An elevator drive apparatus is described which includes a drive unit for driving an elevator car, a brake device for braking a motion of the elevator car, a detector for detecting an electrical operation amount of the drive unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to release the brake device, to compare the detected electrical operation amount with a threshold, and to apply the brake device when the detected electrical operation amount exceeds the threshold. In this way, it is ensured that a speed of the elevator car in case of a rescue situation is within a safety limit.

An elevator drive apparatus is described which includes a drive unit for driving an elevator car, a brake device for braking a motion of the elevator car, a detector for detecting an electrical operation amount of the drive unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to release the brake device, to compare the detected electrical operation amount with a threshold, and to apply the brake device when the detected electrical operation amount exceeds the threshold. In this way, it is ensured that a speed of the elevator car in case of a rescue situation is within a safety limit.

An elevator car guide wheel system includes a guide wheel located at an elevator car, configured to contact a guide rail of an elevator system. The guide wheel includes a wheel hub located at a guide wheel axis, a wheel rim, and a wheel outer portion located at the wheel rim and configured for contact with the guide rail. A magnetic element is located at the guide wheel, and a sensor is located at the guide wheel and is configured to detect rotational direction and rotational speed of the guide wheel about a guide wheel axis via detecting a magnetic field of the magnetic element.

A speed governor assembly and an elevator system. The speed governor assembly includes: a sheave; a centrifugal mechanism mounted on the sheave and rotating together with the sheave; an overspeed protection switch at a first distance from a radial outer side of the centrifugal mechanism; a core ring disposed coaxially with the sheave; and a triggering arm rotating together with the core ring; wherein the centrifugal mechanism engages with the core ring and drives the core ring and the triggering arm to rotate when the sheave reaches a second speed, and the rotation of the triggering arm can contact and trigger the overspeed protection switch.

A speed governor assembly and an elevator system. The speed governor assembly includes: a sheave; a centrifugal mechanism mounted on the sheave and rotating together with the sheave; an overspeed protection switch at a first distance from a radial outer side of the centrifugal mechanism; a core ring disposed coaxially with the sheave; and a triggering arm rotating together with the core ring; wherein the centrifugal mechanism engages with the core ring and drives the core ring and the triggering arm to rotate when the sheave reaches a second speed, and the rotation of the triggering arm can contact and trigger the overspeed protection switch.

An overspeed brake system for use in an elevator powerhead is provided. A brake rotor is attachable to a cable drum to rotate with a cable drum. A brake member selectively engages the brake rotor upon transition of an actuation lever from a first position to a second position. A biasing member acts on the actuation lever to bias the actuation lever from the first position towards the second position. A latch arrangement has a first orientation maintaining the actuation lever in the first position and a second orientation releasing the actuation lever for transitioning from the first position to the second position. The latch arrangement transitions from the first orientation to the second orientation when a speed sensing arrangement senses that the rotational speed of the cable drum is at least a predetermined rotational speed.

An overspeed brake system for use in an elevator powerhead is provided. A brake rotor is attachable to a cable drum to rotate with a cable drum. A brake member selectively engages the brake rotor upon transition of an actuation lever from a first position to a second position. A biasing member acts on the actuation lever to bias the actuation lever from the first position towards the second position. A latch arrangement has a first orientation maintaining the actuation lever in the first position and a second orientation releasing the actuation lever for transitioning from the first position to the second position. The latch arrangement transitions from the first orientation to the second orientation when a speed sensing arrangement senses that the rotational speed of the cable drum is at least a predetermined rotational speed.

An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a machine including a motor and a brake. The machine is configured to selectively cause movement of an elevator car. At least one vibration sensor situated near the machine provides an indication of operation of the machine to indicate at least stops and starts of the machine associated with stopping and starting movement of the elevator car.

An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a machine including a motor and a brake. The machine is configured to selectively cause movement of an elevator car. At least one vibration sensor situated near the machine provides an indication of operation of the machine to indicate at least stops and starts of the machine associated with stopping and starting movement of the elevator car.

A brake assembly for an elevator system is provided and includes a guide rail configured to guide movement of an elevator car. Also included is a safety brake operatively coupled to the elevator car and having a brake surface configured to frictionally engage the guide rail. Further included is a safety brake actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the safety brake and configured to actuate the safety brake to a braking position. The mechanism includes a first sensing device disposed on a first side of the guide rail to detect a first condition reading of the elevator car relative to the guide rail. The mechanism also includes a second sensing device disposed on a second, opposite side of the guide rail to detect a second condition reading of the elevator car relative to the guide rail, the first and second condition readings collectively analyzed to determine an overall condition reading.