This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application EP17382639 filed on September 26th, 2017.

The present disclosure relates to self-aligning devices, particularly self-aligning devices for coupling to a guiding wire. The present disclosure further relates to wire- guided elevators and wind turbine towers comprising such self-aligning devices. BACKGROUND

Wire-guided elevators are commonly used for the transportation of people and/or equipment which are hoisted up and down within vertical structures such as wind turbine towers or mine shafts, for instance.

Wire-guided service elevators in wind turbines or mine shafts are typically guided by two wire ropes located at both sides of the elevator cabin. These wires are suspended from a supporting structure at a top of the elevator path and fixed to the structure at the bottom of the elevator path, where a tensioning device may be installed to apply the necessary tension to the wire ropes. Elevator cabins are provided with so-called wireguides to couple the elevator cabin with these guiding wires. The wireguides can be eyelet like structures that surround the guiding wire.

Guiding wires are fixed to the tower or shaft along the elevator path in multiple positions, normally at the intermediate platforms located at the top of every tower or shaft section and, under certain circumstances, at supports attached to the tower wall or other internal components of the vertical structure.

The part that holds the guiding wire at those positions is often called a wirefix, and it may be made of plastic or metal. The wireguides and the respective wirefixes are configured so as to allow the wireguides to pass over the wirefixes without obstacle or impediment.

Two wirefixes are generally mounted on brackets at the same elevation at each platform. These brackets allow installing wirefixes with some horizontal adjustment so that the correct distance between guiding wires may be selected. The distance between guiding wires is adjusted as a function of the distance between the wireguides of the cabin to allow a proper displacement of the wireguides relative to the wire and relative to the wirefixes.

Once this distance between guiding wires has been adjusted, it must be fixed and kept substantially unchanged to provide a proper and smooth operation of the elevator.

In case of an improper installation of wirefixes or a loss of adjustment during normal use of the elevator, the distance between guiding wires may be out of the acceptable range defined by the distance between two wireguides at both sides of the cabin. This can cause a collision of wirefixes with wireguides of the cabin, and therefore potentially, the breakage of the weaker component if elasticity limits of components are exceeded. As a result the elevator system may be taken out of order and may need to be repaired. A dangerous situation may also be generated if there are people inside the cabin and the weaker component is broken since the cabin has no guide and the users must evacuate the cabin.

JP2005272077 (A) discloses an elevator device for a base-isolated building that holds a rail holding frame holding a guide rail or the like for a car elastically displacing in a base-isolating device part, at a building-side landing corresponding position by a horizontal attitude.

WO201 1 102008 (A1 ) discloses a guide rail held against an elevator shaft wall by a rail retaining device. The rail retaining device has a bracket, which is affixed to the elevator shaft wall, and a retaining fixture, which holds the guide rail in the bracket.

WO2010056766 (A1 ) relates to a system for stabilizing the vertical motion of an object in a wind power generating tower comprises at least one static guide, and a guide component attached to the object, e.g., an elevator car, constrained to the proximity of the static guide. In addition, at least one further containment, e.g., a wirefix, coupled to the static guide is able to pass through the first containment as the object moves vertically in the tower. Moreover, the further containment is disposed to maintain the static guide in a fixed relationship to a mounting structure, and the further containment is disposed for in-situ attachment.

WO2009109629 (A1 ) relates to a system for limiting horizontal movements in a lift for humans or equipment in e.g. a wind turbine tower or the like. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide examples of self-aligning devices and methods for self-aligning that avoid or at least reduce one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a self-aligning device for coupling with a guiding wire is provided. The self-aligning device comprises a support and a rocker pivotally supported on the support with a pivot joint, such that the rocker is configured to pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to an elevator path. The rocker comprises a first connector for coupling with the guiding wire at or near a first end of the rocker, and a second connector for coupling with the guiding wire at or near a second end of the rocker.

According to this aspect, a self-aligning device can absorb a deviation of a nominal or predefined distance between guiding wires. As a consequence, the distance between guiding wires may vary and be suitably adapted to that nominal or predefined distance when the cabin passes over the positions where the guiding wires may be fixed to the vertical structure of the tower or shaft. Therefore, the elevator may be operated in a proper and smooth way.

The rotation or tilt movement of the rocker allows an imperceptible (for operating personnel in the elevator cabin) side to side movement of the connectors along a perpendicular axis to the elevator path when the guide elements pass over the relative wirefixes.

Thanks to the configuration of the self-aligning device the risk of collision of wirefixes with wireguides of the elevator can be reduced which makes the operation of the elevator safer and more reliable.

Furthermore, also the wear of the wirefixes and wireguides that can be caused by relative friction or impact when the distance between guiding wires is slightly out of range but still allowing passing can be reduced.

Throughout the present disclosure, the terms "lift" and "elevator" are used interchangeably. The terms "elevator cabin" or "elevator car" are used to indicate a structure that is used for housing people and/or goods as they are moved up and downwards by the elevator. The term "elevator" as used herein means to refer to the elevators system as a whole, i.e. a system comprising inter alia guiding wires, motors, traction wires, and elevator cabin.

Throughout the present disclosure, the terms "guiding wire" and "guiding wire rope" are used interchangeably.

Throughout the present disclosure, expressions such as above, below, beneath, under, upper, bottom, lower, etc are to be understood taking into account the construction of an elevator or the like in an operating condition as a reference.

Throughout the present disclosure, a path is to be understood as a space, passage or trajectory through which the elevator or the like may travel upwards and downwards. In a wind turbine tower, the elevator path is thus defined inside the tower. There may be a closed space inside the tower along which an elevator cabin travels. Alternatively, the space inside the tower through which the elevator travels may be open. In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a wire-guided elevator which may comprise a self-aligning device as hereinbefore described.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a wind turbine tower which may comprise a self-aligning device as hereinbefore described.

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:

Figure 1 schematically shows a view in perspective of a self-aligning device according to an example;

Figure 2 schematically shows a rear view in perspective of a cabin and platform of an elevator with the self-aligning device of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 schematically shows an enlarged detail A of the self-aligning device of figure 2;

Figure 4 schematically shows a front view of a cabin of the elevator with the self- aligning device of figure 2;

Figure 5 schematically shows a rear view in perspective of the cabin and platform of figure 2 with a fence of elevator and the self-aligning device of figure 1 attached thereto; Figure 6 schematically shows a view in perspective of a self-aligning device according to a further example;

Figure 7 schematically shows a view in perspective of the self-aligning device of figure 6 seen from an opposite angle;

Figure 8 schematically shows a rear view in perspective of a cabin and platform of an elevator with the self-aligning device of figure 6;

Figure 9 schematically shows a rear view of a cabin of the elevator with the self- aligning device of figure 6; and

Figures 10A - 10C schematically show views of the self-aligning device of figure 6 according to several positions in use. DETAI LED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

In attached figures the same reference signs have been used to designate matching elements. Some parts have not been illustrated for the sake of clarity. Also for an enhanced comprehension of the present disclosure, the elevator path EP will be illustrated in the attached figures as a longitudinal axis in a direction followed by a cabin 101 as it moves upwards or downwards in operation.

Figure 1 schematically shows a view in perspective of a self-aligning device 1 for coupling with a guiding wire 100 of an elevator according to an example. The self- aligning device 1 comprises a support 2 and a rocker 3 pivotally supported on the support 2 with a pivot joint 4, such that the rocker 3 is configured to pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular AR to the elevator path EP. This axis may be an axis of rotation AR which is substantially perpendicular to a plane (not illustrated) defined between a pair of guiding wires 100 as those illustrated in figure 1 . In the example of Figure 1 , the axis of rotation AR runs through the pivot joint 4.

In the present disclosure by the perpendicular axis PA is meant an axis which is perpendicular to the elevator path EP, and is substantially contained in or is parallel to the plane (not illustrated) defined between the pair of guiding wires 100. The perpendicular axis PA should herein be distinguished from the axis of rotation AR (which is also substantially perpendicular to the elevator path).

The rocker 3 comprises a first connector 31 for coupling with the guiding wire 100 at or near a first end 33 of the rocker, and a second connector 32 for coupling with the guiding wire 100 at or near a second end 34 of the rocker. The position of first and second ends 33, 34 may be interchangeable.

According to some examples, the rocker comprises a pair of connectors 31 , 32. However, the number of connectors 31 , 32 may vary from one example to another and it may be two or more.

If there are two or more connectors 31 , 32 one may be placed higher than the other, that is to say, both connectors 31 , 32 may be placed at different height with respect to the elevator path EP. Therefore, one connector 31 , 32 may be the bottom one and the other may be the top one. Although the top connector is represented in figure 1 as the first connector 31 and the bottom connector is represented as the second connector 32, the numbering is random and interchangeable, i.e. in this example, the top one could be the second connector 32 and the bottom one could be the first connector 31 .

The pivot joint 4 is positioned between the pair of connectors 31 , 32. In some examples, the rocker 3 may comprise a symmetric configuration with regard to the position of the connectors 31 , 32 relative to the pivot joint 4. As can be seen in figure 1 , the connectors 31 , 32 may be positioned at respectively each end of the rocker 3: for instance the first end 33 and the second end 34. Alternatively, the connectors 31 , 32 may be positioned near each end 33, 34 of the rocker 3 or may be attached to the end 33, 34 of the rocker 3.

In some examples of the self-aligning device 1 , the support 2 may comprise a slotted hole 21 where the pivot joint 4 may be slidably fixed. This way, it is possible to adjust the position of the pivot joint 4 along the axis PA that is perpendicular to the elevator path EP and thus the position of the connectors 31 , 32 relative to the connector/s at the other side of the cabin 101 with respect to the elevator path EP. During installation, the rocker 3 may thus be displaced along the perpendicular axis PA until the connectors 31 , 32 can couple with the guiding wire 100.

According to some examples, the support 2 may comprise an elongated bracket having a portion extending along the perpendicular axis PA that is perpendicular to the elevator path EP and the slotted hole 21 may be disposed along the support 2 and along the same axis.

As illustrated in figure 1 , the support 2 may comprise an L shaped bracket with two portions 22, 23; one of these portions 22, 23 may be provided with the slotted hole 21 . The other portion may be intended to provide anchoring to the structure delimiting the elevator path EP, or alternatively to the cabin 101 of the elevator in examples which are not illustrated. The structure delimiting the elevator path may comprise a wall, platform, flange, fences and so on.

In some examples, such as the one illustrated in figures 1 - 5, the connectors 31 , 32 may be wirefixes of the guiding wire 100. In this case, the support 2 may be attachable to the structure delimiting the elevator path EP.

Figure 2 schematically shows a view in perspective of a cabin 101 and a platform 102 of an elevator with the self-aligning device 1 of figure 1 . Figure 5 also shows a similar view but with a fence 103 of the elevator to which the self-aligning device 1 can be attached. Figures 2 and 5 show examples where the structure delimiting the elevator path EP comprises the platform 102 and a fence 103. The support 2 could be attached to any other component of the structure delimiting the elevator path EP even directly to a tower or shaft (not illustrated). In figure 2 the fence 103 has not been illustrated for the sake of clarity.

Figure 3 schematically shows an enlarged detail A of the self-aligning device 1 of figure 2. Again the fence 103 has not been illustrated for the sake of clarity.

In the example of the attached figure 3, the self-aligning device 1 may comprise wirefixes as connectors 31 , 32. A connector configured as a wireguide 5 may be attached to the cabin 101 . Such a wireguide 5 is an element with a shape such that it enables the elevator cabin to move along the guiding wires and may be regarded as well known to the skilled person so further details thereof will not be provided. A description of the operation of the self-aligning device 1 related to this example will be set forth later.

In alternative examples, as those illustrated in figures 6 to 10, the self-aligning device 1 may be associated with the cabin 101 , and the connectors 31 , 32 may be wireguides of the cabin of the elevator. The self-aligning device 1 may further comprise a resilient element to bias the rocker towards a neutral or original position with respect to the support 2. This resilient element may bring back the rocker to the neutral position if the rocker 3 has been pivoted with respect to the support 2. The function of the resilient element may be to return the rocker 3 to its original position after a tilting movement, i.e. after the rocker 3 rotates around the pivot joint 4. By "neutral position" is meant a position in which the connectors are substantially arranged parallel to the elevator path. In this example, a position where the rocker 3 is substantially perpendicular to the support 2 such that a "T" shaped configuration is formed. According to one non-illustrated example, the resilient element may be embodied as a torsion spring or the like, arranged for instance around the pivot joint 4 so as to provide a biasing force on the rocker 3 towards the neutral position.

In some other examples as those illustrated in the attached figures, the resilient element may be positioned between the rocker 3 and the support 2. The resilient element may be compressed by the rocker 3 when turning around the pivot joint 4. Once compressed the resilient element may push or pull the rocker 3 so as to return to its original position before the tilting movement. Alternatively, in examples not illustrated, the resilient element could be arranged between the rocker 3 and the cabin 101 . As can be seen in the example of the self-aligning device 1 of figures 6, 7 and 10, the resilient element may comprise a helical spring 35A, 35B which may be arranged surrounding a rod 36. This rod 36 may act as a guide for the helical spring 35A, 35B, for instance when the latter is compressed. The helical spring 35A, 35B may be positioned along and surrounding the rod 36, at least partially. The rod 36 may be fixed at one end to the rocker 3 or the support 2 and the other end of the rod 36 may pass through an opening 37 in the rocker 3 or the support 2. When rod 36 is fixed to the support 2, the opening 37 is placed in the rocker 3 and when the rod 36 is fixed to the rocker 3, the opening 37 is placed in the support 2. The rod 36 may comprise a stop 38 at the end which is not fixed; this stop 38 may be configured to allow the rocker 3 or the support 2 to abut. Thanks to the opening 37, the rocker 3 or the support 2 may be arranged between the stop 38 and the helical spring 35A, 35B.

In some examples, the helical spring 35A, 35B may be associated with a washer 39 or the like so that the rocker 3 may be arranged between stop 38 and washer 39.

Distance between the stop 38 and the washer 39 or helical spring 35A, 35B may be adjusted so as to vary the length of the side-to-side movement of the rocker 3. A description of the operation of the self-aligning device 1 related to this example will be set forth later.

In some examples, as those of figures 6 - 10, there may be two helical springs 35A, 35B with corresponding rods 36 and openings 37. Each helical spring 35A, 35B may be positioned substantially near each end 33, 34 of the rocker 3. However, this amount and position could vary depending on the case.

The herein disclosed examples of the self-aligning device 1 may form part of a wire- guided elevator. Such a wire-guided elevator may be implemented in a wind turbine tower or in another structure.

The elevator cabin 101 may comprise both an upper portion and a lower portion of the cabin where wireguides are provided. When the self-aligning device 1 forms part of a wire-guided elevator, the self-aligning device 1 may be placed only at one side of the cabin 101 of the elevator with respect to the longitudinal axis of an elevator path EP of the elevator, wherein connectors at both sides of the upper or lower portion of the cabin 101 may be disposed respectively at different heights to each other along the elevator EP. This feature may be seen for instance in figure 4 which schematically shows a front view of the cabin 101 of the elevator with the self-aligning device 1 at one side of the lower portion of the cabin. A known connecting wirefix 6 at the other side of the elevator structure with respect to the elevator path EP may be provided. This feature implies that connectors of the cabin 101 at both sides thereof, particularly at the lower portion of the cabin, may be aligned and even in contact with just one connector of the structure delimiting the elevator path EP at substantially the same time instead of contacting both connectors of the structure. This allows reducing even more the risk of collision between wirefixes and wireguides since the wirefixes and wireguides on the one side of the cabin in the upper or lower portion will not meet at the same time as on the other side of the cabin. Small displacements may thus take place as the guidewires pass the wirefixes if the system is not completely aligned.

Alternatively, the self-aligning device 1 according to any herein disclosed example may be provided at both sides with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elevator path EP. In some examples, a wind turbine tower may comprise a plurality of self-aligning devices 1 as herein disclosed, disposed respectively at different heights along the longitudinal axis of an elevator path EP.

In further examples of the wind turbine tower, the self-aligning device 1 may be placed only at one side of a cabin 101 of the wire-guided elevator with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elevator path EP, wherein connectors at both sides of the upper or lower portion of the cabin 101 may be disposed respectively at different heights to each other along the longitudinal axis of the elevator path EP. As above mentioned, this allows reducing even more the risk of collision between wirefixes and wireguides.

In the following, an example of operation of the self-aligning device 1 will be explained. This example regards a tower of a wind power generator and a self- aligning device 1 comprising wirefixes as connectors 31 , 32.

The guiding wires 100 may hang from a top suspension beam (not illustrated) placed at the top of the tower (not illustrated). These guiding wires 100 may be fixed to the vertical structure of the tower at the bottom of the elevator path EP where the guiding wires 100 may be tensioned.

Guiding wires 100 may be fixed to the tower along the elevator path EP in multiple positions, for instance at an intermediate platform 102 located at the top of a tower section (not shown). The platform 102 may comprise a fence 103 to which the self- aligning device 1 can be attached.

By way of example, the cabin 101 may move upwards or downwards along the longitudinal axis of the elevator path EP and wireguides 5 attached to the cabin 101 may run along a respective guiding wire 100. In the example of figures 1 to 5, the cabin 101 comprises four wireguides 5: two at each side of the cabin 101 with respect to the elevator path EP and each pair at different heights with respect to the elevator path EP (i.e. a bottom pair and a top pair).

The cabin 101 may pass through a platform 102 where the self-aligning device 1 may be installed. In case of an improper installation of the known wirefixes 6 or a loss of adjustment during use of the elevator, the distance D between guiding wires 100 (see figure 4) may be outside of an acceptable range, i. e. the distance D between the guiding wires 100 may be substantially different from the distance between a pair of wireguides 5 at both sides of the cabin 101 with respect to the elevator path EP.

A wireguide 5 of the cabin 101 may pass over one of the connectors 31 , 32 configured as wirefixes. If the distance D between guiding wires 100 is within acceptable tolerances, the wireguide 5 may pass over both connectors 31 , 32 without causing the rocker 3 to rotate about the pivot joint 4 or even a negligible rotation.

When the distance D between guiding wires 100 is substantially out of an acceptable range, the wireguide 5 of the cabin 101 may also pass over a connector 31 , 32 configured as a wirefix. However, as the wireguide 5 approaches the connector 31 ,

32, the rocker 3 may start a first rotation movement T (see figure 1 ) around the pivot joint 4 so as to align one of the connectors 31 , 32 with the wireguide 5. This rotation movement T may be caused by the tensioned guiding wire 100 which may be fixed at both connectors 31 , 32 as wirefixes of the rocker 3. The wireguides 5 at both sides of the cabin 101 may run along the tensioned guiding wires 100 keeping substantially the same distance D between each other. The wireguides 5 may force the tensioned guiding wires 100 to keep the distance D to each other with an acceptable range by "pulling" or "pushing" the tensioned guiding wires 100 towards or away from the cabin 101 . This "pulling" or "pushing" action may be transferred to the connector 31 , 32 which in turn may cause the rocker 3 to rotate around the pivot joint 4. This way the connector 31 , 32 may "meet" the wireguide 5 without relative axial misalignment. According to one example, this misalignment may be lower than two degrees.

Once the wireguide 5 leaves one connector 31 , 32 configured as a wirefix (this situation is schematically depicted in figure 3), the wireguide 5 continues to move along the guiding wire 100. Since the connectors 31 , 32 as wirefixes are positioned at different relative heights along the elevator path EP, the wireguide 5 may approach the next wirefix. As the wireguide 5 approaches the next wirefix, the rocker 3 may start a rotation movement T in an opposite direction from the first rotation movement T so as to put the next wirefix relatively closer to the wireguide 5. This second opposite rotation movement T may be achieved owing to the position of the pivot joint 4 between the wirefixes and the tensioned guiding wire 100 fixed at both wirefixes while the guiding wire 100 may be pulled or pushed.

After passing the second wirefix, the wireguide 5 may follow its path along the guiding wire 100. Then the rocker 3 may recover its original position owing to the tensioned guiding wire 100. The original position of the rocker 3 may correspond to a balance of forces between the connectors 31 , 32 and the tensioned guiding wire 100. The tensioned guiding wire 100 may tend to keep a substantially straight configuration along its length owing to that tension applied on its ends but this straight configuration may be partially varied by the rotation movement T of the rocker 3 with both wirefixes attached to the guiding wire 100.

When the wireguides 5 no longer exert the pulling or pushing action on the guiding wire 100 at the platform 102, the tensioned guiding wire 100 tends to recover its straight configuration and thus the rocker 3 may rotate around the pivot joint 4 so as to align the connectors 31 , 32 with the guiding wire 100.

The self-aligning device 1 , and particularly the rocker 3, may thus have the ability of turning around the pivot joint 4 when the wireguides 5 pass one of the movable connectors 31 , 32 as wirefixes and forcing the rocker 3 to move side-to-side (along or parallel to direction of perpendicular axis PA). This way, any substantial deviation of the distance D from the distance between wireguides 5 at both sides of the cabin 101 may be absorbed. In the following, a further example of operation of the self-aligning device 1 will be explained. This example regards a tower of a wind power generator and a self- aligning device 1 comprising wireguides as connectors 31 , 32.

In this example, the cabin 101 may also move upwards or downwards along the longitudinal axis of the elevator path EP and wireguides attached to the cabin 101 may run along respective guiding wires 100. In the example of figures 6 to 10, the cabin 101 may comprise known wireguides 5 at one side of the cabin 101 with respect to the elevator path EP and self-aligning devices 1 configured as wireguides at the other side of the cabin 101 with respect to the elevator path EP (see figure 5). Since the cabin 101 may usually comprise upper wireguides and lower wireguides at each side, the cabin 101 may comprise upper and lower self-aligning devices 1 at least at one side with respect to the elevator path EP. This way the risk of collision of wirefixes with wireguides at upper or lower position of the elevator may be negligible.

The cabin 101 may pass through a platform 102 where the known wirefixes 6 may be installed. In case of an improper installation of the known wirefixes 6 or a loss of adjustment during use of the elevator, the distance D between guiding wires 100 (see figure 9) may be outside of an acceptable range, i. e. the distance D between the guiding wires 100 may be substantially different from the suitable distance between wireguides 5 and connectors 31 , 32 as wireguides at both sides of the cabin 101 with respect to the elevator path EP. Further to the self-aligning device 1 configured as wireguide, one of the connectors 31 , 32 as wireguides may pass over a wirefix 6. If the distance D between guiding wires 100 is within acceptable tolerances, the connectors 31 , 32 may pass over the wirefix 6 without causing the rocker 3 to rotate about the pivot joint 4 or even a negligible rotation (see figure 10A and corresponding enlarged details).

When the distance D between guiding wires 100 is substantially out of an acceptable range, the connector 31 , 32 as a wireguide of the cabin 101 may also pass over a wirefix 6. However, as the connectores 31 , 32 approach the wirefix 6, the rocker 3 may start a rotation movement T (see figure 10B and corresponding enlarged details) around the pivot joint 4 so as to align the closer connector 31 , 32 with the wirefix 6. The wireguides at both sides of the cabin 101 may also run along the tensioned guiding wires 100. As the first connector 31 has to "follow" the guiding wire 100, this first connector 31 may move substantially along the perpendicular axis PA. This movement in turn causes the rocker 3 to rotate around the pivot joint 4. This way the upper connector 31 may "meet" the wirefix 6 without relative axial misalignment. According to one example, this misalignment may be lower than two degrees.

In the illustrated example of figure 10B, the first connector 31 moves away from the cabin 101 potentially until the rocker 3 abuts the stop 38 of the rod 36 closest to the connector 31 . The rocker 3 moves relative to the support 2 where the rod 36 may be fixed. Thanks to the opening 37 the rod 36 may pass through the rocker 3. At this moment, the first helical spring 35A does not suffer any deformation. Owing to the rotation movement T of the rocker 3, its second end 34 may compress the second helical spring 35B.

Once the first connector 31 has passed over the wirefix 6, the second connector 32 may approach the same wirefix 6. The helical spring 35B of the second end 34 may help the rocker 3 to recover its original position. When the second connector 32 passes over the wirefix 6, the above described operation of the first connector 31 may be performed substantially the same way mutatis mutandis (see figure 10C and corresponding enlarged details).

The rotation movement T of the rocker 3 may cause the compression of at least one resilient element and the latter may also allow the rocker 3 to recover its original position as per figure 10A.

After the second connector 32 as wireguide passes the wirefix 6, the wireguides follow its path along the guiding wire 100. Then the rocker 3 may recover its original position owing to the corresponding tensioned helical spring 35A, 35B. The connectors 31 , 32 may exert the pulling or pushing action on the guiding wire 100 when the cabin 101 does not pass over the platform 101 where the wirefixes 6 may be fixed. As per the foregoing description it may be pointed out that the rotation movement T may be clockwise or counterclockwise. The above described operation of the self-aligning device 1 may be the same when the cabin 101 runs downwards or upwards mutatis mutandis.

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.