Mechanical brake operator system for linear motor elevators

Abstract

Mechanical brake operator system for linear motor elevators The present invention relates to a mechanical brake operator system suitable for linear motor elevators that provides low-cost and reliable braking without the need for electrical power transmission for ropeless linear motor elevators. The mechanical brake operator system may be used by single-car or multi-car linear motor elevators operating on straight, curved or branched trajectories.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical brake operator system suitable for linear motor elevators that provides low-cost and reliable braking without the need for electrical power transmission for the linear motor elevator. The mechanical brake operator system may be used with single-car or multi-car linear motor elevators operating on straight, curved or branched trajectories. [Background technology]

[0002] Rope-less linear motor elevators offer various benefits, such as the ability to operate multiple elevators independently in the same hoistway and potentially on curved travel paths, as they are self-propelled. On the other hand, the traditional method of providing power via a wired connection on the "moving cable" is no longer feasible, and appropriate methods must be developed to provide the power required for lighting, ventilation, door operation, etc. within the cabin.

[0003] One of the devices that requires a stable power supply and a reliable signal connection, as required by law, is the elevator's mechanical brake. In a conventional elevator, it is usually installed on the traction machine, with a brake disc or brake drum connected to the brake sheave or motor, and brake pads connected to the base structure. The brake is normally closed and is kept open by an electric current when traveling; its state (open or closed) is typically monitored by a microswitch operated by the movement of the brake pads.

[0004] In the case of ropeless linear motor elevators, the mechanical brakes must move with the cabin to be able to stop it and hold it in any position. Furthermore, since ropeless elevators have no moving cables, there is no easy way to ensure a reliable and continuous power supply to the cabin, which means that the electrically operated brakes can experience momentary power losses. Even a very short power loss can engage the brakes and endanger passengers; on the other hand, it is not allowed to continue to flow the brake current if it is interrupted, since this would disable the brakes from engaging immediately when needed. It should be noted that the signal transmission of the brake operation monitor switch is also subject to possible interruptions, but on the other hand it is possible to configure a safe operating sequence in such a way that such failures do not endanger safety.

[0005] As a result, current applications do not 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 mechanical brake operator systems, building on inspiration from the current prior art.

[0007] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a system for mechanical braking suitable for linear motor elevators, which is capable of holding or slowing down the elevator cabin with a mechanical brake operated by reusing the existing linear motor stator coils for the secondary purpose of braking. The disclosed system provides safe and reliable mechanical braking for single car or multi-car linear motor elevators.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a low cost, reliable braking solution for linear motor elevators using the existing components of the system (stator and mover).

[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 should be clearly understood and therefore evaluated in light of these drawings and detailed description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic of a preferred embodiment showing a mechanical brake connected to a main mover and a brake mover with the two movers in a proximal position and the brake closed (engaged).

[0011] [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic of a preferred embodiment showing a mechanical brake connected to a main mover and a brake mover with the two movers in a distal position and the brake open. [Explanation of symbols]

[0012] 1 Main Mover 2 Brake mover 3 Brake spring 4 Stator 5. Brake pads 6 Brake plate DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] In this section, a preferred embodiment of the mechanical brake operator system is described in order to provide a deeper understanding of the subject matter, without having any limiting effect. This part is a detailed description of an exemplary embodiment to illustrate the principles of the present invention.

[0014] The present invention relates to a mechanical brake operator system that provides low-cost, reliable braking without the need for electrical power transmission for ropeless linear motor elevators used by single or multi-car linear motor elevators operating on straight, curved or branched trajectories.

[0015] The term "mover" is broadly defined to include any device equipped with magnetic poles and capable of interacting with the moving magnetic field of a linear motor stator (4) coil and capable of movement along the stator.

[0016] The term "linear motor elevator drive" collectively defines a stator or stators and a mover or movers capable of holding and moving an elevator cabin or multiple elevator cabins together.

[0017] The term "brake" refers to a mechanical brake capable of holding a stationary cabin or, optionally, slowing down / stopping a moving cabin.

[0018] The term "closing spring" is a device capable of applying a closing force to the brake sufficient to achieve the braking force required for normal operation of the brake.

[0019] The mechanical brake operator system comprises at least one brake plate (6) and at least two brake pads (5) for each brake plate (6). The brake pads (5) are located on either side of the brake plate (6).

[0020] The brake pads (5) and brake plates (6) are in normal contact and pressed against each other by at least one set of brake springs (3). The brake pads (5) provide a friction stopping force by pressure against the stationary brake plate (6). In this way, the brake pads (5) and brake plates (6) provide sufficient friction force to stop and hold the total weight of the elevator cabin. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening / closing mechanism is realized by an inclined rail (e.g., linear bearing) configured in such a way that by moving the rail upwards, the brake pads (5) move away from the brake plate (6) against the pressure of the closing brake springs (3). The brake springs (3) provide a passive closing force for the brake mechanism to ensure normally closed operation even in the event of power loss. For this purpose, at least one set of brake springs (3) is used in the mechanical brake operator system. For example, each brake spring (3) is in contact with each brake pad (5). In an alternative embodiment, there is one brake spring (3) acting on both brake pads (5).

[0021] The mechanical brake or brakes comprise brake springs (3), brake pads (5), and brake plates (6). These mechanical brake or brakes are mounted on at least one linear motor mover, called the primary mover (1), which is connected to the elevator cabin. The primary mover (1) provides the thrust force to raise the cabin by interacting with the magnetic field of the stator (4) coils.

[0022] Another mover, called the brake mover (2), is also connected to the mechanical brake, and the function of this brake mover (2) is to open or close the mechanical brake mechanism by actively controlling the distance of the brake mover (2) from the main mover (1).

[0023] When the brake release movement is complete, the brake mover (2) contributes to the cabin lift together with the main mover (1). The brake mover (2) and the main mover (1) are controlled independently.

[0024] The stator (4) is a vertically aligned electrical coil that provides operating power to both the main mover (1) and the brake mover (2).

[0025] When it is necessary to release the brake and move the cabin, first the stator (4) facing the main mover (1) is energized with a current sufficient to hold the cabin and remove its weight from the brake pads (5). Next, the section of the stator (4) facing the brake mover (2) is energized and then driven with a current phase schedule to move the brake mover (2) away from the main mover (1) and open the brake mechanism by countering the force of the brake spring (3). Once in the fully open position, the brake mover (2) is pressed against a stop (not shown in the figure), stops and takes part of the weight of the elevator cabin. This completes the brake release sequence and the elevator is ready to start moving to its next destination by energizing the stator (4) section with a current that drives both the main mover (1) and the brake mover (2) together. Upon arrival, the above sequence is carried out in reverse by first moving the brake mover (2) back into the vicinity of the main mover (1), thereby closing the brakes; then demagnetizing the stator (4) section facing the brake mover (2); and finally demagnetizing the remaining stator (4) section, allowing the weight of the cabin to be carried by the brakes.

[0026] This embodiment of the invention operates in a sequence controlled by the elevator controller. For a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stages of operation, starting from a stopped state, are as follows: - The stator (4) coils facing the main mover (1) are energized with a current sufficient to generate a thrust equal to the total weight of the cabin, including the payload and the weight of the mover itself, however the magnetic field of the stator (4) is stationary and does not move the mover. -When acting through the inclined rail, the stator (4) coil facing the brake mover (2) is energized with sufficient current to generate a thrust to overcome the closing spring force. - The brake mover (2) is raised to a position where the brake pads (5) are fully disengaged from the brake plates (6). During this opening movement, initially the entire weight of the cabin is carried by the primary mover (1). However, at the end of the opening movement, the brake mover (2) is stopped by a stopper (not shown) that is rigidly connected to the primary mover (1), and from that point on, the primary mover (1) and the brake mover (2) carry the weight together. After the brake mechanism is fully released, both the main mover (1) and the brake mover (2) are controlled in tandem to drive the cabin to the desired new position. The synchronized movement of the main mover (1) and the brake mover (2) allows the speed and position control system to treat them as a single mover and does not have to control their movements separately.

[0027] The above sequence is executed in reverse order upon reaching the target position and then coming to a complete stop.

[0028] The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment, in other words, the disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not limiting.

[0029] While specific configurations / embodiments of the mechanical brake operator system have been described, it is understood that the present invention is applicable to a variety of elevator systems. The mechanical brake operator system according to the present invention is also suitable for movement along non-linear (curved) travel paths of linear motor elevators, or branching paths by switches.

[0030] There are many alternative ways to implement the present invention, including but not limited to having a different mechanism for transmitting the movement of the mover to the brake. Many specific details are described herein 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 ease of explanation, technical matters known in the art related to the present invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. However, the illustrated embodiments, particularly the link mechanism, rack and pinion mechanism, etc., which are easily selected by a mechanical engineer, can be replaced with many other equivalent mechanisms.

[0031] The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents; it is defined only by the claims.

[0032] In order to achieve all of the objectives of the present invention and to solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a mechanical brake operator system suitable for a linear motor elevator, comprising: at least one mechanical brake attached to the elevator cabin, wherein the mechanical brake comprises: At least one brake plate (6), At least two brake pads (5) for each brake plate (6), and At least one set of brake springs (3) for pressing the brake pads (5) and the brake plate (6), at least one main mover (1) attached to the elevator cabin for providing a thrust force to raise the cabin; and At least one brake mover (2) attached to the mechanical brake, capable of opening or closing the mechanical brake by actively controlling its distance from the main mover (1). A mechanical brake operator system comprising:

[0033] In order to solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention is a mechanical brake operator system, in which a plurality of elevator cabins are installed in the same hoistway, each of the plurality of elevator cabins is equipped with the mechanical brake, and each of the mechanical brakes is configured to be driven by the same stator (4) coil.

[0034] To solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention is a ropeless linear motor elevator system, which includes a mechanical brake, a linear motor drive system, and an elevator cabin.

[0035] To solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention is a ropeless multi-car linear motor elevator system, which includes a mechanical brake, a linear motor drive system, and multiple elevator cabins.

Claims

1. A mechanical brake operator system suitable for a linear motor elevator, comprising: at least one mechanical brake mounted on the elevator cabin, said mechanical brake comprising: At least one brake plate; At least two brake pads for each brake plate; and at least one set of brake springs for pressing the brake pads and the brake plate; at least one primary mover attached to the elevator cabin for providing a thrust force to raise the elevator cabin; and At least one brake mover attached to the mechanical brake, the brake mover being capable of opening or closing the mechanical brake by actively controlling its distance from the main mover. A mechanical brake operator system comprising:

2. There are multiple elevator cabins in the same elevator shaft. Each of the plurality of elevator cabins is equipped with the mechanical brake; Each of the mechanical brakes is configured to be driven by the same stator coil.

2. The mechanical brake operator system of claim 1.

3. 2. The mechanical brake operator system of claim 1 . Linear motor drive system, and Elevator Cabin A ropeless linear motor elevator system comprising:

4. 2. The mechanical brake operator system of claim 1 . Linear motor drive system, and Multiple elevator cabins A ropeless multi-car linear motor elevator system comprising:

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