A device and system for transport of cars along cables

Abstract

A device and system for transporting cars along cables is disclosed. The device is configured to be fixed to a car and transport it by traction along at least one suspended cable. The device comprises a plurality of sheaves for pulling the car along the cable, a plurality of motors for driving the sheaves, and a controller for controlling the motors. Each motor is arranged to rotate one of the plurality of sheaves, and the controller is configured to independently control the power applied to each motor. By applying different power to each motor, the controller can adjust the tension of the cable and the load balance between the sheaves, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of travel. In addition, the controller can monitor the rotation of each sheave and detect that the sheaves rotate at different speeds, indicating slippage of the cable, and thereupon activate safety brakes to prevent an accident.

Description

A DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORT OF CARS ALONGCABLESTECHNICAL FIELD[1] The present invention relates generally to the field of transportation systems. Specifically, the invention relates to a system and device for the transport of cars along cables. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to the transportation of self-propelled elevator cars.BACKGROUND[2] In traditional cable transport systems, the entire mechanism, including the car(s), and cable(s) is driven by a single motor. In the case of elevators, a single motor is required to drive a car, lifting cable(s), compensating cable(s) and counterweight. This approach, while generally safe, is not the most efficient method of transport in terms of the energy consumption, the wide range of potential points of failure, costs and time required for maintenance and amount of material and parts needed for such systems.[3] The inefficiency arises from the fact that the mass being moved is not just the elevator car, but also the counterweight and the cables. This means that a considerable amount of energy is wasted in moving parts that are not directly contributing to the transport of passengers or goods. The need to move all these components results in a significant energy expenditure, particularly in elevators operating in tall buildings.[4] Self-propelled elevator systems can significantly reduce the mass that needs to be moved, leading to substantial energy savings. However, previous attempts of designing cable-based self-propelled elevators have failed to provide a safe, fast and efficient replacement for conventional elevators. The problem stems from the use of drives used in conventional elevators in self-propelled elevators, as these drives, which rely on a single motorized sheave, are not suitable for driving self-propelled elevators.[5] These systems do not provide sufficient grip and fail to create the traction needed to safely and efficiently ascend or descend the elevator car along the cable. Such insufficient grip can lead to slippage, causing unpredictable elevator car movement or even falling during operation. This poses potential safety risks to passengers, making it an inefficient and unsafe mechanism that cannot provide a proper replacement for conventional cable hauled elevators and cable cars.[6] Therefore, there is a need for a more efficient elevator system that can reduce energy consumption and requires less material and lower costs to build, while maintaining the safety and reliability of conventional elevator systems. The solution should provide increased grip and improved control, enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the elevator system. Additionally, an efficient self-propelled elevator system would allow operating multiple elevator cars in the same shaft, and thereby minimize the operational area occupied by elevators and increase the usable floor area in buildings.GENERAL DESCRIPTIONINTRODUCTION[7] The present invention relates to devices and systems for transport of cars along cables, introducing an innovative approach to transport of cable -based vehicles such as elevators, cable cars and street cars, utilizing a device that is fixed to the car and arranged to transport it along a suspended cable.[8] The devices and systems disclosed herein provide an innovative solution for cable-based transport using a novel device for propelling car(s) along suspended cable(s), allowing the self-propelled car(s) to travel along suspended cable(s) without requiring movement of the cable, other cars or any other parts of the system, and therefore also without requiring a drive mechanism external to the car(s).[9] A preferred embodiment of the present invention may relate to a device for transporting cars along cables, comprising a plurality of sheaves, a plurality of motors, and a controller. Said device is fixed to a car and configured to transport said car along at least one suspended cable. Said at least one suspended cable is arranged to wrap around each of said plurality of sheaves. Each of said plurality of motors is arranged to rotate one of said plurality of sheaves. Said controller is linked to said plurality of motors and configured to control the power applied to of each of said plurality of motors separately.

[0010] When the motors rotate the sheaves against the suspended cable(s), the sheaves advance along the suspended cable(s) by means of traction, pulling the device that comprises them and car to which the device is fixed along the suspended cable(s).

[0011] The use of two or more motors may provide better control over the movement of the car where each motor rotates different sheave(s) and may be controlled separately. Additionally, the ability to control the rotation of two or more sheaves separately may be used for monitoring and adjusting the tension level of the suspended cable(s) wrapped around the sheaves.

[0012] The device is designed such that it can be securely fixed to or installed on a car, or manufactured as one unit with the car. The primary function of the device is to transport the car along at least one stationary suspended cable.

[0013] The invention is not limited to a specific number of sheaves or motors, or to a particular type of car or cable. The system and device are versatile and adaptable, making this invention suitable for a wide variety of cable-transport systems, including elevators, cable cars and street cars.TERMS AND GENERAL COMMENTS

[0014] The term "sheave" or "sheaves" may refer to any type of wheel that contains a single or multiple grooves that can fit a cable or cables and is suitable for transporting load along such cable(s) when in a suspended position through rotation against the cable(s).

[0015] The term "motor" or "motors" may refer to any device that can convert electrical or other forms of energy into rotational energy.

[0016] The term "cable" or "suspended cable" or "at least one suspended cable" may refer to any type of cable or set of cables that may be used in a cable -based transport system, such as elevator, cable car or street car systems. The cable may be manufactured from any materials suitable for withstanding the load and friction associated with operation of cable -based transport systems and formed as a single cable, multiple intertwined cables or wires, a row of parallel cables or a belt.

[0017] The term "controller" may refer to any electronic part, device or assembly, including without limitation, power circuit boards, computational devices and computers of any kind, that can be used for controlling activation of electrical devices and components.

[0018] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the device(s) described in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to hereinafter as "device", "device for transport of cars along cables" or "traction drive device" interchangeably.

[0019] Accordingly, system(s) described in the below embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to hereinafter as "system" or "system for transport of cars along cables" interchangeably.

[0020] Similarly, the car(s) to which the device disclosed herein is fixed may be referred to hereinafter as "car", "vehicle", "means of transport" or "transport device" interchangeably.

[0021] The terms "plurality" and "a plurality," as used herein, include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more". For example, "a plurality of items" includes two or more items.

[0022] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "demonstrative embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0023] Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be incorporated in the invention detailed herein, independently or in combination therewith:

[0024] In an embodiment relating to said device, said plurality of sheaves are situated in said device so that said at least one suspended cable is wrapped around said plurality of sheaves in sequence, and said at least one suspended cable is in contact with majority of the circumference of said plurality of sheaves.

[0025] According to another embodiment, said plurality of sheaves are situated in said device so that said at least one suspended cable is wrapped around said plurality of sheaves in sequence through alternate sides, such that at least one of said plurality of sheaves rotates in a direction opposite to that of at least one of adjacent said plurality of sheaves.

[0026] In another embodiment, said device further comprising a controller, configured to transport said car by controlling said motors.

[0027] In another embodiment, each of said pair of sheaves is rotated exclusively by one of said motors, and said controller is configured to control the power applied to each of said motors separately.

[0028] According to yet another embodiment, said device further comprising at least one sensor of the following linked to said controller: a weight sensor, a cable tension sensor, a motion sensor, a position sensor, and an accelerometer, wherein said controller is configured to adjust the power applied to said motors based on input from said at least one sensor.

[0029] In another embodiment, said controller is configured to detect slippage of said car against said at least one suspended cable by means of detecting that rotation speed of at least one of said plurality of sheaves is different from rotation speed of at least one of the remaining of said plurality of sheaves.

[0030] In another embodiment, said controller is configured to affect the tension of said at least one suspended cable by means of applying different power to each of said plurality of motors.

[0031] In another embodiment, said device comprising a first cable tension sensor positioned against said at least one suspended cable before said plurality of sheaves and a second cable tension sensor positioned against said at least one suspended cable after said plurality of sheaves, said first cable tension sensor and said second cable tension sensor are linked to said controller.

[0032] According to another embodiment, said controller is configured to calculate weight of said car based on difference between tension measured by said first tension sensor and tension measured by said second tension sensor.

[0033] In another embodiment, said device further comprising a plurality of brake mechanisms, each configured to stop the rotation of at least one of said plurality of sheaves, wherein said controller is configured to stop said car by controlling each of said plurality of brake mechanisms separately.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, said device further comprising at least one sensor of the following linked to said controller: a weight sensor, a cable tension sensor, a motion sensor, a position sensor, and an accelerometer, wherein said controller is configured to use input from said at least one sensor to control said plurality of brake mechanisms.

[0035] In another embodiment, said at least one suspended cable is arranged to wrap around more than 180 degrees of at least one of said plurality of sheaves in one direction, and then wrap around more than 180 degrees of at least one other of said plurality of sheaves in an opposite direction.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the present invention, said car is configured as an elevator car and said suspended cable is stretched between a first and a second point and said first point and second point are fixed at different levels of a structure, thereby forming an elevator pathway.

[0037] In another embodiment, said controller is configured to adjust the power applied to said plurality of motors based on input from said at least one sensor.

[0038] In another embodiment, said device further comprising at least one idle pulley for diverting said suspended cable.

[0039] In another embodiment, said at least one idle pulley is arranged to divert said suspended cable to wrap around at least one of said pair of sheaves situated on a different plane.

[0040] According to another embodiment, each of said plurality of sheaves is rotated exclusively by one of said plurality of motors.

[0041] In another embodiment, each of said plurality of sheaves is associated with one of said plurality of motors, allowing the power of rotation of each of said plurality of sheaves to be controlled independently.

[0042] In another embodiment, at least one of said pair of sheaves is movably installed on said car, allowing the distance between said pair of sheaves to be adjusted.

[0043] In another embodiment, said controller is configured to control the tension of said suspended cable by adjusting the distance between said pair of sheaves.

[0044] In accordance with another embodiment, said controller is configured to use at least one of said plurality of motors as a generator to recover energy during descent of said car.

[0045] In another embodiment of the present invention, said controller is configured to automatically lower said car to a lower level using the force of gravity in the event of failure of main power supply.

[0046] In another embodiment, said car is equipped with a safety brake mechanism configured to stop said car in response to a predetermined condition

[0047] According to another embodiment, said predetermined condition is at least one of the following: loss of tension of said suspended cable, dropping of said car, slippage of said at least one of said pair of sheaves, excessive rotation speed of at least one of said pair of sheaves and excessive movement speed of said car.

[0048] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for transporting cars by means of cables, comprising: at least one suspended cable, at least one car arranged to travel along said at least one suspended cable and at least one traction drive device fixed said at least one car, wherein said at least one traction drive device comprises: a plurality of sheaves, a plurality of motors; and a controller. Said at least one suspended cable is arranged to wrap around each of said plurality of sheaves; and each of said plurality of motors is arranged to rotate one of said plurality of sheaves; and said controller is linked to said plurality of motors and configured to control the power applied to of each of said plurality of motors separately.

[0049] In another embodiment, said at least one car is being plurality of cars arranged to travel in the same pathway.

[0050] In another embodiment, said at least one suspended cable is being plurality of suspended cables.

[0051] In another embodiment, each of said plurality of cars is exclusively associated with at least one of said plurality of suspended cables.

[0052] In another embodiment, each of said at least one traction drive device is fixed on one of said plurality of cars at a different lateral position, so that neither of said plurality of suspended cables exclusively associated with one of said plurality of cars interferes with any of said at least one traction drive device fixed on any other of said plurality of cars.

[0053] Another embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein relates to a device for transport of cars along cables comprising a plurality of sheaves and at least one motor. Said device is configured to be fixed to a car and transport said car along at least one suspended cable, said at least one suspended cable is arranged to wrap around each of said plurality of sheaves and said plurality of sheaves are rotated by said at least one motor, allowing said device to transport said car along said at least one suspended cable by means of rotation of said plurality of sheaves against said at least one suspended cable.

[0054] In another embodiment, said device further comprises a gear mechanism, coupled to said at least one motor, for transmitting the rotation of said motor to said plurality of sheaves.

[0055] In another embodiment, said car is a cable car configured to travel along said at least one suspended cable while hanging from said at least one suspended cable; and wherein said at least one suspended cable is suspended between at least a first point and a second point, and said first point and second point are fixed at different physical locations, thereby forming a cable car pathway.

[0056] In another embodiment, said car is a street car configured to travel along said suspended cable while riding a railroad; and wherein said suspended cable is suspended between at least a first point and a second point, and said first point and second point are fixed at different physical locations, thereby forming a street car pathway.

[0057] Various objects, features, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the drawings of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] The disclosure can be more fully appreciated in connection with the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which:

[0059] Figures la, lb and 1c illustrate various variations of a device for transport of cars along cables according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0060] Figure 2 illustrates a device for transport of cars along cables with a controller according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0061] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate various variations of a device for transport of cars along cables comprising cable tension sensors according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0062] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate various variations of a device for transport of cars along cables comprising brake mechanisms according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0063] Figure 5 illustrates a device for transport of cars along cables fixed to an elevator car on an elevator pathway according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0064] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate various variations and views of a device for transport of cars along cables with idle pulleys according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0065] Figures 7a and 7b illustrate a system for transporting cars along cables with plurality of cars arranged to travel in the same pathway according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0066] Figures 8a and 8b illustrate a cable car and a street car, respectively, with a device for transport of cars along cables according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0067] Figures 9a and 9b illustrate operation of a device for transport of cars along cables during ascent and descent according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0068] Figure 10 illustrates a device for transport of cars along cables with plurality of sheaves rotated by a single motor according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0069] Figures I la and 11b illustrate a device for transport of cars along cables with adjustable distance between sheaves according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0070] Figure 12 illustrates a device for transport of cars along cables with a safety brake mechanism on an elevator car according to some demonstrative embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSGENERAL COMMENTS

[0071] The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of the drawings, which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, and so on, are not described in detail.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] The present invention pertains to a novel system and device for the transport of cars along cables. This invention primarily falls within the realm of elevator technology and transport of cars by cables, more specifically, it relates to a self-propelled elevator car.

[0073] Turning first to FIGs la-lc, various embodiments of a device for transport of cars along cables are illustrated. FIG la shows a device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention for transport of cars along cables 100. For the sake of clarity, the device is shown from side and front views, as well as installed on a car 104 traveling along a suspended cable 103 as part of a system for transport of cars along cables 150. With the close-up views of the device 100 provide a detailed look at the device’s structure, including its sheaves and motors, while the front view provides a more detailed look at the device’s components and mechanism, the external view shows how the device is installed on a car, demonstrating its practical application in real-world scenarios.

[0074] The device 100 comprises a couple of sheaves 101a 101b and a couple of motors 102a 102b. In this particular embodiment, sheave 101a is rotated by motor 102a and sheave 101b is rotated by motor 102b. Each of the sheaves 101a 101b being exclusively associated with one of the motors 102a 102b, allowing the power of rotation of each of the sheaves 101a 101b to be controlled independently, providing for more control over the movement of device 104 along the suspended cable 103. This design allows for precise control over the device’s movement, with each sheave independently powered and controlled by its respective motor. This could, for example, allow the device to improve grip of the cable, generate more traction and prevent slippage.

[0075] However, other embodiments of the device disclosed herein may include more sheaves, more motors and more of both, with different configurations that may involve some of the motors rotating more than one sheave through gears. This means that the device can be adapted to a variety of different configurations, depending on the specific requirements of the transport task. For example, a device with more sheaves and motors could be used for heavier cars.

[0076] The device is configured to be fixed to a car 104 and transport said car along a suspended cable 103. The suspended cable 103 is arranged to wrap around each of said sheaves 101a 101b, while the sheaves are arranged to be rotated by motors 102a 102b, allowing the device 100 to transport the car 104 to which it is fixed along the suspended cable 103 by means of rotation of the sheaves 101a 101b against the suspended cable 103.

[0077] Other embodiments of the device and system may include two or more suspended cables positioned in parallel, for increased load capacity, or for redundancy. In the case of plurality of cables positioned in parallel, each sheave may include a plurality of parallel grooves, each corresponding to a different cable. Alternatively, a plurality of sheaves can be installed in parallel and rotate on the same axis by same motor or separate motors, with each of them corresponding to a different cable.

[0078] As can be seen in FIG la, the sheaves 101a 101b are situated in the device so that the suspended cable 103 is wrapped around said plurality of sheaves in sequence and the suspended cable 103 is in contact with majority of the circumference the sheaves 101a 101b, which strengthens the grip between the suspended cable 103 and sheaves 101a 101b and allows more traction to be formed during rotation of the sheaves 101a 101b. FIG lb illustrates another embodiment of a device for transport of cars along cables 110 comprising four sheaves arranged in two rows while FIG 1c illustrates yet another embodiment of a device for transport of cars along cables 120 comprising four sheaves arranged in one row. These different configurations could be used to accommodate different types of cars, different loads and different directions of movement.

[0079] FIG 2 illustrates another embodiment of a device for transport of cars along cables 200 in accordance with the present invention. The device comprises a pair of sheaves 201a 201b rotated by a single or plurality of motors (not shown), and suspended cable 203 is wrapped around them in sequence. The device 200 comprises a controller 206. The controller 206 may comprise a processor, and in some embodiments may also comprise a memory. In some embodiments the controller 206 may also comprise a local or remote user interface. The controller 206 may be configured to control various aspects of the operation of the device 200. While the controller 206 shown in FIG 2 is physically attached to the device 200, other embodiments may include a controller installed elsewhere and linked to the device through wire or wireless communication, which could be beneficial in a complex transport system where centralized control is required.

[0080] According to some demonstrative embodiments, the motors that rotate sheaves 201a 201b are linked to the controller 206, which is configured to control the power applied to each of the motors separately. In other embodiments, the controller 206 may be configured to detect slippage of the car on which the device 200 is installed against said at least one suspended cable 203 by means of detecting that rotation speeds of sheaves 201a 201b are different from one another. This could be particularly useful in safety-critical applications where any slippage of the car on the cable could lead to dangerous situations.

[0081] Now referring to FIG 3a, a device for transport of cars along cables 300 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments is shown. The device 300 comprising two sheaves 301a 301b driven by motors (not shown). Suspended cable 303 is wrapped around sheaves 301a 301b, allowing the device 300 and car to which it is fixed (not shown) to ascend and descend along suspended cable 303 through rotation of sheaves 301a 301b against suspended cable 303. The device 300 further comprising a controller 306. The controller 306 may be linked to one or more sensors such as a weight sensor, a motion sensor, a position sensor, and an accelerometer (not shown), and may also be configured to adjust the power applied to the motors based on input from the sensor(s). Sensors may be installed inside the device, in the car, around the car, in proximity to the suspended cable(s), or anywhere else in the system the device forms a part of, as required by the function of each sensor.

[0082] In the current embodiment, the controller 306 is linked to a cable tension sensor 307 installed in the device 300. The cable tension sensor 307 may be configured to detect the level of tension of suspended cable 303. The controller 306 may receive input from the cable tension sensor 307 about the level of tension of suspended cable 303 in real-time and be configured to change the power applied to the motors (not shown) that rotate the sheaves 301a 301b to restore level of tension of suspended cable 303, or to limit the movement of the car. This could be particularly useful in transport systems where a certain level of tension in the cable is required to transport the car safely.

[0083] FIG 3b illustrates another embodiment of a device 310 for transport of cars along cables according to the present invention. The device 310 comprising controller 316 and two sheaves 31 la 31 lb driven by motors (not shown) linked to controller 316. Suspended cable 313 is wrapped around sheaves 31 la 31 lb. Controller 316 is linked to a first cable tension sensor 317a positioned against the suspended cable 313 before sheaves 311a 311b and to a second cable tension sensor 317b positioned against suspended cable 313 after sheaves 311a 311b. This could be particularly useful in vertical transport systems, where the tension in the cable above and below the car may differ due to the weight of the car.

[0084] Real-time data from two cable tension sensors 317a 317b before and after sheaves 31 la 31 lb may be sent to and processed by controller 316, which may process the input received from the two cable tension sensors 317a 317b to obtain data pertaining to the car to which the device 310 is fixed or the effect of the car’s movement or weight on the tension of the cable 313. The controller 316 may also be configured to calculate weight of the car to which the device 310 is fixed based on difference between tension measured by first tension sensor 317a and tension measured by second tension sensor 317b. This could be particularly useful in a transport system where changes in the load in the car may demand changes in the power supplied to the motors to transport the car safely.

[0085] Now referring to FIG 4a, a device for transport of cars along cables 400 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments is shown. The device 400 comprising two sheaves 401a 401b driven by motors (not shown), around which suspended cable 403 is wrapped. The device further comprising controller 406 and brake mechanisms 408a 408b, each configured to stop the rotation of one of sheaves 401a 401b. According to some embodiments, controller 406 is configured to stop the car to which the device 400 is fixed by controlling each of brake mechanisms 408a 408b separately. Selective activation of brake mechanisms 408a 408b may include without limiting, intermittent activation of each brake mechanism, alternate activation of both brake mechanisms or difference between the pressure each of the brake mechanisms applies to the sheave it is associated with. This could be particularly useful to slow down or stop the car while maintaining tension in cable 403 and preventing slippage.

[0086] FIG 4b illustrates a device for transport of cars along cables 410 comprising two sheaves 411a 411b driven by motors (not shown). Suspended cable 413 is wrapped around sheaves 41 la 41 lb. The device further comprising controller 416, cable tension sensors 417a 417b, and brake mechanisms 418a 418b. Each of brake mechanisms 418a 418b is configured to stop the rotation of one of sheaves 41 la 41 lb. The controller 416 may be configured to use input from cable tension sensors 417a 417b to control brake mechanisms 418a 418b. The controller 416 may also use input from cable tension sensors 417a 417b during activation of brake mechanisms to monitor the tension of suspended cable 413 and use the input in real-time to control activation of brake mechanisms 418a 418b to reduce risk of slippage.

[0087] FIG 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein the car on which the device disclosed herein is installed is configured as an elevator car 504. The elevator car 504 is equipped with a device for transport of cars along cables 500 configured to transport elevator car 504 along suspended cable 503. Suspended cable 503 is stretched between a first point 505a and a second point 505b fixed at different levels of a structure, thereby forming an elevator pathway 505. This could be particularly useful in a multi-story building where an elevator system is required to transport people or goods between different floors. This could have significant advantages over traditional elevator systems, including simpler installation, reduced use of space and materials, and in some cases reduced energy consumption.

[0088] FIG 6a illustrates a device for transport of cars along cables 600 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. The device 600 comprising two sheaves 601a 601b, and two motors 602a 602b associated with each said sheaves, respectively, configured to rotate them against suspended cable 603 to transport car 604 along suspended cable 603. The device 600 further comprising a pair of idle pulleys 609a 609b, one before and the other after sheaves 601a 601b, for diverting suspended cable 603. In this embodiment, sheaves 601a 601b are positioned on a plane different from the plane of suspended cable 603, and idle pulleys 609a 609b are arranged to divert suspended cable 603 into the plane of sheaves 601a 601b and back to its original plane to allow suspended cable 603 to wrap around sheaves 601a 601b.

[0089] FIG 6b-6c show another embodiment of a device for transport of cars along cables 610 from a frontal and lateral section views. The device 610 comprising two sheaves 611a 611b, and two motors 612a 612b associated with each said sheaves, respectively, configured to rotate them against suspended cable 613. The device 600 further comprising a pair of idle pulleys 609a 609b, one before and the other after sheaves 601a 601b, for diverting suspended cable 603. The use of idle pulleys can be also useful for diverting the cable to avoid obstacles, to change the direction of the cable or to allow device 610 to be installed on different sides of the car.

[0090] FIG 7a-7b illustrate back and isometric views of a system for transport of cars along cables in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, configured as a multi-car elevator system. Each of elevator cars 704a 704b 704c is equipped with one of devices for transport of cars along cables 700a 700b 700c, respectively. All elevator cars 704a 704b 704c are arranged to travel along same elevator pathway 705. Suspended cables 703a 703b 703c are suspended along elevator pathway 705. Each of suspended cables 703a 703b 703c is exclusively associated with one of devices 700a 700b 700c on elevator cars 704a 704b 704c, respectively, and used exclusively for travel of the elevator car associated therewith along it. In the current embodiment, the system further comprises guiding rails 721 for guiding and supporting ascent and descent of elevator cars 704a 704b 704c.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown herein, each of suspended cables 703a 703b 703c is vertically stretched through a separate path in elevator pathway 705, with an offset between bottom and top anchoring points of each of suspended cables 703a 703b 703c. Each of devices 700a 700b 700c is fixed on each of elevator cars 704a 704b 704c at a different lateral position corresponding to the path of the one of suspended cables 703a 703b 703c associated therewith, so that neither of suspended cables 703a 703b 703c interferes with any of the devices 700a 700b 700c other than the one exclusively associated therewith.

[0092] FIGs 8a-8b illustrate systems for transport of cars along cables configured as cable car and street car, respectively, according to some demonstrative embodiments. FIG 8a shows such a system comprising suspended cable 803 suspended between first point 805a and second point 805b fixed at different physical locations, thereby forming cable car pathway 805. Cable car 804 is configured to travel along suspended cable 803 using a device for transport of cars along cables 800. As shown in previous embodiments, device 800 may include plurality of sheaves rotated by motors against suspended cable 803 while being wrapped around the plurality of sheaves contained therein. The cable car 804 in the system according to the shown embodiment is hanging from suspended cable 803 through device 800.

[0093] This setting could be useful in a variety of applications, particularly in areas of rough terrain. The system allows easy transport of people or cargo between two points, with minimal infrastructure and land use. In the example demonstrated in FIG 8a, cable car 804 is arranged to cross a body of water, without requiring a bridge. Another example could be in a city, where this system could be implemented to provide an alternative elevated means of transport, without requiring roads or interfering with the traffic below.

[0094] Another important feature of using the system disclosed herein as a cable car is the ability to transport each car individually and without requiring to operate a central motor that hauls all cables and cars suspended on them simultaneously. It is known that current cable car systems are activated continuously, while moving all the cars even during hours of very low occupancy. The ability to individually transport cable cars can save a substantial amount of energy, improve the speed and efficiency of transport, and allow access to the cable car system at any time without requiring moving all cars in the system simultaneously.

[0095] FIG 8b shows another system for transport of cars along cables configured as street car, according to other demonstrative embodiments. The system illustrated herein comprising suspended cable 813 suspended between first point 815a and second point 815b fixed at different physical locations, thereby forming street car pathway 815. Street car 814 is configured to travel along suspended cable 813 using a device for transport of cars along cables 810. The street car 814 in the system according to the shown embodiment is positioned above suspended cable 803 and further comprise a set of wheels transportably installed on guiding rail 821.A practical example of this system could be a public transport system in mountainous areas, and particularly for transporting people or cargo up and down a steep slope. It is known that trains and trams are unsuitable for riding steep slopes, due to insufficient traction of the railway. It is also known that current cable -hauled land transport systems, such as street cars and funiculars, are slow, inefficient and energy-intensive. The disclosed system offers a highly advantageous solution by allowing the individual transport of street cars on steep slopes, without moving cables and without forcing all the cars to move simultaneously.

[0096] FIGs 9a-9b illustrate a demonstrative embodiment of a device 900 for transport of cars along cables comprising two sheaves 901a 901b driven by motors (not shown). Suspended cable 903 is wrapped around sheaves 901a 901b in sequence through alternate sides, such that sheaves 901a 901b rotate in opposite directions. FIG 9a illustrates direction of rotation of sheaves 901a 901b when the device 900 ascends along suspended cable 903 and FIG 9b illustrates direction of rotation of sheaves 901a 901b when the device 900 descends along suspended cable 903.

[0097] FIG 10 illustrates a device for transport of cars along cables 1000 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. The device 1000 comprises two sheaves 1001a 1001b, both are configured to be rotated by motor 1002 against suspended cable 1003 using a set of gears 1022. Gears 1022 are configured to transmit rotational motion from motor 1002 to sheaves 1001a 1001b, thereby allowing the device 1000 to be powered by a single motor 1002.

[0098] FIGs lla-llb illustrate a device for transport of cars along cables 1100 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. The device 1100 comprises two sheaves 1101a 1101b, rotated by motors (not shown) against suspended cable 1103. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated herein, sheave 1101a is movably installed in the device 1100 through a telescopic arm 1123 to allow distance between sheaves 1101a 1101b to be adjusted. It should be noted that the use of telescopic arm 1123 in this embodiment is meant for the sake of illustration only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the device disclosed herein may use different mechanisms known from the prior art for moving one or more sheaves to adjust the distance between the sheaves. FIG Ila illustrate the device 1100 with sheave 1101a pushed by telescopic arm 1123 closer to sheave 1101b, while FIG 11b illustrate the device 1100 with sheave 1101a pulled by telescopic arm 1123 farther from sheave 1101b. The telescopic arm 1123 may be linked to and controlled by a controller 1106. The controller 1106 may be configured to adjust the distance between sheaves 1101a 1101b to control tension of suspended cable 1103 as well as other aspects of transport of cars along cables.

[0099] FIG 12 illustrates a device for transport of cars along cables 1200 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. The device 1200 is installed on elevator car 1204 and is configured to move the elevator car 1204 along suspended cable 1203 using sheaves (not shown) rotated by a single or plurality of motors (not shown) contained in the device 1200. The elevator car 1204 is configured to travel along guiding rails 1221a 1221b fixed in parallel to suspended cable 1203 using wheels 1224a 1224b 1224c 1224d. The elevator car 1204 further comprising safety brake mechanisms 1225a 1225b configured to stop elevator car 1204 in response to a predetermined condition that may be one of the following: loss of tension of said at least one suspended cable, dropping of said car, slippage of said at least one of said plurality of sheaves, excessive rotation speed of at least one of said plurality of sheaves and excessive movement speed of said car.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A device for transporting cars along cables, comprising: a plurality of sheaves, a plurality of motors, and a controller; wherein said device is fixed to a car and configured to transport said car along at least one suspended cable; and said at least one suspended cable is arranged to wrap around each of said plurality of sheaves; and each of said plurality of motors is arranged to rotate one of said plurality of sheaves; and said controller is linked to said plurality of motors and configured to control the power applied to of each of said plurality of motors separately.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor of the following linked to said controller: a weight sensor, a cable tension sensor, a motion sensor, a position sensor, and an accelerometer; wherein said controller is configured to adjust the power applied to said plurality of motors based on input from said at least one sensor.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said controller is configured to detect slippage of said car against said at least one suspended cable by means of detecting that rotation speed of at least one of said plurality of sheaves is different from rotation speed of the at least one of the remaining of said plurality of sheaves.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said controller is configured to affect the tension of said at least one suspended cable by means of applying different power to each of said plurality of motors.

5. The device of claim 1, comprising a first cable tension sensor positioned against said at least one suspended cable before said plurality of sheaves and a second cable tension sensor positioned against said at least one suspended cable after said plurality of sheaves, said first cable tension sensor and said second cable tension sensor are linked to said controller.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said controller is configured to calculate weight of said car based on difference between tension measured by said first cable tension sensor and tension measured by said second cable tension sensor.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of brake mechanisms, each configured to stop the rotation of at least one of said plurality of sheaves; wherein said controller is configured to stop said car by controlling each of said plurality of brake mechanisms separately.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising at least one sensor of the following linked to said controller: a weight sensor, a cable tension sensor, a motion sensor, a position sensor, and an accelerometer; wherein said controller is configured to use input from said at least one sensor to control said plurality of brake mechanisms.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one suspended cable is arranged to wrap around more than 180 degrees of at least one of said plurality of sheaves in one direction, and then wrap around more than 180 degrees of at least one other of said plurality of sheaves in an opposite direction.

10. A system for transporting cars along cables, comprising: at least one suspended cable;at least one car, arranged to travel along said at least one suspended cable; at least one traction drive device for transport of car along cables, fixed to said at least one car; wherein said at least one traction drive device comprises: a plurality of sheaves; a plurality of motors; a controller; wherein said at least one suspended cable is arranged to wrap around each of said plurality of sheaves; and each of said plurality of motors is arranged to rotate one of said plurality of sheaves; and said controller is linked to said plurality of motors and configured to control the power applied to of each of said plurality of motors separately.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising at least one sensor of the following linked to said controller: a weight sensor, a cable tension sensor, a motion sensor, a position sensor, and an accelerometer; wherein said controller is configured to adjust the power applied to said plurality of motors based on input from said at least one sensor.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein said controller is configured to detect slippage of said car against said at least one suspended cable by means of detecting that rotation speed of at least one of said plurality of sheaves is different from rotation speed of the at least one of the remaining of said plurality of sheaves.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein said controller is configured to affect the tension of said at least one suspended cable by means of applying different power to each of said plurality of motors.

14. The system of claim 10, comprising a first cable tension sensor positioned against said at least one suspended cable before said plurality of sheaves and a second cable tension sensor positioned against said at least one suspended cable after said plurality of sheaves, said first cable tension sensor and said second cable tension sensor are linked to said controller.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said controller is configured to calculate weight of said car based on difference between tension measured by said first cable tension sensor and tension measured by said second cable tension sensor.

16. The system of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of brake mechanisms, each configured to stop the rotation of at least one of said plurality of sheaves; wherein said controller is configured to stop said car by controlling each of said plurality of brake mechanisms separately.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising at least one sensor of the following linked to said controller: a weight sensor, a cable tension sensor, a motion sensor, a position sensor, and an accelerometer; wherein said controller is configured to use input from said at least one sensor to control said plurality of brake mechanisms.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein said at least one suspended cable is arranged to wrap around more than 180 degrees of at least one of said plurality of sheaves in one direction, and then wrap around more than 180 degrees of at least one other of said plurality of sheaves in an opposite direction.

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