Stationary mechanical braking system for linear motor elevators, and ropeless linear motor elevator system

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 a safe and reliable brake for a linear motor elevator. The stationary mechanical brake system is also used by single-car or multi-car linear motor elevators operating on linear, curved, or branching paths.

Background Art

[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, in some cases, the ability to operate on a curved travel path. At the same time, they must meet the same or higher safety requirements as conventional traction-driven or hydraulic elevators. One particular area that requires a new solution is the provision of a stationary mechanical brake system.

[0003] Traction elevators typically include at least one mechanical brake system attached to the traction sheave or the shaft of the motor. This brake system is normally closed by a brake spring and electrically released by a solenoid to allow the elevator to run. It also includes a microswitch to verify the open or closed state of the brake for the purpose of safe operation by the elevator control device. The electrical connection to the solenoid and the brake operation detection microswitch is provided by fixed wiring between the elevator control device and the stationary brake system.

[0004] In the case of a ropeless linear motor elevator, each cabin should have its own mechanical braking system to maintain equivalence with a traction elevator. While the cabin is moving, its brakes are released by a solenoid; when it stops, the current to the solenoid is cut off, the brakes engage, and the cabin is held in place without requiring propulsion from the linear motor. In the event of power loss or other abnormal circumstances, the same mechanical braking system ensures that the cabin remains stationary or is stopped by an emergency brake. However, the cabin does not have wired connections to the elevator control system, and power transmission and communication must be operated by wireless communication or sliding connectors. While these are useful for most purposes, their reliability is difficult to guarantee in safety applications such as brake operation. For example, if power is momentarily lost while traveling at maximum speed, other cabin equipment such as lighting or air conditioning should not be significantly affected, but the brakes may engage momentarily, causing a sudden deceleration and potentially endangering the occupants.

[0005] As a result, current applications fail to solve the challenges in the technical field, and therefore improvements are necessary. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a solution to the negative aspects of the stationary mechanical brake system described above, constructed using ideas from existing technology.

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

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

[0009] The structural, characteristic functions, and all advantages of the present invention, as outlined in the drawings below and the detailed description made by referring to these drawings, will be clearly understood, and therefore the evaluation should be made by taking these drawings and the detailed description into consideration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

[0011] [Figure 2] This figure shows a schematic of a part of a preferred embodiment. This is a side view of a stationary brake assembly at one of the landings, with the elevator cabin ready for travel, held by a linear motor (not shown), and the solenoid energized.

[0012] [Figure 3] This figure shows a complete mechanical embodiment of the brake extender. When the brake plate is not present, the brake extender flap is horizontal, and the brake extender will prevent the brake pad from coming to the closed position, even when the plunger is power-disconnected.

[0013] [Figure 4]This diagram shows a brake extender with the brake plate entering from above. The upper flap is bent downwards, but the brake pad is held open by the lower flap. Therefore, the brake plate can continue to enter between the brake pads.

[0014] [Figure 5] This diagram shows a brake extender with the brake plate passing over it from above. Both the upper and lower flaps are bent downwards, and therefore the brake pad is held in the open position by the plunger when energized. When the plunger is de-energized, this state is momentary before the brake pad closes onto the brake plate.

[0015] [Figure 6] This figure shows a 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 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] This section reveals preferred embodiments of stationary mechanical brake systems so as not to have limiting effects in order to better understand the subject matter. This part is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the present invention.

[0018] The term "brake" refers to a mechanical device that can hold an elevator cab by frictional force between components installed in the cab and components installed in the building. A brake usually consists of one or more pairs of brake pads pressed by spring force, and a brake plate, disk, or other similar components positioned between the brake pads.

[0019] The term "brake system" refers to an electromechanical system consisting of a brake, its operating electric actuator, its electrical state detection switch, and optionally other components.

[0020] The term "stationary brake system" refers to a brake system in which the brake pads and their operating electric actuator are installed on the building side.

[0021] The term "stationary brake" includes but is not limited to disk-type brakes and drum-type brakes; it is broadly defined to include any type of brake system capable of engaging and holding a brake plate attached to the cab.

[0022] The term "brake extender" refers to a mechanical or electromechanical device that can detect the presence of a brake plate and prevent the brake from closing when the presence of the brake plate is not detected.

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

[0024] The present invention relates to a stationary mechanical braking system that provides safe and reliable braking for a linear motor elevator. The stationary mechanical braking system comprises at least one brake plate (1) 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] The stationary mechanical brake system has at least one pair of brake pads (2). Each brake pad (2) is positioned on each side of the brake plate (1). The brake pads (2) are also fixed to the building.

[0026] The stationary mechanical brake system also includes at least one pair of brake springs (4). Each brake spring (4) is attached to its 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 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 fixed 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 one pair of brake extenders (5) for keeping the brake pads (2) in the open position when the brake plate (1) is absent. The brake extenders (5) are positioned on both sides of the brake pads (2).

[0028] The brake extender (5) is fixed to the building. When the brake plate (1) is not present between the brake pads (2) and the brake actuator (3) is not energized, the brake extender (5) prevents the brake spring (4) from closing the brake pads (2); 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 the open position when the brake actuator (3) is not energized. By preventing the brake spring (4) from closing the brake pads (2), the stationary mechanical brake system is able to operate correctly in the event of a sudden power loss or other event that would cause 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 this situation, the elevator cabin will begin to move downward after a short while, and the brake plate (1) will arrive between the brake pads (2) after a short while. At that point, the brake extenders (5) on both sides of the brake pads (2) will detect the presence of the brake plate (1), and will release the brake pads (2), and the brake springs (4) will close them over the brake plate (1). Without the brake extenders (5), in the above situation, the brake pads (2) would close even if the brake plate (1) were not between them. When the brake plate (1) finally arrives, it will collide with the edge of the brake pads (2), resulting in either a sudden and abrupt deceleration or the brake pads (2) being destroyed and continuing to fall. Both outcomes are undesirable, and the brake extenders (5) function to prevent such accidents.

[0029] A stationary brake is installed in a suitable location 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, and therefore the brake plate (1) is within the range of at least one brake at any given position. When the cabin is stationary, the brake solenoid is de-powered, and the brake engages to hold the cabin (Figure 1). The solenoid, a dependent component of the brake actuator (3), is an internal electrical component of 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 equal to the total weight of the cabin. In this state, there is no load on the brake, which can be released by energizing the solenoid (Figure 2). Subsequently, all brakes along the cabin's path are also released, and the cabin can move freely to its destination. However, if a power outage occurs while traveling, the brake solenoid will be de-powered, and the brake pads (2) will close. At that time, the elevator cabin's brake plate (1) would collide with the next brake, damaging the equipment and endangering the occupants with a 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 come into contact with each other when the brake plate (1) is absent when the solenoid is powered off, thereby preventing the brake pads (2) from closing. When the brake plate (1) enters between the brake pads (2), it deflects the first 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 able to operate normally, remaining open when the solenoid is energized and engaging when the solenoid is powered off (Figure 6).

[0031] By installing the brake extender (5), the stationary mechanical brake system can perform all the required operations: • Engaging and disengaging at the stopping floor • Stay in a place on an intermediate floor where you will not obstruct passing elevator cars. In the event of a power outage, the system will seize the elevator and slow it down.

[0032] In one embodiment of the brake extender (5) (not shown in the figure), an extended stroke is used for the release plunger, which is large enough to open the flaps of the brake extender (5) enough for the brake plates (1) to pass between them by a fully released brake system. This embodiment prevents the brake plates (1) from hitting the flaps of the extender during normal operation; on the other hand, in the event of a power outage, the brake flaps prevent the brake pads (2) from closing until the brake plates (1) arrive between them. However, in this case, the shape of the brake flaps must be designed such that they do not prevent the brake pads (2) from closing if the brake plates (1) are already between them at the moment of closing (i.e., cutting off power to the solenoid).

[0033] In one embodiment of the brake extender (5) (not shown in the figure), a high-speed electric actuator is used to keep them open during normal operation for the same purpose as described in the preceding paragraph. In the event of a power outage, the brake flaps will return to their normal position faster than the speed at which the brake pads close, preventing them from closing until the brake plates (1) arrive.

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

[0035] While embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to any embodiment. In other words, the disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting.

[0036] While we have described the specific configuration / embodiments of the stationary braking system, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of elevator systems. The stationary braking system described in the present invention is also suitable for movement along non-linear (curved) travel paths or branching paths equipped with switches of a linear motor elevator.

[0037] Many alternative methods exist for carrying out the present invention, including but not limited to having different mechanisms for transmitting the movement of the movable element to the brake system. Many specific details are described in this description to enable a complete understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may be practiced in accordance with the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the sake of clarity, detailed descriptions of technical content known in the relevant art of the present invention have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. However, many other equivalent mechanisms may be substituted for the embodiments shown, including link, rack, and pinion mechanisms readily selected by mechanical engineers.

[0038] The scope of this invention encompasses numerous alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents; it is defined solely by the claims.

[0039] In order to fulfill all the objectives of the present invention and solve the problems of the current technology, the present invention • 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, • At least one pair of brake extenders (5) to keep the brake pads (2) in the open position when the brake plate (1) is absent. This is a stationary mechanical braking system suitable for linear motor elevators, equipped with the following features.

[0040] To address the challenges of existing technology, the present invention provides a stationary mechanical brake system in which a brake extender (5) has two flaps that come into contact with each other when the brake plate (1) is absent and the solenoid is power-off, thereby preventing the brake pad (2) from closing.

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

[0042] In order to solve the problems of the current technology, the present invention • Multiple elevator cabins are installed in the same hoistway. Each of them is equipped 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. It is a braking system.

[0043] In order to solve the problems of the current technology, the present invention • At least one stationary mechanical brake system, • Linear motor drive system, and • Elevator cabin It is a low-profile linear motor elevator system equipped with [features / equipment].

[0044] In order to solve the problems of the current technology, the present invention • At least one stationary mechanical brake system, • Linear motor drive system, and • Multiple elevator cabins It is a low-profile, multi-car linear motor elevator system equipped with [features / equipment].

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 to keep the brake pads in the open position when the brake plate is absent. A stationary mechanical braking system suitable for linear motor elevators, equipped with the features described above.

2. The stationary mechanical brake system according to claim 1, wherein the brake extender has two flaps that can come into contact with each other in the absence of the brake plate when the solenoid is powered off, thereby preventing the brake pad from closing.

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

4. - Multiple elevator cabins are installed in the same hoistway. Each of them is equipped with a brake plate, Each of the brake plates attached to the elevator cabin is configured to be gripped or released by one or more sets of brake pads. A stationary mechanical brake system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. - A stationary mechanical brake system according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, - Linear motor drive system, and • Elevator cabin A low-profile linear motor elevator system equipped with [feature / feature].

6. - A stationary mechanical brake system according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, - Linear motor drive system, and • Multiple elevator cabins A low-profile, multi-car linear motor elevator system equipped with [features / equipment].

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