EP4288366A1

EP4288366A1 - Brake, elevator hoisting machine and elevator

Info

Publication number: EP4288366A1
Application number: EP21703875.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tuukka Korhonen; Jarmo Kela; Tero Purosto; Teemu Majasalmi
Original assignee: Kone Corp
Current assignee: Kone Corp
Priority date: 2021-02-04
Filing date: 2021-02-04
Publication date: 2023-12-13
Also published as: WO2022167075A1

Abstract

A brake (10), an elevator hoisting machine (50). and an elevator (100) are presented in this document. The brake (10) comprises two brake pads (12A, 12B) and a brake mechanism which is arranged to engage the brake (10) by moving the brake pads (12A, 12B) away from each other in a first direction to arrange the brake pads (12A, 12B) against brake surfaces (82A, 82B), respectively, and to disengage the brake (10) by moving the brake pads (12A, 12B) towards each other in the first direction to separate the brake pads (12A, 12B) from the brake surfaces (82A, 82B). The brake (10) is adapted to be arranged so that the brake pads (12A, 12B) are between the respective brake surfaces (82A, 82B) in the first direction (X).

Description

BRAKE, ELEVATOR HOISTING MACHINE AND ELEVATOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to brakes. In particular, however not exclusively, the present invention concerns brakes utilized in elevators to decelerate, stop, or to hold, that is, to maintain in its position, an elevator car of the elevator.

BACKGROUND

Elevators have mechanical brakes as safety devices to stop and hold an elevator car at a standstill in elevator shaft. Traditionally, elevator hoisting machine is equipped with two or more hoisting machine brakes which are designed to decelerate the rotating of a traction sheave of the elevator hoisting machine. The braking of the elevator car is performed through hoisting ropes running via the traction sheave.

In some elevators systems, the elevator hoisting machine as well as the hoisting ropes have been omitted. Instead, an electric linear motor is used for moving the elevator car. In some cases, there are plurality of cars arranged to move independently in a same, common hoistway, or elevator shaft, or hoistway system, that is, so called multicar elevators.

The brakes are typically large and difficult to be installed in small spaces in connection with the elevator car and/or the hoisting machine. Consequently, new braking solutions are needed in these elevators for stopping and holding the car.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present invention is to provide a brake, an elevator hoisting machine, and an elevator. Another objective of the present invention is that the brake provides a space-efficient braking solution to be utilized, for example, in an elevator hoisting machine and/or an elevator.

The objectives of the invention are reached by a brake, an elevator hoisting machine, and an elevator as defined by the respective independent claims.

According to a first aspect, a brake is provided. The brake comprises two brake pads and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is arranged to engage the brake by moving the brake pads away from each other in a first direction to arrange the brake pads against brake surfaces, respectively. The brake mechanism is further arranged to disengage the brake by moving the brake pads towards each other in the first direction to separate the brake pads from the brake surfaces. Furthermore, the brake is adapted to be arranged so that the brake pads are between the respective brake surfaces in the first direction.

The brake mechanism may preferable comprise a mechanical energy storage configured to cause an engaging force to arrange the brake pads against the brake surfaces. In some embodiments, the mechanical energy storage may be a compression spring or may include several compression springs, such as arranged to cause the engaging force in the first direction. Preferably, at least two or more compression springs or spring units are arranged in parallel. They may be dimensioned such that, in case of failure of one spring / spring unit, braking force generated by the remaining springs / spring units is still adequate to stop and hold an elevator car with rated (i.e. maximum allowed) load.

In some embodiments, the mechanical energy storage may be arranged between the brake pads to cause the engaging force in the first direction.

In various embodiments, the brake may comprise a controllable latch configured to selectively operate the brake mechanism to engage the brake.

The brake mechanism may further comprise a driver device, such as a piston, for example, a pneumatic piston, configured to disengage the brake.

In some embodiments, the brake mechanism may comprise a wedge, and the brake mechanism may be arranged to drive the wedge in a second direction, such as by an engaging force caused by the mechanical energy storage, against brake pad supports or the brake pads, wherein the second direction is perpendicular relative to the first direction. The brake pads may be arranged attached to the brake pad supports. Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the brake pads are arranged between the brake surfaces in the first direction, the brake may be adapted so that the second direction is parallel relative to a direction of the brake surfaces.

Alternatively or in addition, the driver device may be arranged to move the wedge in the second direction against the engaging force, that is, in the opposite direction relative to a movement direction of the wedge when engaging the brake.

In various embodiments, the brake mechanism may comprise a hydraulic cylinder and a linear actuator arranged, by generating hydraulic pressure, to move the brake pads against the engaging force for disengaging the brake. Alternatively or in addition, the brake may comprise a hydraulic connection arrangement between the hydraulic cylinder and the brake pads, wherein the brake comprises a safety valve in connection with the hydraulic connection arrangement and arranged to release the hydraulic pressure from the arrangement. Furthermore, the brake may comprise a free piston cylinder, wherein the safety valve is arranged to release the hydraulic pressure into the free piston cylinder.

According to a second aspect, an elevator hoisting machine is provided. The elevator hoisting machine comprises at least two brake surfaces, and a brake in accordance with the first aspect. The brake pads are between the respective brake surfaces.

In an embodiment, the at least two brake surfaces may be comprised in a guide beam for arranging into an elevator hoistway along a trajectory of a load-receiving part, such as an elevator car or an elevator car sling, of the elevator, the guide beam defining or comprising a channel in a longitudinal direction of the guide beam, the channel having side faces comprising or defining the brake surfaces.

In another embodiment, the at least two brake surfaces may be comprised in a channel defined by or being arranged to a rotating part of the hoisting machine, such as to a rotor or a traction sheave of the hoisting machine.

In a still further embodiment, the at least two brake surfaces may be comprised in or defined by a duplicated brake disc structure.

According to a third aspect, an elevator is provided. The elevator comprises a load-receiving part movable in an elevator hoistway, and an elevator hoisting machine in accordance with the second aspect, for example, comprising the guide beam defining and comprising the channel, or comprising the channel comprised in or defined by the rotating part of the hoisting machine, or comprising the duplicated brake disc structure.

In an embodiment, the brake may be mounted to the load-receiving part, and wherein the brake pads of the brake are arranged to face the brake surfaces of the guide beam to selectively engage / disengage the brake. In addition, the guide beam comprises at least one stator of an electric linear motor, and wherein the load-receiving part comprises at least one mover of the linear motor mounted thereto, the at least one mover arranged to drive along the at least one stator by means of propulsion force of the electric linear motor. The second direction is, preferably, in parallel with a moving direction of the load-receiving part. The present invention provides a brake, an elevator hoisting machine, and an elevator. The present invention provides advantages over known solutions in that the brake is reliable and safe, and can be made small.

Various other advantages will become clear to a skilled person based on the following detailed description.

The expression "a plurality of’ may refer to any positive integer starting from two (2), that is, being at least two.

The terms “first”, “second”, etc. are herein used to distinguish one element from other element, and not to specially prioritize or order them, if not otherwise explicitly stated.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention presented herein are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used herein as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the present invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The present invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Some embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1A-1C illustrate schematically a brake according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 2A-2D illustrate schematically a portion of a brake mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate schematically a brake according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically an elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5A and 5B illustrates schematically a rotating part of an elevator hoisting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates schematically an elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a stator beam according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates schematically an elevator hoisting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates schematically an elevator hoisting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1A-1C illustrate schematically a brake 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1 A, the brake 10 may comprise two brake pads 12A, 12B and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism may be arranged to engage the brake 10 by moving the brake pads 12 A, 12B away from each other in a first direction X to arrange the brake pads 12A, 12B against brake surfaces (not shown in Figs. 1A-1C), respectively. The brake mechanism may also be arranged to disengage the brake 10 by moving the brake pads 12 A, 12B towards each other in the first direction X to separate the brake pads 12A, 12B from the brake surfaces (not shown in Figs. 1A-1C). Still further, the brake 10 may, preferably, be adapted to be arranged so that the brake pads 12 A, 12B are, or reside, between the respective brake surfaces (not shown in Figs. 1A-1C) in the first direction X. Furthermore, the brake 10 may, preferably, comprise a brake body 16. Some or all of the components of the brake 10 may be integrated into, directly attached, or at least somehow coupled with the brake body 16. The brake body 16 may comprise one or several portions, such as portions marked with 16 and 17.

Furthermore, the brake mechanism may comprise a mechanical energy storage configured to cause an engaging force to arrange the brake pads 12 A, 12B against the brake surfaces. The mechanical energy storage may be a compression spring 14 or includes several compression springs 14, such as arranged to cause the engaging force in the first direction X, that is by the spring(s) 14. The mechanical energy storage may, thus, be arranged to reside between the brake pads 12 A, 12B. Still further, the brake 10 may comprise a controllable latch configured to selectively operate the brake mechanism to engage the brake 10.

Figures IB and 1C illustrate a portion of the brake mechanism which may be involved in disengaging the brake 10, that is moving the brake pads 12 A, 12B towards each other in the first direction X. In Figs. IB and 1C, parts of a hydraulic system of the brake mechanism for disengaging the brake 10 are shown. As can be seen in Fig. IB, the brake 10 may comprise an inlet 21 for the flow of the medium, such as fluid, of the hydraulic system into the brake 10. There may be a hydraulic hose connected to the inlet 21 on the outside of the brake body 16. Furthermore, the brake mechanism 10 may comprise disengaging means, such as hydraulic means, for example, comprising a hydraulic cylinder 18 and, optionally, a first piston, for moving the brake pads 12A, 12B towards each other in the first direction X for disengaging the brake 10.

In various embodiments, the brake 10, especially the brake pads 12 A, 12B, may be arranged to “float”, that is, they are arranged movable so that if they contact, such as collide with, one of the brake surfaces when the brake 10 is disengaged, the brake pads 12A, 12B can move slightly away from said brake surfaces due to the contact. This may be implemented by utilizing a slider(s) or sliding mechanism(s).

Thus, in some embodiments, the brake 10 may comprise a slider 19 by which a portion

17 of the brake body 16 is arranged to movable with respect to (an)other portion(s).

In an embodiment, such as shown in Figs. IB and 1C, the brake 10 may be adapted so that when hydraulic pressure is applied into the hydraulic cylinder 18 and the cylinder

18 expands, the portion 17, that is a second portion of the brake body 16, moves into the direction of the arrow 111. At the same time, at one of the brake pads 12 A, 12B moves closer to the other one, thereby moving the brake pads 12 A, 12B towards each other. In this case, brake pad 12A (not shown) would move simultaneously with portion 17 to the right in Fig. IB.

Furthermore, the brake mechanism may comprise a driver device, such as a piston, for example, a hydraulic piston, configured to disengage the brake 10, such as by generating the pressure in order the brake 10 to be disengaged. In some embodiments, the brake mechanism may comprise a hydraulic cylinder and a linear actuator arranged, by generating hydraulic pressure, to move the brake pads 12 A, 12B against the engaging force for disengaging the brake 10. In some embodiments, in which the brake 10 comprises one or several springs 14 arranged to cause the engaging force, the disengaging means may be arranged to compress the springs 14 so that the brake pads 12 A, 12B move towards each other in the first direction X, thereby disengaging the brake 10.

Figures 2A-2D illustrate schematically a portion of a brake mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 2A-2D show detailed structure of hydraulic system for generating the pressure, and an optional quick pressure relief system also. In Figs. 2A-2C, the hydraulic hose 22 is shown which can be connected to the inlet 21 of the brake 10. Furthermore, in Figs. 2A-2C, the input line 26 is shown which may be connected to a pressure generating device 30 of the hydraulic system. The pressure generating device 30 may comprise, for example, a linear actuator 27 arranged to move a second piston 28 in a second cylinder 29 for generating pressure, via the input line 26, to disengage the brake 10. Alternatively or in addition, a lever may be utilized between the linear actuator 27 and the hydraulic system. In some embodiments, the pressure generating device 30 may alternatively comprise a rotating motor for generating the pressure. Thus, in various embodiments, the pressure generating device 30 together with the related hydraulic system may be utilized, during normal operation of the brake 10, to disengage the brake 10.

In some embodiments, however, the brake 10 may comprise the quick pressure relief system. The quick pressure relief system may comprise safety valve(s) 24, for example, for emergency braking or if there is a fault in the hydraulic system. Furthermore, the quick pressure relief system may comprise a free piston 25, such as operating in a third cylinder, which the free piston 25 is adapted and connected so that the safety valve(s) 24 relieve(s) pressure by utilizing the free piston 25. Thus, the safety valve(s) 24 may be opened if t there is a need to quickly relieve pressure from the brake 10 to engage the brake 10.

In order to recover the operation of the brake 10 after operation of the quick pressure relief system, such as after an emergency situation, the safety valve(s) 24 may be kept open and the pressure generating device 30 may be utilized to return the free piston 25 to its original state, that is the state during normal operation of the brake 10. This may be implemented, for example, by the (linear) actuator 27 pulling the second piston 28.

Therefore, in some embodiments, the brake 10 may comprise a hydraulic connection arrangement between the hydraulic cylinder and the brake pads 12 A, 12B, wherein the brake 10 further comprises a safety valve or valves in connection with the hydraulic connection arrangement and arranged to release the hydraulic pressure from the arrangement.

Figures 3 A and 3B illustrate schematically a brake 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 A shows the brake 10 from a side so that the first direction X extends away/towards the viewer. Fig. 3B shows the brake 10 from another side so that a third direction Z extends away/towards the viewer. The brake 10 may comprise a brake body 16 and the braking mechanism, preferably, mounted to the brake body 16.

The brake mechanism may be arranged to engage the brake 10 by moving the brake pads 12A, 12B away from each other in a first direction X to arrange the brake pads 12A, 12B against brake surfaces (not shown in Figs. 3A and 3B), respectively. The brake mechanism may also be arranged to disengage the brake 10 by moving the brake pads 12 A, 12B towards each other in the first direction X to separate the brake pads 12 A, 12B from the brake surfaces (not shown in Figs. 3 A and 3B). Still further, the brake 10 may, preferably, be adapted to be arranged so that the brake pads 12 A, 12B are, or reside, between the respective brake surfaces (not shown in Figs. 3 A and 3B) in the first direction X.

In the embodiment in accordance with Figs. 3 A and 3B, the brake mechanism comprises at least one wedge 42, and the brake mechanism is preferably arranged to drive the wedge 42 in a second direction Y, such as by an engaging force caused by a mechanical energy storage, against brake pad supports 44 A, 44B or the brake pads 12 A, 12B, wherein the second direction Y is perpendicular relative to the first direction X as shown. The brake pads 12 A, 12B may optionally be arranged attached to the brake pad supports 44 A, 44B, respectively. The brake pads 12 A, 12B or the brake pad supports 44 A, 44B may be pivotally arranged with respect to the brake body 16 to enable rotation of the supports 44A, 44B relative to the brake body 16.

Furthermore, the brake mechanism may comprise a mechanical energy storage configured to cause the engaging force to arrange the brake pads 12 A, 12B against the brake surfaces (not shown in Figs. 3 A and 3B). The mechanical energy storage may be a compression spring 14 or includes several compression springs 14. The mechanical energy storage may be arranged to cause the engaging force in the second direction Y. In some embodiments, the mechanical energy storage is the compression spring 14 extending in the second direction Y, such as inside the brake body 16.

Thus, in some embodiments, the brake mechanism may comprise at least one wedge 42 which may be driven against the brake pad supports 44 A, 44B or the brake pads 12 A, 12B. As can be seen in Fig, 3B, the wedge 42 may be arranged to move in the second direction Y (marked with an arrow 101) and, by that movement, cause moving of the brake pads 12 A, 12B in the first direction X (marked with arrows 102). In some embodiments, the wedge 42 may preferably be disposed between the brake pads 12A, 12B such that when it moves forward in the second direction Y, it displaces the brake pads 12A, 12B, thereby forcing them to engage against the brake surfaces (not shown in Figs. 3A and 3B) which are to be arranged on opposite sides of the brake pads 12 A, 12B in the first direction X. Furthermore, when the wedge 42 is being moved in the opposite direction in the second direction Y, it allows brake pads 12A, 12B to disengage from the brake surfaces.

In some embodiments, the brake mechanism may comprise a driver device 48, such as a piston, for example, a pneumatic piston, configured to disengage the brake 10. Thus, the brake 10 may be released (disengaged) by means of the driver device 48, such as a pneumatic piston. When the piston expands, the wedge 42 will move backwards against the thrust force of the mechanical energy storage, thereby allowing the brake pads 12 A, 12B to disengage from the brake surfaces. Therefore, in some embodiments, the driver device 48 may be arranged to move the wedge 42 in the second direction Y against the engaging force, that is, in the opposite direction relative to a movement direction of the wedge 42 when engaging the brake 10.

Still further, the brake 10 may comprise a controllable latch 45 configured to selectively operate the brake mechanism to engage the brake 10. The latch 45 may be kept in its position by an electromagnet 46.

In some embodiments, after brake has been disengaged, the latch 45 may be moved to its locking position, such that the brake 10 will remain open after pressure has been released from the piston. This happens by energizing electromagnet 46. When the electromagnet 46 is de-energized, the latch 45 will operate, such as move into different position, so as to enable release of the wedge 42, and thus the brake 10 will be automatically closed, that is the brake pads 12A, 12B moved into contact with the brake surfaces. As the brake 10 can be kept open with only small amount of electrical power supplied to the electromagnet 46, a very energy-efficient brake control solution is achieved.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically an elevator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The brake 10 may be utilized in connection with the elevator 100, such as in connection with a rotating part of the elevator hoisting machine 50. The rotating part may refer to, for example, a traction sheave or a rotor of an electric motor of the hoisting machine 50. Thus, the rotating part preferably comprises or defines the brake surfaces, or at least comprises the brake surfaces coupled thereto.

The elevator 100 (which may comprise one, such as depicted in Fig. 4, or several elevators, that is being an elevator group) may comprise a load-receiving part 52, such as an elevator car or an installation deck, arranged to be moved or movable in an elevator hoistway 60 or shaft 60. The moving of the load-receiving part 52 may be implemented by a hoisting rope or belt 53 in connection with a traction sheave 54 or the like. The elevator 100 may comprise an electric motor 55 arranged to operate, such as rotate by the rotor thereof, the traction sheave 54 for moving the load-receiving part 52, if not essentially directly coupled to the hoisting rope 53. The traction sheave 54 may be connected, via a mechanical connection 57, directly or indirectly via a gear to a shaft of the motor 55. The elevator system 100 may comprise a machine room or be machine roomless, such as have the motor 55 in the elevator shaft 60.

The elevator 100 may preferably comprise landings 59 or landing floors and, for example, landing floor doors and/or openings, between which the load-receiving part 52 is arranged to be moved during the normal elevator operation, such as to move persons and/or items between said landings 59. The landings 59 may be served by one or several load-receiving parts of the elevator 100.

The elevator 100 such as shown in Fig. 4 may preferably comprise at least one, or at least two, brake(s) 10 configured for resisting or, preferably, preventing the movement of the motor 55, that is the rotor thereof, directly or via the traction sheave 54 or components thereof and/or therebetween. Furthermore, the elevator 100 may comprise a brake controller 5 configured to operate at least one of the at least one brake 10. The brake controller 5 may further be in connection with other elements of the elevator 100, such as an elevator control unit 1000, or comprised therein. The brake controller 5 may preferably be arranged in electrical connection with the electromagnet 46 and/or the controllable latch 45.

Still further, the elevator 100 may additionally comprise a guide beam F or beams 62, preferably, including a guide surface or surfaces, arranged into the elevator shaft 60 for guiding the movement of the load-receiving part 52. The load-receiving part 52 may comprise guide shoes, rollers 64 or the like in moving in contact with the guide beams 62, or the guide surface thereof.

In Fig. 4, the elevator 100 may further comprise an electrical converter unit 70, such as comprising at least a frequency converter, the operation of which may be, for example, based on a switched-mode power conversion, and preferably the rotating electric motor 55. The electrical converter unit 70 is, preferably, controllable, such as capable of adapting its input and/or output substantially continuously.

In various embodiments, the electrical converter unit 70, such as the frequency converter thereof, may comprise an input for receiving position and/or movement information of the load-receiving part 52, such as from a movement sensor 71, for example, an encoder mounted to the load-receiving part 52 and/or to the motor 55.

Still further, the electrical converter unit 70 may be arranged to be fed by an electrical power source 90, such as of the elevator 100, for example from an external electrical power grid or mains power supply, or another power source, for example, a battery system. Additionally, the electrical power source 90 may intake electrical power from the electrical converter unit 70.

In various embodiments, the elevator 100 comprises an elevator control unit 1000. The elevator control unit 1000 may be disposed in a door frame of a landing 59 or in a landing door frame. The electrical converter unit 70 may be disposed in the elevator shaft 60 or the hoistway 60. The electrical converter unit 70 may be arranged to supply power from mains to the electric motor 55 of the hoisting machine to drive the load-receiving part 10. The elevator control unit 1000 may be configured to implemented or perform various tasks of the elevator 100.

The processor of the elevator control unit 1000 is at least configured to implement at least some tasks associated with the operation of the elevator system 100. The implementation of the tasks may be achieved by arranging the processor to execute at least some portion of computer program code stored in the memory causing the processor, and thus the elevator control unit 1000, to implement said tasks. The processor is thus arranged to access the memory and retrieve and store any information therefrom and thereto. For sake of clarity, the processor herein refers to any unit suitable for processing information and control the operation of the elevator system 100, among other tasks. The operations may also be implemented with a microcontroller solution with embedded software. Similarly, the memory is not limited to a certain type of memory only, but any memory type suitable for storing the described pieces of information may be applied in the context of the present invention.

Figures 5A and 5B illustrates schematically a rotating part 80, such as (of) the traction sheave 54, of an elevator hoisting machine 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, the rotating part 80 may refer to a duplicated brake disc structure of the brake 10.

Figure 5A illustrates the rotating part 80 from a perspective and Fig. 5B shows it as a cross-sectional view. As can be seen in Fig. 5A, the inner surfaces of the peripheral portions of the rotating part 80 may comprise or define the brake surfaces 82A, 82B. Furthermore, as can be seen, there is formed a channel 83 between the brake surfaces 82 A, 82B into a space of which the brake 10 may be arranged into, or at least the portion of the brake 10 comprising the brake pads 12 A, 12B. Thus, when engaging the brake 10, the brake pads 12 A, 12B may be arranged in contact with the brake surfaces 82 A, 82B.

Figure 6 illustrates schematically an elevator 100 according to another embodiment. The elevator 100 may comprise at least one or a plurality of load-receiving parts 10, such as elevator cars, moving in the elevator shaft 60 or the elevator car pathway 60. The loadreceiving parts 52 may comprise electrical converter units 70, respectively. There may also be an energy storage 72, such as a battery or batteries comprised in the load-receiving part 52. The electrical converter unit 70 may be utilized for operating a mover 56, or “rotor”, of the linear motor 55 arranged to the load-receiving part 52 for moving the load-receiving part 52 in the elevator shaft 60. In Fig. 6, only one brake 10 is shown in connection with one of the movers 56. However, there can be more than one brake 10, such as one brake 10 for some or each one of the movers 56, or at least two brakes 10 for some or each one of the movers 56.

There are preferably at least two landing floors 59 or landings 59, having landing floor doors or opening, comprised in the elevator 100. There may also be doors comprised in the load-receiving part 52. Although shown in Fig. 6 that there are two horizontally separated sets, or “columns”, of landings 59 there could as well be only one column as in conventional elevators or more than two, for example, three.

Regarding the elevator shaft 60, it may be such as defining substantially closed volume in which the load-receiving part 52 is adapted and configured to be moved. The walls may be, for example, of concrete, metal or at least partly of glass, or any combination thereof. The elevator shaft 60 herein refers basically to any structure or pathway along which the load-receiving part 52 is configured to be moved.

As can be seen in Fig. 6, the load-receiving part(s) 52 may be moved along the elevator shaft 60 vertically, in an inclined direction, and/or horizontally depending on the direction of stator beams 58 comprising or defining the linear stators of the linear motor 55. The load-receiving part(s) 52 may be configured to be moved along a number of vertical stator beams and/or horizontal and/or inclined stator beams, for example, two beams 58 such as shown in Fig. 6. The stator beams 58 may, preferably, be arranged in fixed manner, that is, stationary with respect to the elevator shaft 60, for example, to a wall of the shaft by fastening portions, which may be arranged to rotatable at direction changing positions of the load-receiving part 52.

In preferable embodiments, the elevator 100 may comprise two stator beams 58 in the shaft or hoistway 60, and the load-receiving part(s) 52 may comprise four movers 56 traveling along the two stator beams 58, for example, two movers 56 per each stator beam 58, as shown in Fig. 6.

Furthermore, there can be a movement sensor 71 arranged to the load-receiving part 52. In some embodiments, the movement sensor 71 may be arranged to co-act with position indicators or the like arranged to the stator beam 58.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a stator beam 58 of a linear motor in accordance with an embodiment. As can been seen the stator beam 58 may comprise a portion (shown on the top left comer) for fixing the stator beam 58 with respect to the elevator shaft 60. Furthermore, the stator beam 58 may comprise at least one stator 58B, or, preferably, at least two stators 58B, or even four stators 58B extending in the longitudinal direction of the stator beam 58. The stators 58B may be arranged on the exterior surface or at least close to the exterior surface of the stator beam 58. Furthermore, the stator beam(s) 58 preferably comprise at least one channel 83 extending in the longitudinal direction of the stator beam 58. The inner side surfaces of the channel 83 may comprise the brake surfaces 82A, 82B. The brake 10, or at least the portion comprising the brake pads 12A, 12B, may thus be arranged to reside in the channel 83 and moving therein when the mover 56 and/or the load-receiving part 52 is being moved along the stator beam 58.

Still further, the stator beam 58 may optionally comprise a guide surface 85 extending in the longitudinal direction of the stator beam 58. The guide surface 85 is designed to co-act with the mover 56 of the linear motor 55. However, in some embodiments, the electrical converter unit 70 and the mover 56 are configured so that the mover 56 is levitated around the stator beam 58. In these embodiments, the guide surface(s) 85 are not needed or they may operate only to provide limits for the movement of the mover if there is a failure in the levitation, for instance.

The stator(s) 58B may comprise magnetic material such as iron. Preferably, the stator(s) 58B may comprise stator teeth extending in a perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal direction. The teeth are, preferably, adapted for guiding magnetic field of linear motor. The linear motor 55 may be, for example, a flux-switching permanent magnet motor. In some embodiments, the stator beam 58 may be hollow.

Figure 8 illustrates schematically an elevator hoisting machine 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elevator hoisting machine 50 comprises at least two brake surfaces 82 A, 82B (not shown), and at least one brake 10 such as described herein, or two or even more such brakes 10, wherein the brake pads 12 A, 12B are arranged to be between the respective brake surfaces 82A, 82B. In Fig. 8, a mover 56 of the linear motor 55 is shown, which the mover 56 is arranged around a portion of the respective stator beam 58.

The brakes 10 shown in Fig. 8 are in accordance with the brake 10 shown in Figs. 1A- 2D and described in connection thereto. However, in Fig. 8, the brakes 10 are arranged to the mover 56 of the linear motor 55.

Figure 9 illustrates schematically an elevator hoisting machine 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elevator hoisting machine 50 comprises at least two brake surfaces 82A, 82B, and at least one brake 10 such as described herein, wherein the brake pads 12 A, 12B are arranged to be between the respective brake surfaces 82 A, 82B. In Fig. 9, a mover 56 of the linear motor 55 is shown, which the mover 56 is arranged around a portion of the respective stator beam 58.

The brake 10 shown in Fig. 9 is in accordance with the brake 10 shown in Figs. 3 A and 3B, and described in connection thereto. However, in Fig. 9, the brake 10 is arranged to the mover 56 of the linear motor 55.

Claims

1. A brake (10), characterized in that it comprises: two brake pads (12A, 12B); and a brake mechanism arranged to: engage the brake (10) by moving the brake pads (12A, 12B) away from each other in a first direction to arrange the brake pads (12 A, 12B) against brake surfaces (82A, 82B), respectively, and disengage the brake (10) by moving the brake pads (12A, 12B) towards each other in the first direction to separate the brake pads (12A, 12B) from the brake surfaces (82A, 82B); and wherein the brake (10) is adapted to be arranged so that the brake pads (12 A, 12B) are between the respective brake surfaces (82A, 82B) in the first direction (X).

2. The brake (10) of claim 1, wherein the brake mechanism comprises a mechanical energy storage configured to cause an engaging force to arrange the brake pads (12 A, 12B) against the brake surfaces (82A, 82B).

3. The brake (10) of claim 2, wherein the mechanical energy storage is a compression spring (14) or includes several compression springs (14), such as arranged to cause the engaging force in the first direction (X).

4. The brake (10) of any one of claims 1-3, comprising a controllable latch (45) configured to selectively operate the brake mechanism to engage the brake (10).

5. The brake (10) of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the brake mechanism comprises a driver device (48), such as a piston, for example, a pneumatic piston, configured to disengage the brake (10).

6. The brake (10) of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the brake mechanism comprises a wedge (42), and the brake mechanism is arranged to drive the wedge (42) in a second direction (Y), such as by an engaging force caused by a mechanical energy storage, against the brake pad supports (44A, 44B) or the brake pads (12A, 12B), wherein the second direction (Y) is perpendicular relative to the first direction (X).

7. The brake (10) of claim 6, wherein, when the brake pads (12A, 12B) are arranged between the brake surfaces (82A, 82B) in the first direction (X), the brake (10) is adapted so that the second direction (Y) is parallel relative to a direction of the brake surfaces (82A, 82B).

8. The brake (10) of claims 5, and 6 or 7, wherein the driver device (48) is arranged to move the wedge in the second direction (Y) against the engaging force, that is, in the opposite direction relative to a movement direction of the wedge (42) when engaging the brake (10).

9. The brake (10) of any one of claims 3-5, wherein the mechanical energy storage is arranged between the brake pads (12A, 12B) to cause the engaging force in the first direction (X).

10. The brake (10) of any one of claims 3-6 or 9, wherein the brake mechanism comprises a hydraulic cylinder (29) and a linear actuator (27) arranged, by generating hydraulic pressure, to move the brake pads (12A, 12B) against the engaging force for disengaging the brake (10).

11. The brake (10) of any one of claims 3-6 or 9-10, comprising a hydraulic connection arrangement between the hydraulic cylinder (29) and the brake pads (12A, 12B), wherein the brake (10) comprises a safety valve (24) in connection with the hydraulic connection arrangement and arranged to release the hydraulic pressure from the arrangement.

12. The brake (10) of claim 11, comprising a free piston cylinder (25), wherein the safety valve (24) is arranged to release the hydraulic pressure into the free piston cylinder (25).

13. An elevator hoisting machine (50), characterized in that it comprises at least two brake surfaces (82A, 82B), and a brake (10) of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the brake pads (12A, 12B) are between the respective brake surfaces (82A, 82B).

14. The elevator hoisting machine (50) of claim 13, wherein the at least two brake surfaces (82A, 82B) are comprised in a guide beam (58) for arranging into an elevator hoistway (60) along a trajectory of a load-receiving part (52), the guide beam (58) 17 defining or comprising a channel (83) in a longitudinal direction of the guide beam (58), the channel (83) having side faces comprising or defining the brake surfaces (82A, 82B).

15. The elevator hoisting machine (50) of claim 13, wherein the at least two brake surfaces (82A, 82B) are comprised in a channel (83) defined by or being arranged to a rotating part (80) of the hoisting machine (50), such as to a rotor or a traction sheave of the hoisting machine.

16. The elevator hoisting machine of claim 13, wherein the at least two brake surfaces (82A, 82B) are comprised in or defined by a duplicated brake disc structure.

17. An elevator (100) comprising: a load-receiving part (52), such as an elevator car or an elevator car sling, movable in an elevator hoistway (60); an elevator hoisting machine (50) of any one of claims 13-16.

18. The elevator (100) of claim 17, wherein the brake (10) is mounted to the loadreceiving part (52), and wherein the brake pads (12A, 12B) of the brake (10) are arranged to face the brake surfaces (82A, 82B) of the guide beam (58) to selectively engage / disengage the brake (10).

19. The elevator (100) of claim 18, wherein the guide beam (58) comprises at least one stator (58B) of an electric linear motor (55), and wherein the load-receiving part (52) comprises at least one mover (56) of the linear motor (55) mounted thereto, the at least one mover (55) arranged to drive along the at least one stator (58B) by means of propulsion force of the electric linear motor (55).

20. The elevator (100) of claim 18 or 19, wherein the second direction (Y) is in parallel with a moving direction of the load-receiving part (52).