A method and a mechanism for releasing a hydraulically actuated elevator brake system wherein the brake release mechanism includes a rotary pump, a crank handle to manually turn the rotary pump, a fluid supply port, a fluid return port, an output port for connection to a cylinder of the brake system, a rapid exhaust valve having an inlet port connected via the rotary pump to the fluid supply port, a cylinder port selectively connectable to the output port, and an exhaust port connected to the fluid return port. By turning the rotary pump, for example with the crank handle, a continuous flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid is delivered through the rapid exhaust valve and onto the brake cylinder, thereby releasing the hydraulic brake system.

A method and a mechanism for releasing a hydraulically actuated elevator brake system wherein the brake release mechanism includes a rotary pump, a crank handle to manually turn the rotary pump, a fluid supply port, a fluid return port, an output port for connection to a cylinder of the brake system, a rapid exhaust valve having an inlet port connected via the rotary pump to the fluid supply port, a cylinder port selectively connectable to the output port, and an exhaust port connected to the fluid return port. By turning the rotary pump, for example with the crank handle, a continuous flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid is delivered through the rapid exhaust valve and onto the brake cylinder, thereby releasing the hydraulic brake system.

Braking systems and methods are provided for a drum winch system having a winch drum having an outer surface and a winch drum braking system. The winch drum braking system has a first brake having a first brake lining, located adjacent to the winch drum, and a first three-ring ratchet linkage system connected to the first brake lining. The first three-ring ratchet linkage system is rotatable and adapted to move the first brake lining to a first position or a second position with respect to the outer surface of the winch drum. In the first position, the first brake lining contacts the outer surface of the winch drum to apply break force thereon, and, in the second position, the first brake lining is separated from the winch drum.

Braking systems and methods are provided for a drum winch system having a winch drum having an outer surface and a winch drum braking system. The winch drum braking system has a first brake having a first brake lining, located adjacent to the winch drum, and a first three-ring ratchet linkage system connected to the first brake lining. The first three-ring ratchet linkage system is rotatable and adapted to move the first brake lining to a first position or a second position with respect to the outer surface of the winch drum. In the first position, the first brake lining contacts the outer surface of the winch drum to apply break force thereon, and, in the second position, the first brake lining is separated from the winch drum.

A fluidically actuatable disk brake system includes brake cylinder pairs each including brake cylinders arranged on both sides of a brake disk in at least one brake caliper. Each brake cylinder includes a brake piston and a spring arrangement which applies a spring force toward the brake disk. First and second fluid connections are provided on the brake cylinder. The first and second fluid connections supply a fluid to the brake cylinder so that a force counteracting the spring force is applied to the brake piston. A 2/2-way valve is assigned either to the first or second fluid connection of first brake cylinders of a brake cylinder pair. The first or second fluid connection which is not assigned to the 2/2-way valve is fluidically connected to the respective other first or second fluid connection of a second brake cylinder of the brake cylinder pair.

A fluidically actuatable disk brake system includes brake cylinder pairs each including brake cylinders arranged on both sides of a brake disk in at least one brake caliper. Each brake cylinder includes a brake piston and a spring arrangement which applies a spring force toward the brake disk. First and second fluid connections are provided on the brake cylinder. The first and second fluid connections supply a fluid to the brake cylinder so that a force counteracting the spring force is applied to the brake piston. A 2/2-way valve is assigned either to the first or second fluid connection of first brake cylinders of a brake cylinder pair. The first or second fluid connection which is not assigned to the 2/2-way valve is fluidically connected to the respective other first or second fluid connection of a second brake cylinder of the brake cylinder pair.

A braking system for an elevator includes a brake disc and one or more sets of brake calipers interactive with the brake disc. A hydraulic brake unit is operably connected to the one or more brake calipers. The hydraulic brake unit includes one or more valves to control hydraulic fluid flow during engagement of the brake calipers to the brake disc. An elevator includes a car, one or more sheaves, and a suspension member connected to the car and routed over the sheaves. A machine drives motion of the elevator car. A braking system located at the machine includes a brake disc and one or more brake calipers. A hydraulic brake unit is operably connected to the brake calipers and includes one or more valves to control hydraulic fluid flow during engagement of the brake calipers to the brake disc.

A braking system for an elevator includes a brake disc and one or more sets of brake calipers interactive with the brake disc. A hydraulic brake unit is operably connected to the one or more brake calipers. The hydraulic brake unit includes one or more valves to control hydraulic fluid flow during engagement of the brake calipers to the brake disc. An elevator includes a car, one or more sheaves, and a suspension member connected to the car and routed over the sheaves. A machine drives motion of the elevator car. A braking system located at the machine includes a brake disc and one or more brake calipers. A hydraulic brake unit is operably connected to the brake calipers and includes one or more valves to control hydraulic fluid flow during engagement of the brake calipers to the brake disc.

A winch assembly is disclosed. The winch assembly may have a support with parallel plates spaced apart from each other. The winch assembly may also have a drum with a hollow spool between the parallel plates, and a shaft passing axially through and being connected to the hollow spool. The winch assembly may further have a motor directly connected to an end of the shaft, and a fail-safe-brake directly connected to an end of the shaft.

The invention relates to a disk brake system for hoisting machines and winches, equipped with at least two brake circuits, wherein to each brake circuit at least one brake caliper with associated brake pads is allocated, and wherein two redundant, active control circuits (10, 12, 14, 16) are provided per brake circuit.