WO2012014222A1

WO2012014222A1 - Implementing cable less elevator system

Info

Publication number: WO2012014222A1
Application number: PCT/IN2011/000476
Authority: WO
Inventors: Badhe Vijay Padmakar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-28
Filing date: 2011-07-20
Publication date: 2012-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2013-01-28

Abstract

A cable less elevator system and a method for implementing the cable less elevator system are disclosed. The system comprises at least one set of guide rails (108A, 108B) for supporting the upward and downward movement of an elevator car (110) balanced by a counter weight. The system includes an AC powered driving motor (104) cooperating with a master control panel (120) and a plurality of auxiliary control panels (124) mounted on each floor of the building and in proximity to the gateway of the elevator car (110) to facilitate the movement of the elevator car and a first control panel (122) adapted to control a plurality of amenities within the elevator car (110). The system further includes a first means (114) facilitating power generation, a power generation means (116) adapted to generate electric power and a storage means (118) to store electric power.

Description

IMPLEMENTING CABLE LESS ELEVATOR SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of elevators.

Particularly, this invention relates to cable less elevator systems.

DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN THE SPECIFICATION

The term 'elevator shaft' in this specification relates to the vertical shaft passing through a building perpendicular to the base of the building. It permits the passage of the elevator car from one floor of the building to another.

The term 'elevator car' in this specification relates to the lifting device consisting of a closed platform. This platform can be lowered or raised in a vertical shaft to move people from one floor of the building to another.

The term 'control panel' in this specification relates to a device comprising a flat insulated surface comprising switches for controlling other devices in the system.

The 'master control panel' in this specification relates to the control panel used for driving the motor of the elevator car.

The 'first control panel' in this specification relates to the control panel used within the elevator car to control the amenities present within the elevator car and to control the movement of the elevator car.

The term 'amenities' in this specification includes fans, air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment and the like provided inside the elevator car.

The term 'auxiliary control panel' in this specification relates to the Landing Operation Panels used in each floor of the building to call the elevator car to that particular floor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An elevator is equipment for vertical transport of people and freight between floors of a multistory building. A typical elevator system consists of an elevator cab or elevator car or lifts cab or lift car moving on the elevator shaft running through the building. The elevator car is balanced by a counter weight. It is a legal requirement in multistory buildings to provide elevator system, where wheelchair access is impractical.

The capacity of an elevator is related to the available floor space. Most elevators are built to provide service for a specified period of time. Normally manufacturers specify the service intervals. Regular inspection and maintenance on a periodic basis keeps the elevator system in a good condition. A typical elevator system must carry more people in a single transit, use less energy, have reduced maintenance cost and allow fast movement of the elevator car, thus providing an efficient vertical transport system.

Conventional elevator systems are based on cables. These elevator systems comprise of cables which run parallel to the elevator shaft along the length of the multistory building. These cables carry control signals for the controlled upward and downward movement of the elevator car and also carry power supply for the amenities provided inside the elevator car. But these elevator systems consume more power and are less efficient. Also adding to the problem is their huge installation cost.

Cable based elevators require regular and frequent maintenance at appropriate time intervals for their efficient operation. The whole process of maintenance will be cumbersome and consumes more time. In a multi-elevator complex system, fixing the problems related to the elevator cables and troubleshooting the related problems is much more complicated.

Hence there is felt a need of an elevator system

> that provides efficient vertical transport of passengers;

> that provides reliable vertical transport of passengers;

> that provides cost effective vertical transport of passengers; > that is easy to install;

> that is easy to maintain; and

> that has an aesthetic appeal.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an efficient cable less elevator system.

It is another object of the invention to provide a reliable cable less elevator system.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cost effective cable less elevator system.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a cable less elevator system which is easy to install and maintain.

One more object of the invention is to provide a safe cable less elevator system.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a cable less elevator system that has an aesthetic appeal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An elevator system having an elevator shaft running thorough a building, said system comprising at least one set of guide rails for supporting the upward and downward movement of an elevator car balanced by a counter weight, said system having an AC powered driving motor cooperating with a master control panel and a plurality of auxiliary control panels mounted on each floor of the building and in proximity to the gateway of the elevator car to facilitate the upward and downward movement of the elevator car, the elevator car comprising a first control panel adapted to control a plurality of amenities, said system characterized by;

^■ a power supply unit providing electric current for energizing the guide rails;

^■ a plurality of conduction elements connected to the elevator car to draw said electric current from the guide rails for energizing the first control panel and the amenities present within the elevator car;

^■ first means cooperating with the elevator car adapted to facilitate generation of electric power; ■ power generation means cooperating with said first means to generate electric power;

■ storage means coupled to each of the auxiliary control panels, said storage means cooperating with said power generation means to intermittently store said electric power, said storage means adapted to supply said electric power to each of the auxiliary control panels; and

^■ RF transmitters and receivers cooperating with the first control panel, each of the auxiliary control panels and the master control panel, said RF transmitters and receivers adapted to facilitate transmission and reception of signals between the first control panel, each of the auxiliary control panels and the master control panel to provide for controlled movement of the elevator car.

Typically, in accordance with the present invention, the power supply unit energizes the guide rails by providing the electric current selected from the group consisting DC power and low voltage AC power.

Typically, in accordance with the present invention, the conduction elements include brushes positioned on the outer vertical edge of the elevator car, the brushes adapted to make contact with the set of guide rails.

Typically, in accordance with the present invention, the first means is selected from the group consisting of magnets, light sources and rotors.

Typically, in accordance with the present invention, the power generation means is selected from the group consisting of photo emissive cells, turbines and coils.

Typically, in accordance with the present invention, the storage means includes a rechargeable battery.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for implementing an elevator system having an elevator shaft running through a building and comprising at least one set of guide rails for supporting the upward and downward movement of an elevator car, the elevator system further comprising an AC powered driving motor cooperating with a master control panel and a plurality of auxiliary control panels mounted in proximity to gateway of the elevator car on each floor to facilitate the upward and downward movement of the elevator car, the elevator car having a first control panel to control a plurality of amenities located within the elevator car. The method in accordance with the present invention includes the following steps:

^■ providing electric current to the guide rails through a rectifier unit and enegising the guide rails;

^■ connecting conduction elements to the elevator car to draw current from the guide rails for energizing the first control panel and the amenities present within the elevator car;

^■ positioning first means on the elevator car;

^■ coupling power generation means with each of the auxiliary control panels;

^■ coupling each of the auxiliary control panels, the first control panel and the master control panel with F transmitters and receivers to facilitate transmission and reception of signals between the first control panel, each of the auxiliary control panels and master control panel to provide controlled movement of the elevator car.

Typically, in accordance with the present invention, the step of connecting the conduction elements to the elevator car further includes the step of connecting a plurality of brushes to the elevator car.

Typically, in accordance with the present invention, the step of positioning said first means on the elevator car further includes the step of positioning component selected from the group consisting of magnets, light sources and rotors.

Typically, in accordance with the present invention, the step of coupling power generation means with each of the auxiliary control panels further includes the step of coupling storage means with each of the auxiliary control panels to intermittently store the energy induced in said power generation means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with the help of accompanying drawings in which, FIGURE-1 illustrates schematic diagram of a cable less elevator system, in accordance with present invention.

FIGURE-2 and FIGURE-3 illustrate the flow chart of method of implementing a cable less elevator system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention envisages a system and method for implementing a cable less elevator system. The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which do not limit the scope and ambit of invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, FIGURE-1 illustrates a block diagram of the system 100. The system 100 is provided with a driving motor 104 which is controlled by the master control panel 120. The driving motor 104 facilitates the upward and downward movement of the elevator car 110 along a set of guide rails respectively denoted by 108A and 108B. AC power from a power source actuates the driving motor 104 and the driving motor 104 moves the elevator car 110 along the set of guide rails 108A and 108B. Auxiliary control panels 124 are installed on each of the floors of the building for assisting users to get the information about the position of the elevator car 110 in the elevator shaft. The auxiliary control panels 124 also provide users with the facility of calling the elevator car 110 to a particular floor. The auxiliary control panels 124 also display the current position of the elevator car 110 on the elevator shaft. The master control panel 120 cooperating with the driving motor 104 controls the movement of the elevator car 110 in the elevator shaft. The first control panel 122 mounted within the elevator car 110 assists users in selecting the desired floors 102 and also in starting and stopping the elevator car 110 at appropriate floors of the building. The first control panel 122 mounted within the elevator car 110 and the auxiliary control panels 124 installed on each floor co-perate with the master control panel 120 in driving the driving motor 104 for moving the elevator car 110 in the elevator shaft. The first control panel 122 mounted within the elevator car 110, auxiliary control panel 124 installed on each floor and the master control panel 120 comprise at least one RF transmitter and RF receiver for transmitting and receiving control signals and data signals. The communication of control signals and data signals between the master control panel 120, the first control panel 122 and auxiliary control panel 124 facilitate determining the position of the elevator car 110 on the elevator shaft, calling the elevator car 110 to a particular floor position, opening the doorways facilitating entry and exit into/from the elevator car 110, starting the elevator car 110 and stopping the elevator car 110 at the desired floor position.

In accordance with the present invention, the system 100 includes a power supply unit 106 adapted to supply electric power selected from the group consisting of DC power and low voltage AC power to the guide rails 108A and 108B. Conduction elements denoted by the reference numeral 112 are connected to the elevator car 110 and adapted to act as contact surface between the guide rails 108A, 108B and the elevator car 110. The conduction elements 112 comprise brushes mounted on the outer vertical edge of the elevator car 110. These brushes draw electric current from the guide rails 108A and 108B for energizing the amenities associated with the elevator car 110 and the first control panel 122.

In accordance with the present invention, the system 100 further includes first means 114 which is adapted to cooperate with the elevator car 110 moving through the elevator shaft of the building. The first means 114, in accordance with the present invention is selected from the group consisting of magnets, light sources and rotors. The first means 114 also cooperates with the power generation means 116 which is adapted to be momentarily energized by the upward and downward movement of the elevator car 110. The power generation means 116 in accordance with the present invention is selected from the group consisting of photo emissive cells, turbines and coils. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the first means 114 comprises at least one magnet mounted on the elevator car 110. The first means 114 being a magnet in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention is adapted to create a magnetic field. The magnetic field associated with the magnet comprises large magnetic flux. When the elevator car 110 moves through the elevator shaft of the building, the magnet mounted on the elevator car 110 brings about an increase in the magnetic flux as it gets closer to the power generation means 116 which in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of coils. The power generation means 116 is located at pre determined locations throughout the elevator shaft. While moving upwards and downwards through the elevator shaft, the magnet mounted on the elevator car 110 brings about an increase in the magnetic flux, thereby magnetically influencing the coils which are positioned at pre determined locations throughout the elevator shaft. The increase in the magnetic flux brought about by the upward and downward movement of the elevator car 110 through the elevator shaft induces electromagnetic current in the coils which are in proximity to the magnet mounted on the elevator car 110. The electromagnetic current thus induced in plurality of coils is temporarily stored in the storage means 118 which includes at least one rechargeable battery.

In accordance with second embodiment of the present invention, the first means 114 includes at least one light source which is adapted to emit light of pre determined wavelength. The light source is mounted on the elevator car 110 and is adapted to emit light of pre determined wavelength. The light emitted from the light source falls on the power generation means 116 when the elevator car 110 moves in upward and downward direction along the elevator shaft. The power generation means 116 in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of photo emissive cells positioned at pre determined locations on the elevator shaft. The photo emissive cell included in the power generation means 116 comprises small quartz bulbs with a photo sensitive material coated on its entire inner surface and with a small passage for light rays. When the light from the light source falls on the photo emissive surface, electrons are emitted from the photo emissive surface. These electrons known as photo electrons constitute photoelectric current. The amount of photo electric current can be controlled by controlling the amount of light falling on the photo emissive surface. The photoelectric current generated by the photo emissive cell of the power generation means 116 is stored in the storage means 118 which includes at least one rechargeable battery.

In accordance with third embodiment of the present invention, the first means 114 includes a plurality of rotors adapted to cooperate with the elevator car 110. The rotors are positioned on pre determined locations along the elevator shaft. The rotors are coupled to the power generation means 116 which in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of turbines. The rotors of the first means 114 are coupled to the turbines of the power generation means 116 through a plurality of conveyor belts. The turbines, in accordance with the present invention are surrounded by the pole pieces of horse shoe magnets or bar magnets. The pole pieces of magnets provide the magnetic field necessary for the induction of the current. The rotor rotates when it comes into contact with the elevator car 110 moving through the elevator shaft. The rotation of the rotor makes the associated turbine rotate. The rotation of the turbine brings about time rate change of the flux of the surrounding magnetic field linked to the copper coil included within the turbine. This change in flux induces current in the copper coil included within the turbine thereby converting the kinetic energy associated with the movement of elevator car 110 into electric energy. The current produced in this manner by the turbine is stored in the storage means 118 which includes at least one rechargeable battery.

In accordance with the present invention, the system 100 further includes RF transmitters and RF receivers, which cooperate with the first control panel 122, each of the auxiliary control panels 124 and the master control panel 120 to facilitate communication of data/control signals between the first control panel 122, each of the auxiliary control panels 124 and the master control panel 120. The control signals communicated and received through the RF transmitters and RF receivers respectively are utilized to assist the users to call the elevator car 110 to a particular floor, start the movement of the elevator car 110, stop the elevator car 110 and open the doorways facilitating entry and exit into/from the elevator car 110. When a user calls for the elevator car 110, the RF transmitter in the corresponding auxiliary control panel 124 transmits a control signal to the master control panel 120. The master control panel 120 receives the transmitted control signal with the aid of the RF receiver included in the master control panel 120. Further the master control panel 120 transmits a control signal from the RF transmitter to the RF receiver in the first control panel 122 located within the elevator car 110 in order to determine the position of the elevator car 110. The RF transmitter in the first control panel 122 sends the data signal to the master control panel 120 thereby denoting the position of the elevator car 110. The master control panel 120 analyses the data signal and actuates the driving motor 104 to move the elevator car 110 to the desired floor position denoted by the first control panel 122. The auxiliary control panel 124 gives the information to the user about the status of the elevator car 110.

When the stop request is made to stop the elevator car 110, the RF transmitter in the first control panel 122 of the elevator car 110 sends control signals to the RF receiver in the master control panel 120. The master control panel 120 analyses the control signal and RF transmitter in the master control panel 120 sends a data signal to the elevator car 110. The RF receiver in the first control panel 122 analyses the data signal and subsequently stops the elevator car 110.

Referring to FIGURE 2 and FIGURE 3, a flow chart for the method for transporting passengers in the cable less elevator system is shown. The method in accordance with the present invention includes the following steps:

■ providing electric current to the guide rails through a rectifier unit and enegising the guide rails 1000;

^■ connecting conduction elements to the elevator car to draw current from the guide rails for energizing the first control panel and the amenities present within the elevator car 1002;

^■ positioning first means on the elevator car 1004;

^■ coupling power generation means with each of the auxiliary control panels

1006; ^■ coupling each of the auxiliary control panels, the first control panel and the master control panel with RF transmitters and receivers to facilitate transmission and reception of signals between the first control panel, each of the auxiliary control panels and master control panel to provide controlled movement of the elevator car 1008.

In accordance with the present invention, the method also includes the step of connecting the conduction elements to the elevator car further includes the step of connecting a plurality of brushes to the elevator car.

In accordance with the present invention, the method also includes positioning the first means on the elevator car further includes the step of positioning the component selected from the group consisting of magnets, light sources and rotors.

In accordance with the present invention, the method also includes the step of coupling storage means with each of the auxiliary control panels to intermittently store the energy induced in said power generation means.

In accordance with the present invention, the method the step of coupling power generation means with each of the auxiliary control panels further includes the step of coupling storage means with each of the auxiliary control panels to intermittently store the energy induced in said power generation means.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The technical advancements offered by the present invention include:

■ providing a cable less elevator system which is easy to maintain and cost effective;

^■ providing a cable less elevator system which can be used for efficient passenger transit;

^■ providing a cable less elevator system which is reliable;

^■ providing a safer cable less elevator system;

^■ providing a cable less elevator system which is easy to install. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An elevator system having an elevator shaft running thorough a building, said system comprising at least one set of guide rails for supporting the upward and downward movement of an elevator car balanced by a counter weight, said system having an AC powered driving motor cooperating with a master control panel and a plurality of auxiliary control panels mounted on each floor of the building and in proximity to the gateway of the elevator car to facilitate the upward and downward movement of the elevator car, the elevator car comprising a first control panel adapted to control a plurality of amenities, said system characterized by;

■ a power supply unit providing electric current for energizing the guide rails;

■ a plurality of conduction elements connected to the elevator car to draw said electric current from the guide rails for energizing the first control panel and the amenities present within the elevator car;

■ first means cooperating with the elevator car adapted to facilitate generation of electric power;

■ power generation means cooperating with said first means to generate electric power;

■ RF transmitters and receivers cooperating with the first control panel, each of the auxiliary control panels and the master control panel, said RF transmitters and receivers adapted to facilitate transmission and reception of signals between the first control panel, each of the auxiliary control panels and the master control panel to provide for controlled movement of the elevator car.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power supply unit energizes the guide rails by providing said electric current selected from the group consisting of DC power and low voltage AC.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conduction elements include brushes positioned on the outer vertical edge of the elevator car, said brushes adapted to make contact with the set of guide rails.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first means is selected from the group consisting of magnets, light sources and rotors.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power generation means is selected from the group consisting of photo emissive cells, turbines and coils.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said storage means includes a rechargeable battery.

7. A method for implementing an elevator system having an elevator shaft running through a building and comprising at least one set of guide rails for supporting the upward and downward movement of an elevator car, the elevator system further comprising an AC powered driving motor cooperating with a master control panel and a plurality of auxiliary control panels mounted in proximity to gateway of the elevator car on each floor to facilitate the upward and downward movement of the elevator car, the elevator car having a first control panel to control a plurality of amenities located within the elevator car, the said method comprising the following steps:

■ providing electric current to the guide rails through a rectifier unit and enegising the guide rails;

■ connecting conduction elements to the elevator car to draw current from the guide rails for energizing the first control panel and the amenities present within the elevator car;

■ positioning first means on the elevator car; ^■ coupling power generation means with each of the auxiliary control panels;

^■ coupling each of the auxiliary control panels, the first control panel and the master control panel with RF transmitters and receivers to facilitate transmission and reception of signals between the first control panel, each of the auxiliary control panels and master control panel to provide controlled movement of the elevator car.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of connecting the conduction elements to the elevator car further includes the step of connecting a plurality of brushes to the elevator car.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of positioning said first means on the elevator car further includes the step of positioning component selected from the group consisting of magnets, light sources and rotors.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of coupling power generation means with each of the auxiliary control panels further includes the step of coupling storage means with each of the auxiliary control panels to intermittently store the energy induced in said power generation means.