|
(11) | EP 4 238 921 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | BREAKING DEVICE FOR AN ELEVATOR OR ESCALATOR SYSTEM |
| (57) The invention relates to a braking device (100) for an elevator car (31), comprising
a ratchet wheel (1) being mountable on a drive shaft (2), a pawl (4) configured to
engage with the ratchet wheel (1), so that the ratchet wheel (1) is locked in a first
rotational direction (5.1) and unlocked in a second rotational direction (5.2), wherein
the ratchet wheel (1) comprises a first half (1.1) and a second half (1.2), each of
which is configured to half-enclose the drive shaft (2), and wherein the first half
(1.1) and/or the second half (1.2) comprise means for fasten the first half (1.1)
and the second half (1.2) together and means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the
drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner. The invention further relates to a
ratchet wheel (1), a method for assembling a ratchet wheel (1), an elevator drive
(34) and an elevator system (200).
|
Field of the invention
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to elevator systems, including at least one elevator car being carried by a tension member and being movable upward and downward in a vertical elevator shaft by an elevator drive. The present disclosure further relates to escalator systems having a number of escalator steps being moveable along an escalator path. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a breaking device for breaking the elevator car or the escalator steps, in particular in an emergency situation.
Background
[0002] Elevators and escalators for transporting people and goods are an integral part of modern residential and commercial buildings. A typical elevator system includes one or more elevator cars raised and lowered by a hoist system such as an elevator drive. An elevator drive typically includes driven sheave assemblies over which one or more tension members attached to the elevator car are driven. Usually, the tension member is connected to a counter weight on an end opposite to the elevator car. The elevator car is raised or lowered due to traction between the tension members and drive sheaves, while the counter weight is lowered or raised accordingly. A variety of tension member types, including wire rope, V-belts, flat belts, and chains, may be used, with the sheave assemblies having corresponding running surfaces to transmit tractive force between the tension members and the sheave assemblies. The sheave assemblies are therefore part of an elevator drive which has a drive unit driving a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft carries the sheave or sheaves.
[0003] A typical escalator system includes a path which is usually formed by a frame and along which elevator steps can move. The steps may therefore be connected to travel rails or at least to each other and be deflected by two shafts at the ends of the path. At least one of the shafts may be a drive shaft or may be connected to a drive shaft. An escalator may have a path running horizontal and vertical or may also run only horizontal to form a moving walk, which may be included within the term escalator.
[0004] A breaking device for an elevator system is disclosed in US 5,007,505. In elevator systems, two types of breaking devices are common located at the elevator drive. On the one hand, a breaking device for stopping the elevator car during normal operation, e.g. at an elevator stop to allow passengers to enter or leave the elevator car is known. On the other hand, auxiliary breaking devices are common, which hold fast the elevator car in one direction in case of an emergency, e.g. a loss of power, while the elevator car can be moved in the other direction for evacuation.
[0005] It is further known that breaking devices, in particular auxiliary breaking devices, comprise means being connected to the drive shaft and means to engage with these means. For example, a ratchet wheel is connected to the drive shaft and a pawl is configured to engage with the ratchet wheel, holding fast the elevator or escalator in one rotational direction while allowing rotation in the other rotational direction. With such breaking devices, the ratchet wheel needs to be fixed to the driving shaft in a torsionally rigid manner, which is mostly archived by mounting the ratchet wheel in the axial direction on a corresponding heel of the shaft. Disadvantageously, such a breaking device cannot be added in an existing drives since the drive shaft is neither prepared for receiving a ratchet wheel nor is it sufficiently accessible.
[0006] KR 101 608 038 B1 and KR 101 833 910 B1 both disclose breaking devices for escalators with ratchet wheels and pawls to stop the escalator in case of an unintended backward rotation. The ratchet wheels are divided into c-shaped halves and are fixed to disk drums which are fixed to drive shafts by radial screws. Disadvantageously, the devices are complicated to install.
Description of the invention
[0007] Thus, a need exists for a breaking device which can easily be added to existing drives in elevator or escalator systems. It is therefore an object of the invention to suggest such a breaking device.
[0008] This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims. Where technically possible, the features of the dependent claims may be combined as desired with the features of the independent claims and/or other dependent claims.
[0009] In particular, the object is solved by a braking device for an elevator car of an elevator system or for escalator steps of an escalator system, the braking device comprising a ratchet wheel being mountable on a drive shaft of the elevator system or escalator system, a pawl configured to engage with the ratchet wheel to operate the breaking device, so that the ratchet wheel is locked in a first rotational direction and unlocked in a second rotational direction, wherein the ratchet wheel comprises a first half and a second half, each of which is configured to half-enclose the drive shaft, and wherein the first half and/or the second half comprise means for fasten the first half and the second half together to form the ratchet wheel and means for fasten the ratchet wheel to the drive shaft in a torsionally rigid manner.
[0010] The ratchet wheel is basically formed as a ring having an inner surface for abutting with an outer surface of the drive shaft and an outer surface with ratchet teeth along the circumferential direction for interaction with the pawl. The first half and the second half each comprise a half of the inner surface and a half of the outer surface, both extending over 180° or close to 180°. In some embodiments, the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the halves extend over a little less than 180°, e.g. over 179°, 178°, 177°, 176°, 175°, 174°, 173°, 172°, 171° or 170°, so that when placing the halves on the drive shaft to form the ratchet, a gap arises, which can be utilized to generate a clamping force on the drive shaft. In other embodiments, the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the halves extend over exactly 180°, so that they form a continuous ratchet wheel having the form of a ring, when places on the drive shaft together.
[0011] The halves are placed on the drive shaft from a radial direction and form the ratchet wheel by being placed adjacent to each other. Thus, the halves are configured to align with each other in radial direction or at least having teeth which align with each other in the radial direction to form a closed contour of teeth in the circumferential direction covering 360° or 360° minus the gap of the drive shaft. The halves therefore at least overlap in the axial direction. Preferably the halves extend over the same axial part of the drive shaft when being placed on the drive shaft forming the ratchet. The ratchet wheel is preferably fastened to the drive shaft in a torsionally rigid manner by means of clamping force or by form-fit, e.g. on a heel of the drive shaft with a non-circular contour or by means of pins, tongue and groove connection, screws or the like.
[0012] The pawl preferably is a moveable lever and most preferably spring-loaded, wherein the spring force is directed to an engaged position of the pawl at the ratchet wheel. The ratchet wheel teeth preferably have a first surface on one side being steep, which interacts with a first surface of the pawl and cannot pass the pawl, so that the ratchet wheel is locked in a corresponding first rotational direction. The ratchet wheel teeth preferably further have a less steep second surface which, when moved against the pawl, is able to displace the pawl against the spring-load and ultimately pass the pawl, so that the tension wheel is unlocked in a corresponding second rotational direction. The pawl is preferably configured to be attached to any stationary element around the drive shaft, e.g. a housing, rack or frame, against which it holds the ratchet wheel.
[0013] The descripted breaking device has the advantage, that it can be mounted in existing drives although the drive shaft is not particularly prepared to receive the ratchet wheel and/or is not accessible, in particular not accessible in the axial direction or along the axial direction. Thus, no preparation or manipulation must be performed on such an drive, e.g. on the drive shaft, to mount the breaking device. The breaking device can therefore be used with many drives either of elevators or escalators, in particular existing drives, no matter of the exact configuration of the drive. The breaking device, in particular the ratchet wheel can also easily be configured to be mounted on a drive shaft with any surface contour, if required, e.g. a round contour or any non-round contour. Furthermore, an interruption of the operation of the elevator system or escalator system during installation of the breaking device is kept short due to the simple installation of the ratchet wheel and causes only little inconvenience.
[0014] According to the before said solution of the object, the first half and/or the second half are configured so that by fasten the first half and the second half together the ratchet wheel is clamped on the drive shaft. Thus, the means for fasten the first half and the second half together to form the ratchet wheel and the means for fasten the ratchet wheel to the drive shaft in a torsionally rigid manner are the same means. Advantageously, only these means have to be fastened to fasten the ratchet wheel together and to the drive shaft, so that installation of the ratchet wheel is simplified. Further advantageously, a satisfactory torsional rigidity is archived by clamping. Preferred, the clamping force can be adjusted by said means according to the configuration and the materials of the ratchet wheel and the drive shaft. Most preferred, the two halves each enclose the drive shaft by a little less than 180°, so that a gap arises between the halves, when placing them on the drive shaft. By compressing this gap with the fastening means, the halves are clamped on the drive shaft and are fastened together.
[0015] It is further advantageously that the means for fasten the first half and the second half together and/or the means for fasten the ratchet wheel to the drive shaft are formed by screws. Thus, the halves each comprise recesses for such screws. In particular for generating a clamping force, screws allow a precise adjustment of the force over a wide range. Further, screws are simple to fasten, so that the installation of the breaking device is simple. Preferred, at least two screws are used to fasten the halves together and/or to the drive shaft, so that symmetry is given. More preferred, more than two screws are used. Most preferred a straight number of screws is used, e.g. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 screws. The screws may be used with screw nuts or interact with threads in at least one of the halves.
[0016] In one preferred embodiment, the first half is connected to an attachment sleeve having a first attachment sleeve part and a second attachment sleeve part, each of which is configured to half-enclose the drive shaft, wherein the attachment sleeve serves as means for fasten the ratchet wheel to the drive shaft in a torsionally rigid manner, and wherein the first attachment sleeve part and the second attachment sleeve part are connected to each other by a hinge. The first half can be fastened to the drive shaft by means of the attachment sleeve. The first half might therefore be connected to the hinge, e.g. by form-fit. Preferably, the attachment sleeve is configured to be clamped on the drive shaft, e.g. in a comparable manner like described before. For example, the attachment sleeve parts each enclose the drive shaft by a little less than 180°, so that a gap arises between the attachment sleeve parts, when placing them on the drive shaft, wherein said gap is compressed for generating a clamping force. The gap can exemplarily be compressed by the means of screws and screw nuts. Advantageously, the attachment sleeve can be of a configuration suitable to sufficiently fasten the first half to the drive shaft, e.g. the attachment sleeve is of a material having a favorable friction coefficient with the drive shaft and/or can be of a favorable form. Preferred, the attachment sleeve extends in the axial direction on both sides of the first half and even more preferred has a significant longer extension in the axial direction than the first half.
[0017] The attachment sleeve can be opened by swivel at least one attachment sleeve part around the hinge to receive the drive shaft in the attachment sleeve and closed for fastening of the attachment sleeve to the drive shaft. Advantageously, the attachment sleeve parts cannot loose each other in the open state, e.g. before installation on the drive shaft. Further preferred, at least one attachment sleeve part has a recess configured to pass along the first half, when the attachment sleeve is opened. The recess can also be configured to receive the second half after fastening the attachment sleeve to the drive shaft. The second half is preferably configured to be fastened to the first half, e.g. by screws or the like. The second half can also be configured to be fastened to the attachment sleeve, in particular after fastening the attachment sleeve to the drive shaft.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the pawl is configured to engage with the ratchet wheel only in emergency situations. Thus, the breaking device allows a rotation of the drive shaft in both directions during normal operation. In particular, the breaking device does not at all take any influence on the drive during normal operation. In emergency situations, the breaking device locks the elevator car or the escalator steps in a direction corresponding to the first rotational direction while the elevator car or escalator steps can be safely moved in the opposite direction, e.g. for evacuation. Thus, the breaking device is an auxiliary breaking device. In particular with such auxiliary breaking devices, installation in an existing drive is of interest, since a need may exist to add or replace such an auxiliary breaking device, when it is not yet included in the drive or when an existing auxiliary breaking device needs to be replaced at least partially, e.g. to conform to new standards.
[0019] In another advantageous configuration, the breaking device comprises at least one friction sleeve which is configured to be placed between inner surfaces of the first half and/or the second half and the drive shaft and/or between inner surfaces of the first attachment sleeve part and/or the second attachment sleeve part and the drive shaft, and wherein the friction sleeve is configured to increase friction between the ratchet wheel and the drive shaft. Thus, the friction sleeve is made from a material having a high friction coefficient with the material of the ratchet wheel, the material of the attachment sleeve and/or the material of the drive shaft. In particular, the friction sleeve has a friction coefficient of more than 0,15, preferred more than 0,2 or even more preferred more than 0,25 with the material of the ratchet wheel, the material of the attachment sleeve and/or the material of the drive shaft. The friction sleeve can be configured to be placed on the drive shaft separately from the ratchet wheel before placing the ratchet wheel on the drive shaft or can be attached to the ratchet wheel or the attachment sleeve in particular.
[0020] In one preferred embodiment, the friction sleeve is configured to enclose the drive shaft by 270 up to 360°, wherein the friction sleeve is deformable for placement on the drive shaft. The friction sleeve is then placed on the drive shaft prior to the placement of the ratchet wheel. In particular, the friction sleeve is wrapped around the drive shaft while being from a soft material, e.g. a textile or the like.
[0021] In an even more preferred alternative embodiment, the friction sleeve comprises a first friction sleeve part and a second friction sleeve part, each of which is configured to enclose the drive shaft by 90 up to 180°. With such a configuration, the two friction sleeve parts can be placed on the drive shaft from a radial direction in the same manner as the ratchet wheel halves and the friction sleeve is easy to assemble. The friction sleeve is then enclosed by the ratchet wheel and/or the attachment sleeve and thus fixed in place on the drive shaft. Most preferred with this embodiment, the first friction sleeve part and the second friction sleeve part are each of a rigid form, which favors a simple and convenient assembly of the friction sleeve and the breaking device.
[0022] It is further preferred with the before-mentioned embodiment, that the first friction sleeve part is assigned to the first half and/or the first attachment sleeve part and the second friction sleeve part is assigned to the second half and/or the second attachment sleeve part. In particular, the first friction sleeve part is fixed to or hold by the first half and/or the first attachment sleeve part and the second friction sleeve part is fixed to or hold by the second half and/or the second attachment sleeve part. Advantageously, the friction sleeve parts cannot be lost from the ratchet wheel and/or the attachment sleeve before installation and a small number of independent parts has to be assembled. The friction sleeve parts can be fixed at the sleeve parts exemplarily by glue or the like or be hold by form-fit.
[0023] The object is also solved by a ratchet wheel for a predescribed breaking device, wherein the ratchet wheel comprises a first half and a second half, each of which is configured to half-enclose a drive shaft of an elevator system or escalator system, and wherein the first half and/or the second half comprise means for fasten the first half and the second half together to form the ratchet wheel and means for fasten the ratchet wheel to the drive shaft in a torsionally rigid manner. The ratchet wheel can be configured according to any of the embodiments or configurations described beforehand and archives the same advantages like the described breaking device accordingly.
[0024] The object is further solved by a method for assembling a predescribed ratchet wheel on a drive shaft of an elevator system or escalator system, wherein the first half is connected to an attachment sleeve having a first attachment sleeve part and a second attachment sleeve part, each of which is configured to half-enclose the drive shaft, wherein the attachment sleeve serves as means for fasten the ratchet wheel to the drive shaft in a torsionally rigid manner, wherein the first attachment sleeve part and the second attachment sleeve part are connected to each other by a hinge, wherein in a first step the first half is placed on and fastened to the drive shaft by means of the attachment sleeve utilizing the hinge, and wherein in a second step the second half is fastened to the first half or the attachment sleeve. Thus, the attachment sleeve is opened by swivel at least one attachment sleeve part against the other attachment sleeve part. Thereby, the first ratchet wheel half might be passed by the according attachment sleeve part utilizing a recess in the attachment sleeve part. The second ratchet wheel half might also utilize said recess for being placed adjacent to the first half after fastening the attachment sleeve on the drive shaft. Within the described method, the ratchet wheel and the attachment sleeve are placed on the drive shaft from a radial direction and therefore do not reliant on axial accessibility of the drive shaft. With this method, the advantages described according to the respective embodiments of the ratchet wheel can be achieved accordingly.
[0025] The object is further solved by an elevator drive for moving an elevator car along a vertical elevator shaft with a tension member, comprising at least one drive unit, at least one drive shaft for transmitting a drive torque from the drive unit to the torsion member, at least one sheave for receiving the torsion member, wherein the sheave is connected to the drive shaft in a torsionally rigid manner, and at least one predescribed breaking device, wherein the ratchet wheel is mounted on the drive shaft. With the elevator drive, the advantages described for the breaking device and the ratchet wheel are archived accordingly. In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit is an electric motor/generator. In another preferred embodiment, the elevator drive comprises a first predescribed breaking device for breaking the elevator car in a first rotational direction and a second predescribed breaking device for breaking the elevator car in a second rotational direction adjacent to the first rotational direction.
[0026] The object is further solved by an elevator system comprising a vertical elevator shaft, at least one elevator car being moveable upward and downward in the elevator shaft, at least one torsion member connected to the elevator car, and a predescribed elevator drive receiving the torsion member on the sheave. With the elevator system, the advantages described for the breaking device, the ratchet wheel and the elevator drive are archived accordingly.
[0027] The object is even further solved by an escalator drive for moving escalator steps along an escalator path, comprising at least one drive unit, at least one drive shaft for transmitting a drive torque from the drive unit to the escalator steps, and at least one predescribed breaking device, wherein the ratchet wheel is mounted on the drive shaft. With the escalator drive, the advantages described for the breaking device and the ratchet wheel are archived accordingly. In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit is an electric motor/generator.
[0028] The object is further solved by an escalator system comprising an escalator path, a number of escalator steps being moveable along the escalator path, and an predescribed escalator drive. With the escalator system, the advantages described for the breaking device, the ratchet wheel and the escalator drive are archived accordingly.
Brief description of the figures
[0029] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures using preferred examples of embodiments. The formulation figure is abbreviated in the drawings as fig.
- Fig. 1a
- is a cross section view of a breaking device according to a first preferred embodiment;
- Fig. 1b
- is a perspective view of a ratchet wheel of the breaking device according to fig. 1a, wherein the ratchet wheel is attached to a drive shaft of an drive;
- Fig. 2a
- is a exploded first view of a ratchet wheel of a breaking device according to a second preferred embodiment;
- Fig. 2b
- is a perspective second view of the ratchet wheel according to fig. 2a;
- Fig. 2c
- is a cross-sectional third view of the ratchet wheel according to fig. 2a and fig. 2b;
- Fig. 3a
- is a exploded first view of a ratchet wheel of a breaking device according to a third preferred embodiment;
- Fig. 3b
- is a perspective second view of the ratchet wheel according to fig. 3a;
- Fig. 4
- is a schematic view of an elevator system; and
- Fig 5
- is a schematic view of an escalator system.
Detailed description of the embodiments
[0030] The described embodiments are merely examples that can be modified and/or supplemented in a variety of ways within the scope of the claims. Any feature described for a particular embodiment example may be used independently or in combination with other features in any other embodiment example. Any feature described for an embodiment example of a particular claim category may also be used in a corresponding manner in an embodiment example of another claim category.
[0031] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a breaking device 100. The breaking device 100 comprises a ratchet wheel 1, which is mounted on a drive shaft 2 of an elevator or escalator drive not shown in further detail. The ratchet wheel 1 comprises a first half 1.1 and a second half 1.2, each half-enclosing the drive shaft 2 and together forming the ratchet wheel 1. The ratchet wheel 1, respectively the first half 1.1 and the second half 1.2, has an inner surface 1.3 abutting on the drive shaft 2 and an outer surface 1.4 having several ratchet teeth 3 evenly distributed around the circumference of the ratchet wheel 1. The ratchet teeth 3 each have a steep first surface 3.1 and a less steep second surface 3.2 for interaction with a pawl 4. When the ratchet wheel 1 is rotated in a first rotational direction 5.1, a first surface 3.1 of one of the ratchet teeth 3 hits a corresponding first surface 4.1 of the pawl 4, so that the pawl 4 blocks the ratchet tooth 3 and thereby locks the ratchet wheel 1 in the first rotational direction 5.1. When the ratchet wheel 1 is rotated in a second rotational direction 5.2, a second surface 3.2 of one of the ratchet teeth 3 passes along a second surface 4.2 of the pawl 4 and thereby raises the pawl 4, so that the ratchet wheel 1 can pass the pawl 4 and is therefore unlocked in the second rotational direction 5.2.
[0032] The pawl 4 is pivotable around a pawl shaft 6 and in an engaged position according to fig. 1 is pressed against the ratchet wheel 1 counterclockwise around the pawl shaft 6 by a spring mechanism 7, so that the pawl 4 is spring-loaded. Thus, when one of the ratchet teeth 3 passed the pawl 4 in the second rotational direction 5.2 and thereby raised the pawl 4, the pawl 4 will reengage with the ratchet tooth 3 after the ratchet tooth 3 has passed. In an unengaged position not shown in the figures, the spring mechanism 7 is withdrawn and the pawl 4 is thus pivoted clockwise around the pawl shaft 6, so that is loses contact with the ratchet teeth 3. The ratchet wheel 1 can then rotate freely in both rotational directions 5.1, 5.2 and is generally unlocked. The breaking device 100 comprises a actuator 8 such as an electric or hydraulic drive, to switch the spring mechanism 7 between the engaged position of the breaking device 100 and the unengaged position of the breaking device 100.
[0033] The first half 1.1 and the second half 1.2 are placed on the drive shaft 2 adjacent to each other, thus in radial alignment, wherein both half-enclose the drive shaft 2, as shown in figure 1a and 1b in closer detail. Figure 1b shows the ratchet wheel of the breaking device 100 in a perspective view. The term half-enclosing is to be understood in a way that both halves 1.1, 1.2 enclose the drive shaft by a little less than 180° in the shown embodiment. Accordingly, a gap 9 results between the halves 1.1, 1.2, which is utilized to generate a clamping force for fastening the ratchet wheel 1 to the round drive shaft 2 in a torsionally rigid manner. Both halves 1.1, 1.2 comprise recesses to receive a number of screws 10, which engage with screw nuts 11 to generate the clamping force and thereby fasten the ratchet wheel 1 to the drive shaft 2. The recesses to receive the screws 10 are placed on protrusions 13.
[0034] Between the inner surface 1.3 of the ratchet wheel 1 and the drive shaft 2, a friction sleeve 12 is placed to increase friction forces. As shown in fig. 1b, the ratchet wheel 1 comprises ratchet teeth 3 over a first axial area 14.1, while it also extends over a second axial area 14.2 on a first side of the ratchet teeth 3 and over a third axial area 14.3 on a second side of the ratchet teeth 3. The second axial area 14.2 and the third axial area 14.3 are provided to increase the contact area between the ratchet wheel 1 and the drive shaft 2 in the axial direction to generate a sufficient amount of clamping force to safely hold fast the drive shaft 2 in the first rotational direction 5.2, when the breaking device 100 is locked.
[0035] Figures 2a, 2b and 2c show a ratchet wheel 1 of a second preferred embodiment of a breaking device, wherein the further parts of the breaking device may be configured in the same way shown in figures 1a and 1b. The ratchet wheel 1 comprises a first half 1.1 and a second half 1.2, together forming the ratchet wheel 1 with an inner surface 1.3 and an outer surface 1.4. The first half 1.1 is connected to an attachment sleeve 15, having a first attachment sleeve part 15.1 and a second attachment sleeve part 15.2, wherein the first attachment sleeve part 15.1 and the second attachment sleeve part 15.2 are connected to each other by a hinge 16. Also, the first half 1.1 is connected to the hinge 16 as shown in detail in figure 2c, which is a cross section through the hinge 16. In particular, the first attachment sleeve part 15.1, the second attachment sleeve part 5.2 and the first half 1.1 enclose the hinge 16 in a form-fit manner and thus interlock with the hinge 16.
[0036] The first half 1.1 and the second half 1.2 can both swivel against the first half 1.1 to bring the attachment sleeve 15 to an open position as shown in figure 2a. The first attachment sleeve part 15.1 comprises a first recess 17.1 and the second attachment sleeve part 15.2 comprises a second recess 17.2, which allow the attachment sleeve parts 15.1, 15.2 to pass along the first half 1.1, when swivel to the open position. In the open position, the attachment sleeve 15 can receive the drive shaft 2 along a receiving direction R, which is parallel to the direction, in which the first half 1.1. is to be placed on the drive shaft 2. Once, the drive shaft 2 has been received in the attachment sleeve 15, the attachment sleeve parts 15.1, 15.2 are swiveled against the first half 1.1 to a closed position shown in figure 2b and are fastened to each other by screws 10 with screw nuts 11. The screws 10 and screw nuts 11 are located at protrusions 13. In the closed position on a drive shaft 2, the attachment sleeve 15 forms a gap 9, so that by fastening the screws 10, a clamping force arises which results in fastening of the attachment sleeve 15 on the drive shaft 2 in a torsionally rigid manner.
[0037] Once the attachment sleeve 15 is located and closed on the drive shaft 2, the second half 1.2 is connected to the first half 1.1. The first half 1.1 and the second half 1.2 both have recesses 18 to receive connection plates 19, which are fastened to the respective halves 1.1, 1.2 by screws 20. Further, the recesses 17.1, 17.2 in the attachment sleeve parts 15.1, 15.2 are formed to receive the second half 1.2 for connection with the first half 1.1. Thus, the second half 1.2 is connected to the first half 1.1 in a torsionally rigid manner. The second half 1.2 might alternatively, but not shown in the figures, be fastened to the attachment sleeve 15.
[0038] The ratchet wheel 1 of figures 2a, 2b and 2c further comprises a friction sleeve 12, which has a first friction sleeve part 12.1 assigned to the first attachment sleeve part 15.1 and a second friction sleeve part 12.2 assigned to the second attachment sleeve part 15.2. As best shown in figure 2a, the friction sleeve parts 12.1, 12.2 are hold on the attachment sleeve parts 15.1, 15.2 by form-fit at least in the radial and circumferential directions. The friction sleeve parts 12.1, 12.2 can additionally be fixed to the attachment sleeve parts 15.1, 15.2 materially by glue or the like.
[0039] Figures 3a and 3b show a ratchet wheel 1 of a third preferred embodiment of a breaking device, which is on a par with the second embodiment in numberous aspects. As in the second embodiment, the first half 1.1 is connected to an attachment sleeve 15, having a first attachment sleeve part 15.1 and a second attachment sleeve part 15.2, wherein the first attachment sleeve part 15.1 and the second attachment sleeve part 15.2 are connected to each other by a hinge 16. However, the attachment sleeve 15 extends to a first axial direction A.1 of the ratchet wheel 1 only. At the same time, the second half 1.2 of the ratchet wheel 1 is connected to an attachment sleeve 15', having a first attachment sleeve part 15.1' and a second attachment sleeve part 15.2', wherein the first attachment sleeve part 15.1' and the second attachment sleeve part 15.2' are connected to each other by a hinge 16'. The attachment sleeve 15' extends to a second axial direction A.2 of the ratchet wheel 1 contrary to the first axial direction A.1. After both halves 1.1, 1.2 are placed on the drive shaft 2 and are already fixed due to the attachment sleeves 15, 15', additionally they are fixed together by screws 20.
[0040] Figure 4 shows a schematic and simplified view of an elevator system 200 comprising a vertical elevator shaft 30, in which an elevator car 31 is moveable upwards and downwards. Above the shaft 30, an engine room 32 is located. The elevator car 31 is carried by a tension member 33 such as a rope, which extends into the engine room 32. In the engine room 32, an elevator drive 34 is located, having a drive unit 35 such as an electric motor/generator, driving a drive shaft 2. The drive unit 35 might further comprise a breaking device not shown in figure 4 for breaking the elevator car 31 during normal operation of the elevator system 200. The drive shaft 2 is mounted in a bearing 36 on its end adjacent to the drive unit 35. On the drive shaft 2, a driven sheave 37 is mounted, which receives the tension member 33 and drives the tension member 33 due to traction between the sheave 37 and the tension member 33. The tension member 33 is connected to a counter weight not shown in the figures on its end adjacent to the elevator car 31. Further, a ratchet wheel 1 of a breaking device 100 is mounted on the drive shaft 2 without the breaking unit 100 being shown in further detail.
[0041] Figure 5 shows a schematic and simplified view of an escalator system 300 comprising travel rails 40, which form a path 41, along which steps 42 are pulled. Only a small number of steps 42 is shown in figure 5, yet steps 42 are attached to the travel rails 40 all along the path 41. The travel rails 40 are deflected on an upper end 43 by a shaft 44, wherein the travel rails 40 engage with gears 45, which are attached to the shaft 44. The travel rails 40 are further also deflected on an lower end 43 by a drive shaft 2, wherein the travel rails 40 engage with gears 46, which are attached to the drive shaft 2. The drive shaft 2 forms an escalator drive 47 together with a drive unit not shown. Further, a ratchet wheel 1 of a breaking device 100 is mounted on the drive shaft 2 without the breaking unit 100 being shown in further detail.
Reference list
[0042]
- 1
- ratchet wheel
- 1.1
- first half of the ratchet wheel
- 1.2
- second half of the ratchet wheel
- 1.3
- inner surface of the ratchet wheel
- 1.4
- outer surface of the ratchet wheel
- 2
- drive shaft
- 3
- ratchet teeth
- 3.1
- first surface of the ratchet teeth
- 3.2
- second surface of the ratchet teeth
- 4
- pawl
- 4.1
- first surface of the pawl
- 4.2
- second surface of the pawl
- 5.1
- first rotational direction
- 5.2
- second rotational direction
- 6
- pawl shaft
- 7
- spring mechanism
- 8
- actuator
- 9
- gap
- 10
- screw
- 11
- screw nut
- 12
- friction sleeve
- 12.1
- first friction sleeve part
- 12.2
- second friction sleeve part
- 13
- protrusion
- 13'
- protrusion
- 14.1
- first axial area
- 14.2
- second axial area
- 14.3
- third axial area
- 15
- attachments sleeve
- 15.1
- first attachment sleeve part
- 15.2
- second attachment sleeve part
- 16
- hinge
- 15'
- attachments sleeve
- 15.1'
- first attachment sleeve part
- 15.2'
- second attachment sleeve part
- 16'
- hinge
- 17.1
- first recess
- 17.2
- second recess
- 18
- recess
- 19
- connection plate
- 20
- screw
- 30
- elevator shaft
- 31
- elevator car
- 32
- engine room
- 33
- tension member
- 34
- elevator drive
- 35
- drive unit
- 36
- bearing
- 37
- sheave
- 40
- travel rails
- 41
- path
- 42
- steps
- 43
- upper end
- 44
- shaft
- 45
- gears
- 46
- gears
- 47
- escalator drive
- 100
- breaking device
- 200
- elevator system
- 300
- escalator system
- A.1
- first axial direction
- A.2
- second axial direction
- R
- receiving direction
a ratchet wheel (1) being mountable on a drive shaft (2) of the elevator system (200) or escalator system (300);
a pawl (4) configured to engage with the ratchet wheel (1) to operate the breaking device (100), so that the ratchet wheel (1) is locked in a first rotational direction (5.1) and unlocked in a second rotational direction (5.2);
wherein the ratchet wheel (1) comprises a first half (1.1) and a second half (1.2), each of which is configured to half-enclose the drive shaft (2); and
wherein the first half (1.1) and/or the second half (1.2) comprise means for fasten the first half (1.1) and the second half (1.2) together to form the ratchet wheel (1) and means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner.
wherein the first half (1.1) and/or the second half (1.2) are configured so that by fasten the first half (1.1) and the second half (1.2) together the ratchet wheel (1) is clamped on the drive shaft (2).
wherein the means for fasten the first half (1.1) and the second half (1.2) together and/or the means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the drive shaft (2) are formed by screws (10, 20).
wherein the first half (1.1) is connected to an attachment sleeve (15, 15') having a first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and a second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2'), each of which is configured to half-enclose the drive shaft (2);
wherein the attachment sleeve (15, 15') serves as means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner; and
wherein the first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and the second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2') are connected to each other by a hinge (16, 16').
wherein the pawl (4) is configured to engage with the ratchet wheel (1) only in emergency situations.
comprising at least one friction sleeve (12) which is configured to be placed between inner surfaces (1.3) of the first half (1.1) and/or the second half (1.2) and the drive shaft (2) and/or between inner surfaces of the first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and/or the second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2') and the drive shaft (2); and
wherein the friction sleeve (12) is configured to increase friction between the ratchet wheel (1) and the drive shaft (2).
wherein the friction sleeve (12) is configured to enclose the drive shaft (2) by 270° up to 360° and wherein the friction sleeve (12) is deformable for placement on the drive shaft (2).
wherein the friction sleeve (12) comprises a first friction sleeve part (12.1) and a second friction sleeve part (12.2), each of which is configured to enclose the drive shaft (2) by 90 up to 180°.
wherein the first friction sleeve part (12.1) is assigned to the first half (1.1) and/or the first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and the second friction sleeve part (12.1) is assigned to the second half (1.2) and/or the second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2').
wherein the ratchet wheel (1) comprises a first half (1.1) and a second half (1.2), each of which is configured to half-enclose a drive shaft (2) of an elevator system (200) or escalator system (300); and
wherein the first half (1.1) and/or the second half (1.2) comprise means for fasten the first half (1.1) and the second half (1.2) together to form the ratchet wheel (1) and means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner.
wherein the first half (1.1) is connected to an attachment sleeve (15, 15') having a first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and a second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2'), each of which is configured to half-enclose the drive shaft (2);
wherein the attachment sleeve (15, 15') serves as means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner;
wherein the first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and the second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2') are connected to each other by a hinge (16, 16');
wherein in a first step the first half (1.1) is placed on and fastened to the drive shaft (2) by means of the attachment sleeve (15, 15') utilizing the hinge (16, 16'); and
wherein in a second step the second half (1.2) is fastened to the first half (1.2) or the attachment sleeve (15, 15').
at least one drive unit (35);
at least one drive shaft (2) for transmitting a drive torque from the drive unit (35) to the torsion member (33);
at least one sheave (37) for receiving the torsion member (33), wherein the sheave (37) is connected to the drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner; and
at least one breaking device (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the ratchet wheel (1) is mounted on the drive shaft (2).
a vertical elevator shaft (30);
at least one elevator car (31) being moveable upward and downward in the elevator shaft (30);
at least one torsion member (33) connected to the elevator car (31); and
an elevator drive (34) according to claim 12 receiving the torsion member (33) on the sheave (37).
at least one drive unit;
at least one drive shaft (2) for transmitting a drive torque from the drive unit to the escalator steps (42); and
at least one breaking device (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the ratchet wheel (1) is mounted on the drive shaft (2).
an escalator path (41);
a number of escalator steps (42) being moveable along the escalator path (41); and an escalator drive (47) according to claim 14.
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
a ratchet wheel (1) being mountable on a drive shaft (2) of the elevator system (200) or escalator system (300);
a pawl (4) configured to engage with the ratchet wheel (1) to operate the breaking device (100), so that the ratchet wheel (1) is locked in a first rotational direction (5.1) and unlocked in a second rotational direction (5.2);
wherein the ratchet wheel (1) comprises a first half (1.1) and a second half (1.2), each of which is configured to half-enclose the drive shaft (2);
wherein the first half (1.1) and/or the second half (1.2) comprise means for fasten the first half (1.1) and the second half (1.2) together to form the ratchet wheel (1) and means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner; and wherein the first half (1.1) and/or the second half (1.2) are configured so that by fasten the first half (1.1) and the second half (1.2) together the ratchet wheel (1) is clamped on the drive shaft (2).
wherein the means for fasten the first half (1.1) and the second half (1.2) together and/or the means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the drive shaft (2) are formed by screws (10, 20).
wherein the first half (1.1) is connected to an attachment sleeve (15, 15') having a first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and a second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2'), each of which is configured to half-enclose the drive shaft (2);
wherein the attachment sleeve (15, 15') serves as means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner; and
wherein the first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and the second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2') are connected to each other by a hinge (16, 16').
wherein the pawl (4) is configured to engage with the ratchet wheel (1) only in emergency situations.
comprising at least one friction sleeve (12) which is configured to be placed between inner surfaces (1.3) of the first half (1.1) and/or the second half (1.2) and the drive shaft (2) and/or between inner surfaces of the first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and/or the second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2') and the drive shaft (2); and
wherein the friction sleeve (12) is configured to increase friction between the ratchet wheel (1) and the drive shaft (2).
wherein the friction sleeve (12) is configured to enclose the drive shaft (2) by 270° up to 360° and wherein the friction sleeve (12) is deformable for placement on the drive shaft (2).
wherein the friction sleeve (12) comprises a first friction sleeve part (12.1) and a second friction sleeve part (12.2), each of which is configured to enclose the drive shaft (2) by 90 up to 180°.
wherein the first friction sleeve part (12.1) is assigned to the first half (1.1) and/or the first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and the second friction sleeve part (12.1) is assigned to the second half (1.2) and/or the second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2').
wherein the ratchet wheel (1) comprises a first half (1.1) and a second half (1.2), each of which is configured to half-enclose a drive shaft (2) of an elevator system (200) or escalator system (300); and
wherein the first half (1.1) and/or the second half (1.2) comprise means for fasten the first half (1.1) and the second half (1.2) together to form the ratchet wheel (1) and means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner.
wherein the first half (1.1) is connected to an attachment sleeve (15, 15') having a first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and a second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2'), each of which is configured to half-enclose the drive shaft (2);
wherein the attachment sleeve (15, 15') serves as means for fasten the ratchet wheel (1) to the drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner;
wherein the first attachment sleeve part (15.1, 15.1') and the second attachment sleeve part (15.2, 15.2') are connected to each other by a hinge (16, 16');
wherein in a first step the first half (1.1) is placed on and fastened to the drive shaft (2) by means of the attachment sleeve (15, 15') utilizing the hinge (16, 16'); and
wherein in a second step the second half (1.2) is fastened to the first half (1.2) or the attachment sleeve (15, 15').
at least one drive unit (35);
at least one drive shaft (2) for transmitting a drive torque from the drive unit (35) to the torsion member (33);
at least one sheave (37) for receiving the torsion member (33), wherein the sheave (37) is connected to the drive shaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner; and
at least one breaking device (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the ratchet wheel (1) is mounted on the drive shaft (2).
a vertical elevator shaft (30);
at least one elevator car (31) being moveable upward and downward in the elevator shaft (30);
at least one torsion member (33) connected to the elevator car (31); and
an elevator drive (34) according to claim 11 receiving the torsion member (33) on the sheave (37).
at least one drive unit;
at least one drive shaft (2) for transmitting a drive torque from the drive unit to the escalator steps (42); and
at least one breaking device (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the ratchet wheel (1) is mounted on the drive shaft (2).
an escalator path (41);
a number of escalator steps (42) being moveable along the escalator path (41); and an escalator drive (47) according to claim 13.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description