A TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR AN ELEVATOR OR LIFT

Abstract

A translation and/or transportation system, such as an elevator, is described comprising a movable structure for transportation, e.g. a passenger cabin or a load-carrying platform, a guide and a skid integral with the movable structure and slidingly coupled to the guide along a sliding axis.

The skid is configured to stably and slidingly couple the movable structure to the guide, and comprises a centering member in contact with the guide.

To attenuate the sliding friction, the skid comprises meansor a devicefor generating without contact with the guide a force counteracting an external load impressed on the centering member, the load-counteracting force being repulsive or attractive on the guide, and directed in the opposite direction to the force impressed by the external load on the centering member.

Claims

1. Translation and/or transportation system, such as an elevator, comprising: a movable structure for transportation, e.g. a passenger cabin or a load-carrying platform, a guide; a skid integral with the movable structure and slidingly coupled to the guide along a sliding axis, wherein the skid is configured to stably and slidingly couple the movable structure to the guide, and comprises a centering member in contact with the guide, and meansor a device for generating without contact with the guide a force counteracting an external load impressed on the centering member, the load-counteracting force being repulsive or attractive on the guide, and directed in the opposite direction to the force impressed by the external load on the centering member.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the means or device for generating the load-counteracting force is configured to generate the load-counteracting force pneumatically, electrostatically, or magnetically.

3. System according to claim 1, wherein the skid comprises an auxiliary magnetic field generator for attracting or repelling the guide with a load-counteracting force directed along a direction orthogonal to a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the guide.

4. System according to claim 11, wherein the auxiliary magnetic field generator is movably mounted in the skid to be able to move relative to the guide coupled to that skid.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the skid comprises an adjustment member for setting a relative distance between the guide coupled to that skid and the auxiliary magnetic field generator.

6. System according to claim 1, wherein the skid comprises: a body made of ferromagnetic material having a linear cavity extending parallel to the sliding axis and being mountable astride the guide, a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic flux that closes within the body, the body being configured to define a magnetic circuit to convey the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generator so that the flux crosses the cavity and strikes the sides of the guide exiting from and enteringrespectivelyopposite walls of the cavity thereby generating a coupling force between the skid and the guide to keep the guide at a stable insertion level inside the linear cavity, the load-counteracting force being essentially orthogonal to the coupling force.

7. System according to claim 6, wherein the skid comprises means or a device for displacing relative to the guide the flux generator and/or a portion of the magnetic circuit containing the flux generator, so that the displacement unbalances the magnetic forces in the cavity exerted on the side of a portion of the guide that is reactive to the magnetic field.

8. System according to claim 1, wherein the skid comprises a sensor for measuring the external load on the skid, a load constituted of a force impressed by the guide on the skid orthogonally to the sliding axis.

9. System according to claim 8, comprising an electronic circuit configured to detect a signal from the sensor, and drive the means or device for generating the load-counteracting force to adjust the amplitude of the load-counteracting force so as to bring or maintain the value emitted by said sensor to a reference value, e.g. zero or substantially zero.

10. System according to claim 9, wherein the skid comprises a drive or actuator to move the means for generating the load-counteracting force, and the electronic circuit is connected to the actuator to drive the actuator, thereby changing the amplitude of the load-counteracting force, by means of an electrical signal.

11. System according to claim 2, wherein the skid comprises an auxiliary magnetic field generator for attracting or repelling the guide with a load-counteracting force directed along a direction orthogonal to a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the guide.

12. System according to claim 5, wherein the skid comprises an adjustment member for setting a relative distance between the guide coupled to that skid and the auxiliary magnetic field generator.

13. System according to claim 2, wherein the skid comprises: a body made of ferromagnetic material having a linear cavity extending parallel to the sliding axis and being mountable astride the guide, a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic flux that closes within the body, the body being configured to define a magnetic circuit to convey the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generator so that the flux crosses the cavity and strikes the sides of the guide exiting from and enteringrespectivelyopposite walls of the cavity thereby generating a coupling force between the skid and the guide to keep the guide at a stable insertion level inside the linear cavity, the load-counteracting force being essentially orthogonal to the coupling force.

14. System according to claim 3, wherein the skid comprises: a body made of ferromagnetic material having a linear cavity extending parallel to the sliding axis and being mountable astride the guide, a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic flux that closes within the body, the body being configured to define a magnetic circuit to convey the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generator so that the flux crosses the cavity and strikes the sides of the guide exiting from and enteringrespectivelyopposite walls of the cavity thereby generating a coupling force between the skid and the guide to keep the guide at a stable insertion level inside the linear cavity, the load-counteracting force being essentially orthogonal to the coupling force.

15. System according to claim 11, wherein the skid comprises: a body made of ferromagnetic material having a linear cavity extending parallel to the sliding axis and being mountable astride the guide, a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic flux that closes within the body, the body being configured to define a magnetic circuit to convey the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generator so that the flux crosses the cavity and strikes the sides of the guide exiting from and enteringrespectivelyopposite walls of the cavity thereby generating a coupling force between the skid and the guide to keep the guide at a stable insertion level inside the linear cavity, the load-counteracting force being essentially orthogonal to the coupling force.

16. System according to claim 4, wherein the skid comprises: a body made of ferromagnetic material having a linear cavity extending parallel to the sliding axis and being mountable astride the guide, a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic flux that closes within the body, the body being configured to define a magnetic circuit to convey the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generator so that the flux crosses the cavity and strikes the sides of the guide exiting from and enteringrespectivelyopposite walls of the cavity thereby generating a coupling force between the skid and the guide to keep the guide at a stable insertion level inside the linear cavity, the load-counteracting force being essentially orthogonal to the coupling force.

17. System according to claim 5, wherein the skid comprises: a body made of ferromagnetic material having a linear cavity extending parallel to the sliding axis and being mountable astride the guide, a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic flux that closes within the body, the body being configured to define a magnetic circuit to convey the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generator so that the flux crosses the cavity and strikes the sides of the guide exiting from and enteringrespectivelyopposite walls of the cavity thereby generating a coupling force between the skid and the guide to keep the guide at a stable insertion level inside the linear cavity, the load-counteracting force being essentially orthogonal to the coupling force.

18. System according to claim 12, wherein the skid comprises: a body made of ferromagnetic material having a linear cavity extending parallel to the sliding axis and being mountable astride the guide, a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic flux that closes within the body, the body being configured to define a magnetic circuit to convey the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generator so that the flux crosses the cavity and strikes the sides of the guide exiting from and enteringrespectivelyopposite walls of the cavity thereby generating a coupling force between the skid and the guide to keep the guide at a stable insertion level inside the linear cavity, the load-counteracting force being essentially orthogonal to the coupling force.

19. System according to claim 7, wherein the skid comprises means or a device for displacing relative to the guide the flux generator and/or a portion of the magnetic circuit containing the flux generator, so that the displacement unbalances the magnetic forces in the cavity exerted on the side of a portion of the guide that is reactive to the magnetic field.

20. System according to claim 13, wherein the skid comprises means or a device for displacing relative to the guide the flux generator and/or a portion of the magnetic circuit containing the flux generator, so that the displacement unbalances the magnetic forces in the cavity exerted on the side of a portion of the guide that is reactive to the magnetic field.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0115] The advantages of the invention will be clearer from the following description of preferred embodiments of the skid, reference being made to the attached drawing wherein

[0116] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of an elevator cabin;

[0117] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of an elevator cabin;

[0118] FIG. 3 shows a first variant of skid seen from above,

[0119] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section according to the IV-IV plane of the skid in FIG. 3,

[0120] FIG. 5 shows a three-dimensional view the skid in FIG. 3,

[0121] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section according to the VI-VI plane of the skid in FIG. 3,

[0122] FIG. 7 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of a second skid,

[0123] FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional view of the second skid as assembled,

[0124] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the second skid according to a plane orthogonal to the sliding axis,

[0125] FIG. 10 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of a third skid,

[0126] FIG. 11 shows a three-dimensional view of the third skid as assembled,

[0127] FIG. 12 shows a lateral view of the third skid,

[0128] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the third skid according to the plane XIII-XIII;

[0129] FIG. 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth skid,

[0130] FIG. 15 shows a three-dimensional view of a fifth skid,

[0131] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the fifth skid as coupled to a guide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0132] In the figures equal numbers indicate equal or conceptually similar parts; the letters N and S indicate north and south magnetic poles, respectively; and the arrows enclosed within the materials indicate lines of magnetic flux.

[0133] FIG. 5 illustrates two skids MC1 sliding on a straight guide 14 along a sliding axis Y. The skids MC1 correspond to an upper skid and a lower skid in FIGS. 1 and 2. Although the system preferably comprises two pairs of skids MC1, each on a guide 14, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, for simplicity only one skid is described.

[0134] The guide 14 has a T-shaped cross-section, with a flat support base 22 and a guide portion 24 that protrudes cantilevered from the base 22. Preferably, the entire guide 20 is made of ferromagnetic material, e.g. iron, or at least the guide portion 24 is made of a material responsive to a magnetic field, e.g. made of a ferromagnetic material, e.g. iron. For example, the guide 14 may be a conventional guide used in the context of elevators.

[0135] The skid MC1 comprises a body 30 mounted on a plate 40.

[0136] The body 30 has a U-shaped cross-section, and inside it are mounted magnets 32 arrangedrespectivelyat the ends of the U and parallel to the Y axis. The body 30 thus defines an empty linear channel 34 crossed by all equiverse lines of magnetic field exiting from one end of the U and entering the other.

[0137] Because the portion 24 is inserted into the channel 34, the field lines strike orthogonally the surface of the sides of the portion 24.

[0138] The portion 24 preferably has a mushroom-shaped cross-section, that is, a section that, when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the Y axis, has a narrower stem 26 and a wider head 28. In other words, the section is larger at the head 28 and narrows at the stem 26 (which is the portion closest to base 22).

[0139] The discontinuity between the portions of the stem 26 and the head 28 may be abrupt, step-like, or may be gradual like a ramp. This shape ensures that a magnetic coupling force develops between the portion 24 and the skid MC1 tending to keep the skid MC1 and the guide 14 at the same relative distance orthogonally to Y. In fact, when, due to the load, the head 28 tends to misalign with respect to the ends of the U, a magnetic pullback force is developed, directed orthogonally to the axis Y, which brings the head 28 back to the center of the U.

[0140] Any positional perturbation of the head 28 entails a change in the reluctance of the magnetic circuit formed by the U and the head 28, and generates a reaction magnetic force that tends to bring the system into the lowest reluctance configuration. An equilibrium position is then reached in which the centering magnetic force of the skid balances the perturbation on the guide and/or a load tending to pull the head 28 out of the channel 34, or tending to push the head 28 into the channel 34, perpendicularly to the Y axis.

[0141] At the ends of the channel 34 are two pairs of opposing centering members 44, respectively. Each pair of centering members 44 is sized to constantly brush on the portion 28 to follow the guide 14.

[0142] On the centering members 44 the external load generates friction that opposes the sliding of the skid MC1.

[0143] The skid MC1 comprises means for generating a load-counteracting force F, repulsive or attractive on the portion 24, directed in a direction orthogonal to the plane containing the guides 14, i.e. in the example orthogonal to an imaginary plane longitudinally dividing the channel 34.

[0144] The force F is used to counteract the load on the centering members 44 in order to unburden the skids of the external load so that they can slide with less friction.

[0145] For this purpose, one or each of the members 44 is provided with a presser 46, facing the channel 34, which brushes on the head 28 and by sliding linearly (projecting more or less from the volume of the member 44) can push the head 28 laterally.

[0146] Then, by adjusting the linear position of the presser 46, the force with which they/it push/es the head 28 can be adjusted. The relative position between a presser 46 and its belonging member 44 can be fixed, for example, by means of a blocking screw 48.

[0147] The variant MC4 illustrated schematically in FIG. 14 works with the same principle. Here, a body 100 made of ferromagnetic material has a U or C-shaped cross-section, and is configured to house inside it magnets 102 which are arranged, e.g. at the ends of the U or C respectively, parallel to the Y axis to define an empty linear channel 34 crossed by all-equiverse magnetic field lines exiting one wall of the U and entering the other opposite wall.

[0148] A or each of the magnets 102 is mounted linearly movable in the body 100 (direction W) to vary its distance inside the channel 34 with respect to the head 28. In this way, the same force F generated in the skid MC1 can be obtained by means of a/the presser 46: the head 28 remains stationary, but a side wall of the channel 34 with the magnet 102 is moved closer to the head 28.

[0149] For example, the magnet 102 may be mounted on a sliding block 104 whose relative position relative to the body 100 may be altered by, for example, turning a screw or a threaded dowel 106.

[0150] FIG. 7 illustrates a skid MC2, slidable on the straight guide 14 along the Y axis as described for the skid MC1. Although the system preferably comprises two pairs of skids MC2, each on a guide 14, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, for simplicity only one skid is described.

[0151] The skid MC2 still comprises a body 30 having a U-shaped cross-section, and magnets 32 are mounted within it to generate in the empty linear channel 34 a magnetic field as described for the skid MC1. The interaction of the magnetic field generated by the MC2 skid with the guide 14 is the same as that of the skid MC1.

[0152] Slotted guiding and centering caps 50 are preferably mounted at the ends of the channel 34 to improve coupling with the guide 14.

[0153] The skid MC2 comprises another embodiment for the means for generating the load-counteracting force F.

[0154] Movably mounted in the body 30 are magnets 52 that can generate a magnetic field having a polar axis transverse to the channel 34 (and orthogonal to the Y axis). For example, the magnetic field of the magnets 52 comprises field lines that cross or invade the channel 34 and strike, orthogonally or nearly so, the lateral surface of the guide portion 24. Thus, the magnets 52, by attracting or repelling the track or guide 14, can attract or repel the skid MC2 on the guide 14 orthogonally to the Y axis.

[0155] The amplitude of the force F can be adjusted by changing the relative position of the magnet 52 with respect to the guide 14. In the example, the magnets 52 are translatable in a direction orthogonal to the Y axis.

[0156] A way to achieve such a translation is, for example, to mount the magnets 52 fixed to the body 30, inside a housing next to the channel 34, by means of screws 54, whose degree of screwing calibrates linearly said relative position.

[0157] FIGS. 7 and 8 also show an optional technical solution to better dynamically adapt the skid to the guide.

[0158] For this purpose, the body 30 or the skid is coupled to the elevator so that it can swing and tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis of the guide 14.

[0159] In the example of FIG. 8, a centerline portion 58 of the body 30 is hinged or pivoted about an axis X to a support 60 integral with the cabin 12. The axis X is parallel to the plane containing the guides 14, and in use is horizontal.

[0160] In this way, the body 30 can autonomously oscillate about the X-axis to track small deformations in the guide 14.

[0161] FIG. 10 illustrates a skid MC3, slidable on the straight guide 14 along the Y axis as described for the skid MC1 and MC2. Although the system preferably comprises two pairs of skids MC3, each on a guide 14, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, again for simplicity only one skid is described here.

[0162] The skid MC3 still comprises a body 30 having a U-shaped cross-section, and magnets 32 are mounted within it to generate in the empty linear channel 34 a magnetic field as mentioned for the skid MC1 and MC2. The interaction of the magnetic field generated by the skid MC3 with the guide 14 is the same as for the skid MC1 and MC2.

[0163] Slotted guiding and centering brackets 61 are preferably mounted at the ends of the channel 34 to improve coupling with the guide 14.

[0164] The skid MC3 comprises another embodiment for the means for generating the load-counteracting force F.

[0165] In the body 30 there is movably mounted a block 62, comprising magnets, that can generate a magnetic field with a polar axis transverse to the channel 34 (and orthogonal to the Y axis), as mentioned for the magnet 52 of the skid MC2.

[0166] The amplitude of the force F can be adjusted by changing the relative position of the block 62 relative to the guide 14.

[0167] The skid MC3 implements a different system for the positional adjustment of the magnetic block 62.

[0168] The body 30 is housed in a rigid housing 66 having a U-shaped cross-section, i.e. formed by three walls denoted 68, 70, 72 mutually arranged two-by-two at 90 degrees. The magnet 62 is hinged at two different points on the inner surface of the wall 72 by means of two equal rigid arms 74 (see FIG. 12), so that the whole of the inner surface of the wall 72, the two rigid arms 74 and the magnetic block 62 form an articulated parallelogram. Thanks to this structure, the block 62 can translate with respect to the housing 66 and the body 30 to move closer to, or move away from, the channel 34 (direction W) while remaining parallel to the Y axis. The position of the magnetic block 62 is stably fixable, e.g. by a screw that is screwed into the housing 60 and engages the base of the block 62 (in a construction similar to FIG. 9).

[0169] The skid MC3 comprises too the optional technical solutiondescribed for the skid MC2that allows the skid to be dynamically adapted to the guide 14, i.e. the body 30 or the skid is coupled to the elevator so that it can swing and tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis of the guide 14.

[0170] In the example, a centerline portion 78 of the housing 66 is hinged or pivoted about an axis X to a support 60 integral with the cabin 12. The X-axis is parallel to the plane containing the guides 14, and in use is horizontal.

[0171] In this way, the body 30 can autonomously oscillate about the X-axis to track small deformations in the guide 14.

[0172] The number and/or arrangement of the magnets 52, 62 may also vary from what is illustrated.

[0173] The skid MC3 comprises another optional technical solution, which is useful for detecting, and preferably also dynamically controlling, the force F generated by the means for generating the force F.

[0174] For this purpose, the body 30 is movably coupled to the housing 66. In the example, an end portion 88 of the body 30 is hinged or pivoted about an axis X2parallel to the axis Xto an end portion 90 of the housing 66. In a second end portion 92 of the housing 66, opposite the end portion 90, is mounted a sensor 94 capable of sensing the force imparted by the housing 66 on the body 30 and/or the force with which the body 30 pushes against the housing 66. The sensor 94 is, for example, a load cell.

[0175] By reading the signal emitted by the sensor 94 it is possible to calculate/determine the amplitude of the moment M on the cabin 12, i.e. the external load on the skid MC3, a data that is very useful for the control and diagnostics of the system.

[0176] Note that the presence of the housing 66 allows the X and X2 axes to be put into practice simultaneously.

[0177] In a more preferred variant, an electronic control unit (not shown), located on board the skid MC3 or the elevator or remotely, is programmed to [0178] read the signal emitted by the sensor 94 and [0179] calculate/determine the amplitude of the moment M on cabin 12, a data that is most useful for system diagnostics.

[0180] In a preferred variant, the skid comprises a drive or an actuator (not shown) to move the means for generating the load-counteracting force. For example, the skid MC3 may comprise a drive or actuator (not shown) to move the magnetic block 62.

[0181] In an even more preferred variant, the use of the sensor 94 and the regulation of the load-counteracting force F is combined, e.g. by means of the actuator or the driving of an electromagnet, so that the skid can dynamically adjust the force F (produced by the means for generating the force F) in order to automatically compensate the moment M as the load changes. In particular, the electronic control unit is programmed to implement a feedback control with the steps of [0182] reading the signal of sensor 94, and [0183] driving the means for generating the force F, or driving the actuator that influences the force F generated by the means for generating the force F, in order to generate a certain force F that zeroes or brings to a reference value the signal emitted by the sensor 94.

[0184] FIGS. 15 and 16 show an additional variant of skid MC5 for a guide 14.

[0185] The skid MC5 comprises a body 130 mounted on a plate 140.

[0186] The body 130 has a U-shaped cross-section, and within it are mounted magnets 132 (only some shown) arrangedrespectivelyat the ends of the U and parallel to the Y-axis. The body 130 thus defines an empty linear channel 134 as the channel 34. The interaction of the magnetic field generated by the skid MC5 with the guide 14 is the same as that of the skid MC1.

[0187] Guiding and centering splined bodies 150 are preferably mounted at the ends of the channel 134 to improve the coupling with the guide 14.

[0188] The skid MC5 comprises another embodiment for the means for generating the load-counteracting force F.

[0189] A magnet 152 capable of generating a magnetic field having a polar axis transverse to the channel 134 (and orthogonal to the Y axis) is movably mounted in the body 130. For example, the magnetic field of the magnet 152 comprises field lines that cross or invade the channel 134 and strike, orthogonally or nearly so, the lateral surface of the guide portion 24. Thus, the magnet 152, by attracting or repelling the rail or guide 14, is able to attract or repel the skid MC5 on the guide 14 orthogonally to the Y axis.

[0190] The amplitude of the force F can be adjusted by changing the relative position of the magnet 152 relative to the guide 14.

[0191] In the example, the magnet 152 is translatable in a direction orthogonal to the Y axis. A way to achieve this translation is, for example, to mount the magnet 152 on a sliding block 504 whose relative position with respect to the body 130 can be changed, for example, by turning a screw or a threaded dowel 506.