Abstract
A fastening device, used to fasten a face of an elevator rail foot relative to a fastening plane, includes a support region and a contact region between which the face can be arranged. A compensation device, having a first element and a second element movable relative to each other in an adjustment direction, is used to fasten the face The first and second elements are formed such that, between the contact region and the support region, a holding dimension, viewed perpendicularly to the adjustment direction, in which a zero-backlash fastening of the face is enabled between the contact region and the support region, can be modified by a movement of the first element relative to the second element in the adjustment direction. The support region is formed on the first element. Alternatively or additionally, the support region is formed on at least one protrusion formed on the first element.
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A fastening device for fastening a face of a rail foot of an elevator rail relative to a fastening plane, comprising a support region and a contact region formed on the fastening device, wherein when the face of the rail foot is arranged between the support region and the contact region, the contact region faces a lower side of the rail foot and the support region faces a top side of the rail foot; a compensation means having a first element and a second element, the first element and the second element being moveable relative to each other in an adjustment direction for fastening the face of the rail foot, the first element and the second element being formed such that, between the contact region and the support region, a holding dimension, viewed perpendicularly to the adjustment direction, in which a zero-backlash fastening of one side of a rail foot is enabled between the contact region and the support region, can be modified by a movement of the first element relative to the second element in the adjustment direction, and the support region being formed on the first element or on at least one protrusion formed on the first element; and a first sliding surface that has a constant inclination relative to the adjustment direction is formed on the first element, and a second sliding surface that has a constant inclination relative to the adjustment direction is formed on the second element.
12. The fastening device according to claim 11 wherein at least one of the inclination of the second sliding surface corresponds to the inclination of the first sliding surface and the first sliding surface cooperates with the second sliding surface to set the holding dimension.
13. The fastening device according to claim 11 including a support element having the first element with the support region and the second element, at least one stop being formed on the second element.
14. The fastening device according to claim 13 wherein rail foot engages the stop to position the rail foot in the adjustment direction.
15. The fastening device according to claim 13 wherein the support element includes a through-opening or a groove that extends through the support element in the adjustment direction, and wherein the first element can be moved along the through-opening or the groove in the support element to fasten the face of the rail foot.
16. The fastening device according to claim 11 wherein the rail foot directly contacts at least one of the contact region and the support region when the face of the rail foot is arranged between the support region and the contact region.
17. The fastening device according to claim 11 including an intermediate layer arranged between the rail foot and the contact region or between the rail foot and the support region, the intermediate layer having at least one sliding face facing one of the contact region, the support region and the rail foot.
18. The fastening device according to claim 11 wherein the second element is connected to a base plate to fasten the face of the rail foot, or the second element rests on the base plate to fasten the face of the rail foot.
19. An elevator system comprising: at least one assembly of elevator rails arranged in succession along a longitudinal axis, each of the elevator rails having a foot with faces; and a plurality of the fastening devices according to claim 11, each of the fastening devices being associated with one of the faces, and each of the fastening devices enabling setting the holding dimension on the associated face of the rail foot.
20. A method for fastening a rail foot of an elevator rail with at least one of the fastening device according to claim 11, comprising the steps of: mounting the at least one fastening device relative to a fastening plane; and fastening the rail foot relative to the fastening plane by moving the first element of the at least one fastening device relative to the second element of the at least one fastening device in the adjustment direction.
21. The method according to claim 20 wherein the at least one fastening device is a first fastening device mounted on a first face of the rail foot, and including mounting a second fastening device on a second face of the rail foot opposite the first fastening device, wherein the first fastening device and the second fastening device fasten the rail foot in the adjustment direction but permit movement of the rail foot along a longitudinal axis of the elevator rail relative to the first fastening device and the second fastening device.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention shall be described in greater detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of a fastening device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 shows an elevator rail fastened to a supporting structure by means of fastening devices according to the first embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 3 shows a detail, denoted III in FIG. 2, while the elevator rail is being mounted;
[0038] FIG. 4 shows a detail, denoted III in FIG. 2, when the elevator rail is mounted;
[0039] FIG. 5 shows an intermediate layer for a fastening device according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 6 shows the fastening device according to the second embodiment of the invention, which is used to fasten a face of a rail foot of an elevator rail;
[0041] FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of fastening devices according to a third embodiment, of which one is shown in part, and a supporting structure;
[0042] FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional exploded view of a fastening device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 9 shows an elevator rail fastened to a supporting structure by means of fastening devices according to the fourth embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 10 is a partial schematic view of an elevator system according to a possible embodiment of the invention; and
[0045] FIG. 11 shows a detail, denoted XIII in FIG. 10, of an assembly of elevator rails to explain a possible embodiment of the invention.
[0046] Throughout the figures, the reference numerals are identical for identically operating parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of a fastening device 1 according to a first embodiment. The fastening device 1 comprises a compensation means 2, FIG. 1 showing a first element 3 of the compensation means 2. The compensation means 2 also comprises a second element 4 (FIG. 2).
[0048] The fastening device 1 in the first embodiment also comprises a support element 5 that comprises a jaw 6, on which a surface 15 and a stop 8a are formed. The surface 15 and the stop 8a are each planar and are oriented at least approximately perpendicularly to one another. A support region 7 (FIG. 2) is formed on a protrusion 37 of the surface 15. In a modified embodiment, the support region 7 on the jaw 6 of the support element 5 can also be formed in a different manner, in particular directly by a planar support surface 15 formed by the surface 15. The fastening device 1 also comprises fastening means 9, 10, 11.
[0049] The first element 3 of the compensation means 2 comprises a part 12 and a tension plate 13. Here, the tension plate 13 is bent by 90 relative to the part 12. If the support element 5 is fastened so as to be stationary by the fastening means 11, the first element 3 can be adjusted on the tension plate 13 in an adjustment direction 14 by a technician. As an alternative to the tension plate 13, an opening can also be provided in the first element 3 that can for example be used to position a screwdriver, in order to adjust the first element 3 in the adjustment direction 14.
[0050] FIG. 2 is a partial schematic view of an elevator rail 20 fastened to a supporting structure 21 by means of fastening devices 1, 1A according to the first embodiment. The elevator rail 20 comprises a rail foot 22 that has a rail head 17, a first face 23 and a second face 24. In addition, tracks 25, 26 are formed on the elevator rail 20 that are used as braking tracks and/or guide tracks 25, 26. The fastening device 1 is used to fasten the first face 23 of the rail foot 22 to the supporting structure 21. The fastening device 1A is designed to correspond to the fastening device 1, it being used to fasten the second face 24 of the rail foot 22 to the supporting structure 21. The fastening devices 1, 1A are mounted on the rail foot 22 so as to face one another. Said devices fasten the rail foot 22 owing to their joint effect. The assembly is carried out here such that the rail foot 22 is prevented from moving in the adjustment direction 14 by the stop 8a of the support element 5 of the fastening device 1. The same applies to the fastening device 1A and to the adjustment direction 14A specified for the fastening device 1A. As a result, the rail foot 22 is prevented from moving on either side in the adjustment direction 14 or the adjustment direction 14A.
[0051] In this embodiment, a base plate 27 is provided. The base plate 27 forms a fastening plane 28. Here, the base plate 27 is connected to the supporting structure 21 in a suitable manner or it forms a cohesive part, for example a fastening bracket, together with the supporting structure. The second element 4 of the compensation means 2 of the fastening device 1 and a second element 4A of a compensation means 2A of the fastening device 1A are integrated in the base plate 27 in this embodiment. A type of fastening and a method for fastening the rail foot 22 of the elevator rail 20 according to the first embodiment are described in greater detail in the following on the basis of FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0052] The assembly is carried out here such that the fastening devices 1, 1A together with the rail foot provide fastening in the adjustment direction 14, 14A and in a guide direction 16 transverse to the adjustment direction 14, 14A, but allow movement of the rail foot 22 along a longitudinal axis 29 of the elevator rail 20. As a result, when a building settles or in the event of temperature-related relative changes in length, it is made possible for the rail foot 22 to move relative to the fastening plane 28.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows a detail, denoted III in FIG. 2, of the fastening device 1 while the elevator rail 20 is being mounted. FIG. 4 shows a detail, denoted III in FIG. 2, when the elevator rail is mounted. The fastening to the first face 23 of the rail foot 22 is described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The fastening to the second face 24 of the rail foot 22 is carried out in a corresponding manner.
[0054] FIG. 3 shows the first element 3 in an initial state determined for the assembly. One end 30 of the first element 3, which is remote from the tension plate 13, rests on a top side 31 of the base plate 27. The second element 4, which is integrated in the base plate 27, comprises a cut-out 32, which is formed as a through-opening 32 in this embodiment. A bent part 33 is positioned in the cut-out 32 in the second element 4 in the initial position. A wedge-shaped part 34 is formed on the bent part 33 in this case, the wedge-shaped part 34 having a sliding surface 35. The sliding surface 35 is assigned to an edge 36 of the second element 4 here. In this case, a rounded or beveled edge 36 may be provided here in order to make it easier to adjust the first element 3 in the adjustment direction 14.
[0055] In a modified embodiment, an inclined surface, in particular a sliding surface, which is assigned to the sliding surface 35 of the first element 3, may also be provided on the second element 4 instead of the edge 36. Furthermore, in a modified embodiment, it is possible for the cut-out 32 not to be designed as a through-opening 32, but as a recess 32 in the second element 4.
[0056] During assembly, the support element 5 is fastened to the supporting structure 21, the first face 23 of the rail foot 22 being positioned in part between the jaws 6 of the support element 5 and the first element 3 that is resting on the base plate 27. Here, the support element 5 is mounted so as to be stationary relative to the fastening plane, the rail foot 22 being prevented from moving in the adjustment direction 14 due to the contact with the rail foot 22. In this case, the support element 5 can be adjusted and fixed in position such that the rail foot 22 is fixed in the adjustment direction 14 by means of the stop 8a.
[0057] In a possible embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support region 7 is formed on the protrusion 37 of the jaws 6 that projects from the surface 15. Furthermore, a protrusion 39 on which a contact region 40 is formed is formed on a part 38 of the first element 3. A holding dimension 41 that is initially greater than the required holding dimension 42 is produced between the support region 7 and the contact region 40. The required holding dimension 42 is determined by the geometry of the rail foot 22 here. Owing to manufacturing-related tolerances, different holding dimensions 42 generally result for different elevator rails 20, 20A (FIG. 11) or for different foot regions of the elevator rails 20, 20A.
[0058] Once the support element 5 is mounted and fixed in position, the first element 3 is adjusted in the adjustment direction 14 until the situation shown in FIG. 4 is reached, in which the holding dimension 41 between the support region 7 and the contact region 40 is equal to the required holding dimension 42 determined by the geometry of the rail foot 22. In the adjusted position, as shown in FIG. 4, the first element 3 presses the rail foot 22 against the jaws 6 of the support element 5. By designing the first element 3 to comprise the bent part 33, the first element 3 may be designed as a sprung element 3. A possible preload force is however limited such that the desired movement of the rail foot 22 is made possible along the longitudinal axis 29 of the elevator rail 20. Alternatively, the first element 3 comprising the bent part 33 is designed as a substantially inflexible component. This means that the holding dimension 41 can be adapted to the geometry of the rail foot 22 precisely and without force. A longitudinal movement of the rail foot 22 relative to the fastening plane 28 is thus made possible in an almost entirely unimpeded manner.
[0059] In addition, the support region 7 and the contact region 40, as well as the stop 8a if necessary, may be provided with sliding coatings in order to make it easier for the rail foot 22 to move longitudinally or to reduce a corresponding penetration force.
[0060] In order to reduce the holding dimension 41 existing in the initial state, as shown in FIG. 3, to the required holding dimension 42, a movement S.sub.11 is required in this embodiment. The first element 3 is actuated by this movement S.sub.11 in the adjustment direction 14 in order to achieve the fastening. In this case, the first element 3 slides along the edge 36 on its sliding surface 35 formed on the wedge-shaped part 34 until the end position shown in FIG. 4 is reached. Once the holding dimension 41 has been set, the first element 3 is fixed in this position for example by means of the fastening means 9, 10 shown in FIG. 1.
[0061] FIG. 5 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of a possible intermediate layer 50 for a fastening device 1 according to a second embodiment. The intermediate layer 50 preferably has a constant thickness 51. Furthermore, the intermediate layer 50 may be designed as a sliding face 52, 53 on its top side 52 and/or its lower side 53. Here, it is possible to form the intermediate layer 50 or provide a coating on the top side 52 and/or lower side 53 using Teflon (registered trademark of The Chemours Company) or other sliding coatings. In addition, a face of the intermediate layer 50 facing the rail foot 22 may be curved (not shown); as a result, warping of the rail fastening is prevented when the fastening plane 28 is slightly slanted.
[0062] In this embodiment, the intermediate layer 50 comprises an assembly groove 54, which is designed such that the jaws 6 can be inserted into the assembly groove 54 at least in part. A dimension 55 of the assembly groove is produced here from a corresponding dimension 55 of the jaws 6 of the support element 5, which is shown in FIG. 1. As a result, in the assembled state as shown in FIG. 6, the assembly groove 54 is received by the jaws 6 with as little backlash as possible relative to the longitudinal axis 29. The intermediate layer 50 thus remains substantially stationary relative to the fastening device 1, and there is a potential sliding movement between the lower side 56 of the rail foot 22 and the top side 52 of the intermediate layer 50. In a detailed design, the intermediate layer 50 may be symmetrical such that the top side 52 and the lower side 53 can be swapped. This prevents any potential incorrect assembly.
[0063] FIG. 6 shows the fastening device 1 according to the second embodiment, which is used to fasten the first face 23 of the rail foot 22 of the elevator rail 20. In this embodiment, the jaws 6 are designed to be accordingly adapted such that the additional thickness 51 of the intermediate layer 50 is taken into account. In this embodiment, the protrusion 39 of the first element 3 rests on the lower side 53 of the intermediate layer 50 in the assembled state. Furthermore, the top side 52 of the intermediate layer 50 rests on a lower side 56 of the rail foot 22. The protrusion 37 of the jaws 6 of the support element 5 rests on a top side 57 of the rail foot 22.
[0064] In the first embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 inter alia, the top side 57 of the rail foot 22 rests directly on the support region 7 of the support element 5. Furthermore, the lower side 56 of the rail foot 22 rests directly on the contact region 40 of the first element 3 of the compensation means 2.
[0065] In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, however, the rail foot 22 rests on the contact region 40 of the protrusion 39 of the first element 3 of the compensation means 2 by means of the intermediate layer 50. For example in the event of a relative change in length of the elevator rail 20 along its longitudinal axis 29, caused by the building settling, the lower side 56 of the rail foot 22 slides along the top side 52 of the intermediate layer 50. The sliding friction occurring as a result and also initial static friction can be reduced by designing the top side 52 as a sliding face 52. In a modified embodiment, it is also possible, additionally or alternatively, for there to be indirect contact between the top side 57 of the rail foot 22 and the support region 7 of the support element 5. Furthermore, an adjustment of the first element 3 or the contact with the contact region 40 of the first element 3 can be improved by the intermediate layer 50. Specifically, by designing the lower side 53 of the intermediate layer 50 as a sliding face 53, the friction relative to the first element 3 can be reduced. In addition, the intermediate layer 50 prevents the position of the first element 3 being changed due to forces acting along the longitudinal axis 29 during a relative movement of the rail foot 22 towards the fastening device 1, since there is no relative movement between the protrusion 39 and the lower side 53 of the intermediate layer 50.
[0066] FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of fastening devices 1, 1A according to a third embodiment and of a supporting structure 21, the fastening device 1A being shown in part. The fastening device 1 comprises the support element 5 that is screwed to the base plate 27. Furthermore, the fastening device 1 comprises a first element 3 arranged beside the support element 5 so as to be offset along the longitudinal axis 29 and a second element 4 integrated in the base plate 27. Accordingly, the fastening device 1A comprises the support element 5A and the second element 4A integrated in the base plate 27. The first element of the fastening device 1A is not shown.
[0067] A wedge-shaped part 34 is formed on the first element 3, which part is adjusted relative to the second element 4 or the base plate 27 when the first element 3 is adjusted in the adjustment direction 14. As a result, the holding dimension 41 is set as previously explained, by, when the first element 3 is being adjusted in the adjustment direction 14, the wedge-shaped part 34 being adjusted over the cut-out 32 made in the base plate 27 until the holding dimension 41 corresponds to the required holding dimension 42. In its final position, the first element 3 is fixed in position relative to the second element 4 by the fastening means 9. In this way, the first face 23 of the rail foot 22 can be pressed against the support region 7 of the support element 5 in order to fasten the first face 23 of the rail foot 22. Accordingly, the second face 24 of the rail foot 22 is fastened by the fastening device 1A.
[0068] The base plate 27 is bent in an L shape and is screwed to the supporting structure 21 by one face 58. The fastening plane 28 is located on the base plate 27. The fastening plane 28 is characterized in that it is stationary relative to the supporting structure 21. The fastening means 9, 11, 11A allow the support elements 5, 5A and the first elements 3 of the compensation means 2, 2A to be fastened or fixed in position relative to the fastening plane 28 in a stationary manner, the first element of the compensation means 2A not being shown. Arranging the fastening plane 28 so as to be stationary relative to the supporting structure 21 means that the base plate 27 can be adjusted together with the fastening plane 28 relative to the supporting structure 21 such that any inaccuracies in the building can be equaled out during assembly by orienting the base plate 27. After adjustment, the base plate 27 is for example screwed to the supporting structure 21, such that the fastening plane 28 is stationary relative to the supporting structure 21.
[0069] FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional exploded view of a fastening device 1 according to a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the support element 5 itself is designed as a compensation means 2. In this case, a stop 8 is formed on the second element 4 of the compensation means 2. By positioning the second element 4 and corresponding stop 8, the rail foot is positioned in the adjustment direction 14.
[0070] Here, the first element 3 is inserted into the second element 4 at least in part, a wedge-shaped part 34 of the first element 3 being in contact with a wedge-shaped part 60 of the second element 4. The contact is preferably made here on inclined surfaces 35, 61, which are formed as first and second sliding surfaces 35, 61.
[0071] Furthermore, a protrusion 62, in particular a cuboid or lip-shaped protrusion 62, is formed on the first element 3, the support region 7 being formed on a protrusion 37 provided on the protrusion 62. The protrusion 37, which is hidden from view in FIG. 8, may for example be designed so as to correspond to the protrusion 37 shown in FIG. 3. The support region may be formed in a modified embodiment in which a protrusion 37 of this type is not provided, but may also be in the form of a support surface 15 formed on the protrusion 62. Furthermore, a fastening means 11 is provided, which may be formed by a bolt and a nut. A lead-through in the first element 3 leading to the lead-through in the fastening means 11 is designed as a slot, such that the first element 3 can move relative to the second element 4. The slot or through-opening 75 may also be provided in the second element 4.
[0072] The fastening of the elevator rail 20 by means of fastening devices 1, 1A according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is also described in greater detail in the following with reference to FIG. 9.
[0073] FIG. 9 shows the elevator rail 20, which is fastened to a fastening plane 28 or to a supporting structure 21 by means of fastening devices 1, 1A. For assembly, the rail foot 22 is supported on rounded heads 63, 64 of screw elements 65, 66. If necessary, commercially available screws with round heads can be used. The rounded heads 63, 64 of the screw elements 65, 66 define the contact region 40. Here, direct contact is provided between the lower side of the rail foot 56 and the contact region 40. In a modified embodiment, however, indirect contact may also be provided, the intermediate layer 50 shown in FIG. 5 being able to make contact in an accordingly modified manner, for example.
[0074] The compensation means 2 and simultaneously the support element 5 are produced by means of the first and second element 3, 4, and, as previously mentioned, by positioning the second element 4 and corresponding stop 8a, the rail foot can be positioned in the adjustment direction 14. Corresponding slots are made in the base plate 27. By moving the first element 3 in the adjustment direction 14 relative to the second element 4, the protrusion 62 can be lowered together with the support region 7, as shown by an arrow 67. As a result, the holding dimension 41 is reduced to the required holding dimension 42. The fastening means 11 is then tightened, as shown by an arrow 68, such that the two elements 3, 4 of the compensation means 2 are fixed in position relative to one another and relative to the fastening plane 28. Depending on the design of the fastening device 1, an intermediate part 69 may also be provided in order to increase a possible holding dimension 41. The first sliding surface 35 and the second sliding surface 61 may be roughened if required, in order to prevent unintended adjustment during subsequent operation.
[0075] The fastening to the second face 24 of the rail foot 22 is carried out in a corresponding manner by means of the fastening device 1A.
[0076] FIG. 10 is a partial schematic view of an elevator system 100 according to a possible embodiment of the invention. The elevator system 100 comprises a plurality of elevator rails 20, 20A, 20B, 20C. Here, the elevator rails 20, 20A are part of an assembly 80 of a plurality of elevator rails 20, 20A that extend through the elevator shaft 81, along a longitudinal axis 29. As a result, tracks 25, 26 are formed that are used as braking tracks and/or guide tracks 25, 26 for an elevator car 82. Accordingly, other assemblies of elevator rails may be provided. By way of example, another assembly 83 comprising the elevator rails 20B, 20C is shown which is also used for the elevator car 82. Other assemblies of elevator rails of this type can be provided for a counterweight 84. Here, the counterweight 84 is connected to the elevator car 82 by a support means 85.
[0077] FIG. 11 shows a detail, denoted XIII in FIG. 10, of the assembly 80 of elevator rails 20, 20A to explain a possible embodiment of the invention. In this case, the assembly 80 consists of a plurality of elevator rails 20, 20A, of which only the elevator rails 20, 20A are shown in part. The elevator rails 20, 20A are arranged along a longitudinal axis 29 and adjoin one another at an interface 90. The elevator rails 20, 20A are joined together by means of connecting plates 89 at the interface 90. As a result, continuous tracks 25, 26 are formed on the assembly 80 of the elevator rails 20, 20A. The elevator rail 20 comprises the rail foot 22 comprising the first face 23 and the second face 24. Accordingly, the elevator rail 20A comprises a rail foot 86 that has a first face 87 and a second face 88. An appropriate number of fastening devices are used to fasten each of the elevator rails 20, 20A, fastening devices 1, 1A, 1B, 1C being schematically shown.
[0078] As shown by FIGS. 3 and 4, the movement S.sub.11 allows the first face 23 of the rail foot 22 of the elevator rail 20 to be fastened by means of the fastening device 1. A movement S.sub.12 is used to fasten the second face 24 of the elevator rail 20. The movement S.sub.11 and the movement S.sub.12 may be the same, but they also may be different. Accordingly, on the fastening device 1B, a movement S.sub.21 is carried out to fasten the first face 87 of the rail foot 86. A movement S.sub.22 is carried out on the fastening device 1C to fasten the second face 88 of the rail foot 86. Generally, the movement S.sub.21 differs from the movement S.sub.11 because there are for example manufacturing tolerances between the individual elevator rails 20, 20A which lead to different values for the required holding dimension 42 (FIG. 3). The assembly is nevertheless particularly simple, since the movement S.sub.ij (i, j=1, 2) required in each case during the adjustment of the first element 3 relative to the second element 4 in the adjustment direction 14 is set or produced when the relevant face 23, 24, 87, 88 of the rail foot 22, 86 of the relevant elevator rail 20, 20A is clamped.
[0079] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.
[0080] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.
