Elevator power supply unit

Abstract

An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes an elevator car configured for movement along a path. An elevator car power supply is supported for movement with the elevator car and includes a plurality of power sources. A swap station proximate the path is configured to remove a selected number of power sources from the elevator car supply that have a capacity below a selected level and replace each of the removed number of power sources with a replacement power source that has a capacity above the selected level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to elevator systems, and more specifically to elevator systems including an elevator car power supply. Background Technology

[0002] Elevator systems are useful for transporting passengers and goods between different levels of a building. The elevator car typically requires electricity to power the lighting and ventilation within the elevator cabin. The car control panel is an exemplary device typically located inside the elevator cabin and must communicate with other parts of the elevator system, such as the scheduler. Conventional elevator systems include a traveling cable, which has one end connected to the elevator car to supply power to the car and facilitate communication with it. Traveling cables are generally effective; however, they increase the weight and material costs associated with the elevator system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An illustrative exemplary embodiment of the elevator system includes an elevator car configured to move along a path. An elevator car power supply unit is supported for moving with the elevator car and includes a plurality of power sources. A switching station near the path is configured to remove a selected number of power sources having a capacity below a selected level from the elevator car power supply unit and replace each of the removed power sources with a replacement power source having a capacity above the selected level.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator car power supply unit includes a frame, each of the power sources being received at least partially by compartments of the frame, and each compartment including an interface configured to establish a conductive connection with the power source received by the compartment.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, each compartment includes a retainer configured to fix a power source relative to the compartment to maintain a conductive connection with the power source.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the switching station includes at least one connecting device configured to remove a selected number of power sources having a capacity below a selected level from the elevator car power supply section, place each removed power source in a selected location on the switching station where the capacity of the power source can be increased to above the selected level, select a replacement power source from the switching station for each removed power source, and place each replacement power source in a location on the elevator car power supply section previously occupied by the corresponding removed power source.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator system includes: a capacity detector that detects the capacity of each of the power sources in the elevator car power supply section and provides an indication of the detected capacity; and a controller that controls when the switching station removes a selected number of power sources from the elevator car power supply section.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator system includes a vertical motion and dispatching controller that receives instructions from at least one of a capacity detector and a controller. When the instruction from the capacity detector corresponds to the need to remove and replace a selected number of power sources, the vertical motion and dispatching controller guides the elevator car to the exchange station.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator car includes a top, a bottom, and a side portion between the top and the bottom; and the elevator car power supply is supported on at least one of the sides of the elevator car.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator car is cantilevered on one of its sides, and the elevator car power supply is supported on that one of the sides.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator car includes a compartment and the elevator car power supply unit is located below the compartment.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator system includes a counterweight and a load-bearing assembly connecting the elevator car to the counterweight. The elevator car power supply is supported on the counterweight, and the elevator system includes at least one conductive connection between elevators.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator system includes a second elevator car and a second elevator car power supply unit supported for movement with the second elevator car. The second elevator car power supply unit includes a plurality of power sources. The switching station is configured to remove a selected number of power sources having a capacity below a selected level from the second elevator car power supply unit; and replace each of the removed power sources with a replacement power source having a capacity above the selected level.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator system includes multiple vertical paths and at least one horizontal switching path extending between the vertical paths. An elevator car power supply unit is supported on the elevator car, and a second elevator car power supply unit is supported on the second elevator car. The elevator car and the second elevator car are each configured to move along the horizontal switching path, and when the elevator car or the second elevator car is in a corresponding position along the horizontal switching path, the exchange station is located at a position for removing and replacing a selected number of power sources.

[0015] An illustrative exemplary embodiment of the method includes: controlling the movement of an elevator car along a path, wherein an elevator car power supply unit moves with the elevator car, the power supply unit including a plurality of power sources; determining that at least one of the plurality of power sources has a capacity below a selected level; causing the elevator car to move such that the elevator car power supply unit is adjacent to a switching station; removing a selected number of power sources having a capacity below the selected level from the elevator car power supply unit; and replacing each of the removed number of power sources with a replacement power source having a capacity above the selected level.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator car includes a top, a bottom, and a side portion between the top and the bottom; and the elevator car power supply is supported on at least one of the sides of the elevator car.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator car has a cantilever on one of its sides, and the elevator car power supply is supported on that one of the sides.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the elevator car includes a compartment and the elevator car power supply unit is located below the compartment.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, the method includes supporting an elevator car power supply unit on a counterweight connected to the elevator, wherein at least one conductive member connects the elevator car power supply unit and the elevator car.

[0020] From the following detailed description, various features and advantages of at least one disclosed exemplary embodiment will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings, accompanying the detailed description, are briefly described below. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a selected portion of an elevator system.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic illustration from the side view Figure 1 Selected features of the embodiments shown in the figure.

[0023] Figure 3 The illustration schematically depicts selected features of the exchange station and elevator car power supply unit.

[0024] Figure 4 This diagram schematically illustrates another exemplary configuration of an elevator car.

[0025] Figure 5 The illustration schematically depicts an exemplary arrangement of an elevator system comprising multiple vertical paths and at least one horizontally oriented conversion path.

[0026] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the construction of another elevator system. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 A selected portion of elevator system 20 is schematically illustrated. Elevator car 22 is positioned to move along a vertical path within a shaft, such as by following guide rails 24. Elevator car 22 includes a frame 26 and a compartment 28 supported on the frame 26.

[0028] The elevator car power supply unit 30 is supported on the elevator car 22. The elevator car power supply unit 30 includes a plurality of power sources 32. In some embodiments, each power source 32 includes a rechargeable battery.

[0029] The switching station 40 is located near the path followed by the elevator car 22. The switching station 40 is configured to remove a selected number of power sources 32 from the elevator car power supply unit 30 when the elevator car 22 is positioned near the switching station 40. The switching station 40 removes power sources 32 with remaining capacity below a selected level or threshold. The switching station 40 is also configured to replace each of the removed power sources 32 with replacement power sources 32 having capacity above the selected level. The switching station 40 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes the ability to recharge power sources 32 with reduced capacity, such that the recharged power sources 32 can then be used to replace power sources 32 subsequently removed from the elevator car power supply unit 30.

[0030] As in Figure 2 As shown, capacity detector 44 is positioned to detect the capacity of each of the power sources 32 in the elevator car power supply unit 30. In some examples, capacity detector 44 detects the voltage or charge level of each of the power sources 32. In some embodiments, detector 44 includes a voltmeter. Capacity detector 44 provides an indication to controller 46 regarding the detected capacity of each of the power sources 32.

[0031] The controller 46 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes computing devices, such as a processor and memory associated with the processor. The controller 46 is configured, for example, to perform removal and replacement operations by programming to meet the needs of a specific elevator system in which the controller 46 is being used. When a power source 32 has a capacity below a pre-selected threshold level, the exchange station 40 removes any number of such power sources 32 from the elevator car power supply unit 30. Power sources 32 from the exchange station 40 with higher power levels above the selected threshold level replace those power sources removed from the elevator car power supply unit 30.

[0032] Elevator system 20 includes a vertical motion and scheduling controller 48 that guides the movement of elevator car 22. Detector 44, controller 46, or both communicate with controller 48, thus controller 48 can schedule appropriate times for elevator car 22 to arrive at and remain at exchange station 40. Controller 48 is configured, for example, to guide elevator car 22 to exchange station 40, which is a predetermined stop. Controller 48 also receives information from detector 44, controller 46, or both indicating the status of power source switching, thus controller 48 will not issue a command for elevator car 22 to proceed to another position until the switching process is complete.

[0033] Figure 2 A detector 44 supported on an elevator car 22 and a controller 46, which serves as part of a switching station 40, are schematically shown. In this arrangement, wireless communication using known communication protocols such as Bluetooth allows the controller 46 to obtain indications from the detector 44 regarding the corresponding capacity or power level of the power source 32. Figure 2 The corresponding locations of detector 44 and controller 46 are shown for discussion purposes only. In other embodiments, for example, detector 44 may be located within exchange station 40 and mounted on elevator car 22. Additionally, elevator car 22 may support control electronics that are at least partially responsible for facilitating the removal and replacement of power source 32 from elevator car power supply unit 30.

[0034] If possible Figure 3 As is understood, the exemplary elevator car power supply unit 30 includes a frame 50 supporting power sources 32. In this example, the frame 50 includes a plurality of compartments 52, such as slots, that at least partially receive a corresponding one of the power sources 32. In this example, each compartment 52 includes an electrical connector interface that establishes a conductive connection with the power source 32 received by that compartment 52. Figure 3 The exemplary power source 32 shown includes a connector portion 54 for establishing the connection.

[0035] The rack 50 includes holders that secure the power sources 32 relative to their respective compartments 52 to maintain a conductive connection with each power source 32. The holders also establish a physical fixation connection so that the power sources 32 remain in the desired arrangement throughout the movement of the elevator car 22.

[0036] At least one connection device at the exchange station 40 includes a gripper 60 and an actuator 62 that moves the gripper 60 automatically based on instructions from a controller 46. The gripper 60 is configured to grab a selected power source 32 from the elevator car power supply unit 30, remove the power source 32, and place it in a position at the exchange station 40 where the power source 32 can be recharged. The gripper 60 also grabs a more heavily charged power source 32 from the exchange station 40 to replace a power source 32 that has been removed from the rack 50. The configuration of the connection device and the power source can be varied to meet the needs of a specific installation.

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The exemplary embodiment shown includes an elevator car power supply unit 30 supported under the compartment 28 of the elevator car 22. Figure 4 Another exemplary arrangement is shown. In this embodiment, the elevator car 22 includes an elevator car power supply 30 positioned along one of the sides of the elevator car 22. Each of the exemplary elevator cars includes a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides extending between the top and the bottom. Figure 4 In the example, the elevator car 22 is a cantilevered elevator car. The elevator car power supply unit 3' is positioned along the side of the elevator car 22 closest to the structure (such as guide rail 24) supporting the elevator car 22.

[0038] Other exemplary embodiments include power sources 32 of an elevator car supply section 30 distributed among multiple sides of the elevator car. Those skilled in the art who appreciate the benefits of this description will recognize the suitability of the arrangement and location of the power sources 32 to achieve the desired car configuration and balance, thereby meeting their specific needs.

[0039] Figure 5 The exemplary elevator system 20 schematically illustrates a plurality of elevator cars, including elevator car 22, a second elevator car 70, and a third elevator car 72. The exemplary elevator system 20 includes a plurality of vertical paths 74, 76, and 78. Each of elevator cars 22, 70, and 72 is capable of movement along each of the vertical paths 74 to 78. A horizontally oriented transition path 80 facilitates movement of elevator cars 22, 70, and 72 between the vertical paths or shafts 74 to 78.

[0040] In the like Figure 5In embodiments such as those shown, the switching station 40 may be located within or near the switching path 80, such that the power source 32 can be removed and replaced from the elevator car power supply unit 30 when the elevator car is in the corresponding position along the switching path 80. In such embodiments, a single switching station includes sufficient power sources 32 and charging capacity to maintain adequate power supply for all elevator cars 22, 70, 72. Utilizing the switching path 80 to perform the switching of any power source avoids interrupting the use of the elevator car within one of the vertical paths 74 to 78.

[0041] Figure 5 The diagram also schematically illustrates an exchange station 40' between two of the vertical paths or shafts 74, 76, 78. Assuming the elevator system is configured without a transfer path 80 and each of the illustrated elevator cars 22, 70, 72 is dedicated to its corresponding shaft or vertical path 74, 76, 78, then the exchange station 40' is positioned to serve two elevator cars on either side of the exchange station.

[0042] Figure 6 The illustration shows another exemplary configuration of an elevator system. In this embodiment, the elevator car 22' is connected to the counterweight 90 via a support assembly or rope 92. In this exemplary embodiment, the elevator car power supply unit 30' is positioned on the counterweight 90. At least one conductive member extends between the elevator car power supply unit 30' and the elevator car 22' to provide power to the elevator car 22'. In some embodiments, the support assembly 92 includes a conductive member. Figure 6 One feature of the exemplary embodiment shown is that the mass of the elevator car power supply unit 30' contributes to the mass required for the counterweight 90 rather than increasing the mass of the elevator car 22'.

[0043] The disclosed exemplary embodiments provide the ability to apply power to the elevator car without requiring a traveling cable. The use of multiple power sources, which can be individually removed and replaced according to their current capacity or power level, enhances various aspects of supplying power to the elevator car using a power supply unit that travels with the elevator car through the shaft.

[0044] The individual and selective removal and replacement of power sources 32 provides the ability to maintain the overall power available from the elevator car power supply unit 30 above a selected minimum level without substantially interrupting the elevator car 22's ability to serve passengers. The replacement of one or more of the power sources 32 can occur relatively quickly and automatically, for example, when the elevator car 22 is docked at a floor.

[0045] Individual and selective control of when power source 32 is removed and replaced also allows elevator car 22 to remain in operation for extended periods of time, provided that it is loaded in elevator car 22 (or like...). Figure 6 The power source 32 on the counterweight in the embodiment shown has a suitable capacity to provide power to the elevator car as needed.

[0046] Additionally, the lifespan of the power source 32 can be extended by keeping its charge level below an upper threshold and above a minimum threshold. In other words, when multiple power sources 32 are used for the elevator car power supply unit 30, shallow charging cycles are feasible for each power source 32 without requiring the elevator car 22 to be removed from service for an extended period of time.

[0047] In addition, compared to an arrangement with a single battery or power source, having multiple power sources 32 allows mechanics or technicians to more easily maintain the elevator car power supply unit 30.

[0048] The foregoing description is exemplary in nature and not restrictive. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications do not necessarily depart from the spirit of the invention. The scope of legal protection afforded to this invention can only be determined by reading the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elevator system, comprising: An elevator car, which is constructed for moving along a path; An elevator car power supply unit, which is supported for moving together with the elevator car, the power supply unit includes multiple power sources; and The exchange station is located near the path and is configured as follows: Remove a selected number of power sources with a capacity below a selected level from the elevator car power supply unit, and Replace each of the removed power sources with a replacement power source having a capacity higher than the selected level; The elevator system also includes: The second elevator car; and A second elevator car power supply unit, supported for movement with the second elevator car, includes multiple power sources. in, The exchange station is configured as follows Remove a selected number of power sources with a capacity below the selected level from the second elevator car power supply unit, and Replace each of the removed power sources with a replacement power source having a capacity higher than the selected level; The elevator system described herein includes multiple vertical paths and at least one horizontal transition path extending between the vertical paths, wherein, The elevator car power supply unit is supported on the elevator car. The second elevator car power supply unit is supported on the second elevator car. The elevator car and the second elevator car are each configured to move along the horizontal transition path, and When the elevator car or the second elevator car is in the corresponding position along the horizontal switching path, the switching station is in the position for removing and replacing the selected number of power sources.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The elevator car power supply unit includes a frame. Each of the power sources is received at least partially by a compartment in the rack, and Each compartment includes an interface configured to establish a conductive connection with the power source received by the compartment.

3. The elevator system according to claim 2, wherein, Each compartment includes a retainer configured to hold the power source relative to the compartment in order to maintain the conductive connection with the power source.

4. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The switching station includes at least one connection device, the at least one connection device being configured to... Remove the selected number of power sources with a capacity lower than the selected level from the elevator car power supply unit. Each removed power source is placed at a selected location on the switching station, where the capacity of the power source can be increased to a level higher than the selected level. For each removed power source, a replacement power source is selected from the switching station, and Place each replacement power source into the position on the elevator car power supply unit that was previously occupied by the corresponding removed power source.

5. The elevator system according to claim 1, comprising: A capacity detector that detects the capacity of each of the power sources in the elevator car power supply unit and provides an indication of the detected capacity. A controller that controls when the switching station removes the selected number of power sources from the elevator car power supply unit.

6. The elevator system of claim 5, further comprising a vertical motion and scheduling controller, the vertical motion and scheduling controller receiving an instruction from at least one of the capacity detector and the controller, wherein, When the indication from the capacity detector corresponds to the need to remove and replace the selected number of the power sources, the vertical motion and scheduling controller guides the elevator car to the exchange station.

7. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The elevator car includes a top, a bottom, and a side portion between the top and the bottom; and The elevator car power supply unit is supported on at least one of the sides of the elevator car.

8. The elevator system according to claim 7, wherein, The elevator car has a cantilever on one of the sides, and The elevator car power supply unit is supported on one of the sides.

9. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The elevator car includes a compartment and the elevator car power supply unit is located below the compartment.

10. The elevator system according to claim 1, comprising: counterweight, and The elevator car is connected to the counterweight load-bearing assembly. in, The elevator car power supply unit is supported on the counterweight, and The elevator system includes at least one conductive connection between the elevator car power supply unit and the elevator car.

11. A method comprising: Controlling the movement of multiple elevator cars along a path, wherein an elevator car power supply unit moves together with each of the elevator cars, and each of the power supply units includes multiple power sources; Determine that at least one of the plurality of power sources has a capacity below a selected level; This causes at least one of the plurality of elevator cars to move such that the elevator car power supply unit is adjacent to the switching station, which is located on a horizontal path extending between a plurality of vertical paths; Remove a selected number of power sources with a capacity lower than the selected level from the elevator car power supply unit; and Replace each of the removed power sources with a replacement power source having a capacity higher than the selected level.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The elevator car includes a top, a bottom, and a side portion between the top and the bottom; and The elevator car power supply unit is supported on at least one of the sides of the elevator car.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The elevator car has a cantilever on one of the sides, and The elevator car power supply unit is supported on one of the sides.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The elevator car includes a compartment and the elevator car power supply unit is located below the compartment.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising supporting the elevator car power supply unit on a counterweight connected to the elevator, wherein, At least one conductive component connects the elevator car power supply unit and the elevator car.

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