Stationary mechanical brake for linear motor elevators

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stationary mechanical brake system that provides safe and reliable braking for linear motor elevators, whether single-car or multi-car linear motor elevators operating on straight, curved or branching paths.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stationary mechanical brake system that provides safe and reliable braking for linear motor elevators, whether used by single-car or multi-car linear motor elevators operating on straight, curved or branching paths. [Background technology]

[0002] Linear motor elevators are self-propelled and offer various benefits such as the ability to operate several elevators independently in the same hoistway and possibly on curved paths. At the same time, they must meet the same or higher safety requirements as conventional traction-driven or hydraulic elevators. One particular area requiring new solutions is the provision of stationary mechanical braking systems.

[0003] A traction elevator is equipped with at least one mechanical brake system, usually mounted on the traction sheave or motor shaft. This brake system is normally closed by a brake spring and electrically opened by a solenoid to allow the elevator to travel. It also includes a microswitch that verifies the brake open or closed state for safe operation by the elevator controller. Electrical connections to the solenoid and the brake operation sensing microswitch are provided by hard wiring between the elevator controller and the stationary brake system.

[0004] In the case of a ropeless linear motor elevator, to maintain parity with a traction elevator, each cabin would need to have its own mechanical brake system. While the cabin is moving, its brake is released by a solenoid; when it stops, the solenoid current is interrupted and the brake engages to hold the cabin without the need for thrust from the linear motor. In case of power loss or other abnormal situation, the same mechanical brake system ensures that the cabin remains stationary or that an emergency brake will stop it. However, the cabin does not have a wired connection to the elevator control device, and power transmission and communication must be operated by radio communication or sliding connectors. While these are useful for most purposes, while in safety applications such as braking, their reliability is difficult to guarantee. For example, a momentary loss of power while traveling at full speed should not have a significant effect on other equipment in the cabin, such as lighting or air conditioning, but the brakes may engage momentarily, causing a sudden deceleration and endangering the passengers.

[0005] As a result, current applications are unable to solve the problems in the art and improvements are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a solution to the negative aspects of the above mentioned stationary mechanical braking systems, built using ideas from the current state of the art.

[0007] The main object of the present invention is to provide a system for stationary braking in a linear motor elevator to open or close the brake while detecting the presence or absence of the elevator cabin.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a safe and reliable stationary mechanical braking solution for linear motor elevators. The disclosed stationary mechanical braking system can be used for single or multi-car linear motor elevators.

[0009] The structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the present invention as outlined in the following drawings and detailed description made with reference to these drawings will be clearly understood and should therefore be evaluated by taking into consideration these drawings and detailed description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a portion of a preferred embodiment, which is a side view of the stationary brake assembly at one of the landings, with the elevator cabin stopped and held stationary and the solenoid de-energized.

[0011] [Diagram 2] Fig. 1 shows a schematic of a portion of a preferred embodiment, which is a side view of the stationary brake assembly at one of the landings, with the elevator cabin ready to run, held by the linear motor (not shown), and the solenoid energized.

[0012] [Diagram 3] 1 shows a complete mechanical embodiment of the brake extender. When the brake plate is not present, the flaps of the brake extender are horizontal and the brake extender will prevent the brake pads from going into the closed position even if the plunger is de-energized.

[0013] [Figure 4]Shows the brake extender with the brake plate entering from above, the upper side flap is bent down while the brake pads are held in the open position by the lower flap, so the brake plate can continue to enter between the brake pads.

[0014] [Diagram 5] 1 shows the brake extender with the brake plate passing it from above. Both the upper and lower flaps are bent downwards so that the brake pads are held in an open position by the plunger when energized. When the plunger is de-energized, this state occurs momentarily before the brake pads close onto the brake plate.

[0015] [Figure 6] FIG. 13 illustrates the brake extender with the brake plate engaged by the brake pad. [Explanation of symbols]

[0016] 1 Brake plate 2 Brake pads 3 Brake Actuator 4 Brake spring 5 Brake Extender DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] In this section, a preferred embodiment of a stationary mechanical brake system is disclosed without any limiting effect in order to better understand the subject matter. This part is a detailed description of an exemplary embodiment to illustrate the principles of the present invention.

[0018] The term "brake" refers to a mechanical device capable of holding the elevator cabin by friction between components mounted on the cabin and components mounted on the building. A brake usually consists of one or more pairs of brake pads pressurized by a spring force, and brake plates, discs, or other similar components positioned between the brake pads.

[0019] The term "brake system" refers to the electromechanical system consisting of the brakes, their operating electrical actuators, their electrical condition sensing switches, and possibly other components.

[0020] The term "stationary brake system" refers to a brake system in which the brake pads and their operating electrical actuators are mounted on the building.

[0021] The term "stationary brake" is broadly defined to include any type of braking system capable of engaging and retaining a brake plate mounted on the cabin, including but not limited to disc-type brakes and drum-type brakes.

[0022] The term "brake extender" refers to a mechanical or electromechanical device capable of detecting the presence of a brake plate and disabling brake application when the presence of a brake plate is not detected.

[0023] The term "linear motor elevator drive" collectively defines a stator or multiple stators and a mover or multiple movers capable of holding and moving an elevator cabin or multiple elevator cabins together.

[0024] The present invention relates to a stationary mechanical brake system that provides safe and reliable braking for linear motor elevators. The stationary mechanical brake system comprises at least one brake plate (1) that is fixed to the elevator cabin and capable of supporting the entire weight of the elevator. The brake plate (1) corresponds to a brake disc in the prior art.

[0025] In a stationary mechanical brake system, there is at least a pair of brake pads (2), one located on each side of the brake plate (1), and the brake pads (2) are fixed to the building.

[0026] The stationary mechanical brake system also comprises at least a pair of brake springs (4). Each brake spring (4) is attached to a respective brake pad (2). When pressed against the brake plate (1) by the brake springs (4), friction with the brake plate (1) holds the elevator in a stationary position. The brake springs (4) are fixed to the building and, when the at least one brake actuator (3) is not energized (normal state), press the brake pads (2) against the brake plate (1), holding the brake plate (1) and therefore the elevator cabin in a stationary position. The brake actuators (3) are fixed to the building. When energized, the brake actuators (3) disengage the brake pads (2) from the brake plate (1), allowing the elevator cabin to move freely.

[0027] The stationary mechanical brake system also includes at least a pair of brake extenders (5) for holding the brake pads (2) in an open position in the absence of the brake plate (1). The brake extenders (5) are positioned on either side of the brake pads (2).

[0028] The brake extender (5) is fixed to the building side. When there is no brake plate (1) between the brake pads (2), the brake extender (5) prevents the brake spring (4) from closing the brake pads (2) even when the brake actuator (3) is not energized; thus preventing the stationary brake system from closing prematurely. The brake extender (5) functions to prevent the brake pads (2) from closing when the brake plate (1) is not present. In this sense, the brake extender (5) functions to keep the system in an open position when the brake actuator (3) is not energized. Preventing the brake spring (4) from closing the brake pads (2) allows the stationary mechanical brake system to operate correctly in the event of a sudden power loss or other event that causes the brake actuator (3) to release the brake pads (2) while the elevator cabin is moving and the brake plate (1) is not yet in a position between the brake pads (2). In such a situation, the elevator cabin will start to move downwards after some time, and the brake plate (1) will arrive between the brake pads (2) after some time. At that point, the brake extenders (5) on both sides of the brake pads (2) will release the brake pads (2) after detecting the presence of the brake plate (1), and the brake springs (4) will close them on the brake plate (1). Without the brake extenders (5), in the above situation, the brake pads (2) would close even without the brake plate (1) being between them. When the brake plate (1) finally arrives, it will collide with the edge of the brake pads (2) and will either suffer a sudden and sharp deceleration, or destroy the brake pads (2) and continue to fall. Both outcomes are undesirable, and the brake extenders (5) function to prevent such accidents.

[0029] Stationary brakes are installed at suitable locations to stop the elevator cabin. The brake plate (1) installed on the cabin has a length longer than the distance between any two consecutive brakes, so the brake plate (1) is within the range of at least one brake at any position. When the cabin is stationary, the brake solenoid is de-energized and the brake is engaged to hold the cabin (Figure 1). The solenoid, a subordinate component of the brake actuator (3), is the electrical part inside the brake actuator (3) that opens and closes the brake. During normal operation, whenever the elevator cabin needs to move, the linear motor is powered until it provides a thrust force equal to the total weight of the cabin. In this state, there is no load on the brake, which can be opened by energizing the solenoid (Figure 2). Then, all brakes along the cabin's travel path are also opened and the cabin can move freely to its destination. However, if a power outage occurs during travel, the brake solenoid will be de-energized and the brake pads (2) will close. At that time, the brake plate (1) of the elevator cabin will collide with the next brake, damaging the equipment and putting passengers in danger due to sudden deceleration. To prevent this, stationary brakes are equipped with brake extenders (5) at the top and bottom (Figure 3).

[0030] The brake extender (5) of the present invention has two flaps that can contact each other in the absence of the brake plate (1) to prevent the brake pads (2) from closing when the solenoid is de-energized. When the brake plate (1) moves between the brake pads (2), it deflects first one of the brake extenders (5) (Figure 4, upper brake extender) and then the other (Figure 5, lower brake extender). In this situation, the stationary brake system is allowed to operate normally, remaining open when the solenoid is energized and engaging when the solenoid is de-energized (Figure 6).

[0031] By installing the brake extender (5), the stationary mechanical brake system can perform all the required operations: Engagement and disengagement at the stop floor -Stay on an intermediate floor and out of the way of passing elevator cars - In case of power outage, catches the elevator and slows it down.

[0032] In one embodiment of the brake extender (5) (not shown in the figures), an extended stroke is used for the opening plunger, which is large enough that with a fully opened brake system, the flaps of the brake extender (5) are opened enough for the brake plate (1) to pass between them. This embodiment will prevent the brake plate (1) from hitting the flaps of the extender during normal operation; whereas in case of a power failure, the brake flaps will prevent the brake pads (2) from closing until the brake plate (1) arrives between them. However, in this case, the shape of the brake flaps must be designed in such a way that they do not prevent the closing of the brake pads (2) if the brake plate (1) is already between them at the moment of closing (i.e. de-energizing the solenoid).

[0033] In one embodiment of the brake extenders (5) (not shown in the figures), fast acting electric actuators are used to keep them open in normal operation, for the same purpose as described in the previous paragraph. In case of a power failure, the brake flaps will return to their normal position faster than the brake pads can close, preventing them from closing until the brake plate (1) arrives.

[0034] In one embodiment of the stationary mechanical braking system, one or more optical and / or magnetic sensors may be used to detect the presence or absence of the brake plate (1).

[0035] Although the embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, the invention is not limited to any embodiment, in other words, the disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not limiting.

[0036] Although specific configurations / embodiments of the stationary brake system have been described, it is understood that the present invention may be applied to a wide variety of elevator systems. The stationary brake system described in the present invention is also suitable for linear motor elevators moving along non-linear (curved) travel paths or diverging paths with switches.

[0037] There are many alternative ways of implementing the present invention, including, but not limited to, having different mechanisms for transmitting the movement of the mover to the brake system. Many specific details are set forth in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For clarity of explanation, technical content known in the art related to the present invention has not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. However, many other equivalent mechanisms may be substituted for the illustrated embodiment, including link, rack and pinion mechanisms that are easily selected by mechanical engineers.

[0038] The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents; it is defined only by the claims.

[0039] In order to achieve all of the objectives of the present invention and to solve the problems of the state of the art, the present invention comprises: At least one brake plate (1) attached to the elevator cabin At least one pair of brake pads (2) attached to a brake spring (2) and released by a solenoid; and At least one pair of brake extenders (5) for holding the brake pads (2) in an open position in the absence of the brake plate (1) A stationary mechanical brake system suitable for linear motor elevators.

[0040] To solve the problems of the current state of the art, the present invention is a stationary mechanical brake system in which a brake extender (5) has two flaps that can contact each other in the absence of a brake plate (1) to prevent the brake pads (2) from closing when the solenoid is de-energized.

[0041] To solve the problems of the state of the art, the present invention is a stationary mechanical braking system comprising one or more optical and / or magnetic sensors for detecting the presence or absence of a brake plate (1).

[0042] In order to solve the problems of the state of the art, the present invention provides: -Multiple elevator cabins are installed in the same hoistway, Each of them is provided with a brake plate (1), Each of the brake plates (1) is configured to be held or released by the same set of stationary brakes; The brake system.

[0043] In order to solve the problems of the state of the art, the present invention provides: at least one stationary mechanical braking system; Linear motor drive systems, and Elevator cabin This is a ropeless linear motor elevator system.

[0044] In order to solve the problems of the state of the art, the present invention provides: at least one stationary mechanical braking system; Linear motor drive systems, and Multiple elevator cabins This is a ropeless multi-car linear motor elevator system.

Claims

1. At least one brake plate attached to the elevator cabin; At least one pair of brake pads attached to a brake spring and released by a solenoid; and At least one pair of brake extenders for holding the brake pads in an open position in the absence of the brake plate A stationary mechanical brake system suitable for a linear motor elevator comprising:

2. 2. The stationary mechanical brake system of claim 1, wherein the brake extender has two flaps that can contact each other in the absence of the brake plate to prevent the brake pads from closing when the solenoid is de-energized.

3. 3. A stationary mechanical braking system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising one or more optical and / or magnetic sensors for detecting the presence or absence of the brake plates.

4. -Multiple elevator cabins are installed in the same hoistway, - each of them is equipped with a brake plate, Each of the brake plates is configured to be held or released by the same set of stationary brakes; A stationary mechanical braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. at least one stationary mechanical braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, - Linear motor drive system, and ・Elevator cabin A ropeless linear motor elevator system comprising:

6. at least one stationary mechanical braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, - Linear motor drive system, and -Multiple elevator cabins A ropeless multi-car linear motor elevator system comprising:

Images