OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The object of the present utility model is a speed limiting device for elevators,
that is, it is related with a device which does not permit a threshold speed to be
surpassed, in such a manner that once surpassed it provokes the halting of the elevator
by means of the actuation of a "safety" which causes it to become wedged.
[0002] The speed limiter object of the invention can work in both the upward and downward
directions.
[0003] Consequently the present invention lies within the safety devices employed in hoisting
apparatus and more specifically within the speed limiting devices for elevators.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] To date the commercially available speed limiting devices are not mounted on the
elevator car itself, being situated instead in the machine room implying the taking
up of space. In addition to being located in the machine room, the distance is increased
between the speed limiting device and the safety, it being necessary to make use of
a leading block at the other extremity of the elevator shaft, presenting problems
in the operation of the device in the upward direction since vibrations occur, as
well as taking up space in the well.
[0005] In the speed limiting devices that are not attached to the car itself there is no
transmission between the limiter and the safety or wedging system, since the cable
itself is responsible for said transmission, for which reason the safety is wedged
after the cable slips on the sheave.
[0006] Thus the purpose of the present utility model is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks,
to which end a speed limiting device for elevators is presented which avoids the location
of the limiter in the machine room, with the subsequent taking up of space, as well
as of a leading block, developing for this a device which is mounted on the car itself
and transmits the wedging force equally in the upward and the downward direction,
in which the wedging system is actuated before the cable slips on the sheave, not
making use of the cable itself to transmit the wedging force to the safety, but which
is instead performed by means of an auxiliary rod and in which the operation of the
limiter in the upward direction is improved since the vibration is suppressed.
[0007] Moreover with the drawback in the current systems whereby the wedging force for the
safety is transmitted by the cable itself, the situation could arise that in the event
of the cable breaking, the wedging system would not be informed and wedge the car.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The proposed utility model for speed limiting device for elevators consists of a
device which is mounted on the car itself or on the framework, to which end it comprises
a structure that is secured to the car, on said structure are arranged two sheaves,
the limiting sheave and the leading block which serves to change the direction of
the cable.
[0009] The limiting sheave incorporates a centrifugal system which consists of two centrifugal
masses that rotate with the sheave itself and come into action when a determined speed
threshold is exceeded. When, through excessive velocity, the centrifugal masses are
displaced outwards one of the two, depending on the rotation according to whether
the motion is upward or downward, strikes against the arms of a spider, the latter
being joined to the structure of the limiter thereby resulting in the stoppage of
said sheave.
[0010] Before the cable starts to slip on the sheave itself, the wedging signal is transmitted
to the safety by means of a rod which is attached to the spider, that is the limiting
action occurs simultaneously with that of wedging the safety, something which does
not happen in current systems.
[0011] Thanks to this speed limiting device it is possible for the system to work in a symmetrical
mode in both the upward and downward direction improving the precision of the blocking
speed. Moreover, on the auxiliary sheave, it is possible to locate an encoder that
permits the position of the car to be known at all times and even in the event of
braking it is possible to continue to know the position of the car because the cable
does not slip on this auxiliary sheave.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] To complete the description to be given below and for the purpose of assisting in
a better understanding of its characteristics, the present specification is accompanied
with a set of drawings in the figures of which, by way of illustration and not restrictively,
the most significant details of the invention are shown.
[0013] Figure 1 shows a general view in perspective of the speed limiting device.
[0014] Figure 2 shows a top view of said device.
[0015] Figure 3 shows the limiting sheave with the centrifugal system.
[0016] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement of the device with respect
to the rest of the elements.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] It can be seen from figure 1 how the speed limiting device (1) comprises two sheaves
(2) which incorporate the centrifugal limiting system and the sheave (2) which serves
for leading the cable. Both sheaves are arranged on a supporting structure (10) which
anchors them to the elevator car. To said supporting structure (10) is fastened a
spider-shaped piece (4) which is permitted a certain degree of rotation and which
has some arms (7), which will act as brakes for the centrifugal masses (6). (Figure
3).
[0018] On the axle of the auxiliary sheave (8) it is possible to mount an encoder which
permits the position of the car to be known at all times even in the event of braking
without losing information on its position.
[0019] In figure 2 the same elements can be seen as are mentioned above but in a partial
view, whilst in figure 3 the sheave (2) can be seen which serves for carrying out
the speed limitation for which purpose it has a limiting system formed by two centrifugal
masses (6), connected to each other by means of the steering arrangement of the centrifugal
system (5) which cause them to move in an integral manner. In the event of the maximum
threshold velocity being surpassed the centrifugal masses (6) are displaced outwards,
one of them coming up against one of the arms (7) of the spider-shaped piece (4).
Said spider (4) has some perforations (9) through which are hinged some rods (12)
(Figure 4) which serve to transmit the motion directly to the safety in order to wedge
it.
[0020] In figure 4 it can be seen how the speed limiting device (1) is mounted on the underside
of the car. Where said device (1) comprises two sheaves, a limiter (2) and the other
for cable leading (3). The rod (12) can also be seen which, connected to the arms
of the spider (4), has the task of transmitting the wedging force to the safety (11).
[0021] It is not considered necessary to extend this description further in order that an
expert in the matter comprehend the scope of the invention and the benefits that arise
therefrom.
[0022] The materials, form, size and arrangement of the elements shall be capable of variation
provided that the essential nature of the invention is not altered.
[0023] The terms in which this specification are expressed must always be taken in their
broadest sense and not restrictively.
1. Speed limiting device for elevators characterised in that said device (1) is arranged on the elevator car itself, comprising a limiting sheave
(2) and a cable leading block (3), sheave (2) having a speed limiting system which
consists of two centrifugal masses (6) connected by means of a steering arrangement
(5); on the framework (10) of said limiter (1) is a spider-shaped piece (4) which
has some arms (7) that have the job of braking the centrifugal masses when a determined
velocity is surpassed, on the arms (7) of the spider-shaped piece (4) there is a perforation
(9) which permits the hinging of a rod (12) which serves to transmit the wedging force
to the safety.
2. Speed limiting device for elevators, in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that on the axle (8) of the auxiliary sheave (3) it is possible to mount an encoder which
permits the position of the car to be known at all times, where said auxiliary sheave
(3) is subject neither to rebounds nor to vibrations due to its disposition on the
device itself for which reason it improves the reliability of the encoder reading.