CN1764591A - Elevator system without moving counterweight - Google Patents

Abstract

An elevator system (20) includes a car (22) supported for movement in a hoistway. A stressing device (44) is held adjacent one end (26) of the hoistway. The tension device (44) maintains a desired tension on the load bearing member (30), the load bearing member (30) supporting the weight of the cab (22) and moving the cab to a desired position within the hoistway. The load bearing member (30) extends from a first end of the hoistway toward the cab, wraps at least partially around a first sheave (36) supported for movement with the cab, extends from the first sheave (36) toward a first end (24) of the hoistway, wraps at least partially around a second sheave (38) supported near the first end of the hoistway, extends from the second sheave toward a second end (26) of the hoistway, wraps at least partially around a third sheave (40) supported near the second end of the hoistway, extends from the third sheave toward the cab, wraps at least partially around a fourth sheave (42) supported for movement with the cab, and extends from the fourth sheave toward the second end of the hoistway where it is secured to a tension device (44).

Description

Elevator system without moving counterweight

field of invention

The present invention generally relates to elevator systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to elevator systems having rope-wrap arrangements that do not require movable counterweights.

Introduction of existing technology

Elevator systems typically include a car supported for movement between different levels within a hoistway. The car is usually driven by wire ropes or other carriers that travel along pulleys located at appropriate locations in the system. A counterweight is usually associated with the car and supported by load bearings or cables. A counterweight moves up and down within a portion of the hoistway, usually while the car is moving.

While conventional arrangements are acceptable, those skilled in the art are always striving to improve them. One aspect under consideration is to improve the efficiency and economy of elevator systems. One aspect of accomplishing this is to reduce the amount of hoistway space required for elevator systems. Since the movement of the conventional counterweight must be accommodated, additional space is required for the counterweight in the hoistway. The counterweight itself and the provision of rails for guiding the counterweight in the hoistway entail additional costs. There are also disadvantages related to the installation, labor and time involved in properly assembling all the components required for a conventional system.

It would be desirable to provide a more economical and efficient elevator system. The present invention fulfills this need by providing a uniquely configured component in an elevator system.

Summary of the invention

Broadly speaking, the present invention is an elevator system having a load carrying assembly configured in such a way that no movable counterweight is required at all. The invention can improve the efficiency of the lift room.

A system designed according to the invention includes a car supported for movement within a hoistway. The carrier has one end secured adjacent the first end of the hoistway. A carrier extends from the first end toward the car where it wraps at least partially around a first pulley associated with the car. The carrier extends back toward the first end of the hoistway where it is at least partially wrapped around the second pulley near the first end. The carrier extends towards an opposite second end of the hoistway where it is at least partially wrapped around a third pulley adjacent the second end. The carrier then extends towards the car where it is at least partially wrapped around a fourth pulley associated with the car before extending towards the second end of the hoistway. The other end of the carrier is secured to a tensioning device which remains adjacent to the second end of the hoistway.

The motor drives the movement of the carrier and the corresponding movement of the car. In one example, the electric motor is associated with one of the first through fourth pulleys, making it the traction sheave of the system. In another example, a separate traction sheave is provided for the electric motor. In a system designed according to the latter example, it is easy to locate the motor at a favorable location outside the hoistway.

In one example, an elevator system includes carriers in a 2:1 arrangement. The system of the present invention allows convenient use of roping ratios of 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 or higher in order to achieve the desired system characteristics.

In one example, the tensioning device includes a mass held near the bottom of the hoistway. The weight of the mass ensures that there is just the right amount of tension on the carrier to achieve the desired movement of the car and to balance the weight of the car as required.

In one exemplary system, the weight includes interlocking sections that can be more easily transported to the installation site of the elevator system. After assembly on site, the interlocking parts together form a total weight that provides the required amount of tension and balance in the elevator system.

In another example, the shell or form may be filled with a selected material to achieve a desired weight. Concrete is used in one example.

In another example, the tensioning device includes at least one spring member. In one example, the tensioning device includes a pressure device such as a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator that can be adjusted to provide a desired amount of tension on the bearing.

Various features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments. The illustrations accompanying this detailed description are briefly described below.

Brief introduction to the drawings

Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary elevator system designed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 schematically shows another exemplary elevator system designed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 schematically shows another exemplary elevator system designed according to the present invention.

Figure 4 schematically shows another exemplary elevator system designed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 5 schematically shows another exemplary elevator system designed according to the present invention.

Figure 6 schematically shows an exemplary tensioning device used in an elevator system designed according to the present invention.

Figure 7 schematically shows another exemplary tensioning device used in an elevator system designed according to the present invention.

Fig. 8 schematically shows another exemplary tensioning device used in an elevator system designed according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 schematically shows the installation method of the elevator system designed according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Figure 1 schematically shows an elevator system 20 that facilitates movement of a car 22 between a first (ie, top) end 24 and a second (ie, bottom) end 26 of a hoistway to a selected location. The system 20 includes a bearing 30 that supports the weight of the car and facilitates the desired movement of the car 22 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of carriers 30 may be used in systems designed in accordance with the present invention. In one particular exemplary system a coated steel strip is employed. Another exemplary system includes at least one wire rope. For purposes of discussion, the following description uses the term "belt" as interchangeable with any kind of carrier, and the term "belt" should not be interpreted in its narrowest sense.

The carrier 30 has an end 32 secured adjacent the first end 24 of the hoistway. The figures schematically show a conventional end piece 34 . From this end a belt 30 extends towards the car 22 where it is at least partially wrapped around at least one pulley 36 supported to move with the car 22 . The belt 30 then extends back towards the first end 24 of the hoistway where it is at least partially wrapped around another pulley 38 .

The belt 30 then extends towards the second end 26 of the hoistway where it is at least partially wrapped around at least one pulley 40 . From there the belt 30 extends to the car 22 where it is at least partially wound on another pulley 42 supported to move with the car in the hoistway. The belt 30 then extends again towards the second end 26 of the hoistway.

A tensioning device 44 secures the other end 45 of the belt 30 to ensure that the proper amount of tension is applied to the carrier to adequately support the car and provide the necessary amount of traction to achieve the desired car movement. The movement of the car is obtained by controlling a machine 46 comprising an electric motor to move the belt about a drive pulley in a known manner. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the machine 46 is associated with a pulley 40 located near the second end 26 of the hoistway such that the pulley 40 is a traction or drive pulley. As the motor moves the belt 30 around the pulleys, the car will either rise or fall, depending on the direction of motion of the motor and drive wheels.

Since the tension device 44 maintains the required amount of tension on the belt 30, the traction pulley is able to move the belt and car. The tensioning device is supported so as to remain substantially stationary in the vicinity of one end of the hoistway. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the tensioning device is supported near the second end 26 of the hoistway. In another example, tension device 44 is supported near first end 24 . Using tensioning devices that do not move in the hoistway, such as conventional counterweights, can increase hoistway efficiency because it greatly reduces the space required to house the components of the elevator system. The cost savings resulting from the elimination of live counterweights is a significant advantage of the present invention.

Fig. 1 shows only schematically an exemplary system arranged according to the present invention. In this example, a 2:1 roping ratio is achieved wherein the belt 30 travels around the drive pulley twice the vertical distance that the car 22 travels in response to this movement of the belt. Other 2:1 arrangements are shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 to 5 . Other roping ratios such as 3:1 and 4:1 are also possible in the present invention.

The exemplary setup shown in FIG. 2 differs from that in FIG. 1 primarily in the arrangement of the machine 46 . In this example, a machine 46 is supported near the first end 24 of the hoistway. In this example, pulley 38 is a traction pulley.

Figure 3 shows another exemplary system designed in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the pulleys associated with the car 22 are of a so-called underhung arrangement. While a portion of the belt 30 extending toward the hoistway first end 24 is wrapped around a pulley 38 , a pulley 36 is supported beneath the car 22 . Depending on the particular car support structure, this arrangement can make the system more economical.

Figure 4 shows another so-called top-hung setup. In this example, pulley 42 and pulley 36 are supported above car 22 .

Fig. 5 schematically shows another exemplary system configuration. Here, machine 46 is not directly associated with one of the pulleys as in the previous example. This example includes dedicated drive wheels 50 associated with machine 46 . The steering wheels 52 facilitate guiding the belt 30 towards the machine position and then back into the track it is about to travel along to cooperate with the pulleys in the hoistway. In one example designed according to this embodiment, the machine 46 is located outside the hoistway enclosure. This configuration allows intentional placement of the machine in any desired location.

Tension device 44 may take various forms. In one example, the tension device includes a mass that remains relatively stationary. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the mass 54 is positioned near the second end 26 of the hoistway. The exemplary mass 54 has interlocking portions 56a and 56b so that the mass can be assembled at the installation site. By dividing the mass 54 into multiple sections that can be fastened together at the job site, transporting the mass 54 to the job site and installing the elevator system is simplified. Various interlocking or connection arrangements can be used to secure portions 56a and 56b together as desired.

In another example, the mass 54 includes a hollow shell or formwork that can be selectively filled at the installation site. The hollow shell or form can be filled with the required amount of selected material, such as concrete, to obtain the desired weight.

The total weight of the mass 54 is preferably set to maintain a desired amount of tension on the carrier 30 to obtain the desired operation of the elevator system. In one example, the mass 54 is preferably greater than or equal to one-half the sum of the mass of the car 22 and the rated load mass it is expected to carry. This relationship can be expressed by the formula: M _CWT =(M _CAR +M _DL )/2. This relationship assumes that the acceleration of the car is negligible, and that the traction ratio (ie, the ratio of tension on either side of drive wheel 34) is approximately 2 in this exemplary system.

In another example, the size of the proof mass 54 is preferably determined according to the following formula:

${\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; m</span>}}_{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; CWT</span>}}<span\; class="notranslate">\; =</span>\frac{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; 0.5</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; (</span>{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; m</span>}}_{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; CAR</span>}}<span\; class="notranslate">\; +</span>{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; m</span>}}_{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; DL</span>}}<span\; class="notranslate">\; )</span><span\; class="notranslate">\; (</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; g</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; +</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; a</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; )</span><span\; class="notranslate">\; +</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; 3</span>}\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; H\&rho;a</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; +</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; 0.25</span>}\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; h</span>}{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; \&rho;</span>}}_{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; PC</span>}}<span\; class="notranslate">\; (</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; g</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; +</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; a</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; )</span>}{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; g</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; (</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; TR</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; -</span>\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; 1</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; )</span>}$

in:

ρ is the cable linear density (kg/m),

H is the height of the building (m),

a is the acceleration of the car (m/s ² ),

g is the acceleration due to gravity (m/s ² ),

M _CAR is the mass of the car (kg),

M _DL is the rated load mass (kg),

M _CWT is the counterweight mass (kg),

_ρTC is the linear motion cable density (kg/m), and

TR is the traction ratio.

As is known, the amount of traction is a function of the belt or cable wrap angle and the coefficient of friction. Selecting components that provide greater friction (such as flat belts rather than round steel cables) allows the use of smaller masses 54 . Preferably, the mass 54 is smaller than conventional counterweights in order to enhance the savings afforded by the method of the present invention.

The example shown in Figure 6 includes a lever assembly 58 supporting the mass 54 about a pivot 60 suitably secured to, for example, the wall of the hoistway. The lever assembly 58 allows the strap 30 to be fixed in position relative to the suspended mass 54 for mechanical advantage. This arrangement further increases the ability to use a smaller mass 54 and still achieve the same tension provided by a much larger counterweight.

During operation of the elevator system, some movement of the mass 54 is required under certain circumstances. For example, changing the state or load on the carrier 30 may require slight movement of the mass 54 to accommodate the situation. Variations in the elasticity of the carrier 30 are typical, and some limited movement of the mass can accommodate this variation. However, any such movement of the mass 54 is very limited compared to the movement of the car 22 within the hoistway. Thus, the mass 54 is virtually stationary and any movement by it is much less than that experienced by conventional counterweights in conventional elevator systems.

A guide arrangement 62 is shown schematically in FIG. 6 for accommodating any desired movement of the mass 54 relative to the hoistway floor 26 . In this example, the guide means 62 comprises a pair of rail-like structures fixed in the hoistway. One slide rail 62 has a bottom secured to the floor at the bottom 26 of the hoistway. Another slide rail 62 is secured to the hoistway wall in a conventional manner.

Another exemplary tensioning device 44 is shown schematically in FIG. 7 . This example includes at least one spring member 64 that can tension the strap 30 . The connector 66 facilitates securing the terminal piece at the one end 45 of the strap 30 to the arrangement of the spring member 64 .

Another exemplary tensioning device 44 is shown schematically in FIG. 8 . In this example, at least one pressurized actuator 68 provides the tension necessary to maintain desired system operation. In one example, actuator 68 is hydraulic. In another example, actuator 68 is pneumatic. Conventional tension adjustment techniques facilitate providing the desired amount of tension. Connector 66 may facilitate securing strap 30 in a manner that allows multiple actuators 68 to provide the desired tension.

Those skilled in the art having the benefit of this description will be able to decide how to select eg a suitable mass, spring assembly or pressurized actuator arrangement in order to meet the requirements of their particular situation.

Elevator systems designed in accordance with the present invention provide a number of advantages. A significant advantage is the increased utilization of the hoistway space in a space-saving manner, thus improving the economy of the elevator system. Since the tensioning device 44 remains substantially stationary in selected locations within the hoistway, separate counterweight rails are not required, reducing the number of other components and, if desired, reducing the overall size of the hoistway.

Another advantage is the simplification of drive and brake components. For example, since there are no active counterweights, braking only needs to be done in one direction.

Another advantage of the system designed in accordance with the present invention is that it allows easy implementation of jump-lift installations. Figure 9 schematically shows another exemplary system designed according to the present invention and temporarily installed in a hoistway in a first state. In this example, the top support 70 is fixed relative to the hoistway at the first floor or level 72 in the building. This can be done, for example, while the building is still under construction. Securing the appropriate components in the elevator system to the top support 70 may be accomplished by conventional means. The top support 70 can be secured in the desired position in the hoistway by conventional means.

In this state, the car 22 can be used to transport goods between different levels within the building below level 72 . In this temporarily installed state, a portion 74 of the carrier 30 remains on a spool 75 spaced from the working part of the elevator system. Selected locations on the carrier 30 may be secured to the tensioning device 44 using conventional clamping devices 73 . In this temporarily installed state, the carrier 30 has a first length within the system by effectively keeping the slack or excess of the strap 74 out of the system.

The second mounting position is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 9 . In this state, the top support 70 is supported at a second story or level 76 in the building. By fully securing the car in a safe position, unclamping the carrier from the connection of the tension device 44, moving the top support 70 to the second height position, and then reattaching the carrier 30 to the tension device 44, this The innovative arrangement allows the transition from the first height 72 to the second height 76 . In the second position, the former excess 74 is at least partially in the working system and the carrier 30 has a second length in the elevator system, wherein the second length is greater than the first length. In this position, the elevator car 22 can reach multiple floors in the building.

This process can be repeated as many times as necessary, depending on the needs of a particular situation and the height of a particular building. This innovative arrangement makes it possible to install the elevator system in a jump sequence in a more efficient manner. Additionally, the ability to deal with excessively long carriers between installation locations is also simplified for systems designed in accordance with the present invention.

The foregoing description is exemplary rather than restrictive in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from the essence of this invention. The scope of legal protection given to this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.

Claims (18)

1. elevator device comprises:

Be supported for the car that can in hoist-hole, move;

At least one has near the load member of the first first end that is fixed on described hoist-hole, described load member is arranged in the described system, make described load member extend towards described car from first end of described hoist-hole, be wrapped at least in part be supported for can first pulley with described car movement on, first end towards described hoist-hole from described first pulley extends, be wrapped at least in part be supported in described hoist-hole first end near second pulley on, extend from second end of described second pulley towards described hoist-hole, be wrapped at least in part be supported in described hoist-hole second end near the 3rd pulley on, extend towards described car from described the 3rd pulley, be wrapped at least in part be supported for can the 4th pulley with described car movement on, and extend from second end of described the 4th pulley towards described hoist-hole; With

Be located near the tensioner of second end of described hoist-hole, its second portion with described load member is fixed near second end of described hoist-hole, and keeps the tension force on the described load member during all motions of described car in described hoist-hole.

2. system according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described system comprises can make described load member center on described pulley motion to realize the machine of required car movement.

3. system according to claim 2 is characterized in that, described machine be supported on described hoist-hole first end near.

4. system according to claim 2 is characterized in that, described machine is associated with in the described first, second, third or the 4th pulley at least one, makes the pulley that is associated with electrical motor become the traction wheel in the described system.

5. system according to claim 2, it is characterized in that, described system comprises traction wheel and at least one wheel flutter that is associated with electrical motor, contacts with described load member between in the described first, second, third or the 4th pulley two of wherein said traction wheel and wheel flutter.

6. system according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described tensioner comprises near the mass second end that remains on described hoist-hole.

7. system according to claim 6 is characterized in that, described system comprises the guiding piece that at least one is positioned to be used for guide the finite motion of mass.

8. system according to claim 6 is characterized in that, described car has certain car weight and is suitable for delivering certain rated load, nominal load weight, and the weight of described mass equals half of described car weight and rated load, nominal load weight sum at least.

9. system according to claim 6 is characterized in that, described mass comprises a plurality of parts that are fixed together.

10. system according to claim 6 is characterized in that described mass comprises the shell that has been partially filled selected material at least.

11. system according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described tensioner comprises at least one spring.

12. system according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described tensioner comprises at least one pressure actuator.

13. system according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described tensioner comprises lever part, it has, and be supported for can be with respect to the pivotally supported end of the part of hoist-hole, and being fixed on second end on the tension part of described tensioner, described load member is fixed on the select location place between described first and second lever end of being on the described lever part.

14. method that elevator device is installed, described elevator device have car, a plurality of pulley, can be around the load member of described pulley motion with the required motion that causes described car, and when described car movement, keep static tensioner basically, described method comprises step:

(A) the desired height place in hoist-hole is provided with top braces;

(B) first with described load member is fixed on the described top braces;

(C) the desired location place in described system supports a plurality of pulleys;

(D) in a desired manner described load member is wrapped on the described pulley;

(E) second portion with described load member is fixed on the described tensioner, makes first section of described load member to extend between described first and second portion, and described first section length is less than the total length of described load member;

(F) utilize described elevator device that described car being between the position below the described desired height in described hoist-hole moved;

(G) unclamp the second portion of described load member subsequently from described tensioner;

(H) described top braces is risen to higher second height in the described hoist-hole; With

(I) third part with described load member is fixed on the described tensioner, makes second section of described load member to extend between described first and third part, and described second section length is greater than described first section length.

15. method according to claim 14 is characterized in that, described method comprises the third part of unclamping described load member subsequently from described tensioner;

Described top braces is risen to the 3rd highly higher height of ratio described second in the described hoist-hole; With

On described tensioner, make the 3rd section of described load member to extend between described first and the 4th part the 4th partial fixing of described load member, described the 3rd section length is greater than described second section length.

16. method according to claim 14 is characterized in that, described method is included in to be carried out described step (H) and (I) utilizes described elevator device to make between the position below second height of described car in described hoist-hole afterwards and move.

17. method according to claim 14, it is characterized in that, described step (C) comprises to be arranged to first pulley can move with described car, with second pulley be arranged on described top braces near, with the 3rd pulley be arranged on described hoist-hole one end near, the 4th pulley is arranged to and can be moved with described car.

18. method according to claim 17, it is characterized in that, described step (D) comprises described load member is arranged so that described load member extends towards described car from described top braces, be wrapped at least in part on described first pulley, extend towards described top braces from described first pulley, be wrapped at least in part on described second pulley, also be wrapped at least in part on described the 3rd pulley towards described the 3rd pulley extension from described second pulley, extend towards described car from described the 3rd pulley, be wrapped at least in part on described the 4th pulley, and extend towards described tensioner from described the 4th pulley.

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