Remote brake release mechanism for an elevator machine

Abstract

A brake release mechanism for an elevator machine includes apparatus to reduce the braking force on the machine shaft. The apparatus may be actuated from a position located remotely from the machine.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to elevator systems, and more particularly to brake mechanisms for elevator machines.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A traditional elevator system for mid-rise and high-rise buildings includes a car and a counterweight interconnected by a rope and a traction machine engaged with the rope to drive the car and counterweight. The traction machine includes a sheave engaged with the rope, an electric motor for rotating the sheave, and a brake to hold the sheave when the car is stopped. The traction machine, along with an electronic controller for the elevator system and electronic drive for the machine, are housed in a machine-room located above the hoistway.[0003]Various configurations have been suggested to eliminate the machine-room in an effort to save on the associated construction costs. One suggested elevator system uses a linear induction motor driven elevator; another uses a traction machine having a disc type motor mounted in ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The advantage of the invention is that in the event of a loss of power, which will cause the machine brake to engage the machine shaft, a mechanic may use the means to reduce the braking force to permit limited and controlled movement of the machine shaft, and thereby limited and controlled movement of the elevator car. The movement of the elevator car can be used to move the elevator car to a landing and permit evacuation of the elevator car. In addition, since the means is located remotely from the elevator machine, there is no need to get direct access to the machine and therefore the machine may be located in a difficult to access location, such as the overhead space in a hoistway.

[0008]In a particular embodiment, the means to reduce braking force includes a release lever disposed proximate to the brake lever and a rope engaged with the release lever and extending to a remote location relative to the elevator machine. Tensile force on the rope urges the release lever to move the brake lever against the bias of the brake lever and thereby remove the braking force on the shaft. This particular embodiment provides the advantage of a simple design and one which takes advantage of the mechanical leverage of the lever mechanism.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, since the means is located remotely from the elevator machine, there is no need to get direct access to the machine and therefore the machine may be located in a difficult to access location, such as the overhead space in a hoistway.

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