Elevator system having guide rollers
AssigneeOtis Elevator Company
InventorsErminio Guaita, Luigi Angelo Sala
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An elevator system includes a guide roller having a contact surface and a flange that extends outward from the roller. A guide rail for the elevator system includes a cam that is disposed to engage the flange of the roller. During extended periods of non-use, the elevator car is positioned such that the flange engages the cam and the loading on the contact surface of the roller is minimized or eliminated.
Claims22
An elevator system having a car that moves within a hoistway and a guide rail disposed within the hoistway, wherein the car includes a roller that engages the guide rail to define the path of travel of the car through the hoistway, the roller including a contact surface and a flange, the contact surface engaging the guide rail in rolling contact such that a force is generated on the contact surface, the flange extending outward from the roller, the guide rail including a cam, the cam disposed to engage the flange upon sufficient motion of the car within the hoistway, wherein upon engagement between the flange and the cam the force on the contact surface is minimized.
A guide roller for an elevator system, the elevator system including a car and guide rail having a cam, the guide roller including a contact surface formed from an elastomeric material and a flange extending outward from the roller, the contact surface engaging the guide rail in rolling contact such that a force is generated on the contact surface, the flange engaging the cam upon sufficient motion of the car along the guide rail, wherein upon engagement between the flange and the cam the force on the contact surface is minimized.
A guide rail for an elevator system, the elevator system including a car that moves within a hoistway, wherein the car includes a roller that engages the guide rail to define the path of travel of the car through the hoistway, the roller including a contact surface and a flange, the contact surface engaging the guide rail in rolling contact such that a force is generated on the contact surface, the flange extending outward from the roller, the guide rail including a cam, the cam disposed to engage the flange upon sufficient motion of the car within the hoistway, wherein upon engagement between the flange and the cam the force on the contact surface is minimized.
A method to minimize deformation of elevator guide rollers during periods of extended non-use of the elevator system, the elevator system including a car that moves within a hoistway and a guide rail disposed within the hoistway, the elevator system including a parked position for the car, the car including a roller that engages the guide rail to define the path of travel of the car through the hoistway, the roller including a contact surface and a flange, the contact surface engaging the guide rail in rolling contact such that a force is generated on the contact surface, the flange extending outward from the roller, the guide rail including a cam, the cam disposed to engage the flange upon sufficient motion of the car within the hoistway, the method including the steps of:
- moving the car to the parked position;
- and
- engaging the flange with the cam such that the force on the contact surface is minimized.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.