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Title:
DAMPER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/127523
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A damper for connecting an elevator car and a fall arrest device comprising a deformable element with a first joining portion configured to connect to the elevator car and a second joining portion configured to connect the damper to the fall arrest device. The deformable element of the damper is configured to deform from an undeformed state to a deformed state in the event of a force above a predetermined threshold force. The deformable element is further configured in such a way that when the deformable element is deformed from the undeformed state to the deformed state, the elevator car and the fall arrest device are relatively displaced. An elevator system comprising such a damper is also disclosed. Method for operating an elevator system having such a damper and method for retrofitting elevator systems are also disclosed.

Inventors:
SACRAMENTO GARCÍA GERMÁN MANUEL (ES)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2018/050155
Publication Date:
July 12, 2018
Filing Date:
January 03, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
AIP APS (DK)
International Classes:
B66B5/16
Foreign References:
EP0562931A11993-09-29
CN205087740U2016-03-16
US0658853A1900-10-02
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ZBM PATENTS APS (DK)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A damper for connecting an elevator car and a fall arrest device, the damper comprising:

a deformable element having:

a first joining portion configured to connect to the elevator car;

a second joining portion configured to connect to the fall arrest device; wherein

the deformable element is configured to deform from an undeformed state to a deformed state in the event of a force above a predetermined threshold force in such a way that the elevator car and the fall arrest device are relatively displaced when the deformable element is deformed

2. A damper according to claim 1 , wherein the deformable element is compressed when it is deformed from the undeformed state to the deformed state

3. A damper according to claim 1 , wherein the deformable element is extended when it is deformed from the undeformed state to the deformed state.

4. A damper according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the deformable element comprises:

a central portion extending from the first joining portion to the second joining portion;

deformation initiators configured to start and guide the deformation of the deformable element; wherein

one deformation initiator is arranged between the first joining portion and the central portion and another one between the second joining portion and the central portion.

5. A damper according to claim 4, wherein the central portion forms an angle an a with the first joining portion and an angle β with the second joining portion; wherein

the angle a and the angle β are higher when the deformable element is in the deformed state than when it is in the undeformed state.

6. A damper according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the deformation initiators are configured to act substantially like hinges.

7. A damper according to any of claims 4 - 6, wherein the deformation initiators have a reduced width compared to the width of the first joining portion, the central portion and the second joining portion.

8. A damper according to any of claims 1 - 7, wherein the deformable element is configured to plastically deform in the event of a force above the predetermined threshold.

9. A damper according to any of claims 1 - 8, wherein the damper comprises a mounting plate, the mounting plate having:

guides configured to displaceably connect the mounting plate to the first joining portion of the deformable element; wherein

the mounting plate is connected to the first joining portion of the deformable element through the guides; and

the mounting plate is rigidly connected to the second portion of the deformable element.

10. A damper according to claim 9, wherein the guides of the mounting plate are further configured to displaceably connect the mounting plate to the elevator car and the mounting plate is further configured to be rigidly connected to the fall arrest device.

11. A damper according to any of claims 7 - 9, wherein the mounting plate comprises a central body and a right lateral portion and a left lateral portion; and wherein

the right and left lateral portions comprise the guides; and wherein the first joining portion of one of the deformable element is connected to the guides of the right lateral portion, and the first joining portion of the other deformable element is connected to the guides of the left lateral portion; and the second joining portions of the deformable elements are rigidly connected to the body of mounting plate.

12. An elevator system comprising:

an elevator car,

overspeed detector,

a fall arrest device comprising an overspeed detector and a blocking system for blocking the elevator car when an overspeed is detected by the overspeed detector, and

a damper according to any of claims 1-11 ,

wherein the damper connects the elevator car and the fall arrest device.

13. An elevator system according to claim 12, wherein the elevator car further comprises an elevator car structure connected to the damper; and wherein the fall arrest device is connected to the damper by a housing bracket.

14. A method for operating an elevator system according to any of claims 12 - 13, the method comprising:

detecting an overspeed by the overspeed detector,

blocking the fall arrest device

stopping the elevator car,

15. A method for retrofitting an elevator system comprising an elevator car and a fall arrest device, the elevator car and the fall arrest being rigidly connected:

disconnecting the fall arrest device from the elevator car

providing a damper according to any of claims 1 - 11 ,

connecting the first portion of the deformable element to the elevator car, and

connecting the second portion of the deformable element to the fall arrest device.

Description:
Damper

The present disclosure relates to a damper for connecting a fall arrest device to an elevator car, and further relates to an elevator system having a damper connecting a fall arrest device to an elevator car and methods for operating and retrofitting elevator systems.

BACKGROUND

Modern wind turbines are commonly used to supply electricity into the electrical grid. Wind turbines generally comprise a rotor mounted on top of a wind turbine tower, the rotor having a rotor hub and a plurality of blades. The rotor is set into rotation under the influence of the wind on the blades. The operation of the generator produces the electricity to be supplied into the electrical grid.

When maintenance works are required inside wind turbines, hoists are often used in the form of elevator-like structures where a lift platform or a cabin for the transportation of people and/or equipment is hoisted up and/or down within the wind turbine tower. Wind turbines are often provided with working platforms arranged at various heights along the height of the tower with the purpose of allowing workers to leave the cabin and inspect or repair equipment where intended.

Elevator systems, in general, include an elevator car being suspended within a hoistway or elevator shaft by wire ropes. The term wire rope is herein used to denote a relatively thick cable. But in the art, the terms cables and wire ropes are often used interchangeably. In some systems, e.g. for some electric elevators, a counterweight may be provided depending on e.g. the available space. Other systems such as hydraulic elevators normally do not comprise a counterweight.

The service elevators may incorporate some form of traction device mounted on or attached to the elevator. The traction device may comprise a housing including a traction mechanism, e.g. a motor driven traction sheave. The motor typically may be an electrical motor, although in principle other motors could be used. Service elevators further may incorporate an electromagnetic brake. In addition to this brake, a "secondary safety device" or "fall arrest device" are rigidly mounted on or attached to the elevator car, directly or through supporting structures. Such a fall arrest device serves as a back-up for the main electromagnetic brake and may typically incorporate some form of sensing mechanism sensing the elevator's speed. The secondary safety device may automatically block the elevator and inhibit any further movement if the elevator moves too fast, i.e. when the elevator might be falling. The speed detection mechanism in this sense acts as an overspeed detector.

A hoisting wire rope of the service elevator or a dedicated safety wire rope may pass through an entry hole in the safety device, through the interior of the safety device and exit the safety device through an exit hole at an opposite end. Some form of clamping mechanism for clamping the hoisting wire rope or the safety wire rope when an unsafe condition exists (i.e. when the overspeed detector trips) may be incorporated in the safety device.

Fall arrest devices, when fitted to an appropriate wire rope, can be of the type that comprises internal rollers and a clamping mechanism (e.g. involving clamping jaws) which closes onto the safety wire rope, which could be the main hoisting wire rope or a separate safety wire rope. These devices may comprise a centrifugal overspeed detector.

Such an overspeed detector may be provided on the inside of the housing of the fall arrester device and may comprise a driven roller coupled with movable parts that are forced outwardly as the roller rotates when it is driven by the wire rope passing along it. A pressure roller ensures the contact between the wire rope and the driven roller of the centrifugal overspeed detector. If the wire rope passes through the safety device too rapidly, the brake trips and the jaws clamp onto the wire, thus blocking the safety device on the wire rope by the frictional pressure exerted by the clamping jaws onto the wire.

This frictional pressure for quickly blocking the safety device may generate a great amount of energy that needs to be dissipated to avoid an excessive overheating of the safety device components and of the wire rope. This overheating may lead to a loss of tolerances of the clamping jaws and the wire rope and therefore to a loss of the control of the pressure exerted by the clamping jaws during blocking the safety device. Furthermore, blocking the safety device has to be fast enough for adequately stopping the elevator car when an overspeed is detected, but relatively slow for not abruptly stopping the elevator which may injure the users.

Controlling the pressure exerted by the clamping jaws during blocking may produce a more progressive stopping of the elevator car. This pressure may be controlled by e.g. dampers provided between the clamping jaws and the actuator of the safety device. The dampers provided in the safety device may be able to partially absorb a part of the energy created during braking the elevator car. In order to enhance the dampening effect of the safety device, bigger and more powerful dampers may be provided in the fall arrest device. However, this may imply a heavier and bigger fall arrest device arranged on an elevator car which may have dimensional restrictions. Furthermore, this heavier fall arrest may represent heavier elevator structures which may also affect the structural behavior of e.g. the wind turbine tower.

In addition, the dampening effect provided by the fall arrest device, even using powerful dampers arranged as part of the fall arrest device between the attachment point to the car and the clamping jaws or brake calipers, may be insufficient to absorb the energy generated in an emergency braking for safely stopping the elevator car, e.g. stopping the elevator car relatively smoothly.

The present disclosure provides examples of systems and methods that at least partially resolve some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

Service elevators and related safety devices such as fall arrest devices are not only used in wind turbine towers, but instead may be found in many different sites and structures.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a damper for connecting an elevator car and a fall arrest device is provided. The damper comprises a deformable element with a first joining portion configured to connect to the elevator car and a second joining portion configured to connect to the fall arrest device. The deformable element of the damper is configured to deform from an undeformed state to a deformed state in the event of a force above a predetermined threshold force. The deformable element is further configured in such a way that when the deformable element is deformed from an undeformed state to a deformed state, the elevator car and the fall arrest device are relatively displaced.

In this aspect, the deformation of the deformable element absorbs at least partially the energy generated in the event of a force above a predetermined threshold acting on the damper. The damper according to the invention provides therefore an enhanced dampening effect of the elevator car in the event of an emergency braking.

The force above a predetermined threshold force may be a blocking force opposite to the descending force of the elevator car. This blocking force may be provided by the fall arrest device, wherein the clamping system of the fall arrest device clamps the safety wire of the elevator system. Such clamping system may be activated after an overspeed has been detected by the overspeed detector. When an overspeed is detected, the clamping system is activated and the fall arrest device is blocked. Such blocking generates a blocking force which counteracts the descending force of the elevator car. As the damper displaceably connects the elevator car and the fall arrest device, when the fall arrest device is blocked the elevator car may still be displaced relatively to the fall arrest device. Such relative displacement is controlled by the deformation of the deformable element of the damper. The predetermined threshold force may be the minimum force corresponding to the blocking force exerted by a fall arrest device in the event of an emergency braking.

In an event of an emergency braking, the upward force of the fall arrest device counteracts the downward force of the elevator. The upward force might be applied on the second joining portion while the downward force on the first joining portion of the deformable element. Such opposite forces deform the deformable element. The damper is therefore able to compensate the upward force of the fall arrest device and the downward force of the elevator car. This deformation absorbs at least partially the energy generated when the fall arrest device is suddenly blocked, and thus the damper dampens the elevator car when this is stopped. Furthermore, as the energy absorbed by the deformable element increases with the relative displacement, such deformation allows to extend the blocking time and to decrease the dynamic downward force of the elevator car.

The undeformed state of the deformable element corresponds to the shape of the deformable element under a normal operation of the elevator, i.e. when the elevator is not stopped; while the deformed state corresponds to the shape of the deformable element under the effect of the activation of the fall arrest device, e.g. in an emergency braking.

The deformed state may comprise an elongated deformation or a bending deformation or a compressed deformation, or a mixed of them, e.g. the deformable element may comprise one elongated portion and one bending portion.

In some examples, the deformable element may be substantially extended when deformed from the undeformed state to the deformed state. Such extension may comprise a substantial axially elongation and/or a substantial bending of the deformable element or any combination of them. The overall distance between the first joining and the second joining portion of the deformable element may be therefore increased. The first joining portion may be connected to the elevator while the second joining portion to the fall arrest device.

The deformable element may be configured in such a way than in the event of a force above a predetermined threshold force, e.g. the blocking force from the fall arrest device, the deformable element is stretched out from the undeformed state to a deformed state. As the elevator car and the fall arrest device may be displaceably connected through the damper, a relatively movement between the elevator car and the fall arrest device is enabled. When the damper displaceably connects the elevator car and the fall arrest device, the first joining portion may correspond to a lower vertical position with respect to the second joining position. In the event of an emergency braking, the fall arrest is blocked and the elevator car tends to continue descending, and as the damper enables the relatively displacement of the elevator car and the fall arrest device, the elevator car and the fall arrest device may be thus vertically moved away. Such separation may be controlled by the deformation of the deformable element of the damper. In these examples, the distance between the elevator car and the fall arrest device is increased and the deformable element is therefore substantially lengthened. Thus, in these examples, the distance between the first and the second joining portion of the deformable element is higher in the deformed state than in the undeformed state. The deformable element is thus elongated from the undeformed state to the deformed state.

In other examples, the deformable element may be substantially compressed when deformed from the undeformed state to the deformed state. Such compression may comprise a substantial axial compression and/or a substantial bending and/or buckling of the deformable element or any combination of them, e.g. axially compressed by the inwardly and outwardly bending of the lateral walls of the deformable element. The overall distance between the first joining and the second joining portion may be thus reduced. The first joining portion may be connected to the elevator while the second joining portion is connected to the fall arrest device.

The deformable element may be configured in such a way that in the event of a force above a predetermined threshold force, e.g. the blocking force from the fall arrest device, the deformable element is compressed from the undeformed state to a deformed state. As the elevator car and the fall arrest device may be displaceably connected through the damper, a relative movement between the elevator car and the fall arrest device is enabled. In these examples, when the damper displaceably connects the elevator car and the fall arrest device, the first joining portion (associated with the elevator car) may correspond to a higher vertical position with respect to the second joining position (associated with the fall arrest). In the event of an emergency braking, the fall arrest is blocked and the elevator car tends to continue descending, and as the damper enables the relative displacement of the elevator car and the fall arrest device, the elevator car and the fall arrest device may be therefore vertically approached.

Such approach may be controlled by the deformation of the deformable element of the damper. In these examples, the distance between the elevator car and the fall arrest device is reduced and the deformable element is therefore substantially shortened. Thus, in these examples, the distance between the first and the second joining portion of the deformable element is lower in the deformed state than in the undeformed state.

In some examples, the deformable element may comprise deformation initiators configured to start and guide the deformation. These deformation initiators may be crush points, bending initiators or buckling initiators. In some examples, the deformation initiators are configured to act substantially like hinges. The deformation initiators may be for example in the form of notches, weaker areas, narrowing areas, thinner areas or having a reduced width compared to the width of the surrounding portions of the deformable element.

In some examples, the deformable element is configured to elastically and plastically deform in the event of a force above a predetermined threshold force. A plastic deformation may increase the energy absorbed during stopping the elevator car. Furthermore, the elevator car stopping time may be increased since the deformable elements may be firstly elastically deformed and secondly plastically deformed. The dampening effect of the damper can be enhanced in this way.

Additionally, the damper may further comprise a mounting plate. Such mounting plate may comprise guides configured to displaceably connect the mounting plate to the first joining portion of the deformable element. The mounting plate may be connected to the first joining portion of the deformable element through the guides. Furthermore, the mounting plate might be rigidly connected to the second joining portion of the deformable element.

Such mounting plate may provide stiffness to the damper and may also limit the deformation of the deformable element. In some examples, the mounting plate might act as a stopper for the deformable element, in such a way that the deformation may be enclosed in some certain limits.

In some examples, the guides of the mounting plate may be configured to displaceably connect the mounting plate to the elevator car. The mounting plate may be configured to be rigidly connected to the fall arrest device.

In a further aspect, an elevator system comprising an elevator car and a fall arrest device and a damper according to any of the examples herein described is provided. The fall arrest device may comprise an overspeed detector and a blocking system for blocking the elevator car when an overspeed is detected by the overspeed detector. In this aspect, the damper might connect the elevator car and the fall arrest device. In a yet a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a wind turbine comprising such an elevator system.

In yet a further aspect, a method for operating an elevator system according to any of the examples disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises detecting an overspeed by the overspeed detector, blocking the fall arrest device, e.g. by clamping the emergency wire rope, and stopping the elevator car. The method further comprises deforming the deformable element of the damper from an undeformed state to a deformed state in such a way that fall arrest device and the elevator car are relatively displaced and the elevator car is dampened.

In some examples, the method may further comprise measuring the speed of the elevator car and activating the fall arrest device for blocking the elevator when the speed of the elevator is an above a predetermined speed limit, e.g. when an overspeed has been detected. The blocking of the elevator car may cause a force between the fall arrest device and the elevator car above the predetermined threshold. Additionally, the method may further comprise plastically deforming the deformable element of the damper

In yet a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for retrofitting an elevator system comprising an elevator car and a fall arrest device, the elevator car and the fall arrest device being rigidly connected. The method comprises disconnecting the fall arrest device from the elevator car, providing a damper according to any of the examples disclosed herein, connecting the first portion of the deformable element to the elevator car and connecting the second portion of the deformable element to the fall arrest device.

According to this aspect, existing elevator systems wherein the fall arrest device and the elevator car are rigidly connected may be retrofitted and provided with the additional functionality herein described as being displaceably connected. Throughout the present description and claims, the elevator car may be any suitable elevator car. The fall arrest device may be also any suitable fall arrest device. Such fall arrest devices may be preferably configured to clamp the hoisting wire rope safety wire rope when an unsafe condition exists. Fall arrest or safety devices may comprise internal rollers and a clamping mechanism for exerting pressure onto the safety wire rope. Such fall arrest may further comprise an internal damper system for controlling the pressure exerted by the clamping mechanism onto the safety wire rope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figures 1a - 1 b schematically illustrate a view of an elevator system wherein a deformable element of the damper is substantially extended from an undeformed state (fig. 1a) to a deformed state (fig. 1 b);

Figures 1c - 1d schematically illustrate a view of an elevator system wherein a deformable element of the damper is substantially compressed from a undeformed state (fig. 1c) to a deformed state (fig. 1d);

Figure 2 shows an example of a damper having a deformable element in the undeformed state;

Figure 3 shows the damper of the figure 2 having a deformable element in the deformed state;

Figure 4 shows an example of a damper including a mounting plate and at least one deformable element in an undeformed state; and

Figure 5 shows an example of a damper including a mounting plate and at least one deformable element in a deformed state; and

Figure 6 shows an isometric partial view of an example of an elevator system including an elevator car, a fall arrest device and a damper. Figure 7 shows the frontal partial view of the example of the elevator system of the figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

In these figures the same reference signs have been used to designate matching elements.

Figures 1a - 1d schematically illustrate a view of an example of an elevator system 10. The elevator system 10 may comprise an elevator car 20, a safety wire 30, a fall arrest device 40 and a damper 100 for connecting the elevator car 20 to the fall arrest device 40. In these examples, the fall arrest device is illustrated for clarity purposes on the back of the elevator car; however other arrangements as e.g. arranged on the top of the elevator car and/or inside the elevator car are also possible. The damper 100 comprises a deformable element 110. In figure 1a and 1c the deformable element 110 is in an undeformed state P1 , i.e. under a normal operation of the elevator, while in figure 1b and 1d is in the deformed position P2, i.e. in after emergency braking.

The deformable element 110 is therefore configured to deform from an undeformed state P1 to a deformed state P2 in such a way than the elevator car 20 and the fall arrest device 40 are relatively displaced. In these examples, the deformable element 110 may be in a non-deformed state in the undeformed state P1 and in deformed state in the deformed state P2.

Figure 1a and 1c represent the elevator system 10 under normal operation conditions or the instant when the fall arrest device 40 is activated for stopping the elevator car 20, but the elevator car 20 has not been yet stopped.

Figure 1 b and 1 d represent the elevator system 10 when the elevator car 20 is stopped after the activation of the fall arrest device 40. The deformable element 110 is therefore deformed from the undeformed state P1 (fig. 1a and 1c) to a deformed state P2 (fig. 1b and 1c), i.e. deformed from the instant when the fall arrest device is activated to the stopping of the elevator car. The fall arrest device 40 may comprise a blocking or a clamping system (not shown) for clamping the safety wire 30 when an overspeed is detected by the overspeed detector (not shown). When an overspeed is detected, the clamping system may be activated and the fall arrest device 40 may be blocked. As the damper displaceably connects the elevator car 10 and the fall arrest device 40, the elevator car 20 may be still displaced relatively to the fall arrest device 40 although the fall arrest device may have been blocked. Such relative displacement is controlled by the deformation of the deformable element 110 of the damper 100.

The deformable element 110 of figures 1a - 1 b may be substantially extended when deforms from the undeformed state P1 to a deformed state P2. The deformable element 110 of these examples may be stretched out by the relative upward force of the blocking of the fall arrest device 40 and the downward force of the elevator car 20 in such a way that it may be substantially extended from the first to the deformed state. The damper 100 enables that elevator car and the fall arrest device may be vertically moved away. Such extension may comprise a substantial axial ly elongation and/or a substantial bending of the deformable element 110 or any combination of them.

The deformable element 110 of figures 1c - 1d may be substantially compressed when deforms from the undeformed state P1 to a deformed state P2. The deformable element 110 of these examples may be shortened by the relative upward force of the blocking of the fall arrest device 40 and the downward force of the elevator car 20 in such a way that the deformable element may be substantially compressed from the first to the deformed state. The damper 100 enables that elevator car and the fall arrest device may be vertically approached. Such compression may comprise a substantially axial compression and/or a bending and/or buckling of the deformable element or any combination of them.

Figure 2 illustrates an example of a damper 100 having a deformable element 110 in the undeformed state P1. The damper 100 may be configured for displaceably connecting an elevator car (not shown) and a fall arrest (not shown). The damper 100 comprises a deformable element 110 with a first joining portion 111 configured to displaceably connect to the elevator car and a second joining portion 121 configured to connect the to the fall arrest device.

In this aspect, the deformable element 110 may further comprise a central portion 130 extending from the first joining portion 111 to the second joining portion 121.

In some examples the deformable element 110 may comprise a deformation initiator 140 configured to start and guide the deformation when a load is applied.

In some examples, the deformable element 110 may comprise a deformation initiator 140 arranged between the first joining portion 111 and the central portion 130. Alternatively, the deformation initiator 140 may be arranged between the central portion 130 and the second joining portion 121. In further other examples, the deformable element 110 may comprise one deformation initiator 140 arranged between the first joining portion 111 and the central portion 130 and another one between the central portion 130 and the second joining portion 121.

In this aspect, deformation initiators 140 may be configured to act substantially like hinges or bending initiators. Therefore, such deformation initiators 140 may enable the rotation of the central portion 130 with respect to the first joining portion 111 and/or of the central portion 130 with respect to the second joining portion 121. Alternatively, these deformation initiators may be crush points or buckling initiators.

In this aspect, the deformation initiators 140 may have a reduced width compared to the width of the surrounding portions of the deformable element, i.e. a narrowing area. In these examples, there is less resistive area in the deformation initiators 140 than in the remaining parts of the deformable element. As the resistive area is smaller, the deformable element offers less resistance to be deformed in the narrow areas than in the remaining parts. Therefore, when a force above a predetermined threshold force is applied, e.g. in case of an emergency braking, the deformable element 110 may be deformed by the deformation initiators 140.

In this way, when the deformation initiator is arranged between the first joining portion 111 and the central portion 130, the width of the deformation initiator 140 might be less than the width first joining portion 111 and the central portion 130. Alternatively, when the deformation initiator is arranged between the central portion 130 and the second joining portion 121 , the initiator 140 might have a reduced width compared to the central portion 130 and to the second joining portion 121. Alternatively, the deformation initiators 140 may be for example in the form of notches, weaker areas, or thinner areas.

The central portion 130 and the first joining portion 111 may form an angle a. An angle β may be formed between the central portion 130 and the second joining portion 121.

In some examples, the first joining portion 111 may further comprises a first end 112 and a second end 113. The central portion 130 may extend from the second end 113 in a direction substantially towards the first end 112 in such a way that the angle a is an acute angle. When the deformable element 110 is in the undeformed state P1 , the central portion 130 may be folded substantially towards the first joining portion 111 , and particularly towards the first end 112. The angle a may be in the range of 20° to 95°. Optionally, the angle a may be in the range of 45° to 85°.

In some examples, the second joining portion 121 may be substantially folded with respect to the central portion 130, in such a way that the angle β may an acute angle, e.g. in the range of 10° to 60°.

In some examples, the deformable element may have substantially swan's neck shape.

The deformable element 110 may be made by any suitable material able to be elastically and/or plastically deformed when a force above a predetermined threshold force is applied while maintaining a certain structural rigidity. In particular, the deformable element might be a metal, and more particular aluminum. Other metals e.g. steel, might be also suitable materials.

Figure 3 illustrates the damper of figure 2 having the deformable element 110 in the deformed state P2. In these examples, the deformable element may be substantially extended when it deforms from an undeformed state P1 (fig. 2) to a deformed state P2 (fig. 3). Such an extension may comprise a substantially axial elongation and/or a substantial bending or any combination of them. The overall distance between the first joining 111 and the second joining portion 121 may be therefore increased.

In this aspect, when the deformable element 110 is in the deformed state P2, the central portion 130 and the first joining portion 111 may form an angle cf. The central portion 130 may be substantially unfolded towards the first joining portion 111. The angle cf (associated with the deformed state) may be therefore higher than the angle a (associated with the undeformed state). The angle cf might be in the range of 60° to 120°.

Alternatively or additionally, the second joining portion 121 may be bent upwards with respect to the central portion 130. The angle β' may be in the range of 30° to150°.

The deformation of the deformable element 110, e.g. by allowing the rotation of central portion 130 with respect to the first joining portion 111 and the second joining portion 121 with respect to the central portion 130 through the deformation initiators 140, might enable absorbing at least partially the energy generated during the stopping of the elevator.

Figure 4 shows an example of a damper 100 including a mounting plate 150 and at least one deformable element 110 in the undeformed state P1.

In some examples, the damper 100 may comprise a mounting plate 150 and two deformable elements 110.

Such mounting plate 150 may comprise guides 161 configured to displaceably connect the mounting plate to the first joining portion of the deformable element 111. The mounting plate 150 may be connected to the first joining portion of the deformable element 111 through the guides 161. Furthermore, the mounting plate 150 might be rigidly connected, e.g. bolted or fastened, to the second joining portion of the deformable element 121.

Alternatively, the mounting plate 150 might be displaceably connected to the second joining portion 121 of the deformable element 110 through the guides 161 and rigidly connected to the first joining portion 121.

In some examples, the mounting plate 150 may comprise a left lateral portion 181 , right lateral portion 182 and a central body 183. The central body 183 may be connected to the two second joining portions of the deformable elements. The left lateral portion 181 and the right lateral portion 182 may comprise the guide(s) 161.

The first joining portion 111 of one of the deformable element 110 may be displaceably connected to the guide(s) of the mounting plate 161 arranged on the left lateral portion of the mounting plate 181. The second joining portion 121 of this deformable element 110 may be rigidly connected to the central body 183 of the mounting plate.

The other deformable element may be arranged symmetrically as a mirror image. Therefore, the first joining portion 111 of the other the deformable element may be displaceably connected to the guide(s) of the mounting plate 161 arranged on the right lateral portion of the mounting plate 182 and the second joining portion 121 of said another deformable element 110 may be rigidly connected to the central body 183 of the mounting plate.

In some examples, each of the right and left lateral portions may comprise a pair of guides 161 associated to the corresponding first joining portion 111 of the deformable elements 110.

Furthermore, the guides 161 may be configured to displaceably connect the mounting plate to an elevator car (not shown) and the mounting plate 150, and in particular the central body 183 of the mounting plate 150, may be configured to be rigidly connected to a fall arrest device (not shown).

In some examples, the guides 161 may act like a retainer in such a way that the relative displacement of the deformable elements 110 over the mounting plate 150 is limited. Such guides 161 may be e.g. in the form of a slot vertically arranged.

In some examples, each of the deformable elements 110 may be connected to the mounting plate 150 in similar way, and thus only the connection of one of the deformable elements 110 is described. The first joining portion of the deformable element 111 might be bolted to the guide161 of the left lateral portion 181. Thus, the bolt (not shown) connecting the mounting plate 150 to the first joining portion of the deformable element 111 may be displaced along the guide 161. Therefore, the first joining portion of the deformable element 111 and the left lateral portion 181 of the mounting plate 150 may be displaceably connected, i.e. the deformable element 110 may slide over the guide 150.

Instead of a bolt sliding on the guide or slot 161 , other joining systems allowing a relative displacement of the deformable element 110 with respect to the mounting plate 150 may be alternatively used. Such relative displacement may allow guiding the deformation of the deformable element 111. In these examples, the bolt may slide on the mounting plate 150 from an upper position, i.e. the deformable element in the undeformed state P1 , to a lower position, i.e. the deformable element in the deformed state P2.

In some examples, the mounting plate 150 may provide stiffness to the damper and protect the deformable element 110. Furthermore, the mounting plate may limit the deformation of the deformable element 110. The guide 161 may maintain the deformation of the deformable element 110 under a controlled certain limits, i.e. enclosing the deformable element. The guide 161 , may retain the deformable element 110 joined to the mounting plate 150 even when the deformable element has broken after an excessive deformation. Therefore, the mounting plate 150 may act as a safety system since the total disconnection of the deformable element 110 from the mounting plate 150 may be avoided. Thus, when the deformable element 110 collapses, the mounting plate avoids that deformable element 110 would fall.

The mounting plate 150 may be made by any suitable material able to provide enough stiffness to the damper 100. In particular, the mounting plate might be a metal, and in particular steel.

In some examples, such at least one deformable element 110 may be of any suitable shape. In other examples, the deformable element 110 may be according to figure 2 and 3. Figure 5 illustrates the damper of figure 4 having the deformable element 110 in the deformed state P2.

In these examples, the deformable element may be substantially extended when deforms from an undeformed state P1 to a deformed state P2. The deformation of the deformable element 110 may be as previously explained in the examples according to figures 2 and 3.

Therefore, the overall distance between the first joining 111 and the second joining portion 121 of said deformable elements may be therefore increased. As the first joining portion 111 of each of the deformable elements may be displaceably connected to the guides 161 of the mounting plate, the deformable element 110 may slide over the mounting plate 150 when the deformable element is in a deformed state P2.

In some examples, the bolt (not shown) connecting the mounting plate 150 to the first joining portion of the deformable 111 may be displaced along the guide 161 when the deformable element is deformed from an undeformed state P1 to a deformed state P2. In these examples, in a deformed state the bolt may be arranged on the guide or slot 161 in a substantially lower position compared to an upper position in an undeformed state of the deformable element 110. Therefore, the first joining portion 111 of the deformable element is moved away with respect to the second joining portion 121 of the deformable element, i.e. the first joining portion 111 slides over the guide while the second joining portion 121 is rigidly connected to the mounting plate 150.

Figure 6 and figure 7, a frontal view of the figure 6, show an example of an elevator system 10 including an elevator car 20, a fall arrest device 40 and a damper 100. The damper 100 may be according to figures 4 and 5.

The elevator system 10 may comprise an elevator car 20, a safety wire (not shown), a fall arrest device 40 including an overspeed detector (not shown) and a damper 100 for displaceably connecting the elevator car 20 to the fall arrest device 40.

In some examples, the elevator system 10 may further comprise an elevator car structure 21 attached or forming part of to the elevator car. The elevator car structure 21 and the elevator car 20 may be thus moved together. Sometimes such elevator car structure 21 may be also called spine. Such elevator car structure 21 may be arranged on the top portion of the elevator car 20. In some examples, the elevator car structure 21 may be a metallic plate.

In some examples, the fall arrest device 40 may further comprise a housing bracket 41 for mounting the fall arrest device to the damper. Such housing bracket 41 may be attached or forming part to the fall arrest device. The housing bracket 41 and the fall arrest device 40 may be rigidly connected, i.e. are moved together.

In some examples, the housing bracket 41 may be U-shaped. In this aspect, the U-shaped housing bracket may further comprise two lateral sides arranged on each side of the U-shape. Such lateral sides may be connected to the damper, in particular to central portion 183 of the mounting plate 150 and/or to the second joining portion of the deformable elements 121. The bottom part of the U-shape may be connected to the fall arrest device 140.

In some examples, the fall arrest device 40 and the damper 10 might be arranged inside the elevator car, and in particular on the top portion of the elevator car.

In some examples, the first joining portion 111 of the deformable element of the damper may be rigidly connected to elevator car 20, directly or through the elevator car structure 21 , while the mounting plate 150 may be displaceably connected to the elevator car 20. The second joining portion 121 of the deformable elements may be rigidly connected to the fall arrest device 40, directly or through the bracket housing 41.

In this aspect, the mounting plate 150 may be displaceably connected to the elevator car 20 through the guides 161. The mounting plate may be rigidly connected to the fall arrest device 40. The mounting plate 150 may be directly connected to the elevator car 20 and/or to the fall arrest device or through an elevator car structure 21 and/or through the bracket of the fall arrest device. In these examples, the deformable elements may be substantially extended when deforms from an undeformed state P1 to a deformed state P2. The deformation of the deformable elements 110 may be as previously explained in the examples according to figures 2 and 3.

Therefore, the overall distance between the first joining 111 and the second joining portion 121 of said deformable elements may be thus increased.

As the first joining portion 111 of each of the deformable elements may be displaceably connected to the mounting plate through the guides 161 and rigidly connected to the elevator car 20 (or to the elevator car structure 21 ), the deformable element 110 and the elevator car 20 may slide over the mounting plate 150 when the deformable element is in a deformed state P2. Since the fall arrest device 40 (or the housing bracket 41 ) may be rigidly connected to the mounting plate, the elevator car 20 and the fall arrest device may be relatively displaced when the deformable element 110 is deformed from an undeformed state P1 to a deformed state P2.

In some examples, the bolt(s) connecting first joining portion of the deformable element 111 to the guide(s) 161 of the mounting plate may also connect the elevator car 20 to the mounting plate 150 and to the deformable element 110. The bolt(s) may be displaced along the guide(s) 161 , e.g. in the form of a vertical slot, when the deformable element is deformed from an undeformed state P1 to a deformed state P2. Therefore, the first joining portion 111 of the deformable element and the elevator car are moved away with respect to the second joining portion 121 of the deformable element and the mounting plate. In other words, when the deformable element is extended, the elevator car is relatively moved away with respect to the fall arrest device.

Despite the deformation of the deformable element, the displacement of the elevator car with respect to the fall arrest device may be restricted by the guides. Such displacement restriction may work similarly as described in figures 4 and 5. In these examples, such guide(s) 161 may retain the elevator car 20 connected to the fall arrest device 40 (and thus to the mounting plate 150) even when the deformable element 110 is broken after an excessive deformation. Therefore, the mounting plate 150 may act as a safety system since the entire disconnection of the elevator car 20 to the fall arrest device may be avoided. Thus, when the deformable element 110 collapses, the mounting plate 150 holds the elevator car.

In other examples, the damper 100 may be according to any of the examples herein described.

Although only a number of examples have been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and/or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the described examples are also covered. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by particular examples, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. If reference signs related to drawings are placed in parentheses in a claim, they are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim, and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.