US 2003/0196857 A1 · Elevator mechanism

Abstract

An elevator mechanism protects the control, communications, power, and/or lift cable(s) of the elevator system, precluding lateral cable movement within the elevator shaft. A slotted cable guide contains a cable therein, with the cable having a diameter larger than the guide slot to preclude escape of the cable from the guide. The upper end of the cable has a reduced diameter and extends through the guide slot, where it is supported by a lift bar extending from the elevator car and into the slot. A mechanism allows the lift bar to move laterally to preclude binding in the guide if the elevator car shifts laterally slightly. Another mechanism shuts down the system if the cable and/or cable reel jams. The present elevator mechanism is adaptable to virtually any type of elevator and lift mechanism, but is particularly useful with elevators used in tall, open structures.

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Drawings

Claims20

Dependent claims

An elevator mechanism for installing within an elevator shaft, with the elevator shaft having a height and containing an elevator car, said mechanism comprising:

at least one substantially vertically disposed cable guide having a lower end, an upper end opposite said lower end, and extending as a continuous component for substantially the height of the elevator shaft;
an elevator cable disposed within said cable guide, with said elevator cable having a diameter;
said cable guide comprising a generally enclosed structure defining a cable passage interior with an interior diameter larger than said diameter of said elevator cable;
and
said cable guide further including a longitudinal slot formed therein, with said longitudinal slot having a width narrower than said diameter of said elevator cable for retaining said elevator cable within said cable guide.

2 more elements

An elevator shaft having a height and containing an elevator car therein, and an elevator mechanism therefor, comprising in combination:

at least one cable guide disposed substantially vertically within said elevator shaft;
said cable guide having a lower end, an upper end opposite said lower end, and extending as a continuous component for substantially said height of said elevator shaft;
an elevator cable disposed within said cable guide, with said elevator cable having a diameter;
said cable guide comprising a generally enclosed structure defining a cable passage interior with an interior diameter larger than said diameter of said elevator cable;
and
said cable guide further including a longitudinal slot formed therein, with said longitudinal slot having a width narrower than said diameter of said elevator cable for retaining said elevator cable within said cable guide.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description6,534 words

Summary2,841 words

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates generally to elevator control mechanisms, and more specifically to a cable guide for retaining the control, communication, power, and other cables extending from the base of the structure to the elevator car (commonly called “trailing cables”). The present guide may be used with virtually any elevator structure, but is particularly useful with elevators of tall latticework structures (e.g., tall television antenna towers) where the trailing cable would otherwise be subject to deflection by the wind. The present invention provides secure cable management for elevators operated by hard wired, direct connection cables.

#2. Description of the Related Art

Brief description of the drawings8 figures

#FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a first embodiment comprising a rack and pinion elevator system incorporating the present elevator mechanism, and showing various features thereof.

#FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a second embodiment comprising a lift cable elevator system incorporating the present elevator mechanism, and showing various features thereof.

#FIG. 3 is a broken away detail perspective view of the upper end of a cable of the present system, showing details of its attachment to a support structure from the elevator car.

Detailed description3,470 words

#Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

#The present invention is an elevator mechanism, and more specifically a mechanism or system for controlling unwanted motion of one or more control, power, communication, and/or lift cables in an elevator shaft. While the present invention may be adapted to virtually any elevator system, it is particularly suitable for use with elevators used in relatively tall, open latticework structures.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention installed in an elevator shaft 10. The elevator shaft 10 contains an elevator car 12 which includes a conventional motor 14 which in turn drives a pinion gear or wheel 16. The pinion 16 engages a toothed rack 18 which is secured to the side of the elevator shaft 10. Pinion 16 rotation drives the elevator car 12 upwardly or downwardly in the elevator shaft 10, as is known in the art.

Elevator mechanism

Life of this patent

Elevator mechanism

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims20

Description6,534 words

Drawings

Classification2 codes

Life of this patent

Description6,534 words