EP1743863A1 - Connecting element - Google Patents

Abstract

Fishplate (100) has a plate part comprising of longitudinal edges extending in conveying direction. Plate parts along with longitudinal limbs (108) have same wall thicknesses. Longitudinal limbs are at a distance from guide rail element (200). Fishplate is made of curved steel plate. An independent claim is also included for a winding arrangement with a fishplate.

Description

The invention relates to a connecting strap according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Connecting straps of this type are, in particular in connection with elevator systems, also referred to as 'fishplates'. Elevator systems generally have at least one guide rail which extends in the conveying direction and serves to guide moving elevator components. The guide rails are usually composed of several guide rail elements. The conventional connecting straps serve for the mutual attachment of two successive guide rail elements, that is, they connect the rail ends of these guide rail elements together.

A known connection tab essentially consists of a plate part which extends over the ends of two adjacent guide rail elements and is fastened to both of these guide rail elements. In this case, the plate part bears against the guide rail elements with one of its plate surfaces. The plate part has two longitudinal edges, which extend in the conveying direction, and two transverse edges, which extend on the guide rail transversely to the conveying direction. In addition, the plate part on openings, for receiving fasteners, in particular screws, with which it is attached to the guide rail elements. The connecting straps or the plate parts are conventionally made from flat profiles. These flat profiles are at the plate surface, which is intended to rest on the guide rail, machined. The conventional connecting straps must be dimensioned relatively large, in particular, because the flat plate member has only a relatively low rigidity. In addition, the mechanical processing is time consuming.

For the dimensions and materials for the production of the connecting straps there are safety regulations and standards, for example ISO 7465.

In EP0381852 a connection tab is shown, which consists of a plate member, as previously described. The illustrated plate part connects two adjacent guide rails. To simplify the joining of the two guide rails, a guide tab is used in addition to the plate part, which consists of a U-shaped bent sheet metal. U-legs of the guide lug tightly grip the connecting or holding lug and the guide rail. The U-legs are separated in some areas of the body and bent outwards, thereby forming a guide lobe similar to a guide funnel.

This illustrated connection point has the disadvantages of the mentioned known plate part connection, since it uses exactly this plate part for connecting the guide rails. The additional, possibly connected to the plate member guide tab assumes only guiding function to facilitate assembly of guide rails. This design is accordingly expensive, expensive to manufacture, since it has to be manufactured precisely, and it requires a lot of space.

Another known connection tab is made by a casting process. It has a Y-like cross section. Also in this embodiment, a mechanical or machining of the voltage applied to the guide rails surfaces are made. Increased stability is achieved by the Y-shape, but on the other hand cast connection straps are relatively heavy and require a lot of space, because they can hardly be produced with low wall thicknesses for manufacturing reasons.

It would also be possible to produce connecting straps of the type described by welding, but this is also complicated and can make a subsequent straightening and / or heat treatment necessary.

As a major disadvantage of the previously known connection tabs whose cost, and their space requirements are considered.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a connecting strap of the type mentioned, which can be produced with the same strength and durability as conventional connecting straps in a lightweight design, with low production cost and which takes up little space. In addition, the cost should be reduced without affecting the stability.

A further object of the invention is seen in the simplification of the assembly of guide rails of an elevator system by means of suitable connecting straps.

The solution of this object is achieved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the dependent claims.

While conventional connecting straps are either cast and thus heavy or consist essentially only of the flat plate member, possibly with attached guide straps and are correspondingly large thickness and consuming in the mechanical processing, the new connecting strap is stable thanks to their U-shape and thanks to their production Made of curved sheet metal also easy and easy to produce. Tolerance requirements are low, since the connection tab perceives no lateral guidance and the production of the inventive connection tab is thus much cheaper. As a result, the cost of the connection tabs are significantly lower than those of conventional connection tabs, the stability is at least as good or better. The space required for the new connection tab is low, because a flat plate part can be made comparatively thin because carry along lateral longitudinal leg. As a result, distances to walls or other components can be reduced to a minimum. In addition, the use of sheet metal bent connecting straps allows additional functionalities that were previously not possible.

If the connection tab is used to connect two successive guide rail elements together, it must have a sufficient length in the conveying direction. The plate member then abuts the first guide rail member and is attached thereto. The connecting strap additionally has a sufficient length or a length range, with which they rest on the further guide rail element and can be attached thereto.

The connection tab may also be used to attach the guide rail member to another, non-vertical Attach component of the elevator system. A connecting strap used for this purpose has on one of the transverse edges of the plate part a further leg, namely a transverse leg. With such a use of the connecting strap, the transverse leg usually also has aids for fastening the connecting strap to the further component of the elevator installation. Thus, for example, a guide rail can be attached to a cabin wall.

The connecting plate has in a particularly preferred embodiment on one of the transverse edges of the plate part on a transverse leg, which is designed so that, for example, a steel cable can be attached to the transverse leg to hang this when inserting a plurality of guide rails in the elevator shaft this one behind the other on the steel cable can. Details on this are to be taken from a parallel application of the same applicant, which was issued on 27.04.2005 under the application number EP 05103475.9 filed with the EPO. This allows easy installation of guide rails.

The connecting strap is advantageously designed so that the plate part has a plate width which is greater than the leg heights of the longitudinal legs and the transverse leg. The leg heights may be the same or different among themselves. The plate width is preferably matched to the guide rail foot width of the guide rail. The longitudinal legs are spaced or distanced from the rail foot. As a result, a rational production is made possible because this distance can be selected at least in accordance with a bending radius required for bending the longitudinal limb.

Advantageously, the plate member, the longitudinal legs and the transverse leg, if any, have substantially equal wall thicknesses.

The longitudinal legs and / or the transverse legs are usually at least approximately at an angle of 90 ° to the plate member, but they may also be directed at different angles to the plate member. By producing the connecting strap by means of a bending process, transition areas are created between the plate part and the longitudinal or transverse limbs, which have a radius of curvature. It is regarded as an advantage of the inventive connecting straps that they thus have no sharp edges that can lead to injuries during assembly.

Because the transition regions have a radius of curvature, the connection tab can be coated more uniformly or surface-treated. For example, when galvanizing after bending it can be achieved that a sufficient thickness of the surface protection is achieved even in the transition region.

In addition, the radius of curvature, even in improper storage or handling, ensures that the transition areas can not be damaged so quickly.

In addition, an advantage of the invention is that it is possible to carry out the bending process so that there is no local heating of the material of the connecting plate. Such heating can lead to an influence on the surface, which allows, for example, rust-rotting.

Preference is given to using galvanized sheet steel or raw sheet steel, which can optionally be coated on a construction site.

To facilitate assembly, the connection tab may include positioning means, such as ribs or stops, designed to ensure proper and accurate positioning with respect to the guide rail members. It may also be provided means for better alignment of the guide rails on the connecting plate.

The means for attaching the connecting tab or the plate part usually include recesses and / or openings in the plate part, for receiving fasteners such as screws.

In addition, the aids may have positioning and / or securing means to ensure positioning and / or securing of the fastening means. These positioning and / or securing means can preferably also be produced by punching or pressing or embossing on the connecting strap. Again, then no cutting steps are necessary.

Further particularly advantageous embodiments can be found in the description.

Fig. 1A

eine erste Verbindungslasche nach der Erfindung, in einem Schaubild;

Fig. 1B

die in Fig. 1A dargestellte Verbindungslasche in Draufsicht;

Fig. 1C

eine zweite Verbindungslasche nach der Erfindung, in einem Schaubild;

Fig. 1D

eine dritte Verbindungslasche nach der Erfindung, in einem Schaubild; Fig. 1E eine vierte Verbindungslasche nach der Erfindung, in einem Schaubild;

Fig. 2A

eine Verbindungslasche nach der Erfindung in montiertem Zustand an zwei durch sie verbundenen Führungsschienen-Elementen, gesehen von der Seite der Führungsschiene, in einem Schaubild;

Fig. 2B

die in Fig. 2A dargestellte Verbindungslasche mit den durch sie verbundenen Führungsschienen-Elementen, gesehen von der Seite der eine Verbindungslasche, in gleicher Darstellung wie Fig. 2A; und

Fig. 3

eine fünfte Verbindungslasche nach der Erfindung, in vereinfachter Darstellung;

Fig. 4A

ein Teil einer sechsten Verbindungslasche nach der Erfindung, in vereinfachter Darstellung;

Fig. 4B

eine Schnittansicht der sechsten Verbindungslasche nach der Erfindung, in vereinfachter Darstellung.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1A

a first connecting strap according to the invention, in a diagram;

Fig. 1B

the connection plate shown in Figure 1A in plan view.

Fig. 1C

a second connecting strap according to the invention, in a diagram;

Fig. 1D

a third connecting strap according to the invention, in a diagram; 1E shows a fourth connecting strap according to the invention, in a diagram;

Fig. 2A

a connection tab according to the invention in the assembled state on two guide rail elements connected by them, seen from the side of the guide rail, in a diagram;

Fig. 2B

the connection plate shown in Figure 2A with the guide rail elements connected by them, as seen from the side of a connecting plate, in the same representation as Fig. 2A. and

Fig. 3

a fifth connecting strap according to the invention, in a simplified representation;

Fig. 4A

a part of a sixth connecting strap according to the invention, in a simplified representation;

Fig. 4B

a sectional view of the sixth connecting strap according to the invention, in a simplified representation.

The same and similar or equivalent components are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first connecting strap 100. The connecting strap 100 has a plate part 102 which is delimited by two longitudinal edges 104 and two transverse edges 106. From each of the longitudinal edges 104, a longitudinal leg 108 extends perpendicularly away from the plate part 102. The plate member 100 and the longitudinal legs 108 thus form U-shaped walls of a channel.

The plate part 102 to be recognized in plan view in FIG. 1B is rectangular. The plate member 102 may also have a different shape.

The plate part 102 has a in Fig. 1A to the left facing plate surface 110, which faces in the assembled state of a guide rail, not shown, an elevator installation and rests directly or indirectly on this guide rail. This arrangement is advantageous but not mandatory, the plate member 102 may also be with its plate surface 110 opposite the plate surface 112 (not visible in Fig. 1A, as turned to the right rear) abut the guide rail.

The relative conveying direction or the conveying directions are represented by a double arrow A.

The connecting tab 100 is made by bending from a suitable sheet, and the transition areas from the plate portion 102 to the longitudinal legs 108 are rounded. They typically have an inner radius of curvature R that depends on the thickness of the sheet metal. The ratio of the radius R3 to the plate thickness is according to the invention between 0.5 to 1.2.

Preferably, in the connecting straps of the invention, a sheet thickness (wall thickness w) between 3 and 6 mm is used. The radius R3 is then at a sheet thickness of 3mm, for example, between 1.5mm and 3.6mm. The outer radius is correspondingly larger.

The plate part 102 has a first length region 114 with four bores 116 and a second length region 118 with a further four bores 120, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 1B. All bores 116, 120 are intended to receive fastening means, not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, with which the connecting tab 100 will be fastened to the guide rail. The bores 116, 120 are part of the means for attaching the connection tab 100 to the guide rail elements.

In Fig. 1C, a part of another connection tab 100 is shown. This embodiment corresponds substantially to that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As can be seen in FIG. 1C, the plate part 102 and the longitudinal legs 108 (except in the transition region 123) have the same wall thickness w. The plate portion 102 has a plate width b which is greater than the leg heights h of the longitudinal legs 108. Preferably, the ratio of leg heights h to plate width b is between ½ and ¼. Especially proven is a ratio of 1/3. This information can also essentially be transferred to the first embodiment, which is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

The leg heights h of the two longitudinal legs 108 may also be different, and they need not be constant for a longitudinal leg.

It can be seen in FIG. 1C that, unlike FIG. 1A, holes 124 may be provided in the legs 108. These holes can be used during transport and / or installation of the guide rails.

Further embodiments can be seen in FIGS. 1D and 1E. FIG. 1D shows a connection tab 100 having a tab 125 with a hole 124. FIG. 1E shows a connecting lug 100 which has a web 126 along at least one leg 18. Such a web 126 can be used as a connection aid. It also increases the rigidity of the connection tab 100.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a connecting strap 100, which is designed like the connecting strap 100 shown in FIG. The connection tab 100 connects a guide rail element 200 with another guide rail element 202. The connection tab 100 is designed such that its longitudinal limbs 108 are spaced from the guide rail elements 200, 202 by a mean distance d. As a result, tolerance-related differences of the guide rail elements 200, 202, any bending radii and manufacturing tolerances of the connection tab can be compensated. The guide rail elements 200, 202 are each provided with a web 204. The first longitudinal region 114 of the connecting lug 100 on the first guide rail element 200 and the second longitudinal region 118 on the further guide rail element 202 are fastened. The guide rail elements 200, 202 should touch each other here with their end faces S.

In Fig. 2A, four screw heads 300.1 and four screw heads 302.1 are visible. The screw heads 300.1 belong to screws 300.2 with nuts 300.3, with which they form the connection means by which the connection tab 100 is attached to the first guide rail element 200. The screw heads 302.1 belong to screws 302.2 with nuts 302.3, with which they form the connection means by which the connection tab 100 is attached to the second guide rail element 202.

Fig. 2B shows the ends of the screws 300.2, 302.2 and the nuts 300.3, 302.3. As a further aid Fig. 2B anti-rotation, which prevent rotation of the nuts 300.3, 302.3 and thus loosening the screws 300.2, 302.2, or make tightening easier. According to FIG. 2B, these aids are formed by material characteristics 304. These material forms 304 may be formed by stamping or pressing and / or bending in the material of the connection tab 100. Welding nuts, press nuts or threading threads would also be possible.

Instead of screws and nuts can be used to attach the connecting plate and screws that are screwed into the threaded nut holes of the connecting plate.

FIG. 3 shows a second connecting strap 100, which is of substantially the same design as the connecting strap 100, but additionally has a transverse rib 109 at its transverse edge 106, if necessary with bores or longitudinal hole 115. The connecting strap 100 is fastened with its plate part 102 to a guide rail element 200 and with its transverse rib 109, for example, to a stationary component 300. This can, as mentioned, be done with the help of screw arrangements.

The transverse rib 109 on the transverse edge 106 can also be used in other ways. Particularly preferred embodiments are those in which, for example, the transverse rib 109 is used in order to be able to introduce a guide rail 200 together with a connecting lug 100 attached thereto into an elevator shaft. For this purpose, a steel cable can be fastened or suspended on the transverse rib 109, for example, as described in the aforementioned parallel application.

Details of a further embodiment can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The connecting strap 100 shown has a tab 127 at least at one end of a leg 108. On this tab 127, a notch 128 may be provided, which may be used, for example, during assembly in the elevator shaft to use a Lotseil or a laser beam for alignment.

In particular, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1D, 1E, 4A, and 4B provide additional functionalities not heretofore known in connection with connection tabs.

Claims (12)

Connecting lug (100) for fastening a guide rail element (200) which is directed in the conveying direction (A) of an elevator installation, wherein the connecting lug (100) comprises a plate part (102) with longitudinal edges (104) extending in the conveying direction (A) intended to abut one end of the guide rail element (200) with one of its plate surfaces (110) and provided with auxiliary means (116, 120) for attaching the connection tab (100) to the guide rail element (200) to attach, being
the plate part (102) has longitudinal limbs (108) protruding transversely from its longitudinal edges (104) such that the connecting lug (100) has a U-like shape in a section perpendicular to the conveying direction (A),
characterized,
in that the plate part (102) together with the longitudinal limbs (108) have the same wall thicknesses (w) and that the longitudinal limbs (108) are spaced from the guide rail element (200). Connecting tab (100) according to claim 1,
characterized in that it consists of a bent steel sheet, preferably lowered-bent steel sheet. Connecting tab (100) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
that the wall thickness (w) of the plate member (102) together with the longitudinal limbs (108) is 3mm to 6mm. Connecting tab (100) according to claim 1, 2 or 3,
characterized,
in that its plate part (102) has a longitudinal region (118) which is intended to be attached to a further guide rail element (202), which in the conveying direction (A) adjoins the first-mentioned guide rail member (200) to be fastened to connect the two guide rail elements (200, 202) with each other. Connecting tab (100) according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that the plate part (102) has on one of its transverse edges (106) a transversely projecting transverse limb (109) which is preferably intended to connect the guide rail element (200) together with the connecting strap (200) attached to the guide rail element (200). 100) in an elevator shaft to be able to bring. Connecting tab (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized - That the plate member (102) has a plate width (b) and the longitudinal leg (108) leg heights (h), wherein the plate width (b) is greater than the leg height (h), and - That preferably the ratio of leg heights (h) to plate width (b) is between ¼ and ½. Connecting lug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
in that the longitudinal limbs (108) and / or the transverse limb (109) are directed substantially perpendicular to the plate part (102). Connecting lug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized - That in a transition region between the plate member (102) and the longitudinal leg (108) and / or the transverse leg (109), a radius (R) is present. Connecting lug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
that it has positioning means, for example ribs, notches (128) or stops, which are used in aligning the guide rail elements (200, 201) in an elevator shaft. Connecting lug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
in that aids for fastening the connecting strap (100) include recesses and / or openings (116, 120) in the plate part (102) and optionally in the transverse leg (109) for receiving fastening means such as screws (300.2, 302.2). Connecting strap (100) according to claim 9,
characterized,
in that the means for fastening the connecting strap (100) have positioning and / or securing means (304) intended for positioning and / or securing the fastening means (300.3, 302.3), these positioning and / or securing means being pushed out of the Plate part (102) were generated. Elevator installation with a connecting strap (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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