US1865937A - Light cell control - Google Patents

Description

July 5 1932; H. w. MATTINGLY 1,855,937

LIGHT CELL CONTROL 1 Filed July 11, 1 928 3 Sheets-She et 1 INVENTOR m/dwwflir ATTdRNEY July 5, 1932.

H; w. MATTINGLY 1,865,937

LIGHT CELL CONTROL 3 ,Sh eets-Sh eet 2 Filed July 11, 1928 ATTORNEY July 5, 1932- H. w. MATTINGLY LIGHT CELL CONTROL 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 11, 1928 INVENTOR v Ham/a MMa#,/ y

ATTORNEY Patented July 5, 1932 HAROLD wua'r'rmerv, or swIssvALE, PENNSYLVANIA, assrenoa T wns'rirm- HOUSE ELECTRIC & MANUFACTURING COMPANY,

VANIA.

near our. contract Application filed m 11, 1928. Serial in. 291,992.

This invention relates to control systems and particularly to control systems for elevators, hoists, road vehicles and similar apparatus.

a An object of the invention is to provide a control system for elevators, hoists and simi lar apparatus that shall be simple in construction, efficient in its operation and easily manufactured and installed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a control system for elevators, hoists and similar apparatus whereby such apparatus may be accelerated in response to the normal operation of a controller, and decelerated and brought to rest by means of light-sensitive devices, a source of light and means for conlight-producing means for energizing the trolling the energization of the light-sensitive devices at predetermined points in the path of travel of the apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide for modifying the speed of an elevator equipped with motors and control apparatus, by means of a light source and a light-sensitive device.

A. still further object of the invention is to provide for the deceleration of an elevator equipped with motors and control apparatus, by means of lights and light-sensitive devices.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of means whereby an elevator,

hoist or similar apparatus equipped with control apparatus, a light-sensitive device, and

light-sensitive device, may be accelerated upon the movement of a controller to one position and the light-producing means energized upon the movement of a controller to another position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a control system for elevators operating in a hatchway, whereby the elevator may be stopped automatically at predetermined points Without the necessity of mechanical connection between. the elevator and the hatchWa-y.

And another object of the invention is to provide means for stopping elevators operable between a plurality of floors, using a light-sensitive means and means for projecting a beam of light upon the light-sensitive means, both carried by the elevator, and

means located. at predetermined points in the hatchwa to intercept the beam of light to thereby ecelerate and stop the car."

For a fuller understanding ofthe inven* tion, reference may be had to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,'in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration-of cirpuits and apparatus embodying the inven- Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of circuits and apparatus applicable to the system shown in Fig. 1 whereby an elevator may be brought to re'st at a predetermined position by controlling an'electric circuit from that position.

Fig. 3 is a view, in perspective, of a lightsensitive control device embodied in the circuits andapparatus of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of the relative positions of a plurality of lightsensitive control devices and intercepting means of Fig. 2 with respect to a floor through which a hatchway extends.

Fig. 5 is a top view, in perspective, of a light-sensitive device embodied in the device 0 Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a bottom view, in perspective, the device. shown in Fig. 5, and

Fig. 7 is a. modification of the light-sensitive control device illustrated in Fig. 3.

To illustrate a preferredembodiment of my invention, gearless traction elevator apparatus provided with variable-voltage control is shown, although it is to be understood that the invention need not necessarily be confined-to use with such combination.

In general, an elevator cage or car 1, suspended from a cable 2, extending over a hoisting drum 3 and counter-balanced by a weight 4, is caused to travel by a hoisting motor 5. The motor 5 comprises an armature 6 and a field winding 7 connected for energization to supply conductors 8 and 9. The speed of the motor 5 may be regulated by connecting its armature 6 to a variable-voltage generator 10, which may be driven at approximately constant speed by a motor 11, preferably shunt wound, connected for enthereby lowering the speed switch 21 is PIOVI sive, the segment 27 ergization to the supply conductors 8 and 9.-

The generator 10 comprises an armature 12, a series field winding 13, a separately 8xcited field winding 14,-"and an auxilia or demagnetizin field winding 15 for reducing the voltage o the generator toapprox1mately zero value when the winding 14 is deenergized. Y V

The field winding 14 may be selectively connectedto the supply conductors 8 and 9 for energization bymeans of an up-direction switch 16 and a down-direction switch 17, each switch being provided with contact members a to f, inclusive. If the switch 16 is closed, the direction of the magnetic field produced by the winding 14 is such that the voltage impressed onthe armature 6 is of that polarity which will cause the drum '3 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction to elevate the car 1. If the switch 17 is closed, the fieldis reversed, whereby the drum 3 is caused to rotate in a clockwise direction,

car 1.

When the switches 16 and 17 are both in their open positions, the contact members d thereof are'closed, whereby the'demagnetizing field winding 15 connected across the terminals of'the tor 5.

The strength of the magnetic. field; pro-- ducedby the field 14, hence the volt age generated by the generator 10, may be varied by means of an accelerating resistor 18 connected in series -in circuit relation with: the separately excited field winding 14, and short-circuiting' or intermediateand high- speed switches 19 and 21 for short-circuiting or shunting sections 22 and 23, re-

spectively, of the resistor 18. a

The direction and speed of movement of the car 1 may be controlled by a car switch '24 on car 1 comprising a movable member ofcar-switch handle 25 provided with contact segments 26 and 27, and a plurality of stationary contact fingers'28 to 38, inclusive. The segments 26 and 27 are so proportioned that, when the segment 26 is in position to bri ge any one of the contact fingers 30 to 33, inclusive, or to 38, inclucontact finger 28.

e actuating coils of the up. and down-direction sw'tches 16 and 17 are provided with an interlocking relay 39'; the ac-. tuating coil of the intermediate-speed switch 19 is provided with interlocking relay? :1

and 43, and the .actuat' coil ofthef ded with interlocklng relays" 42 and 44. The are operable to effect deenergizationof the switches 19 and 21 in sequence when the ,ele-.

vat or is moving in an upward direction, ro-

vided the switch16 is closed and there ays 43 and 44 are operativeto control the uent al operation of the relays 19 and 21 vwhen switch 24.

29 and 30,

generator 10 and 'the mo- Another circuit is is disengagedfrom the relays,41 and 42 the car 1 is descending, that is, when the switch 17 is closed. The elusive, may be initially of a relay relays 39 to 44, inenergized by means 45, which is controlled by the car Assumin that it is desired to start and accelerate t e car 1 in an upward direction, the car-switch handle 25 is turned in a counter-clockwise direction, whereby the contact fingers 29 to 33 are bridged by the segment 26 in sequence.

When the car switch handle 25 is in osition to brid e p the contact finger, 28 being su sequently disengaged from the-contact segment 27, circuit is established for energizing the coil of the relay 45 which extends from supply conductor 8, throu h a conductor 46, contact fingers v bridged b ductor 47, the-coil of relay 45, and conductors 48 and 49, to the supply conductor 9.

Therefore,the relay 45 is energized to close its contact members a, b and 0'.

' When the car-switch segment'26 bridges contact fin 7 rs 29, 30 and 31, a circuit is established gdr the coil of the up-direction switch l6, which circuit extends from the supply conductor 8, through conductor 46, contact members 29, 26 and 31 on the car switch 24, conductor 51,- the coil of the updirection switch 16, and conductors 52, 53 and 49, to the supply conductor 9.

The up -direction switch 16, when closed, establishes a circuit for the relay 39 which extends from the supply conductor 8 through conductor 46, contact members a of relay 45, conductor 54, the coil of relay 39, and conductom 55 and 49, to the supply conductor 9.

16 for energizing the relay 41, which extends from supply'conductor 8, through conductor 46, contact members b of relay 45, conductor 56, the coil of re'lay41, conductor 57, contact members 7 on the u -direction switch 16 a'ndconductors 53 an 49, to the supply conductor 9.' Similarly, a clrcuitfor the relay 42 is completed which may be traced from supply conductor 8, through conductor 46,

contact members act the coil of relay 42, members f of the u -direction switch 16, and conductors 53an 49, to the supply conductor 9. i y

1 .Upon the closing of relay 39, a holding circuit for the coil of the up -direction switch 16 is completed which may be traced from the supply conductor 8, through conductor 46, con uctor 59, lay '39, conduc relay 45, conductor 58,

to]; 60, contact members a of.

the .up-direction's witch 16,,the coil of updirection switch 16, and conductors 52, 53 and 49, to the supply conductor 9.

The up-d1rect1on switch 16 also com-- pletes a circuit for the field winding 14, that extends from supply conductor 8, through the contact fin ers 29 an' 30,

completed by the switch conductor 57, contact the contact members of re-.

the segment 26, conconductor61, conductor 62, contact members is disconnected b of up-direction switch 16 conductor 63, bers c of.up-. direction switch 16, conductor 64 and the refield winding 14, contact mem sistor 18, to the sup 11y conduotor9. I

It is to be noted t at, if the up-direction switch 16, is ener zed, the field winding 15 rom the terminals of the generatorlO and the motor 5, also, if the switch 16 is deenergized or open, the circuit of the field winding 14 is open and that of the field winding 15 is closed. The energizing circuit of the winding 15 may be traced from a conductor 65, connected between the arma--' ture of the motor 5 and the armature of the generator 10, through the field winding 15, conductor 66, I contact members (1 of the down-'direction switch 17 contact members d of the up.-direction switch 16 and conductor 67, to conductor 68 that connects the other terminals of the armatures of the motor 5 and the generator 10.

The up-direction switch 16, having been closed, and the energizing circuit for the field winding 14 having been established, as hereinbefore traced, the car 1 will start in an upward direction at slow speed. In order to accelerate the car to intermediate s eed, the

' 46 and 59,

intermediate-speed switch 19 must e closed to short-circuit the section 22 of the resistor 18. This is accomplished when the contact finger 32 of the car switch 24 is bridged by the se ent 26 to establish an energizing. circuit for the coil of the intermediate-speed switch 19. This circuit may be traced from the supplyconductor; 8, through conductor 46, contact members 29, 26 and 32, on car switch 24, conductor 71, the coil of the intermediate speed switch 19 and conductor 7 0, to the supply conductor 9. Therefore, the intermediate-speed switch 19 closes its contact memhers I) to short-circuit the section 22 of the1resistor18. Therefore, the magnetic field developed-by the field winding 14, and the voltage supplied to the motor 5 are increased to accelerate the car 1 to intermediate speed. I

Upon the closing of the intermediate-speed switch 19, a holding circuit for the coil therel of is established which may betraced from conductor 8 through conductors through the contact members of the relay 41, which is closed, conductor 72, contact fingers a of the speed switch 19', the

the supply coil of switch 19 and conductor 70, to thesupplyronductor 9. vTo accelerate the car 1 to full running speed, the handle 25 ofthe car switch 24 is actuated to the position wherein the contact fingers 29 and 33 are bridged by the se'gfinent 26. A'circuit thereby established and conductor 8,

may be traced from speed switch 21 and conductor 70, to the supply conductor 9'. Therefore, the switch preaches the floor level.

for the high-speed switch, 21 is throughthe car switch -24, conductor 73, the'coil of hlgh- 18 is short-circuited by the contact members b of the switch 21, whereby full voltage of the conductors 8 and 9 is impressed onthe field winding 14. The voltage of the generator is, therefore, increased to its maximum value to increase the speed of the motor 5, and the car 1 to its full running speed.

Upon the energization of the switch 21, a holding circuit for the coil thereof is completed which extends from the supply conductor 8, through conductor 46, the contact members of relay' 42 (which is closed), conductor 74, contact members aof high-speed switch 21, the coil of switch 21 and conductor 70, to the. supply conductor 9. v

If the handle 25 of the car switch is held in the position wherein the contact fingers 29 and 33 are bridged by the segment 26, the car 1 will continue to travel in an upward direction at its full running speed. When it is desired to stop the car at a floor it should be brought to rest exactly at the floor level and to accomplish this, result, I, have provide means for initiatingdeceleration at the prop;

er distances from the floor which will permit the car to landexactly level therewith. This means includes light-sensitive control devices 7 5 and 76 carried by the car and arranged to deenergize speed relays 21 and 19 and direc tion switch 16 in sequence as the car ap- The devices 75 and 76 are energized upon the return of the handle 25 to the position shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings but are ineffective to control the car until the car passes opaque elements hereinafter described as mounted at predetermined distances from the floor level. y The light-sensitive control device 75 comprises a light-sensitive device or photo-electrio cell -7 7 for example, a selenium'cell or an electric discharge device suchas a photo glow tube (see Fig. 7),

the relay 39, to the supply conductor 9.

' The light-sensitive device 76 comprises a.

light-producing -member orv incandescent light and light-sensitive devices or photo- 80 and 81'. The light-sensitive electric cells which is connected in seriescircuit relation with the coil of the relay 39,

device 80 controls the circuit of the coil of the relay 41, which, in turn, controls the holding circuit for .the actuating coil of the intermediate-speed switch 19, when the car is moving in the upward direction, and;

the light-sensitive holding circuit for high-speed switch 21. H

device 81 controls the the actuating coil'of the r When the car-switch handle 25 is returned to the position shown in Fig. 1, a circuit is established for the lights 78 and 79. The circuit established for the lights 78 and 79,.

- upon the centering of the car-switch handle 25, may be traced from the supply conductor of the up-direction switch 16 and conduc 8 through conductor 46, contact members 29, 26, 27' and 28 of the car switch 24, the light 78 and 79, conductor 82, contact members. 6

tor 49 to the supply conductor 9'. I

Subsequent to energizing lights 78 and 79, relay is deenergized, since contact member 30 on car switch 24 is opened afterfcontact members 27 and 28 are engaged. Therefore, when the relay 45 is deenergized, the circuits for the relays 39, 41 and 42 are transferred to, and are maintained through, the photo-electric cells 77 80 and 81. The circuit maintained for the relay 39, by the selenium cell 7 7, extends from the sup-' ply'conductor 8, through" the conductor 46,

'the photo-electric cell-81, the relay '42, con-- ductor 57, contact members f ofthe updirection switch 16 and the conductor49, to the supply conductor 9.

Assuming that the car has been accelerated to its full running speed and that it is desired to bring the car 1 to rest level with a fioor indicated by a Broken line 83, this result may be obtained by stationarily mounting a plurality of shields 84, 85 and 86, of any suitable opaque material, in the hatchway adjacent to the floor 83 past which the car moves. The shields 84 and 85 .are spaced vertically from each other at predetermined distances from the floor 83 and are spaced horizontally from each other so that the shield 85 will pass between the light 79 and the photo-electric cell 80, and the shield 84 will pass between the light 79 and the photoelectric cell 81. The shield 86 is positioned approximately at the level ofthe floor -83 and in a position to intercept beams'oi light from the light 78 projectedonthe cell 77. It is to be understood that, in practice, the positions of the light-sensitivev control devices and those of the shieldsv in -the-'hatch-f 'way will be so adjusted that the-car 1-i s',prop. r

erly decelerated and brought fto'a stop level with a selected floor. j a 7 As the car approaches the floor, the'shi'eld 84 will intercept beams of light projected the motor 5.

I that the rela 39 drops out, whereby from the light 79 on the photo-electric cell or light-sensitive device 81. Upon the darkening of this cell, the currentrcarryi ng characteristic thereof changes to effect a reduction in the current flowing through the coil of the hlgh-speed switch 21, hereinbefore traced. The coil of the switch 21, being deenergized, the high-speed switch is opened to re-insert section 23 of the resistor into the circuit of the field winding14 to reduce the voltage of the generator 10 and the ,speed of As the car continues toepproach the floor, the shield 85 passes between the light-sensi tive device 80 and the light 79', Qrereby darkening the same andefi'ecting a change in its current-carrying characteristic. This change in characteristic of the light-sensitive device operates to reduce the flow of current through the coil of the relay 41 to such value that the relay drops out and o ens or. de-. energizes the holding circuit for the actuating coil of the intermediate speed switch 19.

The holding coil of the switch 19, having been deenergized, the switch is opened and the fsection 22 of the resistpr 18 re-inserted in the circuit of the field winding 14 to further reduce thevoltage of the generator 10 and the speed of the motor 5. The car is now moving at slow or landing eed. When the car reaches approximately t e level of the floor 83, the shield 86 passes between the light 78 and the photo-electric cell 7 71:0 darken the same. Change in its, characteristic is thereby effected, and the current flowing in the coil of the switch 39is reduced thereby to'such value the 'holding circuit or the coil of the up -direction switch 16 is deenergized.

The holding circuit for the coil of the switch 16 having been interruptedithe switch 1 16 drops out'to deenergize the fie d winding 14 and to connect the field windin 15 for energization across the terminals of t e motor 5 of the generator 10. When the field winding 15 is energized, the flow of current is in such direction that a. magnetic field is -de-' veloped in opposition to the field produced by the residualm'a etism of the windings 13 and 14. The V0 tage of the generator 10 is,

therefore, reduced to zero, or approximately zero, to effect substantially an instantaneous stop from slow speed when the car has reached .the level of the floor 83.

When the up-direction switch 164s;

opened, the circuit for the lights 78 and 79 is. broken. Therefore, inorder to againstart the "carupward, the car-switch handle 25 imu'st'be actuated through thtifpositions previ- 'ously'mentioned herein, to e ect a reclosing of the up -dire'ction switch 16-- a "and the accelerating or speed switches 19 and l .21. v

of the relay 42 to such value that the relay is .70 i droppedout to open the holding-coil circuitv In order to start the car in a downward di- 26. When the contact finger 35 is bridged,

the relay 45 is closed, the circuit of which has hereinbefore been traced, and, when the contact finger 36 is bridged, the down-direction switch 17 is closed to connect the field winding 14 in series with the resistor 18 across the-supplyjconductors 8 and 9.

pon the closing of the switch 17 the cir- 5 cuits of the coils of the relays 39 43 and 44 are established through the switch 17 in the same manner as the circuitsfor the coils of the relays '39, 41 and 42 are established through the switch. 16. The relay 39 operates to establish a' holding circuit for the coil of the down-direction switch 17, and the relays 43 and 44 function to control the holdingcoil circuits, or the short-circuiting or speed switches 19 and 21, when theyhave been energized by the car switch 24.

When the contactfinger 37 isengaged the segment 26, the coil of the switch 19 is energized, and the'section 22 of the resistor 18 is short-circuited to thereby efiect an inno crease in the voltage of the enerator and the speed of the motor 5. en'the-contact finger 38 'is engaged by the segment 26 of the car switch, the circuit of the switch 21 is established to close the high-speed switch 21 and thereby short-circuit-the section 23 of the resistor 18-to further increase the voltage of the generator 10 and the speed of the motor 5. The car is now moving downwardly at full running speed.

ed and to bring it to a stop, level cor 83, a light-sensitive control dee disclosed in :Patent No.

' Jul 1, 1930, to William 1 5 F. Eames, and assigne to theWestinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company,

mounted on the ear 1, and shields 89 and- 90 stationarily mounted in. the hatchway are porovided. The shields 89 and '90 are spaced so th vertically from each other at predeterand laterrunning s with the vice 88 of thefi t 1,7 69,054,. gran mined points, above the floor 83, ally, as shown in Fig. 1.

The light-sen 'tive device 88 comprises a light-producing member of an electric light 55? 91 positioned between light-sensitive devices of photo- electric cells 92 and 93. The photoelectric cell 92 controls the circuit of the actuating coil for the relay 43, and the cell :93 controls the circuit of the actuating-coil for the relay 44 when the car-switch handle 25 is in its central or normalposition (see Fig. 1} I for re ays 41 and 42 and photo-electric cells 77 and 80 when the car moved upwardly.

' When the car-switch handle 25 has been field windin electric cell 92 to darken the same.

.The relay 43, when open or In order to decelerate the car from full;

voltage of the generator 10 and the of the motorv 5 to slow speed.

in the same manner as was described centered, as shown inFig. 1, (the carbeing driven downwardly at its full running speed) the lights 78 and 91 are connected in seriescircuit relation across the supply conductors 8 and 9. The circuit for the lights may be traced from the supply conductor 8, through the contact members 34, 26, 27 and 28 of car switch 24, lights 78 and 91, conductor 94, contact members 0 of down-direction switch 17 and conductors 53 and 49, to the supply conductor 9. A I

As the car, approaches the floor 83, the shield 89, constructed of any suitable opaques material, passestbetween the light91 and the photo-electric cell 93, thereby darkenin the same. The resistance of the cell 93 is, t erefore, increased to such value that the current through the actuating coil of the relay 44 is reduced-to a,value at which itdrops out to open the holding-coil circuit of the,,highspeed switch 21. The high-speed switch 21 having beeiz opened, the section 23 ofthe re' sister 18 is 're-inserted in the circuit of the v 14 to effect a reduction in the voltage of t e generator 10, and a slowing down of the motor 5 to intermediate speed.

De'celeration of the car from intermediate speed to slova speed is effected when the shield 90 passes between the light 91 and the phat}?- e darkening of the cell causes-its resistance to be increased to such value that the current in eactu ting coil of the relay 43 is decreased to a'value atwhich it opens or drops out.

dropped out, in-

terrupts the holding circuit for the actuating coil of the low-speed swigeh 19. The low speed switch .19 having bee opened,'the entire resistor 18 is connected in circuit with the field winding 14 to further reduce the speed -When the carhas reached, approximately, the level of-the floor 83, the shield 86 asses between the light 78 and the photo-e ectric cell 77 to cause the relay 39 to drop out, whereby the holding circuit for the actuating coil of the '.down-direction switch 17 isdeI-L' energized, whereby the switch 17 is opened.

Upon the opening of the switch 17, the field winding 14 is deenergized, and the field winding 15 energized, in the manner hereinbefore stated, to reduce the voltage of the generator 10 to zero, and to stop the motor 5-when the car 1 islevel withthe floor 83.

From the foregoing description of the operation of the circuits and apparatus embodying my invention, it is obvious that the earl may be operatedat running speed or at any predetermined intermediate speed, de-

nding upon the position andle 25, past any number. of floors by holding the .car switch ina positionccorrespond; ing to'the particular To ship" the carat a runnin speed desired.'

,of the car-switch floor, approached, i v

high- speed switches 19 and 21 and the relay 39 in sequence as the shields 84,85 and 86are passed to bring the car to stop level with the floor 83. The same. result may be accomplished if the car is moving downwardly through the hatchway.

In the elevator-control system described above and illustrated in Fig, 1, the movement of the car 1 is controlled by the agency of the car switch 24, the light- sensitive control devices 75, 76 and 88, and the shields 84, 85, 86,

89 and 90. However, in some installations of my elevator system, it may be desirable or even necessary to provide means whereby the car 1 may be stopped automatically at the several floors by passengers who are awaiting to board the elevator at the respecin the direction in which they maywish to e carried,

In the event that it is desired to so utilize my control system, the system described above may be provided with automatic stopping means that comprises, in general, a control system of the type wherein the car may be automatically stopped by passen er-controlled ush-button switches locate at the several oors. I have illustrated such a system in Fig. 2. A passenger at any floor, who desires to board an elevator as it ascending, may close an up push-button switch, or, if he desires to descend, he may close a .down push-button switch. k V

The automatic means illustrated in Fig.2 as applicable to my elevator system for stopping the car automatically at any one of several floors, comprises passenger-controlled push- button switches 95 and 96, a floor selector 97, a stopping relay 98 controlled by the floor selector and relays 99 and 100 for energizin the floor selector.- The switch 95 is actuate to energize the relay 99 when 'the person desires to travel upwardly, and the switch 96 is actuated to energize the relay 100 if the person desires to. travel downwardly. While I have illustrated only one set of buttons 95 and 96, it is to be understood that one set will be provided for the car moves.

In the event that it is desirable to provide for automatically stopping the car by the car operator at any floor corresponding to the floor called by a passenger in the car, pusheach floor past which button switches 101 and 102 may be mounted in the car .for actuating the floor-selector energizing relays 99 and 100. While only a set of floor push-button switches 101 and 102 for one floor have been illustrated as carried by the car, it is to be understood that the car .may be provided with as many sets of pushbutton switches as there are floors past which the car may move.

A floor selector of a type similar to that 7 filed June 8, 1928, may be utilized for transferring calls registered on push buttons 95, 96, 101 and 102 to causethe operation of stopping relay 98. This floor selector may comprise continuous contact strips 103 and 104 connected in circuit withstopping relay 98. Arranged adjacent continuous contact strip 103, I have illustrated a plurality of contact segments, one of which is designated by the reference character 105 connected to the push button switch 102 and the contact members of call-registering relay 100. It is understood that a similar segment will be connected to each of the call-registering relays and each of the car buttons associated with other floors past which the car moves. In like manner, the contact segments 106 is connected to the contact members of call-registering relay 99 and ush-button 101.

The oor selector also includesa pair of normally closed switches 108 and 109 in circuit with the coils of relay 100 and 99, respectively.

A. movable arm 107, driven in correspondence with. the movements of the car, traverses the contact strips and segments in a well known manner and through bridging member 110 bridges contact strips 104 and segment 106 when the car is travelling upwardly, and through bridging member 111, bridges contact strips 103 and segment 105 when the car is travelling downwardly.

It will be observed that, when the car is level with fi0or83, (indicated by dotted lines)' wedging members 112 or 113, dependent upon the direction in which the car is travelling,

will enter between and open contact members 108 and 109, respectively.

The contact members a of the stopping relay 98 will be connected in series relation ,with conductor 47 between contact fingers 35 and 30 of car switch 24 and relay 45, while the contact members I) of the said stopping relay 98 will be-connected between the contact, finger 28 of the car switch 24 and the lights 78, 79 and 91. It is evident, therefore, that, when the stopping relay 98 is energized the relay 45 is deenergized, and the lighting circuit for the lights 78 and 79 established, if the car is moving in an upward direction, and the lights 78 and 91 are energized if the car is moving in a downward direction. The light-sensitive or photo- electric cells 77, 80 and 81 are, therefore, energized when the car is moving in'an upward direction and the car is subjected to the control of the system 'hereinbefore described.

Similarly, if the car is moving in a downward direction, the light-sensitive or photoelectric cells 77, 92 and 93 are ener'gizedwhen the car is moving in a downward direction to bring the car to a stop leyel with the floor,

tion of the elevator, then, in order to stop the' car, the push-button switch 95 is closed to establish a circuit from the conductor 8, throu h the coil of the rela 99, conductor- 115 andthe normally close switch 108 on i the flo or selector 97, to the supply conductor 9. The relay 99 is, therefore, closed and a holdin .circuit is established for' the coil thereo which extends from the conductor 8, .throu h the contact members of the relay 99 and the coil thereof, to the conductor 9.

strip 104 and'segment 106 will be bridged by the movable arm. 107. A circuit for actuatin the stopping relay 98 is thereby establis ed, which extends from supply conductor 'gized, the circuit for ,rela

8, through the contact members of relay 99, conductors 116 and 117, contact segment 106, contact member 110 and strip 104, conductor 118 and the coil of therelay 98, to the'supply conductor 9.v When the rela 98 is ener- 45 broken, and the relay deenergized. he contact mem bers (1,7) and 0 of the relay v are, disengaged, whereby .the light-sensitive control devices are rendered operative to control the relays 39, 41 and 42 as previously described herein.

Upon the energization of the lay 98, a" circuit is established through the contact members '12 thereof for the li hts 78.

and 79, which may be traced from t e conductor 8, 24, contact finger 28, thereof, conductor 119, contact mem rs b of relay 98 and the lights .7 8 and 7 9, to hesuppl conductor 9, a circuit previousl describe for'the'se lights.

' 'The lights 8 and 7 9, being energized, the

selenium cells 7 7, and 81 are energized, and, as the car 1 continues to approach the floor, the shields 84,185 and-86 will pass between the lights and the photo-electric cells in the mannerhereinbefore set forth, wherethe relays 39, 41 and 42 will be dropped out in sequence todecelerate the car. and bring it to a stop, level with the floor 83.

When the .car arrives level with the [floor 83, the normally closed switch 108 on the floor selector is opened by thewedging memher .112 carried by the movable arm 107.

Therefore, the energizing circuitof the relay 99is broken, and, when this relay is deenergized, it opens the circuit to the stopping relay 98 andinterruptsalso the circuit of the lights 78 and 79. i I or i relay 100, the continuous conta the contact-bridging member 110 carried on therefore,

stopping rethrough conductor 46, the car switch Similarly, if a passenger'desires to travel downwardly with the car, hemay operate'the push-button switch 96, whereby a circuit is established through the coil of the relay 100 which'may be traced from supply conductor 8 through the switch 96, the coil of the-relay and that the car-switch fl) closed, a holding circuit'for from the supply conductor 8,'through the contact members and the coil of said relay, to

the supply conductor 9.

As the car approaches the corresponding floor, when moving in a downward direction, the contact member 111, carried by the arm of the floor selector 97, bridges the continuous contact strip 103 and the contact segment 105.

A circuit for the relay 98 is thereby established which extendse-from the supply con- As the car 1 approaches the floor, contact ductor 8, through the contact megxbers of the t strip 103,

is enei'gized, it breaks lishes a circuit for the lights 77 and 91. As the car continues to approach the floor, the

shields 89, and 86 operate to decelerate and stop the'car in the manner'hereinbefore' set forth. Also, when the car arrives level withithe floor, the wedging member 113 of insulating material carried by the arni 107 of the floor selector 7, opens the normally closed'switch 109 to ideenergize therelay 100, whereby the relay 98 is caused to operate to I deenergiz'e the lights 78 and 91.

The car-may also be brought to a stop by the'operator ofthe car by actuating the one or the other of the. push-button switches 101 and'102. .The switch 101 is utilized to stop the car when it is approaching the floor from below, andthe switch 102 when the car is approachin a floor from above. The pushbutton switc es 101 and-102 control the respective push-button relays 99 and 100 inthe same manner as do floor push-button switches 95 and 96'.

The preferred form of the light- sensitive controldevices 75, 76 and 88,'disclosed in the hereinbe'fore referred to patent to Eames, when selenium cells are employed, is illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawings. Since these control devices are similar in constructiom-it is believed necessary to describe only oneof them and for purposes of--explanation,.the

complete device in Fig. 3 will be given the i numeral 76, indicating generally a, lightsensitive control device. The device 76 comprises a casing 122, having a back wall 123 and side walls 124 and 1 25. The front of the casing is provided with walls 126, 127, 128

and'129 extending into the casing and parali- ;1e1 with the walls 124 and 1 5. The inner The light 79 is mounted'in the casin -ad-' jacent the back wall 123. In order t at a beam of light may be projected between the walls 127 and 128, a reflector 133 is dis osed behind the light 79. The beam of lig t so projected into the space between these walls may be reflected on the light-sensitive or selenium cells 80and 81, by means of mirrors. .134 and 135. The beam of light striking on the mirror 134 is reflected through an opening 136 in the wall 127 to fall on the selenium cell 81. Similarly, the beam of, light from the light /7 9 striking on the mirror 135 is refiected on the selenium cell 80, through an openin 137 in the wall 128.

Ass own in Fig. 3, the shield 84, which may be mounted on the walls of the hatchway, is positioned to pass between the walls -126 and 127, thereby intercepting the beam of light projected on the selenium cell 81.

. The shield 85, not shown in Fig. 3, may be three of which 141, 142 and 143, are s mounted in the hatchway and so positioned that it will pass between the walls 128 and 129 tdintercept beams of light projected on the selenium cell 80.

The terminals of the respective selenium cells '80 and 81 may be secured to'the back wall 123 of the casing by means of conductors shown by broken lines 138,139 and 149.

The lower terminal of the selenium cell 81 is not shown, but may be secured to the back wall in any suitable manner.

The selenium cells 80 and 81 are shown -diagrammatical.y in Figs. 5 and'6 as comprising an assembly of a plurality oflates, own, having strips of insulatin material 144 and 145 interposed between adjacent plates and secured together in any suitable manner. The front edges of all of the plates may be connected together by a coating of light-sensitive metal, for example, selenium, as indicated by the dotted surface 146. Every 'other plate in the assembly is" connected'in any suitable manner to'a common terminal while the remaining plate is connected to another terminal. i

When a beam of light is directed against the surface 146, an appreciable current will pass between the plates 141, 142 and 143, be-

cause the resistance of the selenium is low, but, if this surface is darkened, as by intercepting a beam of light projected thereon, the

resistance of the metal coating becomes high and reduces the value of current flowing between them;

The relative osition of the light- sensitive control devices 5, 76 and 88, when mounted on the car, is shown in Fig. 4. The posinot of the shields s4, s5, 86, 89 and 90, which are mounted in the hatchway on the walls thereof, is shown also in Fig. 4. The

shield 86 is secured in the hatchway sub-- stantially level with the floor 83, and the shields 84 and 85 are positioned below the floor and the shields 89 and 90 are positioned above the floor. If the car is moving in a downward direction, the shield 89 passes between the lightand the selenium cell 93 and the shield 90 between the light and the cell 92. When the 'car is level with the floor, the shield 86 passes between the light 78 and the selenium cell 77, 1 i a If the car is below the floor and is approaching it from below, the shield .84 passes between the walls 126 and 127 to intercept the beam of light reflected on the selenium cell 81 from the light 79, and, subsequently, the shield 85 passes between the walls 128 and 129 to intercept the beam of light reflected on the selenium cell 80. c

It has been found that, in some applications of the light-sensitive-control device 76 to. the elevator-control system described" herein, the operation of the car '1 cannot readily be controlled within the exact limits required. This is particularly true with reference to the final stopping of the elevator level with anj of the several floors past which the car-moves. usually required that the car come to a stop .within from one-fourth to one-half inch above or below the floor. When utilizing the lightsensitive-control device 76, in,which selenium In passenger elevators, it is cells are utilized as the light-sensitive element, it has been found that it is difiicult to stop the car at the floor within such close limits. However, the selenium cells operate satisfactory to modify the speed of the car between the floors.

Therefore, in order to provide a lightsensitive-control device which will stop, the car level with the floor within the close limits necessary in. passenger elevator systems, it is proposed to use the l ght-sensitive-control device 147 illustrated in Fig. 7. The light-- sensitive device 147 is similar, in many respects, to the control device 76 and comprises,

in general, a casing 148 having compartments 149, 150 and 151 separated from each other by partitions 152 and 153.

A light-producing member or incandescent lamp 154 is mounted in the compartment 150 which light-producing member is provided with a reflector 155 for projecting beams of .light on the mirrors 134 and 135.

In the- respective compartments 149 and 151 are mounted photo- electric tubes 156 and 157. The photo-electric tubes 156 antl 157, when exposed to a beam of light, are capable of passing a current of a predetermined value when a definite voltage is applied thereto, but if the beam of light is intercepted, the cells will not pass a current at this voltage.

The beams of light projected from the lightproducing member 154 are reflected from the mirror 134 through a relatively narrow slot or aperture 158 provided in a wall 159 of the compartment 151, the width of the slot being such as will cause the car to stop within the limits required. The beam of light passing through this aperture strikes a mirror 160 which reflects the beam on the photo-electric tube 157, thereby rendering it operative to permit current to flow therethrough.

The beams of light, striking the mirror 135, are reflected through a'relatively narrow slot or aperture 161 provided in a wall 162 of the compartment 149, the width of the slot being such as will cause the car to stop within the close limits required. This beam of light strikes a mirror 163 and is reflected on the photo-electric tube 156, thereby rendering it operative to pass an electric current therethrough.

The light-sensitive-device 147 may be mounted on the elevator car 1 in substantially the same manner and position as the lightsensitive-control device 76. When so mounted, the shield 84 (see Fig. 3) will pass through a recess 164 provided in the front of the casing 144 to intercept the beams of light passing through the slot or aperture 158, thereby effecting a darkening of the photo-electric tube 157 and to render it incapable of passing any electric current at the voltage which is normally impressed thereon. Likewise, when the car is at another predetermined position, the shield 85 will pass through another recess 165 provided in the front of the casing 147 to intercept beams of light paming through the slot of aperture 161 to thereby darken the photoelectric tube 156, whereby it is rendered incapable of passing an electric current at the voltage normally impressed there The photo- electric tubes 156 and 157, which it is proposed to utilize in the control system described herein, are illustrated and described in a co-pending atent application of Dewey D. Knowles, Serial No. 144,819 and filed October 28, 1926.

The photo-electric tube there described is provided with a photo-sensitive cathode 166 and an anode 167 which are electrically connected to respective terminals 168 and 169. If a beam of light is projected on this photoelectric tube and a voltage of a predetermined value is impressed on the terminals 168 and a current will flow from the photo-sensitive cathode to the anode which will be of a value suflicient to operate relays applicable to the control system herein described.

By my invention, I have provided a control system for electric elevators, whereby elevators may be accelerated from rest to full running speed, orto a pluralit of intermediate speeds, by the actuation o a car switch from a normal position to its operating or accelerating ositions. The control system includes leveling means whereby the car may be decelerated automatically and brought to rest level with any one of several floors past which the car moves by returning the car switch to its normal position after it has been actuated to any of its running positions.

The leveling means comprises a plurality of light-sensitive devices or selenium cells and light-producing members mounted on the car, for energizing the cells, and a plurality of shields, of suitable opaque material, stationarily mounted in the hatchway adjacent to the several floors and in spaced relation to each other, for deenergizing the selenium cells in a predetermined sequence, whereby the control system is caused to function in such manner that the car. is decelerated in steps and brought to rest level with any one of the several floors.

The light-sensitive control devices are free from moving parts, are simple in construction and light in weight so that the elevator cars equipped with such apparatus will be materially lighter than cars equipped with apparatus, for accomplishing the same or a similar purpose, consisting, generally, of solcnoiclally or magnetically actuated contactors.

While I have set forth a preferred embodiment of my invention constituting the circuits and apparatus shown in the drawings, it is to be understood that various modifications'may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention'. It is desired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed upon the invention as are imposed by the prior art and the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a control s stem for an elevator car opefable past a oor, multi-speed motive means for said elevator, a plurality of lightsensitive devices and means for illuminating said devices, both carried by said car, a plurality of light-varying means, one for each a device, stationaril mounted at different distances from said oor for varying the illumination of the associated device by said illuminating means when said associated varying means and device are brought adjacent to each other, and controlling means for each speed of said motive means operable upon variation of the illumination of one of said devices.

2. An electric elevator having, in combination, a cage operable in a hatchway, amotor for driving said cage, and means. for institute ing a levelling operation by said motor, said means comprising a? plurality of light-sensitive devices secured to the cage, a source of light, mea s for projecting a beam of light from said source upon each of said lightsensitive devices for normally maintaimncglt said light-sensitive devices operable in response to the shielding thereof from .said beam of light.-

3. An electric elevator having, in combination, a cage operabIe in a hatchway pasta plurality-of floors, a motor for driving said cage, a control circuit for said motor to efiect an upward movement of said car, a control circuit for effecting a downward movement thereof, means for selectively energizing said control circuits to effect either an upward or a downward movement of the car, a source of light, a ligh t-sensitive device common to both of said control circuits for maintaining them energized when exposed to a source of light and for efiecting deenergization of said circuits to stop the car when shielded from the light source, and a plurality of shields, one for each floor, mounted in the hatchway to shield the light-sensitive device from the source of light as the car approaches the selected floor, thereby to stop the car at the 4. An electric elevator having, in combination, a cage operable in a hatchway extending through a plurality of floors, a motor for driving said cage, a main control circuit for said motor for energizing the motor to run at a low speed, an auxiliary circuit operable on the main circuit to accelerate the motor to a higher speed, means for energizing said circuits in sequence, and means for deener-- gizing first the auxiliary circuit, when the car passes apoint located at a distance of a.

predetermined value from each floor, and

\ then the main circuit to thereby stop the car through a plurality of floors, a motor for driving said cage, a main control circuit for said motor capable of energizing the motor to run at a low speed, an auxiliary circuit operable on the main circuit to accelerate the motor to a higher speed, means for energizing sa1d circuits in sequence, means for de' energizing first the auxiliary circuit, whenthe car passes a point located at a distance of a predetermined value from each floor, and then the main circuit to thereby stop the car level with the floor, said means including a light-sensitive device individual to each circuit, means for projecting a beam of light on each light-sensitive device, and a plurality of shields mounted in the hatchway for interceptin the beam of light projected, certain of sai shields being positioned one at the point located at said distance from each floor and the other shield positioned one at each floor and means for rendering said circuits non-responsive to the light-sensitive devices as the car passes certain selected floors to effeet the stopping of the car at a selected succeeding floo 6. In a control system for an elevator car operable in a hatchway past a floor; motive means for said elevator; and a controller for said motive means, said controller including a switch movable from an initial position to a running position, mechanism including a switch and a circuit therefor responsive to movement of said switch to said running position to cause said motive means to move said car, and stopping switch mechanism, rendered eflective upon return of said switch to said initial position to interrupt said cir-,

cuit to thereby bring said car to rest level with sa1d floor, saidstopping switch mechanism including a light sensitive cell carried by said car, a circuit for said cell, a source of light also carried by said car and adapted to illuminate said cell, a shield mounted in the hatchway and disposed to interrupt the light passing between said source and said cell when said car reaches said predetermined point to thereby reduce the current flowing in the circuit of said cell, and a relay controlled in accordance with the value of current flowing in said circuit, and responsive to said reduction in current to interrupt said firstnamed circuit.

7. In a control system for an elevator car operable past a plurality of floors; motive means for said car; and a controller for said motive means, said controller including starting switch contact members, mechanism including a switch and a circuit therefor responsive to closure of said starting switch contact members to cause said motive means to move said car, and stopping switch mechanism effective to interrupt said circuit to cause said car to stop level with that floor, said stopping switch mechanism including a light sensitive cell common to all of said floors and carried by said car, a circuit including said. cell, a source of light common to all of said floors, also carried by said car and adapted to illuminate said cell to permit passage therethrough of a predetermined operation of any of said 'the associated floor to thereby reduce the current in said cell circuit and actuate said stop- ,ping relay to interrupt said first-named circuit.

8. In a control system for an elevator car -operable past a plurality of floors; motive means for said car; and a controller for said motive means, said controller including starting switch contact members, mechanism ineluding a switch and a circuit therefor responsive to closure of said starting switch contact members to cause said motive means to start and maintainsaid car in motion, and

stopping switch mechanism effective to interrupt said circuit to cause said car to stop level with any of said floors, said stopping switch mechanism including a a stopping relay actuable to interrupt said circuit, a light sensitive cell common to all of said floors and carried by said car, a circuit for said cell, a source oi light common to all of said floors, also carried by said car, and ad apte d to illuminate said cell, a switch individual to each floor, mechanism responsive to switches to render said stopping relay subject to control in ac cordance with the value of the current flowing in said cell circuit when said car approaches the fiocr associated with the operated switch, a shield mounted in the hatchway adjacent each floor and disposed to interrupt the light passing between said source and said cell when said car reaches a pointa predetermined distance in advance of the associated floor to thereby reduce the current flowing in said cell circuit and actuate said relay.

9. In combination, an elevator hatchway member, an elevator ear. member movable therein, switching means associated with said ear member comprising a relay, and means to actuate said relay including a light sensitive cell mounted on one of said members, a source of light also mounted on said one of said members and adapted to illuminate said cell, means comprising circuit connections to render said relay subject to the current passed by said cell, and a shield mounted on the other of said reaches a predetermined point in said hatchway member.

' 10. g In combination, an elevator hatchway member, an elevator ear member movable therein past a floor, motive means for said car, and a controller for said motive means, said controller including switching means and a circuit associated therewith effective to cause said motive means to move said car, and stopping switch mechanism efiective to interrupt said circuit when said car reaches a point a predetermined distance in advance of said floor to thereby stop said car at said floor, said stopping witch mechanism comprising a light sensiti e cell mounted on one of said light also mounted on said one member and adapted to illuminate said cell, a relay actuable to interrupt said first-named circuit and.

disposed to be controlled in accordance with the'value of current flowing in said cell circuit, and a shield mounted on the other of said members and disposed to control the light passing between said source and said cell and to thereby vary the current in said cell circuit and actuate said relay when said car reaches said predetermined point.

11. In a control system for an elevator ear I movable in a hatchway, switching means associated with said car comprising a relay, and means to actuate said relay comprising a light sensitive cell carried on said car, a source of light also mounted on said car and adapted to illuminate said cell, means comprising circuit connections to render said relay subject to the current passed by said cell, and a shield mounted in the hatchway and disposed to control the light passing between said source and said cell to thereby vary the current passed by said cell and actuate said relaywhen said car reaches a predetermined point in said hatchway. p a a 12. In a control system for an elevator car operable in a hatchway, switching means associated with said car comprising'a relay, and means to actuate said relay as said car passes predetermined points in said hatchway, said actuating means including a light sensitive cell carried by said car, a source of light also carried by said car and adapted to illuminate said cell, means comprising circuit connections to render said relay subject to the curcell to thereby reduce. the current passed by I said cell and actuate said relay as said car passes the associated point.

13, In a control system for an elevator car movable in a hatchway with respect to a floor;

' motive means for said car; and a controller for said motive means, said controller including switching mechanism and a circuit therefore effective to cause saidmotive means to move said car towards said floor, and stopping switch mechanism effective to interrupt said circuit when said car reaches a point a predetermined distance in advance of said floor to thereby stop said car at said floor, said stopping switch mechanism including a light sensitive cell carried by said car, a circuit for said cell, a source of light carried by said car and adapted to illuminate said cell, a relay-actuable to interrupt said first named circuit and disposed to be controlled in accordance with the value of the current flowing in said cell circuit, a shield mounted in the hatchway and disposed to control the light passing between said cell and said light source to thereby vary the current flowing in said cell circuit and actuate said stopping relay when said car reaches said point in advance of said floor.

14. In a control system for an elevator car operable in a hatchway past a plurality of floors; motive means for said car; and a controller for said motive means, said controller including starting switch contact members, mechanism including a switch and a circuit associated therewith responsive to closure of said starting switch contact members to cause said motive means to move said car, and stopping switch mechanismto interrupt said circuit and stop said car level with any of said floors, said stopping switch mechanism including a light sensitive cell carried by said car, a circuit for said cell, a source of light carried by said car and adapted to illuminate said cell, a relay actuable to interrupt said circuit and associated with said cell circuit, shielding means mounted in the hatchway and adapted to control the light passing between said source and said cell to thereby vary the current flowing in said cell circuit as said car approaches any of said floors, and selectively operable means to render said stopping means effective to stop said car at a selected one of'said floors, said selectively operable means comprising means to render said interrupting relay subject to control in accordance with the value of current flowing in said cell circuit.

15. In a control system for an elevator car operable in a hatchway past a plurality of floors; motive means for said car; and a controller for said motive means said controller including starting switch contact members, mechanism including a switch and a circuit associated therewith responsive to closure of said starting switch contact members to cause said motive means to move said car, and stopping switch mechanism to interrupt said circuit and stop said car level with any of said floors, said stopping switch mechanism including a light sensitive cell carried by said car, a circuit for said cell, a source of light carried by said car and adapted to illuminate said cell, a relay actuable to interrupt said circuit and associated with said cell circuit, shielding means mounted in the hatchway and disposed to control the light passing between said source and said cell to thereby vary the current flowing in said cell circuit as said car approaches any of said floors, and selectively operable means to render said stopping means eflective to stop said car at a selected one of said floors, said selectively operable means comprising means to activate said source of light and to render said interrupting relay subject to control in accordance with the value of current flowing in said cell circuit, said last named means being disposed to provide for activating said light source prior to rendering said interrupting relay subject to the cur rent flowing in said cell circuit.

I 16'. In a control system for an elevator car movable in a hatchway with respect to a floor; motive means for said car; and a controller for said motive means, said controller including switching mechanism and a circuit therefor eliective to cause said motive means to 'move said car towards said'floor, and stopping switch mechanism effective to interrupt said circuit when said car reaches a point a predetermined distance in advance of said floor to thereby stop said car at said floor, said stopping switch mechanism including a light sensitive cell carried by said car, a circuit for said cell, a source of light carried by said car and adapted to illuminate said cell, a stopping relay actuable to interrupt said first named circuit and disposed to be controlled in accordance with the value of the current flowing in said cell circuit, and a shield mounted in the hatchway and disposed to interrupt the light passing between said cell and said light source when said car reaches said point in advance ,of said floor to thereby reduce the current flowing in said cell circuit and actuate said stopping relay.

HAROLD W. MATTINGLY.

Images