KR100619203B1 - Machine-roomless elevator system with an elevator machine mounted on an elevator car - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine-free elevator system 10 includes an elevator car 16 propelled by a mounted elevator mechanism 32 and at least one flat rope 22 that suspends the elevator car 16 to provide traction. do. The use of flat ropes in combination with various roping arrangements reduces the size of the elevator mechanism 32 required to propel the elevator car 16. Smaller elevator mechanisms are more substantial and result in cost savings in the elevator system 10. In addition, the elevator mechanism 32 on the elevator car 16 provides a safer environment for the elevator repairman.

Description

Machine-less elevator system with an elevator mechanism mounted on an elevator car {MACHINE-ROOMLESS ELEVATOR SYSTEM WITH AN ELEVATOR MACHINE MOUNTED ON AN ELEVATOR CAR}

The present invention relates to a machine-roomless elevator system, and more particularly to a machine-free elevator system in which a flat rope is used for towing the elevator car and the elevator machine is mounted on the elevator car. .

Conventional traction elevator systems include elevator cars and counterweights, each of which is suspended on opposite ends of the lifting ropes in the elevator hoisting. The lifting rope is driven by a drive sheave that is rotated by the elevator mechanism. In conventional elevator systems, elevator machinery is arranged in the machine room. Typically, the machine room is placed above the hoistway to accommodate the device and provide sufficient space for the elevator repairman to maintain the equipment located therein.

The presence of a machine room for each elevator in a building is becoming increasingly problematic in the industry. First, building a machine room requires significant expense to the building owner. Secondly, the lack of real estate would lead to space restraints where space is used for other purposes. These considerations and drawbacks are magnified when the building includes a combination of elevators, each requiring a machine room, increasing construction costs and additionally encroaching space in the building. Thus, there is a movement in the elevator industry to provide systems that do not require a machine room.

Some existing systems include elevator machinery arranged in a hoistway. One drawback to devices suspended in hoists is the difficulty in maintaining them. The elevator repairman must work on the device of the hoistway, so the working environment is very dangerous.

Efforts to design a machine-less elevator system have been in vain because the elevator mechanism required to generate enough torque to move the elevator car is too large, expensive and heavy. Therefore, a substantially machine-free elevator system is desired.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an elevator system that does not require a machine room.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine-free elevator system in which the repairman can easily access the elevator mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a substantially machine-free elevator system.

According to the present invention, an elevator system includes an elevator driven by an attached elevator mechanism and includes a plurality of flat ropes that cooperate with the elevator mechanism to provide traction and suspension for the elevator car. The elevator system further includes a drive pulley associated with or driven by the elevator mechanism to engage the plurality of lifting ropes, and a plurality of idler pulleys that suspend the elevator car to the hoistway and provide traction. The use of flat ropes greatly reduces the requirements for the diameter and size of the elevator mechanism, thus allowing the elevator mechanism to be mounted on the elevator car substantially.

One embodiment of the present invention describes both ends of a hoisting rope fixedly attached to a building structure, and a plurality of idler pulleys disposed within a hoistway where the drive pulley speed and the elevator car speed provide 1: 1. Another embodiment includes a plurality of idler pulleys disposed in the hoistway such that the drive pulley speed and elevator car speed provide a 3: 1 ratio. This arrangement reduces the torque requirements for the elevator mechanism by three elements. Still another embodiment includes an end of a lifting rope attached to an counterweight and an elevator car, a lifting rope that provides traction and suspension for an elevator car with a two-element drive pulley speed and elevator car speed of 2: 1; It describes a plurality of idler pulleys that are arranged on the hoistway to engage. Reduction of the torque requirements for elevator mechanisms results in a reduction in device size, making the elevator mechanism more compact and lighter.

An advantage of the present invention is that it eliminates the need for a machine room. Another advantage of the present invention is that the repairman can repair the elevator mechanism from the inside of the elevator car when the elevator panel is provided in the car. Another advantage of the present invention is that the lifting rope is used for the towing and suspension of the elevator car.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood by the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a machine-free elevator system mounted on and moving with an elevator car in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the machine-free elevator system of FIG. 1 with the arrangement of the ropes changed; FIG.

3 is a schematic perspective view of the machine-free elevator system of FIG. 2 with different idler pulleys and rope arrangement, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a schematic perspective view of the machine-free elevator system of FIG. 3 with the arrangement of the ropes changed;

5 is a schematic perspective view of a machine-free elevator system with different pulley and rope arrangement in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a modified machine-free elevator system of FIG. 5; FIG.

7 is a side cross-sectional view of a plurality of flat ropes and a pulley provided with a plurality of cords.

In FIG. 1, the machine-free elevator system 10 disposed in the hoistway 12 of the building structure 14 includes an elevator car 16 that selectively moves with the counterweight 20 within the hoistway 12. do. The elevator car 16 and counterweight 20 are shown as a single rope 22 in FIG. 1, but are suspended with a single lifting rope or a plurality of lifting ropes. The lifting rope 22 includes a first lifting rope end 24 and a second lifting rope end 26. Each of the rope ends 24, 26 is fixed directly or indirectly to the building structure 14. For example, the rope ends 24, 26 may be attached to guide rails (not shown) fixedly attached to the building structure 14.

The drive pulley 30 and the elevator mechanism 32 are mounted to the elevator car 16. 1 and 2, the elevator mechanism 32 is disposed below the elevator car 16. As shown in FIG. The deflection pulley 34 is disposed across the drive pulley 30 and mounted to the elevator car 16. The plurality of idler pulleys 36, 38 direct and elevate the hoisting rope 22 into the hoistway 12.

The first end 24 of the elevating rope 22 is fixed to the building structure 14, and the elevating rope 22 is coupled by a drive pulley 30 driven by the elevator mechanism 32. The rope 22 passes through a deflection pulley 34. The rope 22 consists of a single winding or a double winding around the deflector and drive pulley as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The double winding has the advantage of providing additional traction to the elevator system 10 with less wear. The rope 22 continuously passes through an idler pulley 36 directly or indirectly attached to the building structure 14. The rope 22 then ends at the second rope end 26 attached to the building structure 14 past the lower portion of the idler pulley 38 disposed on the counterweight 20.

In operation, elevator car 16 is self-propelled through hoistway 12 by hoisting ropes 22 provided for towing and suspension. As the elevator mechanism 32 rotates the drive pulley 30, the rope 22 selectively moves the elevator car 16 up and down with the counterweight 20 in the hoistway 12. Thus, this embodiment of the present invention eliminates the need for a machine room for the elevator system 10. In this preferred embodiment, the flat rope provides additional traction, allowing the use of smaller pulleys and elevator mechanisms. Embodiments of the flat rope used in the practice of the present invention are described in pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 031,108, filed Feb. 26, 1998 and entitled "Tension member for elevators" Incorporated by reference in the invention. The use of a compact device not only reduces the cost of the system 10 but also reduces the size and weight of the elevator mechanism, thus allowing the elevator mechanism 32 and the elevator car 16 to be placed together. . In addition, the use of elevating rope 22 for traction and suspension eliminates the need for using two sets of rope.

In Figure 3, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a machine-free elevator system 110 includes an elevator car 116 propelled by an elevator mechanism 132 mounted therein. The elevator mechanism 132 drives a drive pulley 130 attached to or integral with the device 132. The elevator system 110 includes a deflection pulley 134 and a plurality of idler pulleys 135-141. The idler pulleys 135 and 136 are fixedly attached to the elevator car 116, and the idler pulleys 139 and 141 are attached to the counterweight 120. Idler pulleys 137, 138, 140 are mounted directly or indirectly to building structure 114. Lifting rope ends 124 and 126 are also mounted directly or indirectly to building structure 114. First, the elevating rope 122 passes through the idler pulleys 135 and 136 and then passes through the idler pulley 137. The rope 122 is then wound around drive pulleys and deflection pulleys 130, 134. The rope 122 is then single wound or double wound around the deflector and drive pulley as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In operation, the elevator mechanism 132 rotates the drive pulley 130 that drives the rope 122, thereby pushing the elevator car 116 in the hoistway 112. This rope arrangement provides further advantages in addition to the first embodiment of the present invention. In other words, such a rope arrangement reduces the torque demand on the elevator mechanism by allowing the drive pulley speed and elevator car speed ratio to be 3: 1, making it possible to use smaller devices. An additional reduction in elevator mechanism size is highly desirable for elevator systems, providing cost reduction as well as reduction in weight and size required for elevator machinery.

5 and 6, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the machine-free elevator system 210 includes an elevator car 216 and a counterweight 220 suspended by a lifting rope 222. The rope 222 includes a first rope end 224 fixed to the elevator car 216 and a second rope end 226 fixed to the counterweight 220. The rope 222 is driven by the elevator mechanism 232 through the drive pulley 230. Elevator mechanism 232 and drive pulley 230 are mounted to elevator car 216. Deflection pulley 234 is attached to elevator car 216. A plurality of idler pulleys 235-238 are disposed in the hoistway 212. Idler pulleys 235, 236, 238 are fixed directly or indirectly to building structure 214 at the top of hoistway 212, and idler pulleys 237 are fixed directly or indirectly to building structure 214 at the bottom of hoistway 212. do. An access panel 250 is formed in the elevator car 216 to allow access to the elevator mechanism 232.

End 224 of elevating rope 222 is first attached to elevator car 216, and then rope 222 passes idler pulleys 235, 236 and then deflects the pulley and drive pulley 234, 230. To pass. The rope 222 is then guided to idler pulleys 237 and 238 and terminates at counterweight 220. This rope arrangement reduces the torque demand on the elevator mechanism by enabling a drive pulley speed to elevator car speed ratio of 2: 1, allowing the use of smaller elevator mechanisms.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that a maintenance worker mounted on the described elevator car can operate the elevator mechanism in a very safe environment. The elevator mechanism is accessible from the interior of the elevator car through its provided access panel.

The main feature of the present invention lies in the flatness of the rope used in the elevator system described above. Increasing the aspect ratio allows the rope to have a mating surface defined by the width dimension "w" optimized for distributing rope pressure. Thus, the maximum rope pressure is minimized in the ropes. In addition, by increasing the aspect ratio for a round rope having an aspect ratio equal to 1, the thickness t1 of the flat rope (Fig. 7) is reduced while the cross-sectional area of the rope portion supporting the tension rod on the rope can be kept constant. have.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the flat rope 722 includes a plurality of individual load transfer cords 726 embedded in a common coating layer 728. The coating layer 728 separates each cord 726 and defines a mating surface 730 for mating with the pulley 724. The load transfer cord 726 may be formed of a high strength lightweight nonmetal material such as aramid fiber, or may be formed of a metal material such as thin high carbon steel fiber. In order to maximize flexibility and minimize stress on the cord 726, it is desirable to keep the thickness d of the cord 726 as thin as possible. In addition, for cords formed of steel fibers, the fiber diameter should be 0.25 mm or less in diameter, preferably 0.1 to 0.2 mm. Steel fibers with such diameters improve the flexibility of cords and ropes. By associating the weight, strength, durability, and particularly flexibility of this material to the flat rope, the pulley pulley diameter (D) reduces while maintaining the maximum rope pressure within acceptable limits.

Engaging surface 730 comes into contact with corresponding surface 750 of traction pulley 724. Coating layer 728 is formed of a polyurethane material, such as thermoplastic urethane, wherein each individual cord 726 is extruded through a plurality of cords 726 in a manner that inhibits longitudinal movement relative to other cords 726. Other materials may be used as long as they can meet the required coating layer functions: traction, wear, transmission of traction loads to the cord, resistance to environmental factors, and the like. Other materials may be used as the coating layer, but if the mechanical properties of the thermoplastic urethane cannot be exceeded or can be met, the benefits of using a flat rope are reduced. Due to the thermoplastic urethane mechanical properties, the diameter of the pulley pulley 724 may be reduced to 100 mm or less.

Due to the shape of the flat rope 722, the rope pressure can be distributed evenly through the rope 722. By associating a plurality of small cords 726 with the flat rope elastomeric coating layer 728, the pressure on each cord 726 is significantly reduced compared to conventional ropes. The cord pressure is reduced to at least n ^-1/2 , where n is the number of parallel cords in the flat rope for a given load and wire cross section. Thus, the maximum rope pressure in flat ropes is significantly reduced compared to conventional rope type elevators with similar load carrying capacity. In addition, the effective rope diameter d (measured in the bending direction) is reduced to equivalent load endurance, and smaller values for the pulley diameter D can be obtained without reducing the D / d ratio. In addition, minimizing the pulley diameter D reduces cost and size and makes it possible to use high speed motors as drive devices.

7 shows a pulley pulley 724 having a pulling surface 750 shaped to receive a flat rope 722. The engagement surface 750 takes a complementary form to guide the engagement between the flat rope 722 and the pulley 724 and provide traction. Traction pulley 724 includes a pair of rims 744 disposed on opposite sides of pulley 724 and one or more dividers 745 disposed between adjacent flat ropes. The pulley pulley 724 includes a liner 742 that is received in the space between the rim 744 and the divider 745. The liner 742 forms a mating surface 750 such that a lateral gap 754 is formed between the liner 742 and the flat rope side. The pair of dividers and rims 744 together with the liner serve to guide the flat rope 722 to prevent coarse problems with alignment in a loose rope state. Although shown as including a liner, a linerless pulley may be used.

The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, and is not limited thereto, and one of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the appended claims. For example, the positions of the drive pulley and the deflection pulley can be interchanged. In addition, although the elevator mechanism is shown to be located below the elevator cars 16, 116, these devices 32, 132 may be located on the sides, or on top, and may be located anywhere else on the elevator. Likewise, the position of the elevator mechanism 232 can also be changed.

Claims (11)

An elevator system placed on the hoistway of a building structure, An elevator car moving in the hoistway, A flat lifting rope for providing traction and suspension to the elevator car; An elevator mechanism fixed to the elevator car for driving the flat lifting rope, The flat lifting rope includes a plurality of load transfer cords embedded in a common coating layer. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein the elevator mechanism is disposed under an elevator car. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein the elevator mechanism is disposed above the elevator car. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein the elevator mechanism is disposed at an elevator car side. 2. The driveway of claim 1, further comprising: a drive pulley connected to the elevator mechanism and coupled with a lifting rope, and a plurality of lifts arranged in the hoist to assist with an elevator system roping arrangement that maintains a drive pulley speed to elevator car speed ratio of 1: 1. An elevator system further comprising two idler pulleys. 2. The drive pulley of claim 1 further comprising: a drive pulley connected to the elevator mechanism and coupled with a lift rope, and a plurality of lifts disposed in the hoist to assist with an elevator system roping arrangement that maintains a drive pulley speed to elevator car speed ratio of 2: 1. An elevator system further comprising two idler pulleys. 2. The driveway of claim 1, further comprising: a drive pulley connected to the elevator mechanism and coupled with a lift rope, and a plurality of lifts disposed in the hoist to assist with an elevator system roping arrangement that maintains a drive pulley speed to elevator car speed ratio of 3: 1. An elevator system further comprising two idler pulleys. The elevator system of claim 1, further comprising a counterweight moving alternately with the elevator car in the hoistway. 2. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein the elevator mechanism further comprises an access panel formed in the elevator car to allow an elevator maintenance worker to access the elevator mechanism from the inside of the elevator car. delete An elevator system placed on the hoistway of a building structure, An elevator car moving in the hoistway, A counterweight moving alternately with an elevator car in the hoistway; An elevator mechanism fixed to the elevator car, A drive pulley connected to the elevator mechanism; A deflection pulley disposed adjacent to the drive pulley, A first idler pulley disposed in the hoistway and fixedly attached to the building structure at the top of the hoistway; A second idler pulley disposed in the hoistway and fixedly attached to a building structure at an upper portion of the hoistway and spaced apart from the first idler pulley; A third idler pulley disposed in the hoistway and fixedly attached to the building structure at the bottom of the hoistway; A fourth idler pulley disposed in the hoistway and fixedly attached to the building structure at an upper portion of the hoistway and spaced apart from the first and second idler pulleys; At least one lifting rope having a first lifting rope end attached to the elevator car and a second lifting rope end attached to the counterweight and an intermediate portion, The intermediate portion of the elevating rope engages with the drive pulley and the deflection pulley, the first elevating rope end engages with the first and second idler pulleys before engaging with the deflection pulley, and the second end of the elevating rope engages with the drive pulley. An elevator system coupled with third and fourth idler pulleys prior to engagement, wherein the lifting rope suspends the elevator car and counterweight to provide traction.

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