An elevator system with restraining of cable movement

Abstract

The present invention discloses a novel system for the transport of cable-based self- propelled elevator cars, while restraining the cable to prevent unintended cable movements. The system comprises at least one car designed to travel on at least one guiding rail along a transport pathway, at least one suspended cable extending along the transport pathway, and at least one traction drive unit fixed to the car for transporting it via traction of the suspended cable. The system further includes at least one restraining element designed to prevent unintended movement of the suspended cable, wherein the traction drive unit is designed to extract the suspended cable from the restraining element during travel of the car.

Description

[0001] AN ELEVATOR SYSTEM WITH RESTRAINING OF CABLE

[0002] MOVEMENT

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] [1] The present invention relates to the field of cable-based transportation systems, and particularly to cable-based elevator systems with restraining of cable movement. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for transporting cable-based elevator cars along suspended cables while preventing unintended movement of the suspended cables. The invention specifically pertains to a system for transport of cars along a suspended cable restrained by restraining elements, through the use of a traction drive unit that is configured to transport the car by means of traction of the suspended cables while extracting the suspended cable from the restraining elements.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] [2] Cable-based elevator systems in tall buildings require long suspended cables, which are susceptible to swaying and oscillating. This movement of the cable is a known problem, as it can compromise the stability, safety, and comfort of the elevator ride. It can also shorten the cable’s lifespan and increase the risk of critical failure due to wear and tear or unexpected collision of the suspended cable with other elements.

[0007] [3] The inherent flexibility of the cable allows for unwanted movement, which may be caused by wind, natural movement of the building, or the elevator's own motion.

[0008] [4] This problem can be mitigated through the use of a support structure that would restrain the movement of the suspended cable. However, in order to allow a self- propelled elevator car to climb on a suspended cable, the cable should not be surrounded by any elements that could obstruct the path of the elevator car, which thwarts the implementation of any kind of support structure that could restrain the movement of the suspended cable.

[0009] [5] Therefore, there is a need for a solution for cable-based self-propelled transportation systems that restrain cable movement. This invention seeks to fulfill this need by introducing a novel system for transporting elevator cars along cables while restraining the movement of the cables, to provide safe, stable and comfortable self- propelled elevator transportation.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] [6] The present invention relates to a system for transport of cars along cables, introducing an innovative approach for transporting self-propelled cars along suspended cables while restraining the movement of the suspended cables. The systems disclosed herein provide a novel solution for preventing unintended movement of suspended cables in cable-based transport, by incorporation of restraining elements for receiving the suspended cable and a mechanism for extracting the suspended cable from the restraining elements during travel of a car along a transport pathway.

[0012] [7] The solution disclosed herein overcomes the problem of uncontrolled movement of suspended cable during operation of cable-based elevator system by using restraining elements for keeping the suspended cable static and a traction drive unit on a self- propelled car, arranged to extract the suspended cable from the restraining elements during travel of the car. The restraining elements stabilize the suspended cable to prevent it from swaying or vibrating, while allowing the suspended cable to be extracted from and put back onto them.

[0013] [8] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for transport of cars along cables, comprising at least one car, arranged to travel on at least one guiding rail along a transport pathway; at least one suspended cable, suspended along said transport pathway; at least one traction drive unit fixed to said at least one car, arranged to transport said at least one car by traction of said at least one suspended cable; and at least one restraining element installed in said transport pathway, arranged to prevent unintended movement of said at least one suspended cable; wherein said at least one traction drive unit is designed to extract said at least one suspended cable from said at least one restraining element during travel of said at least one car along said transport pathway.

[0014] [9] The combination of traction drive unit on the car with the guiding rail that limits the movement of the car along a transport pathway to maintain a gap between the traction drive unit and the suspended cable, allows for incorporation of restraining elements along the suspended cable to support the suspended cable without obstructing the path of the car and traction drive unit fixed to it. The traction drive unit on the car serves a dual purpose as it is configured both to transport the car along transport pathway by means of traction of the suspended cable and to extract the suspended cable from the restraining elements that limit its movement, which allows the suspended cable to be kept in a static position by the restraining elements during travel of the car. The traction drive unit fills this dual purpose through the use of sheaves rotatably installed in parallel to the plane through which suspended cable extends. The suspended cable is wrapped around the sheaves while at least one of the sheaves is rotated by a motor, forming traction between the sheaves and suspended cable when the sheaves rotate, causing the traction drive unit to pull the car it is installed on along the suspended cable.

[0015]

[0010] Since the car’s path of movement along the transport pathway is limited by the guiding rail, maintaining a gap between the sheaves and the plane of the suspended cable, the traction drive unit and sheaves in it never collide with the restraining elements during travel of the car, but rather pass above them or roll against them. Thanks to this configuration, the sheaves perform both actions simultaneously: transporting the car along the suspended cable by rotating against it, and pulling the suspended cable away from the plane it extends through to extract it from each of the restraining elements when the car approaches it.

[0016] TERMS AND GENERAL COMMENTS

[0017]

[0011] The term “restraining element" may refer to any type of element that is suitable for receiving, holding, housing and / or limiting movement of a suspended cable, such as an elongated groove or a bracket.

[0018]

[0012] The term "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 an 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.

[0019]

[0013] The term "traction drive unit" may refer to any drive mechanism that may be installed on a cable-based transport vehicle and transport it along a suspended cable by means of traction with the suspended cable.

[0020]

[0014] The term “idle pulley” may refer to any type of unmotorized wheel that may contain a single or multiple grooves that can fit a cable or cables, and that may rotate freely against a cable or cables.

[0021]

[0015] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the system(s) described in the below embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to hereinafter as "system", “cable-based transport system” or "system for transport of cars along cables" interchangeably.

[0022]

[0016] The car(s) to which the device disclosed herein is fixed may be referred to hereinafter as "car", "transport vehicle", "means of transport" or "transport device" interchangeably.

[0023]

[0017] 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.

[0024]

[0018] 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.

[0025] EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0026]

[0019] Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be incorporated in the invention detailed herein, independently or in combination therewith:

[0027]

[0020] In an embodiment of the system of the present invention, said at least one restraining element being a plurality of brackets installed at intervals along said transport pathway, designed to receive said at least one suspended cable.

[0028]

[0021] According to another embodiment, said at least one suspended cable is anchored at both ends of said transport pathway, and constantly stretched to prevent slacking.

[0029]

[0022] In one example of the system detailed in the present invention, the restraining elements are multiple brackets that are positioned at various intervals along the transport pathway. These brackets are specifically designed to receive and hold the suspended cable, thereby preventing any unintended movement or swaying of the cable during the operation of the transport system.

[0023] In another embodiment, said at least one car is movably attached to said at least one guiding rail at a predetermined distance from said at least one restraining element, to prevent collision of said at least one traction drive unit with said at least one restraining element during transport of said at least one car along said transport pathway.

[0030]

[0024] In a particular embodiment of the system of the present invention, the car is movably attached to the guiding rail at a set distance from the restraining elements. This arrangement ensures that the traction drive unit attached to the car does not collide with the restraining elements as the car moves along the transport pathway. This predetermined distance is meticulously calculated to allow smooth operation of the system and prevent any disruption during the car's journey.

[0031]

[0025] In another embodiment, said transport pathway is inclined, and said plurality of brackets are installed along said transport pathway in parallel to said at least one guiding rail.

[0032]

[0026] In another embodiment, said at least one suspended cable being a plurality of suspended cables, said at least one traction drive unit is configured to transport said at least one car by traction of said plurality of suspended cables, and said at least one restraining element is designed to accommodate said plurality of suspended cables.

[0033]

[0027] In another embodiment, said at least one restraining element is mounted on at least one shock-absorbing arm.

[0034]

[0028] This arm is designed to absorb any potential shocks or vibrations that might occur during the operation of the transport system, thereby further stabilizing the suspended cable and ensuring a smoother, safer ride for the self-propelled car.

[0035]

[0029] In another embodiment, the system of the present invention further comprising at least one support mechanism for supporting said at least one restraining element and enabling said at least one restraining element to move out of the way of said at least one traction drive unit upon approaching of said at least one car toward said at least one restraining element.

[0036]

[0030] This prevents potential collision between the traction drive unit and the restraining element, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted travel of the car along the transport pathway. The support element is configured to return the restraining element to its original position after the car has passed.

[0031] In another embodiment, said at least one suspended cable is made of magnetic material, and said at least one restraining element is equipped with a magnet, arranged to prevent said at least one suspended cable from drifting away from said at least one restraining element.

[0037]

[0032] This magnetic attraction ensures the suspended cable remains in a static position, enhancing the stability of the transport system. However, when the car, with its traction drive unit, approaches a restraining element, the traction drive unit is designed to extract the suspended cable from the magnetic field of the restraining element, allowing the car to continue its journey along the transport pathway.

[0038]

[0033] According to another embodiment, said at least one traction drive unit comprises at least one sheave, and said at least one suspended cable is arranged to roll over said at least one sheave.

[0039]

[0034] In another embodiment, said traction drive unit is designed to extract said at least one suspended cable from said at least one restraining element by said at least one sheave during travel of said at least one car along said transport pathway.

[0040]

[0035] As the car travels along the transport pathway, the sheave pulls the suspended cable, causing it to roll over the sheave. This action effectively extracts the suspended cable from the restraining element.

[0041]

[0036] For example, a possible configuration of the traction drive unit includes three sheaves: a first sheave which extracts the suspended cable from the restraining element into the traction drive unit, a driving sheave inside the traction drive unit, which propels the car by traction of the suspended cable, and a third sheave which returns the suspended cable to the restraining elements; wherein the cable is arranged to roll over the three sheaves in sequence - over the side close to the restraining elements of the first sheave, wrapping around the opposite side of the driving sheave, and returning over the side close to the restraining elements of the third sheave. It may be appreciated that different numbers and arrangements of sheaves can be used in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0042]

[0037] In another embodiment, said at least one restraining element being a plurality of restraining elements arranged in a first row of restraining elements and a second row of restraining elements, wherein said first row of restraining elements is situated to hold said at least one suspended cable before entering said at least one traction drive unit, and said second row of restraining elements is situated to receive said at least one suspended cable after exiting said at least one traction drive unit during travel of said at least one car along said transport pathway.

[0043]

[0038] This summary outlines the comprehensive features, configurations, and operational aspects of the invention described herein offering a versatile solution for a system for transporting self-propelled cars along suspended cables while restraining the movement of the cables.

[0044]

[0039] Various objects, features, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

[0045] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046]

[0040] The disclosure can be more fully appreciated in connection with the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which:

[0047]

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates a system for transport of cars along cables with restraining elements and a traction drive unit arranged to extract a suspended cable from them according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0048]

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates a system for transport of cars along cables adapted to an inclined transport pathway according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0049]

[0043] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate two configurations of restraining elements and suspended cables in the system of the present invention according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0050]

[0044] Figure 4 illustrates a system for transport of cars along cables with support mechanisms for enabling movement of restraining elements according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0051]

[0045] Figure 5 illustrates a posterior and lateral views of a system for transport of cars along cables with two rows of restraining elements according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] GENERAL COMMENTS

[0054]

[0046] The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, 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.

[0055] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056]

[0047] The present invention relates to a novel system for transporting self-propelled cars along suspended cables while restraining the movement of the cables. This innovative approach addresses the challenge of maintaining cable stability by incorporating restraining elements and a unique traction drive unit designed to transport the car along the suspended cable and extract the suspended cable from the restraining elements.

[0057]

[0048] Turning first to FIG 1, showing an embodiment of a system for transport of cars along cables 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The system 100 includes an elevator car 101 arranged to travel on guiding rail 102 along transport pathway 103, suspended cable 104 extending along transport pathway 103, and restraining elements 106 fixed to a wall along transport pathway 103 at intervals from one another. Restraining elements 106 are arranged to receive and prevent unintended movement of suspended cable 104. Elevator car 101 comprises traction drive unit 105, arranged to transport elevator car 101 along transport pathway 103 by traction of suspended cable 104. Traction drive unit 105 is designed to extract a segment of suspended cable 104 from each of restraining elements 106 when elevator car 101 travels across it by pulling suspended cable 104 into traction drive unit 105, and releasing same segment of suspended cable 104 out of traction drive unit 105 when elevator car 105 continues its movement in the same direction, allowing suspended cable 104 to return into its position on each of restraining elements 106. Guiding rail 102 is installed in parallel to suspended cable 104 and restraining elements 106, and arranged to keep elevator car 101 at a predetermined distance from restraining elements 106 throughout elevator car’s 101 path of movement along transport pathway 103, to prevent collision of traction drive unit 105 with restraining elements 106 during transport of elevator car 101 along transport pathway 103.

[0058]

[0049] Now referring to FIG 2, showing an embodiment of a system for transport of cars along cables 200 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. The system 200 includes car 201 arranged to travel on guiding rail 202 along transport pathway 203, suspended cable 204 extending along transport pathway 203, and restraining elements

[0059] 206 fixed to a wall along transport pathway 203 at intervals from one another. Restraining elements 206 are configured as brackets arranged to receive and prevent unintended movement of suspended cable 204. Car 201 is slidably installed on guiding rail 202 via rollers 208 which are rotatably fixed on car 201 from multiple sides of guiding rail 202 and arranged to allow car 201 to move only along guiding rail 202. When car 201 travels on guiding rail 202, rollers 208 rotate against guiding rail 202 to allow car 201 to ride smoothly and with minimum friction with guiding rail 202.

[0060]

[0050] Car 201 comprises traction drive unit 205, arranged to transport car 201 along transport pathway 203 by traction of suspended cable 204. Traction drive unit 205 comprises a pair of sheaves 207 and at least one internal sheave or idle pulley (not shown), at least one of sheaves 207 or internal sheave is rotated by a motor (not shown) in traction drive unit 205. Suspended cable 204 is arranged to wrap around the pair of sheaves 207 and the internal sheave in a sequence, starting with one of sheaves 207, continuing to the internal sheave, and exiting through the other of sheaves 207. This configuration causes suspended cable 204 to be extracted from each of restraining elements 206 when car 201 approaches it, pulled into traction drive unit 205 by sheaves

[0061] 207 and internal sheave when they are rotated against suspended cable 204 and then released out of traction drive unit 205, which allows suspended cable 204 to return into its previous position on each of restraining elements 206 when car 201 travels past it.

[0062]

[0051] In the embodiment shown here, transport pathway 203 is inclined and guiding rail 202, suspended cable 204 and restraining elements 206 are positioned along transport pathway 203 in parallel to inclined plane of transport pathway 203. Similarly, rollers 208 and traction drive unit 205 are installed on car 201 in parallel to inclined plane of transport pathway 203, to allow them to engage with guiding rail 202 and suspended cable 204, respectively. The rollers 208 and traction drive unit 205 are installed on car 201 in a position that causes car 201 to remain upright throughout its path of movement along guiding rail 202. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments rollers 208 and traction drive unit 205 may be movably installed on car 201 and configured to change their inclination relative to car 201 in order to maintain horizontal position of car 201 during change in inclination of transport pathway 203.

[0063]

[0052] Continuing to FIG 3a and FIG 3b, illustrating two configurations of a restraining element in the form of a bracket and suspended cables in accordance with some embodiments of the system disclosed herein. In FIG 3a, bracket 306 is designed to receive single suspended cable 304 in an embodiment of the present invention where the car (not shown) travels along one suspended cable. In FIG 3b, bracket 356 is designed to receive three suspended cables 354 in an embodiment of the present invention where the car (not shown) travels along three parallel suspended cables. It will be understood that in such a system, each of the sheaves in the traction drive unit (not shown) also comprises three parallel grooves designed to accommodate the three suspended cables 354 to allow the traction drive unit to pull them and extract them from restraining element 356 simultaneously. It will be appreciated that the brackets shown herein may have different profile shapes designed to accommodate suspended cables with different characteristics, materials or cross-section shapes. The brackets, or the surfaces on the brackets that come into contact with the suspended cable, may include a magnet designed to attract the suspended cable (made of magnetic material) and keep it restrained until extracted from the restraining element by a traction drive of a car traveling over it.

[0064]

[0053] Now referring to FIG 4, showing an embodiment of a system for transport of cars along cables 400 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. The system 400 includes elevator car 401 arranged to travel on guiding rail (not shown) along transport pathway 403, suspended cable 404 extending along transport pathway 403, and restraining elements 406a 406b 406c mounted on a wall along transport pathway 403 via support mechanisms 409a 409b 409c, respectively. Traction drive unit 405 comprising sheaves 407a 407b is fixed to elevator car 401 and arranged to transport elevator car 401 along transport pathway 403.

[0065]

[0054] Support mechanisms 409a 409b 409c are configured as telescopic arms, each of them equipped with a compressible element, such as a spring or gas piston (not shown), configured to cause such support mechanism to expand and push the restraining element associated therewith against suspended cable 404. When traction drive unit 405 reaches each of restraining elements 406a 406b 406c, one of sheaves 407a 407b pushes said restraining element to the side, thereby compressing the one of support mechanisms 409a 409b 409c associated with the restraining element, and allowing the sheave to roll over the restraining element. When the sheave travels past the restraining element and releases it, the compressible element in the support mechanism causes it to expand, thereby returning the restraining element to its normal position, to restrain the movement of suspended cable 404. As shown here, support mechanisms 409a 409c are in normal (expanded) state, while support mechanism 409b is in compressed state, caused by sheave 407b pushing restraining element 406b. It may be appreciated that in other embodiments, additional members of traction drive unit 405 can be used to cause movement of restraining elements 406a 406b 406c.

[0066]

[0055] Lastly, turning to FIG 5, showing an embodiment of a system for transport of cars along cables 500 from posterior and lateral views in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. The system 500 includes car 501 arranged to travel on guiding rails 502a 502b along transport pathway 503, suspended cable 504 extending across transport pathway 503, and restraining elements 506a 506b fixed along transport pathway 203 at intervals from one another.

[0067]

[0056] Elevator car 501 comprises traction drive unit 505, arranged to transport car 501 along transport pathway 503 by traction of suspended cable 504. Traction drive unit 505 comprises a pair of sheaves 507a 507b, where sheave 507a is rotatably installed in one side of traction drive unit 505 and sheave 507b is rotatably installed in opposite side of traction drive unit 505. Suspended cable 504 is arranged to roll over sheaves 507a 507b in sequence, such that it enters traction drive unit 505 from one side through one of sheaves 507a 507b and exits traction drive unit 505 from the other side through the other of sheaves 507a 507b.

[0068]

[0057] Restraining elements 506a 506b are configured as rows of brackets installed along transport pathway 503 at intervals and arranged to receive and prevent unintended movement of suspended cable 504. Restraining elements 506a 506b are arranged in two rows, first row of restraining elements 506a and second row of restraining elements 506b, fixed in parallel along transport pathway 503. First row of restraining elements 506a is arranged to hold suspended cable before entering traction drive unit 505, and second row of restraining elements 506b is arranged to receive suspended cable 504 after exiting traction drive unit 505 during travel of elevator car 501 along transport pathway 503. It will be appreciated that in the current configuration, once suspended cable 504 is extracted from each bracket of restraining elements 506a 506b by traction drive unit 505, it is not being put back into such bracket until elevator car 501 switches its direction of movement.

[0069]

[0058] The content described above is illustrative and should not be seen as restrictive. Various alterations and changes can be made without deviating from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is defined in the subsequent claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A system for transport of cars along cables, comprising: at least one car, arranged to travel on at least one guiding rail along a transport pathway; at least one suspended cable, suspended along said transport pathway; at least one traction drive unit fixed to said at least one car, arranged to transport said at least one car by traction of said at least one suspended cable; and at least one restraining element installed in said transport pathway, arranged to prevent unintended movement of said at least one suspended cable; wherein said at least one traction drive unit is designed to extract said at least one suspended cable from said at least one restraining element during travel of said at least one car along said transport pathway.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one restraining element being a plurality of brackets installed at intervals along said transport pathway, designed to receive said at least one suspended cable.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one suspended cable is anchored at both ends of said transport pathway, and constantly stretched to prevent slacking.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one car is movably attached to said at least one guiding rail at a predetermined distance from said at least one restraining element, to prevent collision of said at least one traction drive unit with said at least one restraining element during transport of said at least one car along said transport pathway.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein said transport pathway is inclined, and said plurality of brackets are installed along said transport pathway in parallel to saidat least one guiding rail.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one suspended cable being a plurality of suspended cables, said at least one traction drive unit is configured to transport said at least one car by traction of said plurality of suspended cables, and said at least one restraining element is designed to accommodate said plurality of suspended cables.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one restraining element is mounted on at least one shock-absorbing arm.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one support mechanism for supporting said at least one restraining element and enabling said at least one restraining element to move out of the way of said at least one traction drive unit upon approaching of said at least one car toward said at least one restraining element.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one suspended cable is made of magnetic material, and said at least one restraining element is equipped with a magnet, arranged to prevent said at least one suspended cable from drifting away from said at least one restraining element.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one traction drive unit comprises at least one sheave, and said at least one suspended cable is arranged to roll over said at least one sheave.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said traction drive unit is designed to extract said at least one suspended cable from said at least one restraining element by said at least one sheave during travel of said at least one car along said transport pathway.

12. The system of claim 1, said at least one restraining element being a plurality ofrestraining elements arranged in a first row of restraining elements and a second row of restraining elements, wherein said first row of restraining elements is situated to hold said at least one suspended cable before entering said at least one traction drive unit, and said second row of restraining elements is situated to receive said at least one suspended cable after exiting said at least one traction drive unit during travel of said at least one car along said transport pathway .

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