FI126536B

FI126536B - Elevator

Info

Publication number: FI126536B
Application number: FI20165418A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Wei Hao Wang; zhi gang Li
Original assignee: Kone Elevators Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-18
Filing date: 2016-05-18
Publication date: 2017-01-31
Also published as: CN106241528A; CN206359068U; CN106241528B; FI20165418A

Description

ELEVATOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an elevator, particularly to an elevator for vertically transporting passengers and/or goods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the known elevators, the car travels along guide rails in a hoistway. An elevator typically comprises two or more vertically spaced apart landings where the car can be stopped so that the passengers can enter or exit it. For various reasons, such as for ensuring safe elevator operation and for proper controlling the elevator, the elevator needs to be informed of the car position relative to landings. The elevator can use the information for multiple alternative purposes. The known elevators are often provided with an arrangement for detecting car position that can be used to detect if and when the car is at a landing zone as well as identify at which landing zone the car is currently positioned. Such an arrangement can also be provided for detecting whether the car is leveled accurately at a landing. For example, if the car position detector arrangement detects that the car has shifted too far from the intended level while parked at a landing, the car position can be corrected by a so-called releveling function.

[0003] In a prior arrangement for detecting car position, known by the applicant, the arrangement comprises a detector arrangement mounted on the elevator car. The detector arrangement being mounted on the car, the detectors thereof travel along with the car. The arrangement further comprises a plurality of vertically spaced apart counterpart arrangements for said detector arrangement traveling with the elevator car. The counterpart arrangements are mounted inside the hoistway beside different landings, whereby the detector arrangement mounted on the elevator car can detect a counterpart arrangement when it is positioned at any of the landings. Each counterpart arrangement comprises a counterpart member for a detector of the detector arrangement mounted on the elevator car.

[0004] In prior art, such solutions have been suggested where the counterpart components have been mounted on a guide rail. One solution of this kind has been presented in document CN102344062.

[0005] In solutions of prior art, the components for mounting have been made of welded metal structures. The drawback of the solutions of prior art has been that the arrangement for detecting car position has been slow and laborious to install due to difficulties in positioning hoistway-side counterpart components and the car side-detector components accurately relative to each other. Particularly, the positioning work performed for the counterpart components has been slow and laborious.

[0006] Related prior art has further been disclosed in documents EP 2527282 A, EP 1726553 A1 and JP 2007161373 A.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the invention is to introduce an elevator that is improved in terms of its configuration for position detection. An object is to introduce a solution by which one or more of the above defined problems of prior art and/or problems discussed or implied elsewhere in the description can be solved. An object is to introduce an elevator solution wherein a car position detection arrangement can be installed simply, accurately and swiftly. An object is particularly to introduce an elevator solution wherein the positioning work performed for the counterpart components in lateral direction is improved. Embodiments are presented, inter alia, where part of the installation and/or adjusting work need not be carried out in a difficult working position.

[0008] It is brought forward a new elevator comprising a hoistway; and an elevator car movable in the hoistway; and a counterweight movable in the hoistway; and a vertically oriented guide rail for guiding the elevator car; and a vertically oriented guide rail for guiding the counterweight; and vertically spaced apart landings; and a car position detection arrangement comprising a detector arrangement, which is mounted on the elevator car and comprises a first detector having a first detection range; and a plurality of vertically spaced apart counterpart arrangements for said detector arrangement, which are mounted on one of said vertically oriented a guide rails inside the hoistway beside vertically spaced apart landings; wherein said first detector is arranged to detect presence of a first counterpart member within the first detection range; and wherein each said counterpart arrangement comprises a horizontally oriented elongated supporting arm, which elongated supporting arm comprises a first end mounted on a guide rail and a second end; and a mounting base for one or more counterpart members, which mounting base is mounted on the second end of the elongated supporting arm; and a first counterpart member for said first detector which first counterpart member is mounted on the mounting base and positioned to be within the vertical projection of the detection range of the first detector; and wherein the guide rail on which the counterpart arrangements have been mounted comprises a first side edge and a second side edge; and wherein each said elongated supporting arm comprises an elongated arm section forming the first end mounted on a guide rail; and wherein said elongated arm section is placed to lean against the guide rail; and wherein each said counterpart arrangement comprises fixing means for fixing the elongated arm section on the guide rail, said fixing means comprising a first fixing clip comprising a fixing edge, the first fixing clip being mounted on the elongated arm section such that the first side edge of the guide rail is between the fixing edge and the elongated arm section; and a second fixing clip comprising a fixing edge, the second fixing clip being mounted on the elongated arm section such that the second side edge of the guide rail is between the fixing edge and the elongated arm section; and a tightening means for tightening the fixings clips immovably on the elongated arm section, said tightening means being tightenable and releasable. Said first fixing clip, said second fixing clip and said elongated arm section are each made of plastic, and said first fixing clip and said second fixing clip comprise each a slide channel having two opposite slide walls, which are toothed, and said elongated arm section is placed between said two opposite slide walls of said first fixing clip and said second fixing clip such that it extends through the slide channels of said first fixing clip and said second fixing clip, and said elongated arm section is movable by sliding in said slide channels in the longitudinal direction of the elongated arm section when the tightening means are in released state; and said elongated arm section comprises toothed slide faces for sliding along the toothed slide walls of the slide channels of the first and second fixing clip. With this solution one or more of the above mentioned objects are achieved. Owing to the material being plastic, complicated shapes and structures, in particular the toothing, can be given for the first fixing clip, said second fixing clip and said elongated arm section with accurate tolerances such that smooth interplay is achieved. The components can be slided along each other without blockages that resist sliding excessively. Plastic material has relatively low friction coefficient and ability to slightly deform, whereby the components can be moved such that the teeth of the components can pass each other with small running clearances. The teeth are however able to resist free sliding from occurring whereby the sliding is not excessively free which would make the components sensitive to move relative to each other unintentionally. This would make accurate adjustment difficult in the hoistway where relatively challenging working conditions are typical. Also, teeth provide that the clips and the elongated arm section when tightened together are interlocked securely together. The resulting controlled slidability of the elongated arm section relative to the fixing clips facilitates accuracy of the adjustment of the position of the counterpart members of the counterpart arrangement, because the position of the elongated arm section relative to the guide rail can be adjusted simply while the elongated arm section is mounted on the guide rail, and tightened securely such that no subsequent sliding can occur.

[0009] Preferable further details are introduced in the description as well as in the dependent claims, which further details can be combined with the elevator individually or in any combination.

[0010] The elevator is preferably such that it controls movement of the car in response to signals from user interfaces located at landings and/or inside the car so as to serve persons on the landings and/or inside the elevator car. Preferably, the car has an interior space suitable for receiving a passenger or passengers, and the car can be provided with a door for forming a closed interior space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Figure 1 illustrates an elevator according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 illustrates details of the elevator of Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates three dimensionally preferred details of the counterpart arrangement of the elevator of Figure 1.

Figure 4 illustrates a front view of parts of Figure 3 (guide rail not showed).

Figure 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the mounting of the first end of the elongated supporting arm on a guide rail.

Figure 6a illustrates three-dimensionally the fixing clips and the first end of the elongated supporting arm.

Figure 6b illustrates an end view of a fixing clip.

Figure 7 illustrates three-dimensionally and partially an exploded view of structures of the supporting arm.

Figure 8 illustrates a cross sectional view A-A of Figure 4.

Figure 9 illustrates a cross sectional view B-B of Figure 4.

Figure 10 illustrates the mounting base of the counterpart arrangement in its uppermost position relative to the supporting arm.

Figure 11 illustrates the mounting base of the counterpart arrangement in its lowermost position relative to the supporting arm.

Figure 12 illustrates the counterpart member of the counterpart arrangement in its uppermost position relative to the mounting base.

Figure 13 illustrates the counterpart member of the counterpart arrangement in its lowermost position relative to the mounting base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an elevator according to a preferred embodiment. The elevator comprises a hoistway 1, an elevator car 2 vertically movable in the hoistway 1, as well as one or more vertically oriented guide rails 4 for guiding the elevator car 2. The elevator further comprises a counterweight 3 vertically movable in the hoistway 1, as well as one or more vertically oriented guide rails 5 for guiding the counterweight 3. For the sake of clarity, only one guide rail 4, 5 has been illustrated for each of the car 2 and the counterweight 3 in Figure 1. However, it is preferable that the elevator comprises two of said guide rails 4, 5 for each of the car 2 and the counterweight 3. The car 2 and the counterweight 3 are interconnected by a suspension roping R passing around one or more rope wheels mounted 6 in proximity of the upper end of the hoistway 1.

[0013] The elevator comprises vertically spaced apart landings L1-L3 where the car 2 can be stopped so that the passengers can enter or exit it. The car 2 has a car door D through which the passengers can pass. The landings L1-L3 are preferably provided with landing doors d, as illustrated.

[0014] The elevator comprises a car position detection arrangement 7,10. The car position detection arrangement comprises a detector arrangement 7 mounted on the elevator car 2, and a plurality of vertically spaced apart counterpart arrangements 10 for said car position detector arrangement 7, which counterpart arrangements 10 are mounted on a guide rail 4 inside the hoistway 1 beside different vertically spaced apart landings L1-L3.

[0015] The principle and cooperation of the detector arrangement 7 and the counterpart arrangement 10 are illustrated in Figure 2. The detector arrangement 7 comprises at least a first detector 8 having a first detection range 9, and each counterpart arrangement 10 comprises a first counterpart member 11 for said first detector 8 that is mounted on the car 2. Said first detector 8 is arranged to detect presence of the first counterpart member 11 within the first detection range 9 thereof. The detector arrangement 7 being mounted on the car, the detectors 8 thereof travel along with the car 2. Each said first counterpart member 11 is positioned to be within the vertical projection of the detection range 9, and thereby in the path thereof. Each first counterpart member 11 is arranged to enter the first detection range 9 when the car 2 is moved such that the first counterpart member 11 in question and the first detection range 9 are vertically level with each other.

[0016] The counterpart arrangement 10 has been illustrated in Figure 2 schematically and in further details in Figures 3-13.

[0017] Each said counterpart arrangement 10 comprises a horizontally oriented elongated supporting arm 12, which elongated supporting arm 12 comprises a first end 13 mounted on a guide rail 4 and a second end 14, and a mounting base 15 for one or more counterpart members 11,21, which mounting base 15 is mounted on the second end 14 of the elongated supporting arm 12; and a first counterpart member 11 mounted on the mounting base 15. Said guide rail 4 on which the counterpart arrangements 10 have been mounted is preferably a guide rail for guiding the elevator car 2, whereby the counterpart members 11,21 mounted by it will be simply close to the car 2 and the detector arrangement 7 mounted thereon. Alternatively, said guide rail on which the counterpart arrangements 10 have been mounted could be the guide rail 5 for guiding the counterweight 3.

[0018] The horizontally oriented elongated supporting arm 12 is preferably furthermore oriented parallel with a wall of the car 2. Thus, when the car 2 is level with it, close positioning, and thereby positioning for making the detector and the counterpart thereof to meet, is achieved simply without collision risks or need for the detectors to protrude far outside the vertical projection of the car 2.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment, the counterpart member position of each counterpart arrangement 10 is made adjustable by lateral adjustability that has been designed into the mounting structures thereof. With the adjustability, it is facilitated that simple, accurate, swift and unlaborious installation is possible.

[0020] Figures 5, 6a, 6b illustrate details of the structures related to mounting of each said elongated supporting arm 12. The guide rail 4 on which the counterpart arrangements 10 have been mounted comprises a first side edge 4a and a second side edge 4b. Each said elongated supporting arm 12 comprises an elongated arm section 12a forming the first end 13 mounted on a guide rail 4; and said elongated arm section 12a is placed to lean against the guide rail 4, in particular against the backside thereof. Each said counterpart arrangement 10 comprises fixing means for fixing the elongated arm section 12a on the guide rail 4. Said fixing means comprise a first fixing clip 40 comprising a fixing edge 41. The first fixing clip 40 is mounted on the elongated arm section 12a such that the first side edge 4a of the guide rail 4 is between the fixing edge 41 and the elongated arm section 12a. Said fixing means further comprise a second fixing clip 50 comprising a fixing edge 51, which second fixing clip 50 is mounted on the elongated arm section 12a such that the second side edge 4b of the guide rail 4 is between the fixing edge 51 and the elongated arm section 12a. The guide rail 4 is positioned in longitudinal direction w of the elongated arm section 12a between the first fixing clip 40 and said second fixing clip 50. Said fixing means further comprise a tightening means 42a,42b;52a,52b for tightening the fixings clips 40,50 immovably on the elongated supporting arm 12a, said tightening means 42a,42b;52a,52b being tightenable and releasable. Said tightening means 42a,42b;52a,52b can be of bolt-and-nut -type.

[0021] Said first fixing clip 40 and said second fixing clip 50 comprise each a slide channel 43;53 having two opposite slide walls 44;54, which are toothed, and said elongated arm section 12a is placed between said two opposite slide walls 44;54 of the first fixing clip 40 and said second fixing clip 50 such that it extends through the slide channel 43 of said first fixing clip 40 and through the slide channel 53 of said second fixing clip 50, whereby said elongated arm section 12a is movable by sliding in said slide channels 43; 5 3 in the longitudinal direction w of the elongated arm section 12a when the tightening means 42a,42b;52a,52b are in released state. Said elongated arm section 12a comprises toothed slide faces 45;55 for sliding along the toothed slide walls 44;54 of the slide channels 43;53 of the first and second fixing clip 40;50. The slide faces 45;55 for sliding against the toothed slide walls 44;54 of the slide channels 43;53 of the first and second fixing clip 40;50 thereby comprise teeth. The teeth are distributed in longitudinal direction of the elongated arm section 12a.

[0022] Said first fixing clip 40, said second fixing clip 50 and said elongated arm section 12a are each made of plastic. Owing to the material being plastic, the components can be slided along each other without blockages that resist sliding excessively. Plastic material has relatively low friction coefficient and ability to slightly deform, whereby the components can be moved such that the teeth of the components can pass each other with small running clearances. The teeth are however able to resist free sliding from occurring whereby the sliding is not excessively free which would make the components sensitive to move relative to each other unintentionally. This would make accurate adjustment difficult in the hoistway where relatively challenging working conditions are typical. Also, teeth provide that the clips 40,50 and the elongated arm section 12a when tightened together are interlocked securely together. The resulting controlled slidability of the elongated arm section 12a relative to the fixing clips 40,50 facilitates accuracy of the adjustment of the position of the counterpart members 11,21 of the counterpart arrangement 10, because the position of the elongated arm section 12a relative to the guide rail 4 can be adjusted simply while the elongated arm section 12a is mounted on the guide rail, and tightened securely such that no subsequent sliding can occur.

[0023] The adjustability thus achieved can be used to fine-tune the counterpart member(s) 11,21 to a desired final position relative to the detector(s) 8,18 mounted on the car 2 very accurately. More coarse lateral adjustment can be provided with the structure described later referring to Figures 7-9 particularly. Said plastic of said first fixing clip 40, said second fixing clip 50 and said elongated arm section 12a can basically be any plastic material, such as plastic comprising thermosetting polymer (e.g. epoxy, phenolic] or thermoplastic polymer (e.g. nylon, polyethylene, or polystyrene].

[0024] In the preferred embodiment, both of the two opposite slide walls 44 of the first fixing clip 40 are toothed and both of the two opposite slide walls 54 of the second fixing clip 50 are toothed. Each toothed slide wall 44;54 comprises one or more teeth 47,57 engageable with teeth of a toothed slide face 45;55 of the elongated arm section 12a. Said elongated arm section 12a comprises a toothed slide face 45;55 for both of the two opposite slide walls 44;54 of each of said first and second fixing clip 40;50. Said toothed slide walls 44,-54 of the first fixing clip 40 and the second fixing clip 50 comprise teeth 47,57 engageable with teeth of said toothed slide faces 45,-55 of the elongated arm section 12a provides that the components can lock with each other when the tightening means are tightened. The inner edge regions 48,58 of said slide channels 43;53 are however smooth and free of teeth so as to facilitate slidability when the tightening means are in the released state. In other words, each slide wall 44;54 of the first fixing clip 40 and the second fixing clip 50 comprises a smooth slide wall section 48,58 free of teeth, which smooth slide wall section 48,58 forms the inner edge regions of said slide channels 43;53.

[0025] The fixing edge 41 of the first fixing clip 40 comprises a serrated fixing face 46 for being pressed against the first side edge 4a of the guide rail 4, and the fixing edge 51 of the second fixing clip 50 comprises a serrated fixing face 56 for being pressed against the second side edge 4b of the guide rail 4. The serration on the plastic material facilitates firmness of the grip between the fixing clips 40,50 and the guide rail 4 when the tightening means are in a tightened state, but also when adjusting the correct position of the elongated arm section 12a in its longitudinal direction w by sliding it in the slide channels 43,53. Then, the tightening means can be in a released state yet the clips 40,50 remain relatively easily positioned against the guide rail 4 such that unintended vertical displacement can be avoided.

[0026] Said first fixing clip 40, said second fixing clip 50 and said elongated arm section 12a are preferably each made of plastic by injection molding. Thus, the complicated structures, in particular said toothing, the slide channels and the serration, are all simply formable therein with accurate tolerances.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the tightening means 42a,42b;52a,52b are arranged to pull the first fixing clip 40 and the elongated arm section 12a towards each other such that the first side edge 4a of the guide rail 4 is compressed between the fixing edge 41 of the first fixing clip 40 and the elongated arm section 12a, and to pull the second fixing clip 50 and the elongated arm section 12a towards each other such that the second side edge 4b of the guide rail 4 is compressed between the fixing edge 51 of the second fixing clip 50 and the elongated arm section 12a.

[0028] The tightening means 42a,42b;52a,52b are preferably furthermore such that they comprise a first tightening means 42a,42b for tightening the first fixing clip 40, and a second tightening means 52a,52b for tightening the second fixing clip 50. In the illustrated example, the first tightening means 42a,42b comprise a bolt 42b extending through an opening 42d of the first fixing clip 40 and through an opening 42c of the elongated arm section 12a, as well as a nut 42a. The opening 42c of the elongated arm section 12a is elongated in longitudinal direction w of the elongated arm section 12a, preferably at least 30 mm long. Likewise, the second tightening means 52a,52b comprise a bolt 52b extending through an opening 52d of the second fixing clip 50 and through an opening 52c of the elongated arm section 12a, as well as a nut 52a. The opening 52c of the elongated arm section 12a is elongated in longitudinal direction w of the elongated arm section 12a, preferably at least 30 mm long.

[0029] Above, adjustment of the position of the elongated supporting arm 12 in the longitudinal direction w of the elongated arm section has been described. The elongated supporting arm 12 preferably furthermore comprises internal adjustability in the longitudinal direction w of the elongated arm section. Figures 7-9 illustrate details of the structures of each said elongated supporting arm 12. As mentioned, each said elongated supporting arm 12 comprises an elongated arm section 12a made of plastic and forming the first end 13 mounted on a guide rail 4, in particular such that it leans against the guide rail 4. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the elongated supporting arm 12 furthermore comprises an end section 12b made of plastic, and forming the second end 14; and a connector section 12c made of plastic, and positioned between the elongated arm section 12a and the end section 12b and connecting these rigidly to each other. The connection is preferably secured with screws 12d, 12e which fix the elongated arm section 12a and the end section 12b to the connector section 12c. Said screws comprise one or more screws 12d extending through the elongated arm section 12a and the connector section 12c as well as one or more screws 12e extending through the end section 12b and the connector section 12c.

[0030] Said connector section 12c is a tube profile part having a first open end El and a second open end E2, the first open end El pointing towards the elongated arm section 12a, and the second open end E2 pointing towards the end section 12b, and an end E3 of the elongated arm section 12a has been inserted into the first open end El of the connector section 12c, and an end E4 of the end section 12b is inserted into the second open E2 end of the connector section 12c. The cross section of the connector section 12c is preferably the same throughout the length thereof.

[0031] An advantage of the structure is, that the second end 14 of the supporting arm 12 can be detached from the first end 13, and the vertical position of the counterpart member(s) 11,21 as well as the mounting base, supported by the second end 14 can be manipulated and adjusted without risk of affecting other adjustments, such as the lateral and vertical position of the arm section 12a relative to the guide rail 4. Furthermore, adjustments needed for the counterpart member(s) 11,21 or the mounting base 15 that are components carried by the second end 14 of the supporting arm 12, need not be done in a difficult working position. For instance, at least the coarse adjustment of the counterpart member(s) 11,21 can be held at hand separately from the guide rail 4 when adjusting them. The adjustment thereof can thus be done effectively while the end section 12b is detached from the arm section 12a already earlier mounted on the guide rail 4. The preferred adjustment of the counterpart member(s) 11,21 will be later described referring to Figures 10-13. A further advantage of the structure is, that the overall length of the elongated supporting arm 12 is simply variable to fit the elevator. Installation of this kind of elevator is hereby swift, and the manufacturing and maintenance costs thereof are reduced because same components can be used with elevators having different elevator layouts. The variability of length of said elongated supporting arm 12 is provided as by variating the length of the connector section 12c, the overall length of the supporting arm 12 becomes coarsely variated. The connector section 12c being a tube profile part having a first open end and second open end provides that it can be manufactured to be of any desired length simply by first forming a tube profile and cutting a desired length from it. By choice of length of the connector section 12c, i.e. the length of the tube profile part, the distance between the elongated arm section 12a and the end section 12b can be simply set to be as desired without modifying the elongated arm section 12a or the end section 12b, which are more complicated plastic components, and require manufacturing with a specific mold in an injection molding process. Variation of a tube profile part, on the other hand, does not require having several different molds, because this kind of part can be made by cutting from a longer piece, even on the installation site. The resulting overall structure of the counterpart arrangement is extremely well adjustable in all important directions whereby the elevator becomes very simple, accurate, swift and unlaborious to install.

[0032] The elongated supporting arm 12 is preferably more than 400 mm long in horizontal direction w. The connector section 12c is also elongated, most preferably 50-200 mm long, in said horizontal direction w. This length gives it the ability to extend overall length of the arm 12 substantially while facilitating rigidity of the arm substantially with the nested structure. That is, the ends E3 and E4 inserted into the connector section 12c that is a tube profile part support the connector section 12c from inside such that a rigid overall structure is achieved.

[0033] The connector section 12c is a tube profile part having an inside space of rectangular cross section as seen in longitudinal direction of the supporting arm 12, i.e. in said horizontal direction w, and the end E3 of the elongated arm section 12a inserted into the first open end of the connector section 12c, and the end E4 of the end section 12b inserted into the second open end of the connector section 12c have also both rectangular cross sections as seen in longitudinal direction of the supporting arm 12. The end E3 is of course shaped and dimensioned to fit inside the first open end El of the connector section 12c, and the end E4 is shaped and dimensioned to fit inside the second open end E2 of the connector section 12c [0034] The end section 12b and the elongated arm section 12a are preferably made of plastic by injection molding. Injection molding provides that complex components such as structure enabling adjustment in the first end 13 and/or the second end 14 thereof can be simply made. Owing to the structure utilizing the tube profile connector section 12c, the advantages of this process are achieved with variability of size of the overall structure without necessitating several large molds.

[0035] The components 12a-12c of the elongated supporting arm 12 being made of plastic provides that the supporting arm 12 can be designed to have a complex structure, such as structure enabling adjustment in the first end 13 and/or the second end 14 thereof while still ensuring low weight as well as efficiency in manufacturing.

[0036] In the following, preferred details related to the mounting base 15 are described referring particularly to Figures 10-13. It is preferable, although not necessary that the mounting base 15 is provided with vertical adjustability as in this preferred embodiment. In this case, the mounting base 15 is mounted on the elongated supporting arm 12 with adjustable fixing means 16a, 16b, the position of the mounting base 15 relative to the elongated supporting arm 12 being adjustable in vertical direction v, and said first counterpart member 11 is mounted on the mounting base 15 with adjustable fixing means 17a,17b,17c, the position of the first counterpart member 11 relative to the mounting base 15 being adjustable in vertical direction v. The mounting base 15 is preferably made of plastic. Plastic material of the mounting base 15 installed between the counterpart member and the arm enables long range of adjustability between the counterpart member and the supporting arm 12 utilizing complicated and vertically large structures for the mounting base 15 without addition of weight to the free end of the supporting arm 12. This allows use of a long arm as the mass located at the end of the arm remains low despite the long range of adjustability and complex structures. Hereby, the mass located at the end of the arm is not prone to swing with low frequency and large amplitude. This is essential for maintaining the counterpart member correctly placed, which is essential particularly in the elevator where the counterpart is a part of a car position detection arrangement where displacement of millimeters of the free end of the arm could possibly be harmful. The adjustability of the mounting base 15 is furthermore in such scale that the vertical position of the first counterpart member 11 relative to the elongated supporting arm 12 is adjustable in vertical direction between a topmost position and a lowermost position that are at least 250 mm apart in vertical direction v.

[0037] The material of the mounting base 15 being plastic allows with low weight and simple manufacturing process such complexity in design of the mounting base 15 that is adequate for providing smoothly operable adjustability between the supporting arm 12 and the mounting base 15 as well as between the counterpart member(s) 11,21 and the mounting base 15. At the same time it allows designing the structures as large in size as needed for providing long range in the adjustability adequate to enable adjusting the position of the counterpart member(s) 11,21 such that they are placed beside other components fixed to the guide rail 4, such as fixing plates also when the mounting point of the supporting arm 12 is vertically displaced from those other components such as said fixing plates.

[0038] As mentioned, said mounting base 15 is made of plastic and mounted on the elongated supporting arm 12 with adjustable fixing means 16a,16b. The position of the mounting base 15 relative to the elongated supporting arm 12 is adjustable in vertical direction v. The adjustable fixing means 16a,16b are preferably steplessly adjustable fixing means, as presented. The position of the mounting base 15 relative to the elongated supporting arm 12 is steplessly adjustable in vertical direction v between a topmost position and a lowermost position, wherein said topmost position and lowermost position are preferably at least 50 mm apart in vertical direction v. The vertical adjusting range of the steplessly adjustable fixing means 16a, 16b is thereby at least 50 mm. Thereby substantial stepless adjustability is provided by which finetuning is made possible in most elevator cases. This is advantageous because the relative position between the detectors and the counterpart members can be accurately adjusted. Figure 10 illustrates the mounting base 15 in its topmost position and a Figure 11 illustrates the mounting base 15 in its lowermost position. The mounting base 15 is in the presented embodiment movable steplessly between these positions.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment presented, said steplessly adjustable fixing means 16a,16b comprise a hole 16a provided on the mounting base 15, which hole 16a is elongated in vertical direction v, and a tightening bolt 16b extending through said elongated hole 16a. The tightening bolt 16b is fixed on said elongated supporting arm 12 stationary in vertical direction v. For this purpose the supporting arm can comprise a threaded hole wherein the tightening bolt 16b is screwable, or alternatively there can be round hole in the supporting arm 12 through which the tightening bolt extends and a nut on the back side of the supporting arm 12. The hole 16a provided on the mounting base 15 is preferably at least 50 mm long in vertical direction v whereby this long adjustability is provided.

[0040] The mounting base 15 comprises a first support section 15a against which a first counterpart member 11 can be fixed. In the presented case, there is also a second support section 15b against which a second counterpart member 21 can be fixed. Hereby, in this example two counterpart members 11,21 can be fixed on the mounting base 15 as showed in Figures 2-4, and 10-13. Each said support section 15a,15b is preferably a profile flange having a support face facing in the longitudinal direction d of the supporting arm 12. Thus, a plate-shaped counterpart member 11,21 can be fixed by each said supportsection 15a,15b such thatthe plane thereof is vertical and orthogonal to the horizontal direction that is the longitudinal direction d of the supporting arm 12, which is advantageous for the relative positioning of the counterpart member 11,21 and the detector 8,18, as well as their interaction.

[0041] As mentioned, said first counterpart member 11 is mounted on the mounting base 15 with adjustable fixing means 17a, 17b, 17c. These adjustable fixing means 17a, 17b, 17c are preferably stepwise adjustable fixing means 17a, 17b, 17c, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the position of the first counterpart member 11 relative to the mounting base 15 is stepwise adjustable in vertical direction v between a topmost position and lowermost position that are at least 200 mm apart in vertical direction v. The vertical adjusting range of the stepwise adjustable fixing means 17a, 17b, 17c is thereby at least said 200 mm. The adjusting range of the adjustable fixing means 16a, 16b being said at least 50 mm, the overall adjusting range of the first counterpart member 11 then becomes at least 250 mm. The adjustability being as preferred, it is constituted by stepwise and stepless adjustment. The range at least 250 mm will be enough to provide adjustability exceeding the need caused by fixing plates fishplates as well as fixing brackets utilized in mounting of guide rails in most common elevators.

[0042] Figure 12 illustrates the first counterpart member 11 in its topmost position relative to the mounting base 15 and Figure 13 illustrates the first counterpart member 11 in its lowermost position relative to the mounting base 15. The first counterpart member 11 is movable stepwise between these positions relative to the mounting base 15. In the presented case, between these extreme positions relative to the mounting base 15 the first counterpart member 11 is also positionable in intermediate positions relative to the mounting base 15 due to the great amount of holes 17a,17b present in the preferred implementation illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. The implementation is explained in further details in the following.

[0043] Said stepwise adjustable fixing means 17a, 17b,17c comprise plurality of fixing holes 17a provided on said mounting base 15 that are spaced apart in vertical direction v, and plurality of holes 17b provided on said first counterpart member 11 that are spaced apart in vertical direction v, the holes 17a of the mounting base 15 and the holes 17b of the first counterpart member 11 being positioned relative to each other such (e.g. at regular intervals) that said mounting base 15 and said first counterpart member 11 are mountable against each other in plurality of vertical positions such that the holes 17b of said first counterpart member 11 and the holes 17a of said mounting base 15 coincide, and said stepwise adjustable fixing means 17a, 17b,17c further comprise one or more fixing bolts 17c extending through coinciding holes 17a,17b of said first counterpart member 11 said mounting base 15. The holes 17a of the mounting base 15 and the holes 17b of the counterpart member 11 are preferably short in vertical direction, such as less than 15 mm in vertical direction as illustrated or round, as they are not intended to provide stepless adjustability.

[0044] The aforementioned stepwise adjustability enables prepositioning of the mounting base 15 and the counterpart member 11 such that the position of the counterpart member 11 is roughly as desired. The prepositioning can be performed when mounting the individual counterpart arrangement 10 on the guide rail 4. At this stage, the finetuning is not necessary, and possibly not even possible, whereby it is preferably done later. The stepless adjustment allows the later finetuning of the counterpart member 11 position such that the specific relative position between it and the detector(s) mounted on the car 2 can be obtained with high accuracy while avoiding with high degree the need to change the position of the complete counterpart arrangement 10. The process can be, for instance, such that the counterpart arrangements 10 are first all distributed and mounted at roughly correct vertical positions in the hoistway 1, even already before installation of the car 2. At a later stage in the installation process of the elevator, they all are finetuned to the exactly correct position by driving the car 2 at each landing and while at the landing adjusting the first counterpart member 11 to be level with the detection range 9 of the first detector 8. The desired exact position of each first counterpart member 11 is within the adjustment tolerance of the stepwise adjustment, due to the rough adjustment carried out earlier. Thus, the final exact position of each first counterpart member 11 can be adjusted by stopping at each landing and with one drive of the car 2 working from the roof of the car 2. The process thus obtained is very swift and simple. The process is to be performed for each pair of detector and counterpart member 8,18;11,21 in this manner, when there are plurality of counterpart members 11,21 comprised in each counterpart arrangement 10. The long range of adjustment on the other hand allows positioning of the counterpart arrangement 10 vertically apart from the level of fixing plates [fish plates) of the guide rail and/or from the level of guide rail brackets used for fixing the guide rail immovably on a wall of the hoistway. The range specified provides adjustability that is adequate to allow free positioning with most known brackets and fishplates. If the fish plate or a bracket happens to be positioned at a troublesome level, owing to the long range of adjustment, the counterpart arrangement 10 can be position above it or below it, and adjusted such that it comes to be positioned optimally relative to the landing and car detectors.

[0045] It is preferable, although not necessary, that the detector arrangement 7, which is mounted on the elevator car 2, further comprises a second detector 18 having a second detection range 19, as illustrated in Figure 2. Owing to the plastic material, a mounting base 15 of increased size and more complex structure, is simple to produce without problems in performance thereof. In this case, each said counterpart arrangement 10 further comprises a second counterpart member 21 for said second detector 18, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 for instance. Then, correspondingly as already explained with the first counterpart member 11, the second counterpart member 21 is positioned to be within the vertical projection of the second detection range 19 of the second detector 18 and said second detector 18 is arranged to detect presence of the counterpart member 21 within the second detection range 19, and each said counterpart arrangement 10 further comprises a second counterpart member 21 mounted on the mounting base 15. Thus, a dual system is formed whereby two parallel position detections of the car are provided. These can be used for different purposes and their spatial features optimized individually, while at the same time utilizing common mounting components so that a very compact, yet simply variable overall arrangement can be provided. For example, the vertical length of each counterpart member 11, 21 can be optimized so that the level where detection by the relevant detector is realized, becomes as desired. One of the counterpart members 11, 21 can be utilized for detecting whether the car 2 is within a larger vertical zone e.g. for being used to indicate when the car 2 has reached a certain point during its arrival a landing so that the door(s) d,D leading to the closest landing can be operated accordingly. The other one can be utilized for detecting whether the car 2 is within a short vertical zone where is should not exit while parked at a landing. Exit from the short vertical zone can then be used for triggering releveling function. These are, however, only preferred examples of the functions where the elevator can utilize the detection(s), as there are various alternative functions where the elevator could utilize information obtained by this kind of detection(s).

[0046] As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, said second counterpart member 21 is mounted on the mounting base 15 correspondingly as already explained with the first counterpart member 11, with stepwise adjustable fixing means 27a, 27b,27c, the position of the second counterpart member 21 relative to the mounting base 15 being stepwise adjustable in vertical direction between a topmost position and lowermost position that are at least 200 mm apart in vertical direction, the vertical adjusting range of the stepwise adjustable fixing means 27a, 27b,27c is thereby at least said 200 mm. The overall adjusting range of the second counterpart member 21 then becomes at least 250 mm that is constituted by stepwise and stepless adjustment. This will be enough to provide adjustability exceeding the need caused by fixing brackets and fishplates utilized for mounting guide rails in most common elevators. Figure 12 illustrates the second counterpart member 21 in its topmost position and a Figure 13 illustrates the second counterpart member 21 in its lowermost position.

[0047] Correspondingly as already explained with the stepwise adjustable fixing means of the first counterpart member 11, said stepwise adjustable fixing means 27a, 2 7b,2 7c of the second counterpart member 21 comprise plurality of fixing holes 27a provided on said mounting base 15 that are spaced apart in vertical direction v, and plurality of holes 27b provided on said second counterpart member 21 that are spaced apart in vertical direction v, the holes 27a of the mounting base 15 and the holes 27b of the second counterpart member 21 being positioned relative to each other such (e.g. at regular intervals) that said mounting base 15 and said second counterpart member 21 are mountable against each other in plurality of vertical positions such that the holes 27b of said second counterpart member 21 and the holes 27a of said mounting base 15 coincide, and said stepwise adjustable fixing means 27a, 27b,27c further comprise one or more fixing bolts 27c extending through coinciding holes 27a,27b of said second counterpart member 21 said mounting base 15.

[0048] The stepwise adjustable fixing means 27a, 27b,27c; 17a, 17b, 17c of the first counterpart member 11 and the second counterpart member 21 are adjustable separately from each other. Said first counterpart member 11 and said second counterpart member 21 are mounted on the mounting base 15 with separate stepwise adjustable fixing means 27a, 27b,27c; 17a, 17b,17c, their positions relative to the mounting base 15 being stepwise adjustable in vertical direction v independently of each other. Thus, exact positions of the first and second counterpart member 11,21 can be independently set.

[0049] Generally, each of said detectors 8,18 is a contactless electric detector suitable for detecting presence of a counterpart member 11,21 within the detection range 9,19 thereof. Preferably, each of said detectors 8,18 presented is such that it is configured to produce a magnetic field within the detection range 9,19 thereof, and to detect changes in the magnetic field caused by metal entering or exiting the magnetic field, and each said counterpart member 11,21 presented is a vertically oriented elongated metal member, such as an elongated metal plate. Each of said detectors 8,18 presented can be in the form of an oscillator detector 8,18.

[0050] In Figure 1, the suspension ratio of the elevator is 1:1. However, this is only one exemplary way to suspend the car 2 and counterweight 3. For example, the suspension ratio could alternatively be 2:1 where the car and the counterweight are each supported by the rope 1 via an additional rope wheel mounted on the car and the counterweight, respectively. Of course, the invention can be used also with any other kind of suspension ratio.

[0051] The guide rail 4 on which the counterpart arrangements 10 are mounted has a T-shaped cross-section, as illustrated in Figures. Then, it comprises a back section having a back face against which the elongated supporting arm 12 can be mounted to lean, and a guide section along which a guide member can travel. The guide member is mounted on the elevator unit being guided by the guide rail, i.e. the car or counterweight. The guide member may be a set of rollers or sliders, for instance. The guide rail being T-shaped, the guide section and the back section are substantially plate shaped and, the guide section protrudes from the center area of the back section orthogonally towards the front side of the guide rail 4.

[0052] Said mounting base 15 is preferably made of plastic by injection molding. Injection molding process allows the mounting base 15 to be designed to have a complicated structure with small amount of additional processing. The mounting base 15 can be a one-piece plastic part, or alternatively it can consist of two or more plastic parts connected together. Said plastic of the mounting base 15 and/or of the components 12a,12b,12c of the supporting arm 12 can basically be any plastic material, such as plastic comprising thermosetting polymer (e.g. epoxy, phenolic] or thermoplastic polymer (e.g. nylon, polyethylene, or polystyrene].

[0053] As for the dimensions of the components, it is preferable that the elongated supporting arm 12 is more than 400 mm long. In each counterpart arrangement 10, the mounting base 15 is mounted via only one arm 12, whereby the system is easily sensitive to sway problems. In context of solutions necessitating an arm more than 400 mm long, the challenges sway of the arm become substantial.

[0054] The guide rail 4 on which the first ends 13 of the counterpart arrangements 10 are mounted can consist of several parts. It can comprise plurality of elongated guide rail sections of similar cross-section placed on top of each other, and each guide rail section is oriented in vertical direction v. The ends of successive guide rail sections are then preferably fixed to each other, end to end, with a fixing plate extending over the seam formed between the ends of the successive guide rail sections. The first ends 13 of the counterpart arrangements 10 are then mounted on the guide rail 4 such that the first ends 13 are vertically displaced from the fixing plates. In practice, the first ends 13 are mounted above the fixing plates or below the fixing plates. Thus, they are mounted on the guide rail 4 in a point that is not within the height of the fixing plate. Mounting the first ends 13 on a naked point of the guide rail 4 and still positioning the counterpart member(s) 11,21 such that they are placed beside the fixing plate is enabled by the structure enabling long range of vertical position adjustment as described elsewhere in the application.

[0055] It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying Figures are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The above-described embodiments of the invention may thus be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

An elevator comprising an elevator shaft (1); and an elevator car (2) movable within the elevator shaft (1); and a counterweight (3) movable in the elevator shaft (1); and a vertical guide (4) for guiding the elevator car (2); and a vertical guide (5) for controlling the counterweight (3); and vertically spaced floor levels (L1-L3); and a basket position recognition arrangement (7,10), comprising a sensor arrangement (7) mounted on the elevator car (2) and comprising a first sensor (8) having a first detection range (9); and a plurality of vertically spaced counterpart arrangements (10) for said sensor arrangement (7) mounted on the elevator shaft (1) adjacent the vertically spaced floor planks (L1 to L3) on one of said vertical guides (4,5); wherein said first detector (8) is arranged to detect the presence of a first counterpart element (11) within the first detecting range (9); and wherein each of said counterpart assembly (10) comprises a horizontal elongated support arm (12), the elongated support arm (12) comprising a first end (13) mounted on a guide (4, 5) and a second end (14); and a mounting base (15) for one or more counterpart members (11, 21) mounted on one end (14) of the elongated support arm (12); and a first mating member (11) for said first sensor (8), the first mating member (11) being mounted on a mounting base (15) and positioned within a vertical projection of the detection foot (9) of the first sensor (8); and wherein the guide (4, 5) on which the counterpart subassemblies (10) are mounted comprises a first side edge (4a) and a second side edge (4b); and wherein each of said elongated support arms (12) comprises an elongated shaft portion (12a) forming a first end (13) mounted on a guide (4, 5); and wherein said elongate shaft portion (12a) is positioned to rest against the guide (4, 5); and wherein each of said counterpart assembly (10) comprises fastening means for fastening an elongate shaft portion (12a) to a guide (4, 5), and said fastening means comprises a first fastening bracket (40) comprising a fastening edge (41) mounted on an elongated shaft portion (12a) such that the first lateral edge (4a) of the guide (4, 5) is between the attachment edge (41) and the elongate shaft portion (12a); and a second clamping bracket (50) comprising a clamping edge (51), the second clamping clamp (50) being mounted on the elongated support portion (12a) such that the second lateral edge (4b) of the guide (4, 5) is the clamping edge (51) and 12a) in between; and tensioning means (42a, 42b; 52a, 52b) for immobilizing the retaining clips (40; 50) on the elongated shaft portion (12a), said tensioning means (42a, 42b; 52a, 52b) being tensile and releasable; characterized in that said first clamping clip (40), said second clamping clip (50) and said elongate shaft portion (12a) are made of plastic, and said first clamping clip (40) and said second clamping clip (50) each comprising a slide passage (43; 53). having two opposing sliding walls (44; 54) which are toothed and said elongate shaft portion (12a) disposed between said first opposing sliding walls (44) and said second opposing sliding walls (44; 54), extending through said sliding passageways (43; 53) of said first anchorage retainer (40) and said second anchorage retainer (50), and said elongated arm portion (12a) being movable by sliding in said slideways (43; 53) in longitudinal direction (w). the clamping means (42a, 42b; 52a, 52b) being in the released state; and said elongated shaft portion (12a) comprises toothed sliding surfaces (45; 55) for sliding along the toothed sliding walls (44; 54) of the first and second mounting brackets (40; 50) on the slideways (43; 53).

Elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the toothed sliding walls (44; 54) of the first and second mounting brackets (40; 50) comprise an elongated shaft portion (12a) of teeth (47, 57) engaging with teeth of said toothed sliding surfaces (45; 55). .

Elevator according to Claim 2, characterized in that the inner edge areas (48, 58) of the slideways (43; 53) are smooth and toothless.

Elevator according to claim 3, characterized in that the securing edge (41) of the first securing bracket (40) comprises a knurled securing surface (46) to be pressed against the first lateral edge (4a) of the guide (4) and the securing edge (51) of the second securing bracket (50) an engaging surface (56) to be pressed against the second side edge (4b) of the guide (4).

Elevator according to Claim 4, characterized in that, in the tensioned state, the tensioning means (42a, 42b; 52a, 52b) are arranged to pull the first securing clip (40) and the elongated shaft portion (12a) towards each other such that the first lateral edge (4a) ) is pressed between the attachment edge (41) of the first retaining clip (40) and the elongate shaft portion (12a), and pulling the second retaining clip (50) and the elongate shaft portion (12a) toward each other such that one side edge (4b) of the 50) between the mounting edge (51) and the elongate shaft portion (12a).

Elevator according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamping means (42a, 42b; 52a, 52b) comprise first clamping means (42a, 42b) for clamping the first clamping clip (40) and second clamping means (52a, 52b) for the second clamping clamp (50). for extortion.

Elevator according to claim 6, characterized in that the first clamping means (42a, 42b) comprises a bolt (42b) extending through the first clamping bracket (40) and the elongated shaft portion (12a), and a nut (42a), and the second clamping means (52a). , 52b) comprise a bolt (52b) extending through a second mounting bracket (50) and an elongated shaft portion (12a), and a nut (52a).

Elevator according to claim 7, characterized in that said bolt (42b) extending through the first mounting bracket (40) and the elongated shaft portion (12a) extends through the opening (42c) of the elongated shaft portion (12a), which is an elongated elongated shaft portion (12a) in the longitudinal direction (w), and said bolt (52b) extending through a second mounting bracket (50) and an elongate shaft portion (12a) extending through an opening (52c) of the elongate shaft portion (12a); is elongated in the longitudinal direction (w) of the elongate shaft portion (12a).

Elevator according to claim 8, characterized in that each of said elongated support arms (12) comprises an end portion (12b) made of plastic and forming a second end (14); and a joint portion (12c) made of plastic and disposed between and rigidly connected between the elongate shaft portion (12a) and the end portion (12b), wherein said joint portion (12c) is a tubular profile portion having a first open end (E1) and a second open end (E2), and the first open end (E1) points towards the elongated shaft portion (12a), and the second open end (E2) points toward the end portion (12b), and the end (E3) of the elongate shaft portion (12a) is positioned in the first the open end (E1), and the end (E4) of the end portion (12b) is disposed at the other open end (E2) of the connecting portion (12c).

Elevator according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting portion (12c) is 50-200 mm long in the horizontal direction (w).

Elevator according to claim 10, characterized in that the end portion (12b) and the elongated shaft portion (12a) are made of plastic by injection molding.

Elevator according to claim 11, characterized in that the elongated support arm (12) is more than 400 mm long in the horizontal direction (w).

Elevator according to claim 12, characterized in that said connecting portion (12c) is a tubular profile portion having an interior having a rectangular cross-section viewed in the longitudinal direction (w) of the elongated support arm (12) and on the elongated shaft portion (E3), disposed on the first open end (E1) of the joint portion (12c) is a rectangular cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction (w) of the elongated support arm (12) and on the end portion (12b) positioned on the second open end (12c) E2), is a rectangular cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction (w) of the elongated support arm (12).

Elevator according to claim 13, characterized in that the identification arrangement (7) further mounted on the elevator car (2) further comprises a second detector (18) having a second detection distance (19), and each of said counterpart sub arrangement (10) further comprises a second counterpart element. (21) on said second sensor (18), which second mating member (21) is mounted on a mounting bracket (15) and is positioned within a vertical projection of the detection foot (19) of the second sensor (18), and said second sensor (18) ) presence within the second detection range (19).

Elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said first sensors (8) is adapted to produce a magnetic field within its detection range (9) and to detect changes in the magnetic field caused by metal entering or exiting the magnetic field, and metal body.