjustment roller guide to rail contact. The profile may be flat or it may be curved. It may also be flat with a bend, for example if the facing surface of the guide groove on which it is configured to move has a complementary bend. The roller may be asymmetric such that its diameter on one side is greater than the diameter on the other side. Such an asymmetric shape results in a ramp profile when viewed in the direction of movement of the roller guide. The profile itself may be flat, curved or have a bend. The roller may be made of one or several materials. Many suitable materials are known in the art and include metals optionally combined with plastics, rubbers and/or composite materials.

In the counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure, each roller is configured to move along the guide groove facing surface of the lateral portion. In some cases, each roller may also touch other portions of the guide groove. For example, the roller may be in contact with another guide groove facing surface or with the bottom of the guide rail. The rollers may be shaped to adjust the size of the roller rail contact area. The optimal size of the contacts may vary in different applications. If there is a bend in the facing surface of the guide groove, the roller may have a complementary bend such that the roller touches the guide rail on both sides of the bend.

In one embodiment, each roller is in contact with only one guide groove facing surface of the lateral portion. In such a case, each roller travels along a single surface of the rail. This arrangement is likely to reduce the likelihood that vibrations may be caused if the friction between the roller and one of the surfaces is different from the friction between the roller and the other surface. Furthermore, with a single contact surface, alignment of the roller shaft with the direction of roller rotation may be easier.

In the counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure, each guide groove facing surface has at least one roller configured to move thereon. Therefore, if there are two rollers in the roller guide, each of them moves along a different guide groove facing surface. If there are three rollers in the roller guide, one of them touches one guide groove facing surface and both remaining wheels touch the other surface. If there are four rollers in the roller guide, the most typical embodiment would be two rollers touching one guide groove facing surface and two others touching the other surface. Although embodiments in which each roller touches only one surface of the rail, the rollers may share some surfaces along which they move. For example, each roller may touch one guide groove facing surface and additionally the bottom of the guide groove.

In the counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure, the roller has at least two planes of rotation. By rotation plane is meant herein an imaginary plane through which the roller rotation axis runs in a vertical direction. Thus, the guide rail is supported from at least two horizontal directions (i.e., perpendicular to the direction of movement of the roller guides). Each roller guide may thus support the counterweight from at least two directions. In most cases, the support force is distributed into multiple directions that stabilize the counterweight movement in many directions. Such a configuration may reduce undesirable horizontal movement of the counterweight.

In one embodiment, the angle between at least two planes of rotation of the roller is 40 ° to 110 °, preferably 60 ° to 90 °. For example, the angle may be 50 °. Such narrower angles may be particularly useful in embodiments that include more than two rollers. For example, for some embodiments, an angle of 95 ° may be optimal. The distribution of the supporting forces in different directions perpendicular to the movement of the roller guide depends partly on the angle between the planes of rotation. The shape and angle of the facing surfaces of the guide grooves of the lateral parts also influence the distribution of the supporting force. The optimal combination depends on the application and its determination is within the skill of the person skilled in the art.

The angle between the at least two planes of rotation is independent of the angle between the facing surfaces of the guide grooves of the lateral parts. These two angles are coupled only in embodiments in which the angle between the plane of rotation of the roller and the facing surface of the guide groove of the lateral part is fixed. In one embodiment, the plane of rotation of at least one of the rollers is substantially at right angles to the guide groove facing surface of the lateral portion on which it is configured to move. If all the rollers are substantially at right angles to the facing surfaces of the guide grooves on which they move, the angle between these surfaces determines the angle between the planes of rotation. If the profile of the roller is flat, the angle between the facing surface of the guide groove and the roller is substantially 90 °.

The rollers in the counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure are in a crossed manner. This means that the projections of the rollers onto a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the roller guide at least partly overlap. In other words, the farther roller portion is behind the roller closer to the viewer when viewed in a direction along the guide rail. The magnitude of the overlap may vary between applications. For example, it depends on the shape and angle of the rollers to each other (i.e., the angle between the planes of rotation). The rollers may cross in their middle (i.e., at the point where their axes are located). Alternatively, they may be close to the surface along which they move or intersect away from these surfaces.

If the counterweight is guided by two guide rails, the counterweight typically runs between them. The roller guides are arranged on two opposite sides of the counterweight. Their placement may be optimized to provide as good support for the counterweight as possible. Typically this means that there are at least two roller guides on each side of the counterweight and that they are in a position away from each other as allowed by the other counterweight components. The number and positioning of the roller guides is dependent on the weight of the construction details of the counterweight and can be determined by one skilled in the art.

The use of two guide rails has the advantage that the horizontal (i.e. perpendicular to the direction of movement of the counterweight) support forces for the counterweight come from opposite directions. When using the counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure, the supporting force from each roller guide is distributed in several directions. This is due to the combination of the rotation of the rollers and/or the different planes of orientation of the guide groove facing surfaces in the guide rails. The use of two guide rails together with a counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure may thus give good horizontal support to the counterweight. This in turn can manifest itself as improved ride comfort in the elevator car and reduced conflict of elevator components.

In some applications, it may be possible to combine a counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure with other counterweight guiding devices. For example, instead of counterweight guiding means as presented herein, guiding means with only one roller may be used.

In one aspect, a roller guide is disclosed. It is characterized in that it is configured for use in a counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure. Roller guides according to the present disclosure may be separate components of the counterweight. It can be replaced several times during the life of the elevator or counterweight in which it is used. The roller can also be replaced without replacing the entire roller guide.

In one aspect, a counterweight for an elevator is disclosed. It is characterized in that it is configured to contain at least one roller guide according to the present disclosure. The roller guide may be completely outside the counterweight. Roller guides are often attached to the counterweight structure by bolts or screws. In embodiments where such an attachment is used, the mounting points in the counterweight include mounting holes for attaching roller guides. For example, one roller guide may be attached by two, three or four screws or bolts (depending on the design details of the counterweight). Alternatively, it is possible to weld the roller guide to the counterweight.

In one embodiment, a counterweight according to the present disclosure includes a counterweight frame including two side beams, each side beam having one or more openings to position at least one roller guide according to the present disclosure at each side beam of the counterweight frame. Many alternatives for constructing a counterweight frame are known in the art. Counterweight frames are typically made of steel components that are welded together. In addition to the side beams, the counterweight frame typically includes at least one cross beam extending in a horizontal direction. In addition, there are other components, such as an attachment mechanism for a lift cord. The weight of the counterweight is adjusted with fillers or other high density objects mounted at the counterweight frame.

Roller guides according to the present disclosure may be installed through mounting holes in the side beams of the counterweight frame. Roller guides are often positioned outside of the counterweight frame. However, the space for the counterweight in the vertical direction is limited because it needs to have the same range of motion as the elevator car. While being heavy enough to meet its balance. The counterweight thickness is also limited due to stability reasons and limited space in the horizontal direction. This means that it is desirable to allocate as much vertical space in the counterweight as possible for the filler. When the roller guides can be mounted at the side beams, the space in the top and bottom parts of the counterweight is released and more packing can be used in the counterweight. As a result, in some applications, the density requirements for the filler material may be relaxed as the volume available for the filler increases. This may allow the use of concrete as a filler material instead of steel or cast iron. This broadens the range of applications where cheaper filler materials such as concrete can be used.

the openings in the side beams are located where the rollers can pass through the side beams. The roller may be mounted on the outside of the counterweight. Due to their size, they may require more space than is available between the side beams and the guide rails. Alternatively, the roller may protrude from the inner side of the counterweight frame to the outer side through the opening so as to make contact with the guide rail.

Each opening at the side beam of the counterweight can accommodate one roller guide. Alternatively, a roller guide may be positioned through two or more openings. It is also possible that two or more roller guides may be positioned through one opening. The shape and size of the openings may vary depending on the application. For example, the opening may have a circular, elliptical, or quadrangular shape. The stability of the counterweight frame must be taken into account when designing the size, shape and number of openings in each particular application. The design of these features can be determined by one skilled in the art.

The extent to which the roller guides are inside the counterweight frame may vary depending on the application. It may be that only the necessary part of the roller for contacting the guide rail remains outside the counterweight frame. Alternatively, it may be that the guide frame is anchored on the inside of the counterweight frame, with the remainder of the roller guide being outside of the counterweight. Any positioning between and including these limits is possible for the roller guide and for the counterweight guide arrangement according to the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the roller guide partially protrudes outside the counterweight frame through the opening. A partially protruding roller guide means that part of its structure is inside the guide frame and part is outside. At least a portion of the rollers are typically outside of the counterweight frame because the rollers need to make contact with the guide rails. In other aspects, the configuration and positioning of the guide rollers may vary. An example of the roller guide partially protruding to the outside of the counterweight frame is a roller guide having half of each roller and a head of a screw passing through a mounting hole of the outside of the counterweight frame while the guide frame is inside. In one embodiment, the guide frame is enclosed in a counterweight frame. In another embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned components, a portion of the guide frame is also outside the counterweight frame.

In all cases, it is necessary to leave sufficient play around the moving components to avoid undesired contact between the components of the elevator system. The margins are to a large extent specified in construction and elevator safety manuals and the person skilled in the art will be able to take these into account.

in one aspect, an elevator is disclosed. The elevator is characterized in that it comprises a counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure. In one aspect, a use of a counterweight guiding apparatus according to the present disclosure is disclosed.

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 presents a counterweight guiding apparatus according to the present disclosure. The device is seen in the direction of movement of the roller guide 20. The figure depicts a cross section of a rail 10 comprising two lateral parts 11. The guide groove 12 is formed between the two lateral portions 11, and each lateral portion includes a guide groove facing surface 13. The guide groove 12 may be understood to comprise a narrower portion near the bottom in addition to the portion of the guide groove 12 defined by the inclined guide groove facing surface 13. Thus, in this embodiment, the guide groove facing surface 13 has two bends in different directions. The guide groove facing surface 13 thus comprises a shoulder. By oblique surface is meant that part of the guide groove facing surface 13 which does not form a right angle with any of the abutment surfaces. The roller 22 moves along the inclined portion of the guide groove facing surface 13. The angle between these portions is approximately 65 °. The guide rail 10 is constructed of a section steel.

The roller guide 20 in fig. 1 includes two rollers 22. The roller 22 is drawn partly behind the cross section of a counterweight side beam 32, which counterweight side beam 32 has at least one hole 33 (not shown in fig. 1) for positioning the roller 22. The roller 22 has a curved profile. This means that the rail contact surface of the roller 22 appears to be circular when viewed in the direction in which the roller guide 20 moves. The rollers 22 may optionally have a flat profile, meaning that in the same viewing direction they will appear to be quadrilateral or quadrilateral with rounded corners. In other words, in a flat profile roller 22, the contact area between the guide rail 10 and the roller 22 is substantially as wide as the roller 22. However, in embodiments where the roller 22 profile is curved, the contact surface may also be wider than depicted in FIG. 1. Depending on the elasticity and softness of the roller 22 material, which may vary from embodiment to embodiment.

The angle between the rollers 22 and the guide groove facing surface 13 with which they touch deviates from a right angle. This angle is determined by the plane of rotation 23 of the roller 22, which is depicted by a dashed line in fig. 1. The angle between the two rollers 22 is also determined by the plane of rotation 23 of the rollers 22. In the embodiment of fig. 1, this angle also deviates from a right angle. The angle is approximately 85. However, the counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure may also be embodied by one or both of the above-mentioned angles being right angles.

The projections of the rollers 22 on a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the roller guide 20 moves partially overlap. In other words, the rollers 22 are arranged one after the other and inclined to one side with respect to their direction of movement so that they cross. This crossed orientation provides the possibility of saving space in the construction of the counterweight guiding means. In this embodiment, the intersection of the two rollers 22 is closer to the surface along which they move than the midpoint (i.e., axis) of the rollers 22.

Each roller 22 has an axle and is attached from one end of the axle to a fastening device 25 of the guide frame 21. In this embodiment the fastening means 25 are holes 25 in the guide frame 21. Many alternatives for implementing the attachment are known in the art and the skilled person will be able to select the appropriate one. The shaft, its bearings and other design details follow known designs. A guide frame 21 structure may be conceived in which the roller 22 shaft is attached to the guide frame 21 from both ends.

The guide frame 21 in the embodiment of fig. 1 comprises two mounting means 26 for attaching the roller guide 20 to the counterweight frame 31. The mounting means 26 in this case are holes 26 in the guide frame 21. The side beams 32 of the counterweight 30 have corresponding mounting points 34, which are also holes 34. The positions of the two mounting devices 26 in the guide frame 2 are mirrored. The roller guide 20 in the embodiment of fig. 1 thus has two positions from which the roller guide 20 is attached to the side beam 32. Bolts 40 are fitted through the holes 26, 34, and the attachment portions between the guide frame 21 and the side members 32 are fixed by tightening nuts 41 fitted on the bolts 40.

The roller guide 20 of fig. 1 further comprises two resilient elements 24, which in this case are helical springs 24. The spring 24 is located at two mounting means 26. The bolt 40 is placed inside the spring 24 and the spring 24 is held between the guide frame 21 and the nut 41. The tension of the spring 24 can be adjusted by means of a nut 41.

Fig. 2A and 2B present a roller guide 20 according to the present disclosure from different perspectives. In fig. 2A and 2B, the structure of the guide frame 21 is presented in more detail. The guide frame 21 comprises two wings 21' whose surfaces are substantially in the same plane. A mounting device 26 that attaches the roller guide 20 to a counterweight 30 (not shown) is located in the wing 21'. The wings 21' are connected by a central part 21a, 21b which is partly asymmetrical. The central portion has a first portion 21a and a second portion 21 b. The first portion 21a is a substantially flat metal part comprising fastening means 25 for the first roller 22. The second portion 21b is a continuation of the first portion 21a, but it is bent with respect to the first portion 21 a. The bending is to one side with respect to the direction of movement of the roller guide. The second portion 21b comprises second fastening means 25 for the second roller 22. The angle between the planes of rotation 23 for the two rollers 22 is determined by the degree to which the second portion 21b is bent relative to the first portion 21 a.

In another embodiment both parts 21a, 21b of the guide frame 21 are bent. The angle between the respective wing 21' and the respective portion 21a, 21b of the guide frame 21 can then be adjusted accordingly.

Fig. 3 presents a counterweight 30 attached to the roller guide 21 according to the present disclosure. The counterweight 30 in fig. 3 includes a counterweight frame 31 having two side beams 32. It also comprises a horizontally extending cross beam 35 and an attachment mechanism for a lifting sling 36. The second beam 35 has been removed for visualization.

The counterweight 30 has a roller guide 20 according to the present disclosure mounted near the top end of each side beam 32 of the counterweight. The top end is the end of the counterweight that faces upward in the use position of the counterweight. Correspondingly, the bottom end of the counterweight is the end facing downwards in the use position of the counterweight. Although not shown in fig. 3, another roller guide 20 is mounted near the bottom end of each side beam 32 in a similar manner. The counterweight in fig. 3 thus has four guide rollers 20 mounted at the counterweight frame 31. Guide rollers 20 are near each corner of the counterweight 30.

The counterweight 30 of fig. 3 is configured to run between two guide rails 10 (not shown). As appears from fig. 1, the guide groove 12 of each guide rail 10 is positioned such that the roller 22 of the roller guide 21 touches the guide groove facing surface 13 of the lateral portion 11.

Each side beam 32 has two openings 33 for each roller guide 20. The opening follows approximately the outer contour of the roller 22. The opening 33 is made slightly larger than the roller 22 to prevent the roller 22 from touching the counterweight frame 31. The opening may optionally be larger than depicted in fig. 3. A larger opening 33 may also be provided to accommodate the two rollers 22 of a single roller guide 20.

As can be seen in fig. 3, the guide roller 20 in the top end of the counterweight 30 is at the same level as the attachment for the hoisting roping 36, which in this case is a pulley.

Fig. 4 depicts the side beam 32 of fig. 3 as viewed from the inside of the counterweight 30 at the location of the roller guide 20 according to the present disclosure.

Both wings 21' are clearly visible in fig. 4. Bolts 40 and nuts 41 for fixing the attachment between the guide frame 21 and the side beam 32 are also visible. As detailed with respect to fig. 1, they respectively indicate the positioning of the mounting device 26 on the guide frame 21 and the positioning of the mounting point 34 on the side beam 32.

In an alternative embodiment, each wing may include two mounting devices 26 corresponding by a mounting point 34 in the counterweight 30. Furthermore, the wings 21' are not in one plane as in this embodiment. They may have various extensions that allow for variable positioning of the mounting device 26 on the side beam 32. For example, the variations in shape and size of the wings 21 'allow the use of a higher number of mounting means 26 in a single wing 21'.

The first portion 21a of the guide frame 21 is largely visible in fig. 4. Since the first portion 21a is inclined with respect to the viewing direction, it partly covers the second portion 21b, hiding the fastening means 25 of one of the rollers 22.

Fig. 5 depicts the top end of the counterweight 30 in the direction of counterweight 30 movement and a counterweight guide device according to the present disclosure.

In the guide rail 10 of this embodiment, the guide groove facing surface 13 of the lateral part 11 has a straight cross section. The guide groove facing surfaces 13 meet in the centre of the cross-section of the guide groove 12 (not marked). The lateral part 11 of the guide rail 10 has a two-part structure comprising, in addition to the guide groove 12 forming structure, symmetrical lateral extensions 11'. The structure of the roller guide 21 on each side of the counterweight 30 is as described above.

In this figure, both of the two rails 10 between which the counterweight 30 is configured to move are visible. The supporting force transmitted by each roller guide 21 and buffered by the elastic member 24 causes damping of the horizontal movement of the counterweight 30. Since the guide rails 10 are opposite to each other, the supporting force from the guide rails 10 has partially opposite directions. This enhances the stabilizing effect of the counterweight guiding device according to the present disclosure.

In the embodiment of fig. 5, the attachment for the hoisting roping 36 is inclined with respect to the counterweight 30. However, the positioning of the attachment for the lift cord 36 does not affect the counterweight guide, and any type of attachment for the lift cord 36 may be used.

Fig. 6 presents details of the counterweight frame 31 and counterweight guide of fig. 5. The angle between the guide groove facing surfaces 13 is 80 degrees.

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of some possible embodiments of the guide rail 10 according to the present disclosure.

In panels a) to d), f) and g), the guide groove facing surface 13 has a straight cross section.

In panel a) the guide groove facing surfaces 13 meet at the center of the cross section of the guide groove 12 connecting the two lateral parts 11. The angle between the guide groove facing surfaces 13 is approximately 100.

In panel b) the guide rail 10 has a bottom with a width of approximately 10% of the width of the guide groove 12. The angle between the guide groove facing surfaces 13 is approximately 75 deg..

In panel c) the guide rail 10 has a bottom with a width of approximately 40% of the width of the guide groove 12. The angle between the guide groove facing surfaces 13 is approximately 75 deg..

In panel d), the guide rail 10 has a bottom. The lateral parts 11 are connected, in addition to the bottom part, by another structure on the opposite side of the cross section of the guide rail 10 with respect to the guide groove 12.

In the panel e), the guide groove facing surface 13 has two bends and a bottom of the guide groove 12 connecting the two lateral parts 11.

In panel f), the guide rail has a bottom. The lateral parts 11 are connected by another structure, as in panel d), in addition to the bottom part. The width of the bottom is wider than the depth of the guide groove 12.

In the panel g), the lateral part 11 of the guide rail 10 has a halved structure comprising a symmetrical lateral extension 11' in addition to the guide groove 12 forming structure.

In the panel h), the guide groove facing surface 13 is partially curved and has a bend. The guide groove 12 comprises a bottom connecting the two lateral parts 11.

In panel i) the guide groove facing surface 13 is curved for its entire cross section.

Fig. 8 depicts some possible roller 22 profiles. The roller 22 is observed in its direction of movement and the shaft is delineated by two bulges on opposite sides of the roller 22. The diameter of the shaft relative to the diameter of the roller 22 may vary, as can be seen by comparing the rollers 22 in panels a) to c). In panel a), the roller 22 has a curved profile. In panel b), the roller 22 has a flat profile. In panel c), the roller 22 has a flat profile with two bends. The bends may be used to match corresponding bends in the guide groove facing surface 13 of the guide rail 10. In panel d), the roller 22 has a flat profile. The roller is asymmetrical and the flat profile appears as a slope in this viewing direction.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Counterweight guide arrangement for an elevator, comprising at least one guide rail (10), at least one roller guide (20) configured to move along the guide rail (10), the guide rail (10) comprising two lateral parts (11) defining a guide groove (12) between them, the guide groove (12) extending in the direction in which the roller guide (20) moves, the roller guide (20) comprising a guide frame (21) and at least two rollers (22) attached to the guide frame (21), each of the rollers (22) having a plane of rotation (23), characterized in that,

-each of said rollers (22) is configured to move along a guide groove facing surface (13) of one of said lateral parts (11) such that each said guide groove facing surface (13) has at least one roller (22) configured to move thereon;

-said roller (22) has at least two planes of rotation (23), said planes of rotation (23) being at an angle to each other; and

-projections of the rollers (22) on a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the roller guide (20) at least partially overlap;

-the guide frame (21) comprises two wings (21') whose surfaces are substantially in the same plane, and wherein the wings comprise mounting means (26) connecting the roller guide (20) to a counterweight (30).

2. The counterweight guide device according to claim 1, wherein each roller (22) is in contact with only one of the guide groove facing surfaces (13).

3. The counterweight guiding arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle between the at least two planes of rotation (23) of the roller (22) is 40 ° to 110 °.

4. The counterweight guiding arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle between the at least two planes of rotation (23) of the roller (22) is 60 ° to 90 °.

5. counterweight guiding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guiding frame (21) comprises at least one resilient element (24) for damping the roller guide (20).

6. The counterweight guiding arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the at least one resilient element (24) is a resilient spacer or spring, or an integrated spring obtained by local resilience of the roller guide (20).

7. The counterweight guiding arrangement of claim 6, wherein the spring comprises a coil spring or a leaf spring.

8. The counterweight guide arrangement according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6 and 7, wherein each of the guide slot facing surfaces (13) of the lateral portions (11) has a straight cross section.

9. The counterweight guiding device according to claim 8, wherein an angle exists between the guide groove facing surfaces (13) of the guide rails (10), and the angle is 80 ° to 110 °.

10. The counterweight guide device according to claim 8, wherein an angle exists between the guide groove facing surfaces (13) of the guide rails (10), and the angle is 85 ° to 100 °.

11. Counterweight guiding arrangement according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, 7, 9 and 10, wherein the plane of rotation (23) of at least one of the rollers (22) is substantially at right angles to a guide-rail facing surface (13) of the lateral part (11), the roller (22) being configured to move on the guide-rail facing surface (13).

12. A roller guide (20) characterized in that it is configured for use in a counterweight guiding arrangement according to any of the preceding claims.

13. Counterweight (30) for an elevator, characterized in that it is configured to contain at least one roller guide (20) according to claim 12.

14. Counterweight (30) according to claim 13, wherein the counterweight comprises a counterweight frame (31), the counterweight frame (31) comprising two side beams (32), each side beam (32) having one or more openings (33) for positioning at least one roller guide (20) according to claim 12 at each side beam (32) of the counterweight frame (31).

15. The counterweight (30) of claim 14, wherein the roller guide (20) partially protrudes through the opening (33) to an outside of the counterweight frame (31).

16. Counterweight (30) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the guide frame (21) is enclosed in the counterweight frame (31).

17. elevator, characterized in that it comprises a counterweight guiding arrangement according to any of claims 1-11.

18. Use of a counterweight guiding device according to any of claims 1-11 in the field of elevators.