Patent Application
20160122158
The present invention relates generally to a transportation device for Shabbat ob servers.
Many observant Orthodox Jews refrain from certain activities on the Shabbat. In principle, Jewish law prohibits performing some forms of deliberate creative activity i.e., melakhah (Hebrew, plural: melakhoth) on Shabbat. According to tradition there are 39 super-categories (Av Melakhot) of prohibited activities, including kindling a fire, extinguishing a fire, building, demolishing, grinding, and threshing. Each super-category includes derived sub-categories (Tolda, plural: Toldot) of biblical and rabbinic prohibitions of various kinds. While there are myriad forbidden activities on Shabbat, all are traced back to one of the 39 above principal melakhoth. Different streams of Judaism view the prohibition on work in different ways.
Observant, Orthodox and Rabbinical authorities rule that turning electric devices on or off may be prohibited as a melakhah; however, authorities are not in agreement about exactly which one, including possibly kindling a fire, extinguishing a fire, building, or demolishing.
A common solution to the problem of using electricity on Shabbat involves preset timers for electric appliances, to turn them on and off automatically, with no human intervention on Shabbat itself. A theory behind this solution is that whereas the prohibition applies to the switching on and off of electric circuits during the Shabbat, it does not apply where the action begins earlier i.e., before the commencement of the Shabbat, even though it will be automatically completed during the Shabbat.
Moreover, in some instances, reprogramming a mechanical timer on the Shabbat may not constitute a violation of the Shabbat. For, example, where there is a significant time delay between an action and its result, a mechanical action resulting in the closing of an electric circuit later than planned, or opening it when it is already off later than planned, may be considered to have been one indirectly (Gramah) and thus may be permitted.
However, the direct operation of a switch or use of devices that directly or nearly directly cause changes in an electrically powered device, such as when a button is pushed, a motor is activated, or an infrared beam is tripped in the use of an elevator—are generally forbidden.
For observant Orthodox Jews living in high-rise apartments, the inability to take an elevator on the Shabbat, particularly to the higher floors can become a burden, particularly for the elderly, infirm or those with small children.
In or around 1964, a number of prominent rabbinical scholars reached a consensus regarding how an elevator should be designed to be acceptable to the observant Orthodox Jewish community for use on the Shabbat and Holidays.
Typically, the operation of a Shabbat elevator is such that the elevator operates automatically via set and pre-timed sequences, and without any obvious human intervention. These elevators operate as standard elevators during the week, but may switch to a Shabbat mode on the Shabbat and Holidays, and typically will stop automatically on every floor, or every other floor, either ascending and/or descending. Further, doors on the elevators during a Shabbat mode typically have their infrared sensors disengaged, and instead may be programmed such that the elevator doors will remain open for a preset amount of time before closing, the elevator continuing on with it pre-determined journey through the elevator shaft.
The efforts of many notwithstanding, there remain large segments of the Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jewish population that continue to refrain from the use of Shabbat Elevators for any number of halachik (i.e., religious statute) or non-halachik (extra-statutory) reasons. A recent ruling from a renowned arbiter of Jewish law may have reenergized the debate over Shabbat elevators by raising additional concerns regarding the use of these elevators.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system including a transportation device configured to operate under at least a first condition and a second condition, wherein the transportation device is configured to operate without a human induced change in an electrical current during the second condition, a disengageable motor configured to operate the transportation device under the first condition and coupled to the transportation device, a disengageable energy storage device configured to power the operation of the transportation device under the second condition and coupled to the transportation device, wherein the disengageable energy storage device may be automatically recharged by a charging device when the energy storage device is disengaged; and a mechanical processing
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the energy storage device is a flywheel.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the energy storage device is a liftable weight.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the system further includes a mechanical monitoring unit configured to mechanically monitor aspects of the transportation device.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the system further includes a continuous variable transmission for controlling a speed of the transportation device.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the disengageable energy storage device is configured to be recharged by a charging device when the disengageable energy storage device disengages.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the disengageable energy storage device is configured to be disengaged when the transportation device is at rest.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the disengageable energy storage device is configured to be recharged by a disengageable charging device after the transportation device has travelled a set distance.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the transportation device includes an elevator.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a mechanical device to close a door of the elevator, and to disengage from the door when closing of the door is interfered with.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a moveable elevator floor that is configured to interfere with movement of the elevator when the elevator is overloaded.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a mechanical brake trigger to mechanically activate a brake of the elevator to stop the elevator at a floor.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a mechanical speed regulator.
There is further provided, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a method including disengaging a motor configured to operate a transportation device under a first condition, engaging a disengageable energy storage device to operate the transportation device under a second condition, wherein the disengageable energy storage device may be automatically recharged by a charging device when the energy storage device is disengaged, and mechanically controlling the operation of the transportation device.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the energy storage device is a flywheel or a liftable weight.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes disengaging the disengageable the energy storage device when the transportation device is at rest.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes recharging the energy storage device by a charging device when the disengageable energy storage device disengages.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, mechanically controlling the operation of the transportation device includes controlling movement of an elevator.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes disabling movement of the elevator when a door of the elevator is not completely closed.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes interfering with movement of the elevator when the elevator is overloaded.
Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a cycle of operation of the elevator to open a door, to close a door or to move the elevator i is independent of an action by a passenger of the elevator.
In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.
It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the methods and apparatus. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present methods and apparatus may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present methods and apparatus.
Although the examples disclosed and discussed herein are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein may include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method examples described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method examples or elements thereof can occur or be performed at the same point in time.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an elevator is configured to operate without any intentional or unintentional operation of electrical units or systems by passengers of the elevator or by any other person. Motion of the elevator is powered by a mechanical system in which energy is stored in a mechanical energy storage device in the form of kinetic or potential energy. For example, a flywheel may be used to store energy in the form of rotational kinetic energy. A lifted weight may be used to store energy in the form of gravitational potential energy.
Energy is restored to the mechanical energy storage device in a manner that is independent of usage of the elevator. Other systems of the elevator, for example, door operation and stopping at a floor, are also operated mechanically without any intentional or unintentional operation of electrical units by any person.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed at a transportation device for Shabbat and Jewish Holidays observers (hereinafter—Shabbat observers). Strict Shabbat observers refrain from using any electrical devices whose operation is modified or otherwise affected by the human user or users on the Jewish Sabbath and Jewish Holidays. In particular, strict Shabbat observers refrain from using any transportation devices which require their input to operate and which involve electric currents being created or changed as a result of a human intervention. Human intervention can be intentional, e.g., pushing of a button to call an elevator, and unintentional, e.g., additional weight of an elevator passenger that causes changes in the electric current necessary to operate the elevator.
While examples that are given hereinafter relate specifically to a Shabbat elevator, it is noted that embodiments of the present invention may relate to other transportation devices. For example, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving sidewalks, cable cars, and other transportation devices that are installed at a fixed location may be operated as described herein. Furthermore, a scooter, vehicle, wheelchair, or other mobile transportation device may be operated as described herein when the mechanical storage device is portable (e.g., as is a flywheel).
Embodiments of the present invention apply the use of a flywheel to store energy for use in the operation of an elevator and/or other transportation devices. Flywheels typically hold kinetic energy and that energy may be loaded into the flywheel by a motor and/or another charging device. It is noted that embodiments of the present invention may relate to other energy storage devices and/or methods of holding and/or maintaining energy, kinetic or otherwise, but typically not electrical energy. It is also noted that embodiments of the present invention may relate to other methods of charging energy storage devices, in addition to the use of a motor.
A Shabbat elevator typically requires a separate mode, often an automatic or pre-set program mode in an effort to circumvent restrictions by Jewish Law (Halacha) on activities that are defined as creative work and to avoid directly causing that creative work to be done by the elevator. The Shabbat elevator is configured, in some examples, to operate continuously, the continuous operation being independent of whether there are actual riders and/or users for the elevator car at any particular time period.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a Shabbat elevator's automatic or pre-set program mode is set to run from the start of the Shabbat, i.e., sundown on Friday afternoon, through the end of the Shabbat, i.e., the beginning of the night on Saturday evening, typically defined as the appearance of three medium sized stars. Opinions differ, however, as to when these time periods actually begin and some Shabbat observing Jews may extend the duration of the Shabbat, both on Friday afternoon and Saturday evening. The operation of a Shabbat elevator may take into account these observances as well.
As described above, the term Shabbat elevator may be a misnomer as the elevator may be configured to run on Jewish Holidays as well, particularly those holidays that share, with the Shabbat, some or all of the restrictions relating to creative work.
A Shabbat elevator programmed to run on a Jewish Holiday may have an automatic or pre-set program mode is set to run from the start of the Jewish Holiday, i.e., sundown on previous afternoon, through the end of the Jewish Holiday, i.e., the beginning of the night on that evening, typically defined as the appearance of three medium sized stars. In some embodiments of the invention, a Jewish Holiday may include a second day following the first, in which case the elevator may be programmed to run for two days on Shabbat mode. In some embodiments of the invention, a Jewish Holiday may include a third day following the first two (i.e., where one of the three days is a Shabbat) in which case the elevator may be programmed to run for three days on Shabbat mode.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a Shabbat elevator may be configured to stop on every floor, or on specific floors automatically without user input. The buttons for calling and directing the elevator may be disengaged. In some examples, electronic eye systems, infrared systems and touch sensitive systems may be disengaged. Other command and control components of an elevator, e.g., those systems which measure the combined weight of the passengers and the car by way of electrical components such as sensors, may be disengaged.
A Shabbat elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention may have at least two modes: a Shabbat mode, wherein all or some of the aforementioned systems are disengaged, as well as a non-Shabbat mode, wherein the elevator runs with all or most of its systems engaged. The non-Shabbat mode is essentially the standard operation of an elevator.
According to Talmudic law, there are 39 separate super-categories of creative work that are forbidden on the Shabbat. Rabbinic Judaism has, over the centuries, interpreted these categories as relevant to daily living. As such, one or more may relate to the operation of an elevator on the Shabbat. The laws of the Shabbat are complex and there are categorizations, sub-categorization and even further distinctions of prohibited activities on the Shabbat resulting in a myriad of legal distinctions for each and every action on the Shabbat such that depending on the circumstances, different activities may be allowable within the hierarchy of prohibited activities when necessary
The exact source and nature of the prohibition of using an electrical current on the Shabbat notwithstanding, the accepted practice generally prohibits the use of electricity on Shabbat even when no light or heat is generated. Some streams of Judaism take the prohibition of work on the Shabbat very strictly.
When an elevator ascends with the additional weight of one or more individuals or another load, an additional electrical current may be required to empower the motor raising the elevator car. This addition of electrical may be seen as violation of the Shabbat. However, under some conditions, as long as the individual does not interact with any of the elevators controls or electric sensors they may not be in violation of the Shabbat, according to some opinions.
And, when an elevator descends, it may be assumed that the additional weight of the added individual in the elevator car is helping the motor in the descent. If the added additional body is viewed as being part of the descent system, then, when the elevator stops on a floor and an automatic electrical system is activated, the individual may be perceived as activating, in part, those electronic systems. In some instances, particularly in larger commercial elevators, the increased weight of an individual in an elevator, as the elevator descends, may introduce a decrease in the electric current to the motor. In some examples, a descending elevator may have sufficient weight to descend on its own, with the associated motors, in some examples, being turned into generators as the movement of the elevator drives the motor faster than its intended design and may return electricity back to the electrical grid. This may be halachikally problematic.
There may be issues concerning the added weight and the added strain on a motor when an elevator is traveling downward with people in the compartment. In these instances, when the elevator is traveling downward, elevator load change may cause a change in my elevator procedures and therefore switches (electric) and various controls are triggered at different times—a potentially prohibited action on the Shabbat.
A Shabbat elevator may be designed to overcome these and other concerns regarding the use of electricity on the Shabbat by automating the system and making all the components of the system operate independent of the people using the system. This Shabbat elevator may be a halachikly viable option for even those that stringently keep the Shabbat. Further, a Shabbat elevator may be designed such that the operation of the elevator, while ferrying passengers, is without the direct use or manipulation of an electric current, rather by using mechanical energy. The mechanical energy may, however, come about by the use of an electric current, the use of the electric current, however, independent of Shabbat observing user of the elevator. In some embodiments of the invention, the use of an electric current for recharging a mechanical source of energy may be without human intervention and may take place periodically and not while the elevator is ferrying a Shabbat observing passenger.
Typically, a Shabbat elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention may be operated, on a day that is not Shabbat or a Jewish Holiday, by a standard propulsion system and an electrical command system. These systems may be the same or similar to the systems that run the elevator when the Shabbat elevator is not in a Shabbat mode.
A selector (e.g., a switch) between Shabbat mode and a standard mode may be manual, automatic or semi-automatic. When selecting the Shabbat mode, the switch may engage the Shabbat mode components of the system, as described, for example, below. In some embodiments of the invention, the switch between Shabbat mode and the standard mode may allow the components of the standard mode to continue to be engaged and/or operate. The continued engagement and/or operation of the standard mode components may include a disconnection from the power source used during the standard mode.
A drive shaft 20 of a Shabbat elevator system 10. Drive shaft 20 includes a motor 30. In some embodiments, motor 30 may be electrically powered. In some embodiments, motor 30 may be powered by other means. In some embodiments, motor 30 may be a standard motor employed by an elevator. In some embodiments, motor 30 may be a machine-room-less motor (MRL). In some embodiments, motor 30 may be configured to move and or otherwise control the movement of elevator car 40.
Shabbat elevator system 10 may allow the use of the elevator on the Shabbat by orthodox, ultra orthodox or otherwise strict Shabbat observant Jews without creating a situation of violation of one or more of the prohibited creative actions described heretofore, each of the actions being considered desecration of the Shabbat.
Shabbat elevator system 10 may allow for the disconnecting and inactivity of the standard propulsion system used on a weekday, i.e., a non Shabbat or non Jewish Holiday. In some embodiments the disconnection between the standard propulsion systems—e.g., a motor—may be an electrical disconnection of the propulsion system, and/or also a physical separation of the motor or other propulsion components from drive shaft 20. This disconnect will not allow the operation of the ordinary system which use is deemed a desecration of the Shabbat by poskim (i.e., arbiters of Jewish law).
In some embodiments of the invention (e.g., in a Shabbat mode), an elevator car 40 may be transported upwards and downwards by the accumulated mechanical energy of a flywheel, a flywheel energy storage device, a lifted weight, or other non-electrical, mechanical or otherwise non-electrical energy storage devices such as those that can store kinetic or potential energy.
While the elevator car is resting, i.e., when the elevator is stationary at a floor or building level within a building, house, boat, or other structure containing a Shabbat elevator, the energy storage device may be reloaded with kinetic, potential, or other non-electrical, mechanical or otherwise non-electrical energy by an electric motor and/or charging device, or alternative method. When the elevator car begins, or in some embodiments of the invention, just before the elevator begins, to move again, a trip command by a processing unit may mechanically re-engage the energy storage device to drive shaft 20 and provide energy for and/or facilitate the movement of the elevator. The energy storage device may allow for the movement of the elevator car with the immediate availability of mechanical energy, or other forms of non-electrical energy.
In some embodiments of the invention, a mechanical controller, processing unit and/or a mechanical monitoring unit may allow for the change in arrival times of the Shabbat elevator to different floors, due, for example, to changes in passenger weight, friction, and or other factors, without changing electrical switches and without the desecration of the Shabbat. The mechanical monitoring device may monitor aspects of the Shabbat elevator's ascent, descent or other aspects related to the travel and/or use of the Shabbat elevator
The motor may be controlled by a processing unit 50. Processing unit 50 may control other components of drive shaft 20. Processing unit 50 may be in communication with one or a plurality of sensors 55. Sensors 55 may detect speed, obstructions, height of the elevator, current weight of the elevator, location of the elevator, and other characteristics of the elevator and its position.
Shabbat elevator system 10 may include safety systems that are standard on typical elevators. Shabbat elevator system 10 may include different, additional or fewer safety systems that are standard on elevators. The safety systems may be operated without the need for an electrical current. In some embodiments of the invention, when a safety system is used to preserve human life and limb, it may be operated with an electrical current. In some embodiments of the invention, the safety system may be operated off-line, e.g., in a standby mode without the use of electrical current, by may be actively used with the use of electrical current.
Motor 30 on drive shaft 20 may be configured to exert command and/or control over elevator car 40 when an engagement mechanism for engagement and/or disengagement such as, for example a hydraulic pump or a clutch (heretofore referred to as a clutch) 60 is engaged. Clutch 60 may engage and disengage motor 30 to drive shaft 20 and or other components within Shabbat elevator system 10, such that at least motor 30 turns drive shaft 20 while clutch 60 is engaged and motor 30 does not turn drive shaft 20 while clutch 60 is not engaged.
In some embodiments, Shabbat elevator system 10 may include brake 70. Brake 70 may be a drum-type brake that may be actuated by spring force and held open electrically, mechanically or otherwise. Brake 70 may be a disc type. Brake 70 may include brake shoes or other brake types. In some embodiments, other brake systems may also be included in Shabbat elevator system 10. Brake 70 may be an electromagnetic braking device. Brake 70 may be another type of braking device.
Brake 70 may be used during Shabbat mode, and, in some embodiments of the invention, a separate brake system may be used in addition to or in lieu of brake 70 while elevator car 40 is running in Shabbat mode. Brake 70 may be mounted on the elevator drive shaft 20 or at another location such as reverse direction mechanism.
In some embodiments, Shabbat elevator system 10 may include sheave 80. Sheave 80 may be a pulley with a grooved rim surface to provide for cables 90. Sheave 80 may be positioned at the top of an elevator shaft. Sheave 80 may be configured so that cables 90 are gripped by the grooved rim surface. Sheave 80 may rotate in response to a force from motor 30 or other components of Shabbat elevator system 10, including flywheel 170 for storing mechanical and/or kinetic energy. In some embodiments, flywheel 170 may be a mechanical and rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, a mechanical and rechargeable battery may be used in lieu of flywheel 170. In some embodiments of the invention, other energy storage devices may be used. In some embodiments of the invention, the energy storage devices do not store electrical energy but may store kinetic and/or other forms of energy.
Cables 90 may be configured to be coupled to elevator car 40 and counterweight 110. The depiction of the counterweight in the figures is for descriptive purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the position of the counterweight vis-à-vis the elevator, the elevator shaft or any of the components of the Shabbat elevator system.
Cables may be coupled to a hitch plate on top of elevator car 40 or may be coupled to an underslung, below elevator car 40. In some embodiments of the invention, sheave 80 may achieve sufficient friction using reinforced rubber bands. Other combinations of devices for achieving sufficient friction in the grooves of the sheave may also be used.
In some embodiments, cables 90 may be made from one or a plurality of steel cables. The steel may be wound around each other. In some embodiments, other materials may also be used in constructing cables 90. In some embodiments, cables 90 may be chains. In some embodiments, cables 90 may have a jute core.
In some embodiments of the invention, grooves in sheave 80 may be configured such that the weight of elevator car 40 and counterweight 110 deform cable 90 as it passes through the grooves, providing, in some examples substantial friction. The friction may hold cables 90 in place as they are within the grooves of sheave 80 and rotated with and/or in conjunction with sheave 80.
Shabbat elevator system 10 may, in some embodiments, include one or a plurality of cables 90. In some embodiments of the invention, Shabbat elevator system 10 may include at least two or more cables. In some embodiments of the invention, the number of cables may be dictated by standards, regulations and/or other concerns. In some embodiments of the invention, the standard number of cables may be between 2 to 8 cables. In some embodiments, there may be fewer or greater number of cables. In some embodiments of the invention, one cable 90 may be sufficient to raise and lower and/or otherwise transport elevator car 40, but is typically not allowed by regulatory systems or by convention.
In some embodiments, Shabbat elevator system 10 may include a compensation system. The compensation system may include a separate set of cables 90, or in some embodiments of the invention, one or a plurality of chains attached to the bottom of counterweight 110 and the bottom of the elevator car 40.
In some examples, the compensation system may reduce the required power of the motor of elevator car 40, by compensating for a differing load of cable 90 between the sheave at the top of an elevator shaft and elevator car 40. If the difference of the load is too high, there may be problems with the friction and grip of cables 90. For example, if elevator car 40 is at, or near, the top of the elevator shaft, there may only be a short length of cable 90 above the elevator car, whereas there would be a long length of cable below the elevator car. At the same time, there would be a short length of cable for counterweight 110 at the bottom of the elevator shaft, and a longer length of cable 90 connected to a top portion of counterweight 90 toward the top of the elevator shaft. In this situation, there may be an additional pulley 80 in a pit at the bottom of the elevator shaft, below the elevator, to guide cables 90.
In some embodiments, Shabbat elevator system 10 may include a landing system. The landing system may inform the elevator as to its relative position within the elevator shaft.
Shabbat elevator system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention may include a Shabbat mode clutch 120, which may be configured such that, when motor 30 is engaged, Shabbat mode clutch 120 disengages the Shabbat mode, and, when the Shabbat elevator system is in Shabbat mode, Shabbat mode clutch 120 engages the Shabbat mode and disengages motor 30.
Shabbat elevator system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention may include a directional unit 130. Directional unit 130 may be a mechanical mechanism for reversing the direction of the travel of elevator car 40 when Shabbat elevator system 10 is in the Shabbat mode. In some embodiments of the invention there may be in addition or in lieu of directional unit 130 a forward and a reverse clutch.
Shabbat elevator system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention may include a coupling clutch 140. Coupling clutch 140 may be configured to connect directional unit 130 with other components of Shabbat elevator system 10 while Shabbat elevator system 10 is in the Shabbat mode.
Transmission 150 may be a continuous variable transmission (CVT). In other embodiments, transmission 150 may be another type of transmission that may use belts, gears and/or other components. In other embodiments of the invention, another control means may be used to control and/or vary the speed, acceleration and other properties of elevator car 40. Transmission 150 may include a belt that runs around a pair of variable diameter pulleys. The belt may be composed of a metal, an alloy, a composite, a polymer or another material. In some examples, the pair of variable diameter pulleys may include a primary or drive pulley and secondary or driven pulley. The pulleys may be coupled sheaves. The driven or primary pulley is connected to the engine (input shaft) and the secondary or driven pulley is connected to the output shaft.
The variable-diameter pulleys may each be shaped like a pair of opposing cones. The gear ratio may change as the primary or driving pulley opens and the secondary or driven pulley closes, or vice versa. The opening and closing of the primary and secondary pulleys, e.g., the controlling of the width of the pulleys allows for the metal belt to rotate on an ever changing and infinitely modifiable radius, providing for infinitely variable gear ratios from the input to the output. In some examples, a piston may receive and/or apply hydraulic pressure resulting in a changing of the width of the pulleys or clutches. In some examples, transmission 150 may be a Hydrostatic transmission that uses a variable displacement pump and a hydraulic motor.
Transmission 150 may be configured to control and coordinate the rotational speed between flywheels, e.g., flywheel 170 and sheave 80. Transmission 150 may provide for the transmission of power from a motor or mechanical motivator to elevator car 40. In some embodiments of the invention, transmission 150 may be configured to operate, be engaged, disengaged or otherwise manipulated via purely mechanical means. In some embodiments of the invention, transmission 150 may be configured to operate, be engaged, disengaged or otherwise manipulated via non-electrical means.
Drive clutch 160 may be a mechanically controlled clutch and may open or close due to mechanical inputs. Drive clutch 160 may disengage flywheel 170 from the other components of Shabbat elevator system, wherein flywheel 170 is not connected to sheave 80. The disengagement of flywheel 170 may be employed when elevator car 40 is stationary or braked. In some embodiments of the invention, a torque convertor may also be employed, and the torque converter may allow the flywheel to continue spinning but with less strain on sheave 80 and or other components of Shabbat elevator system
Flywheel energy storage potential may be calculated as proportional to mass moment of inertia or the square of rotational speed. The speed of a flywheel may be 60ed by the strength-to-density ratio of a rotor and/or flywheel material. Flywheel 170 may be configured to retain kinetic energy to power the transportation of elevator car 40 on the Shabbat without the need for additional electrical current input while elevator car 40 is in transit. Flywheel 170 may be a rotating mechanical device, in some embodiments between 400 to 1000 mm in diameter, e.g., 700 mm in diameter. The rotating flywheel may store rotational energy, in some examples due to a significant moment of inertia. Additional energy may be periodically transferred to flywheel 170 by applying torque to the system and increasing the rotational speed of flywheel 170.
Flywheel 170 may be made from various materials, (e.g. carbon fiber, steel, polymer and composite materials). In some embodiments, flywheel 170 may be rotated on conventional bearings. In some embodiments, magnetic bearings may be used that support a load using magnetic levitation and without physical contact or additional friction within a flywheel system. In some embodiments, high-temperature superconductor (HTSC) bearings may also be used. Flywheel 170 may rotate at speeds up to and including, and/or surpassing, for example, 66,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). The moment of inertia around an axis of rotation of the wheel and the speed of rotation may determine the amount of energy stored in flywheel 170. Drag on the flywheel and increased friction caused by the rotation of the earth may be minimized by aligning the axis of rotation of flywheel 170 parallel to that of the earth's axis of rotation. Flywheel 170 may be anchored to drive shaft 20 via an anchoring device 180.
Flywheel 170 may be configured to be placed at or near the top of the elevator shaft. In some examples, flywheel 170 may be configured to be placed at or near the bottom of the elevator shaft.
Flywheel clutch 190 may be configured to engage or disengage flywheel 170 from a charging device, for example, charging device 210 as described below. In some examples, when flywheel 170 is engaged with charging device 210, additional torque may be applied to flywheel 170 to increase the amount of kinetic energy stored in flywheel 170. Flywheel 170 may be engaged and/or disengaged by flywheel clutch 190 when Shabbat elevator system 10 is in Shabbat mode.
In some embodiments of the invention, when flywheel is at or near its maximum kinetic energy load, flywheel clutch 190 disengages flywheel 170 from charging device 210. In some embodiments of the invention, when elevator car 40 is in motion through an elevator shaft, flywheel clutch 190 disengages flywheel 170 to charging device 210. In some embodiments of the invention, when flywheel is not at or near its maximum kinetic energy load, flywheel clutch 190 engages flywheel 170 to charging device 210 to recharge and/or add kinetic energy to, flywheel 170. In some embodiments of the invention, when elevator car 40 is not in motion through an elevator shaft, for example, when it is at rest at a particular floor, flywheel clutch 190 may engage flywheel 170 to charging device 210 to recharge and/or add kinetic energy to, flywheel 170.
In some embodiments of the invention, flywheel 170 may be charged and/or receive additional kinetic or other forms of energy from charging device 210 or other components such that the charging is configured to be independent from the usage of elevator car 40. In some examples, the charging and/or receiving of additional kinetic or other forms of energy is not related to or a function of the actual use of elevator car 40. In some examples, the charging and/or receiving of additional kinetic energy is not related to or a function of the amount of energy consumed by elevator car 40. In some examples, the charging and/or receiving of additional kinetic energy is not related to or a function of the level of current or voltage consumed by elevator car 40 or by all or some of the other components of Shabbat elevator system 10.
Control transmission 200 may be configured to coordinate and control speed and torque of flywheel 170 to prevent unwanted or unnecessary acceleration of elevator car 40. Control transmission 200 may be configured to coordinate between charging device 210 (described, for example, below) and the momentum of flywheel 170. Control transmission 200 may include, for example, transmission gears, transmission bands, a hydraulic transmission and/or other mechanical systems for a transmission.
Engine, motor, mechanical motivator or charging device 210 may be a mechanical, electrical motor, hydraulic or other type of motor or mechanical motivator or charging device, referred to below as a motor. Charging device 210 may be configured to recharge and/or add kinetic energy to flywheel. Charging device 210 may be configured to recharge and/or add non-electrical energy to an energy storage device.
Mechanical processing unit 220 may be in communication with system processing unit 50. Mechanical processing unit 220 may employ one or a plurality of indicators, including oil pressure, air pressure, water pressure and mechanical mechanisms for use in mechanically controlling components of Shabbat elevator system 10. Mechanical processing unit 220 may be in communication with directional unit 130, coupling clutch 140, continuously variable transmission 150, drive clutch 160, flywheel 170, anchoring device 180, flywheel clutch 190, control transmission 200 and charging device 210, and transfer commands mechanically to directional unit 130, coupling clutch 140, continuously variable transmission 150, drive clutch 160, flywheel 170, anchoring device 180, flywheel clutch 190, control transmission 200, and charging device 210. Some mechanical commands may be related to braking, speed of elevator car 40, opening of doors on elevator car 140 and other operations, controls, characteristics and/or parameters of the operation of the elevator consistent with the operation of an elevator and or Shabbat elevator.
Mechanical monitoring unit 230 may inform mechanical processing unit 220. Mechanical monitoring unit may employ mechanical valves, switches, sensors, mechanical timers, and other mechanical, and in some examples, non-electrical components to measure and provide data regarding elevator car 40 including its position, direction, speed and other information related to the travel of elevator car 40.
Mechanical monitoring unit may monitor speed and position of elevator car 40 and/or other information regarding elevator car 40. In some embodiments of the invention, the mechanical monitoring unit monitors speed and other variables of other components of Shabbat elevator system 10.
In some embodiments of the invention, one or more of directional unit 130, coupling clutch 140, continuously variable transmission 150, drive clutch 160, flywheel 170, anchoring device 180, flywheel clutch 190, control transmission 200, and charging device 210 may be contained within a vacuum tank or vacuum chamber 240, the vacuum chamber being configured to limit the friction and drag on flywheel 170.
In some embodiments, a mechanical processing unit 220 and/or mechanical monitoring unit 230 may also be included with the vacuum chamber 240.
In some embodiments of the invention, fewer components may be contained within vacuum chamber 240. For example, only flywheel 170 may be contained within vacuum chamber 240. In another example, flywheel 170 and one or more of flywheel clutch 190, drive clutch 160, and continuously variable transmission 150 (or another transmission) may be contained within vacuum chamber 240.
A vacuum pump 270 may create and/or maintain a complete or a partial vacuum in vacuum chamber 240. Vacuum pump 270 may be a turbomolecular-style pump or any other type of vacuum pump that is coupled to flywheel 170.
In some embodiments of the invention, flywheel 170 may be encased in a casing or containment unit. The encasement in the casing may be for safety reasons and may be configured to contain debris in the case of flywheel failure. The encasement may include aluminum housing or from other materials. The aluminum housing may include composite rings encircling the flywheel which serve as a soft landing zone for debris. Anchoring device 180 may function as a containment unit.
Shabbat Elevator system 10 may be configured to switch from Shabbat mode to non-Shabbat mode automatically in instances of flywheel 170 failure or in emergencies. In some examples, an emergency override switch, operated in some examples via key or via an electronic lock, or via other mechanisms, may automatically switch Shabbat elevator system 10 from a Shabbat mode to a non-Shabbat mode.
Shabbat Elevator system 10 may include duplicate and/or redundant components.
In some embodiments of the invention, when elevator car 40 brakes or slows down, the kinetic energy may be transferred back to flywheel 170.
In some embodiments of the invention, flywheel 170 and other components of Shabbat elevator system 10 may be used on days that are not Shabbat or Holidays. The use of flywheel 170 and other components of Shabbat elevator system 10 may reduce the overall energy consumption of elevator car 40. In some embodiments of the invention, flywheel 170 and other components of Shabbat elevator system 10 may be automatically engaged when there is a loss of electrical power to elevator car 40 and or other components of Shabbat elevator system 10 during standard, non-Shabbat mode operation.
In some embodiments of the invention, flywheel 170 may be constructed to resemble a hockey puck, for example, solid and of a consistent construction throughout. In some embodiments of the invention, flywheel 170 may be constructed to be doughnut-shaped concentrating most of its mass in a rim area of flywheel 170. Flywheel 170 may include a carbon-fiber composite rim, supported by a metal hub and shaft. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more flywheels may be coupled serially or in parallel.
In some embodiments of the invention, during the Shabbat mode, manual and/or passenger control of an elevator car are disengaged.
Box 300 depicts the switching, either via a manual switch or automatically or via a semi-automatic process, an elevator and all of its components from a standard or weekday mode to a Shabbat mode. This depicts a portion of the method wherein components of an elevator system for use during a standard mode of operation are turned off or decoupled from the system. The decoupling from the system may include the decoupling via a clutch or a clutch system of a motor that, during the standard mode of operation, may be coupled directly or indirectly to a sheave, the sheave configured to rotate and move an elevator car in an upwards or downwards direction within an elevator shaft. In some examples, monitoring units, processing units, and or sensors may be switched off. In some examples, a portion of monitoring units, processing units and or sensors may be turned off and or taken offline.
Box 310 depicts a portion of the method wherein components of an elevator system for use during Shabbat mode are engaged. These components may include a flywheel and/or other non-electrical source of energy, a charging device, mechanical monitoring units, mechanical sensing units, mechanical emergency systems, mechanical brake systems, clutches, transmissions, couplers, decouplers and other components.
Box 320 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein a flywheel or other energy storage device is loaded and/or coupled to a motor and/or other charging device, which begins to rotate a flywheel, and wherein the flywheel begins to load and store kinetic energy. Other methods may also be employed to load and store energy mechanically or otherwise non-electronically, according to embodiments of the invention.
Box 330 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein once the flywheel and/or other energy storage device is fully or partially charged and/or spinning a percentage of its operating speed, a coupling, for example via a hydraulic valve, or via other means of the flywheel, to the sheave will engage and the flywheel will begin to rotate the sheave, typically via a transmission, the transmission typically being a continuous variable transmission. The rotation of the sheave will cause the elevator within the elevator shaft to begin to move, typically via steel or otherwise high-strength cables, in either an upward or downward direction.
Box 340 depicts a portion of the method of the embodiment of the invention wherein the elevator travels to other floors. The elevator may be traveling with or without passengers and may travel to the next floor or skip a predetermined number of floors.
Box 350 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein before the elevator car stops; a clutch or other mechanism disengages the flywheel, and/or other energy storage device from a drive shaft or from a portion of other components within the Shabbat elevator system. The disengaged flywheel may continue to spin without loosing a significant portion of its kinetic energy and without significantly straining some components of the Shabbat elevator system
Box 360 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein the elevator car travels in a direction within the elevator shaft and slows down and/or stops when a mechanical monitoring unit in communication with a mechanical processing unit triggers the car to slow and/or stop, in some embodiments via a braking system, in response to a signal indicating that a stopping point has arrived. In some embodiments of the invention, the stopping point may be every floor or level within in a multistory building. In some embodiments of the invention, the stopping point may be a subset of floors within a multistory building.
Box 370 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein a mechanical mechanism opens the elevator doors, and a timing mechanism holds the elevator at the floor and the doors open for a predetermined amount of time.
Diamond 380 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein a mechanical processing unit in communication with a mechanical monitoring unit assess whether when stopped at a floor or level, whether to decouple the flywheel and/or other energy storage device from the sheave and recharge the flywheel via a charging device, e.g., a motor, or to decouple the flywheel from the sheave, but not to connect the flywheel to the charging device.
In some embodiments of the invention, the decision as to whether to couple the flywheel to the charging device may be a random decision, such that at every floor the flywheel may or may not be coupled to the charging device, but that coupling cannot be predicted.
In some embodiments of the invention, the flywheel and/or other energy storage device may be coupled to the charging device every time the elevator car stops. In some embodiments of the invention the flywheel may be connected to the charging device after a set number of stops or after it has travelled a set distance. This determination may be made by the mechanical processing unit in communication with a mechanical monitoring unit. In some embodiments of the invention, the mechanical processing unit in communication with a mechanical monitoring unit may determine the remaining kinetic energy within the flywheel and determine whether the flywheel should be connected to and charged by the charging device. The kinetic energy of the flywheel can be calculated by the equation:
where:
Where: Ek is the stored energy in a flywheel
I is the moment of inertia; and,
ω is the rotational or angular velocity of the flywheel, e.g., in rpm or radiants per second.
The moment of inertia I can be calculated as:
I=kmr2 where:
k is the inertial constant and is shape dependent;
m is the mass of the flywheel; and,
r is the radius of the flywheel.
Box 390 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein the flywheel and/or other energy storage device is disengaged by a clutch and wherein the flywheel is recharged by a charging device, e.g., a motor.
Box 400 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein the flywheel is not disengaged by a clutch and wherein the flywheel and/or other energy storage device is not recharged by a charging device.
Box 410 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein, after a predetermined period of time, the doors to the elevator car close, and the flywheel and/or other energy storage device disengages from the charging device, if it was coupled to the charging device. In some embodiments of the invention, the flywheel and/or other energy storage device may be recharged by the charging device each time the elevator car stops and/or disengages by a clutch during the Shabbat mode.
In some embodiments of the invention, the flywheel and/or other energy storage device reengages with other components of the elevator system, including the sheath, the brakes on the elevator are released, and the elevator continues to move. In some examples, the predetermined time may vary depending on factors such as location of the floor, whether the floor is the main floor or the lobby, and other factors.
Arrow 420 depicts that the method loops back to box 340, where the elevator continues to travel through the elevator shaft.
Box 430 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein after a predetermined period of time, for example after the duration of the Shabbat or a Holiday, the Shabbat mode switches off, either automatically, semi-automatically or via human intervention. When Shabbat mode is turned off, the flywheel disengages from the drive shaft and or other components of the Shabbat elevator system and the motor used during the standard mode of the elevator is reengaged with the drive shaft. The electrical sensors, switches and interfaces are reengaged including buttons both within and outside of the elevator car.
In some embodiments of the invention, during the Shabbat mode, manual and/or passenger control of an elevator car are disengaged.
Box 500 depicts the switching, either via a manual switch or automatically or via a semi-automatic process, an elevator and all of its components from a standard or weekday mode to a Shabbat mode.
Box 510 depicts a portion of the method wherein components of an elevator system for use during a standard mode of operation are turned off or decoupled from the system. The decoupling from the system may include the decoupling via a clutch or a clutch system of a motor that, during the standard mode of operation may be coupled directly or indirectly to a sheave, the sheave configured to rotate and move an elevator car in an upwards or downwards direction within an elevator shaft. In some examples, monitoring units, processing units, and or sensors may be switched off. In some examples, a portion of monitoring units, processing units and or sensors may be turned off and or taken offline.
Box 520 depicts a portion of the method wherein components of an elevator system are put online after a switch to Shabbat mode. These components may include a flywheel, a charging device, e.g., a motor, mechanical monitoring unit, mechanical sensing unit, mechanical emergency system, mechanical brake system, clutch, transmission, coupler, decoupler, or another component.
Box 530 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein a motor begins to rotate a flywheel, and wherein the flywheel begins to load and store kinetic energy. Other energy storage devices may be used in lieu of or in addition to a flywheel.
Box 535 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein a vacuum pump is be turned on or engaged at this point. The vacuum pump may be turned on later or earlier in the method. In some embodiments of the invention, the vacuum pump may be engaged before the flywheel begins to load energy.
Box 540 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein once the flywheel and/or other energy storage device is fully or partially charged and/or spinning a percentage of its operating speed, a coupling of the flywheel to the sheave will engage and the flywheel will begin to rotate the sheave, typically via a transmission, the transmission typically being a continuous variable transmission. The rotation of the sheave will cause the elevator within the elevator shaft to begin to move, typically via steel or otherwise high-strength cables, in either an upward or downward direction.
Box 550 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein before the elevator car stops; a clutch disengages the flywheel and/or other energy storage device from a drive shaft or from a portion of other components within the Shabbat elevator system. The disengaged flywheel may continue to spin without loosing a significant portion of its kinetic energy and without significantly straining some components of the Shabbat elevator system
Box 560 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein the elevator car travels in a direction within the elevator shaft and slows down and/or stops when a mechanical monitoring unit in communication with a mechanical processing unit triggers the car to slow and/or stop, in some embodiments via a braking system, in response to a signal indicating that a stopping point has arrived. In some embodiments of the invention, the stopping point may be every floor or level within in a multistory building. In some embodiments of the invention, the stopping point may be a subset of floors within a multistory building.
Box 570 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein a mechanical mechanism opens the elevator doors, and a timing mechanism holds the elevator at the floor and the doors open for a predetermined amount of time.
Diamond 580 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein a mechanical processing unit in communication with a mechanical monitoring unit assess whether when stopped at a floor or level, whether to decouple the flywheel and/or other energy storage device from the sheave and recharge the flywheel via a charging device, or to decouple the flywheel from the sheave, but not to connect the flywheel to the charging device.
In some embodiments of the invention, the decision as to whether to couple the flywheel and/or other energy storage device to the charging device may be a random decision, such that at every floor the flywheel may or may not be coupled to the charging device, but that coupling cannot be predicted.
In some embodiments of the invention, the flywheel and/or other energy storage device may be coupled to the charging device every time the elevator car stops. In some embodiments of the invention, the flywheel may be connected to the charging device after a set number of stops or after travelling a set distance. This determination may be made by the mechanical processing unit in communication with a mechanical monitoring unit. In some embodiments of the invention, the mechanical processing unit in communication with a mechanical monitoring unit may determine the remaining kinetic energy within the flywheel and determine whether the flywheel should be connected to and charged by the charging device.
Box 590 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein the flywheel and/or other energy storage device is disengaged by a clutch and wherein the flywheel is recharged by a charging device.
Box 600 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein the flywheel and/or other energy storage device is not disengaged by a clutch and wherein the flywheel is not recharged by a charging device.
Box 610 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein, after a predetermined period of time, the doors to the elevator car close, the flywheel and/or other energy storage device disengages from the charging device, if it was coupled to the charging device, the flywheel reengages with other components of the elevator system, including the sheath, the brakes on the elevator are released, and the elevator continues to move. In some examples, the predetermined time may vary depending on factors such as location of the floor, whether the floor is the main floor or the lobby and other factors.
Arrow 620 depicts that the method loops back to box 340, where the elevator continues to travel through the elevator shaft.
Box 630 depicts a portion of the method of an embodiment of the invention wherein after a predetermined period of time, for example, after the duration of the Shabbat or a Holiday, the Shabbat mode switches off, either automatically, semi-automatically or via human intervention. When Shabbat mode is turned off, the flywheel disengages from the drive shaft and or other components of the Shabbat elevator system, and the motor used during the standard mode of the elevator is reengaged with the drive shaft. The electrical sensors, switches and interfaces are reengaged including buttons both within and outside of the elevator car. The vacuum pump may be turned off at this point.
A Shabbat elevator or another transportation device may be configured to operate under at least a first condition and a second condition, wherein the transportation device is configured to travel without an additional input of an electrical current during the second condition. In some embodiments of the invention, a transportation device is configured to travel without any human induced changes in electric current or voltage associated with Shabbat elevator system 10. In some embodiments of the invention, the first condition is when it is not the Shabbat or a Jewish Holiday. In some embodiments of the invention, the second condition is when it is the Shabbat or a Jewish Holiday.
Box 700 depicts a step in the method of operating a Shabbat elevator, wherein this step includes disengaging a disengageable motor, the motor configured to operate during the first condition, e.g., when it is not the Shabbat or a Jewish Holiday, wherein the operation of the motor supports the travelling of a transportation device.
Box 710 depicts the step wherein a disengageable flywheel is engaged to a drive shaft or other component of a transportation system during all or a portion of a second condition, e.g., when it is the Shabbat or a Jewish Holiday. When the disengageable flywheel and/or other energy storage device is operating the transportation device, under the second condition it may be coupled to the transportation device for example, via a continuous variable transmission. The disengageable flywheel may, in some embodiments of the invention, be automatically recharged by a charging device, e.g., a second disengageable motor when the flywheel is disengaged during the second condition. The disengageable flywheel may be disengaged during the second condition at set intervals defined in some examples of the invention, by distance or time traveled or in some embodiments of the invention, determined randomly or by other criteria.
Box 720 depicts the use of a mechanical control unit to mechanically control the motion of the transportation device. The mechanical control unit may mechanically control (e.g., without the input of electricity) with the input of information from sensors. The sensors may be mechanical in their use and may transmit the information mechanically to the mechanical control unit.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a mechanical energy storage device may include a weight of mass M. When lifted to a height h, the potential energy Ep of the weight may be expressed as Ep=Mgh, where g is the local acceleration due to gravity.
Weight-operable elevator system 800 includes weight energy storage system 802. Weight energy storage system 802 may operate when weight-operable elevator system 800 is in a Shabbat mode. When weight-operable elevator system 800 is in a Shabbat mode, clutch 60 is disengaged such that operation of motor 30 does not effect movement of elevator car 40.
Weight energy storage system 802 includes storage weight 816 that is configured to move vertically along weight track 820. Weight cable 818 may be wound around drum 806 when storage weight 816 is lifted, and may be unwound from drum 806 when storage weight 816 is lowered. Other mechanisms to lift storage weight 816 may be used.
When lifting clutch 810 is engaged and drum brake 808 is released, lift motor 812 may be operated to lift storage weight 816 along weight track 820. Lifting motor 812 may be powered by electricity, by internal combustion, by a turbine, or otherwise. One or more of lifting clutch 810, drum brake 808, and lifting motor 812 may be operated by actuator 814b. For example, actuator 814b may be electrically (e.g., its operation being independent of any actions by passengers of elevator car 40, e.g., when elevator car 40 is stopped) or mechanically (e.g., hydraulically) operated. Weight energy storage system 802 may operate to lift storage weight 816 under predetermined conditions that are not affected by any passenger of elevator car 40. For example, weight energy storage system 802 may operate to lift storage weight 816 when elevator car 40 is stopped at a floor, or when stopped at a bottom floor. Weight energy storage system 802 may operate to lift storage weight 816 only when elevator car 40 is stopped. Thus, the presence of passengers in elevator car 40 does not effect operation of weight energy storage system 802 in lifting storage weight 816.
When storage weight 816 has been lifted to a desired height, or when the lifting operation is to be stopped, drum brake 808 may be activated and lifting clutch 810 may be disengaged. When activated, drum brake 808 may prevent rotation of drum 806 and of storage weight 816. When disengaged, lifting clutch 810 disconnects rotation of drum 806 from rotation of lifting motor 812.
Drum brake 808 may be normally activated (e.g., by a mechanical or hydraulic spring mechanism, or by another mechanical or hydraulic mechanism), requiring application of a force to release it. For example, drum brake 808 may be released by action of an electromagnet that operates automatically at predetermined time intervals when elevator car 40 is motionless. Once released, a mechanical latch holds drum brake 808 in a released state until the latch is mechanically released by a mechanism for stopping motion of elevator car 40. When the latch is released, drum brake 808 is mechanically activated.
Lowering of storage weight 816 may be utilized to power motion of elevator car 40. Allowing storage weight 816 to drop along weight track 820 pulls on weight cable 818 to rotate drum 806. When Shabbat mode clutch 120 is engaged and brake 70 and drum brake 808 are released, rotation of drum 806 may rotate sheave 80 in a direction that is determined by directional unit 130. One or more of Shabbat mode clutch 120, directional unit 130, or brake 70 may be operated by actuator 814a. For example, Shabbat mode clutch 120 may be engaged when weight-operable elevator system 800 is in a Shabbat mode, and may be disengaged when weight-operable elevator system 800 is in a non-Shabbat mode. Directional unit 130 may operate when elevator car 40 is motionless, to reverse a direction of motion of elevator car 40. For example, the direction of motion may be reversed when elevator car 40 is stopped at a top or bottom floor. Directional unit 130 may include a transmission based on one or more of a gear mechanism, a belt mechanism, a hydraulic mechanism, or another transmission mechanism.
Rotation of sheave 80 causes motion of cables 90 to either lift or lower cable-car connection 90a. Lifting or lowering of cable-car connection 90a causes elevator car 40 to move upward or downward, respectively, along car track 822. Concurrent with upward or downward motion of elevator car 40 along car track 822, counterweight 110 (
Speed of rotation of sheave 80, and thus of elevator car 40, may be limited by speed regulator 804. Speed regulator 804 may operate on the basis of a mechanism that increases resistance to rotation of sheave 80 with increasing speed of rotation of sheave 80 (or of a shaft that rotates together with sheave 80). For example, operation of speed regulator 804 may utilize fluid friction, inductive braking, or another speed limiting mechanism.
Brake 70 may be activated to stop motion of sheave 80. For example, brake 70 may be activated when elevator car 40 reaches or approaches a floor at which elevator car 40 is to stop. Shabbat mode clutch 120 may be disengaged and drum brake 808 may be activated. Brake 70 may be configured to be activated by a mechanical operation mechanism when weight-operable elevator system 800 is in a Shabbat mode.
Brake 70 may include a drum brake, disc brake, or other type of brake. Brake 70 may be normally activated (e.g., by a mechanical or hydraulic spring), requiring application of a force to release it. For example, in non-Shabbat mode, brake 70 may be continually held in a released mode by an electromagnet as long as elevator car is in motion. The electromagnet may then turn off to activate brake 70. When in Shabbat mode, brake 70 may be released by action of an electromagnet that operates automatically at predetermined time intervals when elevator car 40 is motionless. Once released, a mechanical latch holds brake 70 in a released state until the latch is mechanically released by a mechanism for stopping motion of elevator car 40. When the latch is released, brake 70 is mechanically activated together with drum brake 808.
When motion of elevator car 40 is resumed, Shabbat mode clutch 120 may be engaged, brake 70 may be released, and drum brake 808 may be released. Brake 70 may be configured to be activated by an electrical or electromagnetic mechanism when weight-operable elevator system 800 is in a non-Shabbat mode.
Door operation mechanism 828 may be operated to open or close a door of elevator car 40. When weight-operable elevator system 800 is in a Shabbat mode, door operation mechanism 828 may be operated by a combination of electrical and mechanical mechanisms to avoid any effect of a passenger on any electrical system. For example, a mechanism to prevent resumption of motion of elevator car 40 until the door is completely closed may operate in solely by a mechanical safety mechanism.
When weight-operable elevator system 800 is in a non-Shabbat mode, rotation clutch 60 is engaged and Shabbat mode clutch 120 is disengaged. Motor 30 may be operated to rotate drive shaft 20, and thus sheave 80 via engaged clutch 60.
Operation of weight-operable elevator system 800, or of another type of Shabbat elevator system such as Shabbat elevator system 10 (
When in Shabbat mode, electrical components of weight-operable elevator system 800 are controlled to operate at predetermined times or time intervals, independent of any actions by a passenger of elevator car 40, or by another human operator. These are schematically represented by various cycles of operation of controller 826. For example, general floor cycle 821 controls weight-operable elevator system 800 such that elevator car 40 moves from one floor to the next, stopping at each floor for a predetermined period of time.
Door operation cycle 823 opens elevator door 830 (
Car movement cycle 825 causes elevator car 40 to move from a current floor to a next floor (up or down). Car movement cycle 825 is repeated until elevator car 40 reaches a last floor (topmost or bottommost). At the last floor, direction unit 130 is operated to reverse the direction of travel of elevator car 40.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a door operation mechanism 828 of a Shabbat elevator is configured to operate mechanically to close elevator door 830. Mechanically closing elevator door 830 may avoid any direct effect of a passenger on any electrical mechanism.
Elevator door 830 of elevator car 40 is shown as open. Door operation mechanism 828 is configured to open or close elevator door 830. Safety considerations require that elevator car 40 is prevented from moving until elevator door 830 is completely closed. Elevator door 830 may include a single sliding panel as shown, or multiple panels. In the case of multiple panels, a separate door operation mechanism 828 may be provided for each panel, or a single door operation mechanism may operate more than one panel.
Door motor 832 may be operated to manipulate motor arm 834 (or another transmission mechanism) to open elevator door 830 by sliding along door track 835. Manipulation of motor arm 834 moves door motion guide 842. Door catch 840 is attached to elevator door 830. Door motion guide 842 engages door catch 840 such that motion of door motion guide 842 moves elevator door 830.
When operating in a non-Shabbat mode, door motor 832 may be operated to close elevator door 830 using motor arm 834.
Opening elevator door 830 compresses piston 836 via door cable 838 or another transmission mechanism. For example, piston 836 may include a restoring mechanism in the form of a hydraulic or mechanical spring. When operating in a Shabbat mode, door motor 834 or another holding or latching mechanism (e.g., an electromagnet) may hold elevator door 830 open for a predetermined time period. When the time period is complete, the holding mechanism releases elevator door 830. The restoring mechanism of piston 836 applies a restoring force to extend piston 836. Extension of piston 836 applies a linear force on door motion guide 842 via door cable 838 or another transmission mechanism. When motion of elevator door 830 is not obstructed, door motion guide 842 is engaged with door catch 840. Thus, the linear force on door motion guide 842 closes elevator door 830.
When motion of elevator door 830 is obstructed from closing (e.g., when a passenger or an object remains in the path of elevator door 830), door motion guide 842 continues to be moved by the force that is exerted by extension of piston 836. However, elevator door 830, and thus door catch 840, is obstructed from moving together with door motion guide 842. In this case, door motion guide 842 is configured to rock (e.g., about a hinge or axis) so as to disengage from door catch 840.
Door motion guide 842 continues to be moved by piston 836 in a direction of closing elevator door 830. However, elevator door 830 remains motionless. When door motion guide 842 has completed its motion, elevator door 830 continues to remain open. The open state of elevator door 830 prevents any motion of elevator car 40 to another floor.
When in a Shabbat mode, Elevator door 830 remains open until it is time for another door operation cycle to begin. Door operation mechanism 828 again fully opens elevator door 830 for the predetermined period of time. The door operation cycle is repeated periodically until the obstruction to motion of elevator door 830 is removed.
Operation of an elevator car may be limited to when an elevator car holds a load whose weight is less than a maximum value. The elevator car may include an electrically operated mechanism, e.g., including a weight sensor, that cooperates with other systems to prevent operation (and possibly sound an alarm) when the load is excessive.
A Shabbat elevator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes a mechanically operated mechanism for preventing operation of the elevator when a car is overloaded.
Mechanical overload protection system 850 includes a moveable elevator floor 852 of an elevator car. Load 860a may rest on moveable elevator floor 852. Suspension system 854 may include one or more mechanical or hydraulic springs, or another suspension mechanism. When load 860a is not excessive, projection 858 (e.g., a pin or other projection) of mechanical overload protection system 850 does not interfere with operation of elevator door 830. Thus, elevator door 830 may be completely closed, thus enabling movement of the elevator car.
When excessive load 860b is resting on moveable elevator floor 852, moveable elevator floor 852 is pushed downward. Downward movement of moveable elevator floor 852 pushes plunger 856 of mechanical overload protection system 850 downward. Pushing plunger 856 causes a transmission mechanism of mechanical overload protection system 850 to extend projection 858 into cooperating structure 859 (e.g., a slot, loop, or other structure) of elevator door 830. Alternatively or in addition, projection 858 may be extended into a door slot to prevent closing of elevator door 830. For example, a transmission mechanism of mechanical overload protection system 850 may include a lever 862 rotating about a fulcrum 864. Alternatively or in addition, the transmission mechanism may include one or more bars, rods, gears, cams, sprockets, beams, wheels, pulleys, ropes, chains, cords, wires, bands, belts, plungers, springs, or other mechanically or hydraulically operated components.
Extending projection 858 into cooperating structure 859 prevents or limits movement of elevator door 830. Thus, elevator door 830 may not be closed. Since motion of the elevator car is disabled when elevator door 830 is not completely closed, the presence of excessive load 860b in the elevator car prevents motion of the elevator car. Removal of excess load 860b may cause removal of projection 858 from cooperating structure 859.
Alternatively or in addition, a mechanism for preventing movement of an overloaded elevator car may disconnect a sensor that detects that the elevator door 830 is closed, or may otherwise prevent or interfere with movement of the elevator car.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a brake mechanism may be mechanically operated to stop a car of a Shabbat elevator at a floor of a building. Thus, the added weight of a passenger entering the elevator car need not affect operation of an electrical braking system.
The process of braking an elevator car at a particular floor may typically include detecting that the elevator is approaching the floor. For example, a structure or sensor on the elevator car may interact with a corresponding sensor or structure in the elevator shaft to indicate approach to the floor. When approach to the floor is detected, brakes are applied to slow the elevator car so as to cause the car to stop even with the floor. When an elevator is operating in a non-Shabbat mode, the sensor system may be electrically (or optically) operated.
For example, projection 872 may be mounted on an outside wall of elevator car 40. Approach detection device 870 may be mounted in an elevator shaft through which elevator car 40 moves. When projection 872 reaches approach detection device 870, electrical switch 874 and mechanical lever 878 are operated by projection 872. When elevator car 40 operates in a non-Shabbat mode, movement of electrical switch 874 generates an electrical signal that is conducted or transmitted to a control unit that deactivates an electromagnet of a brake, such as brake 70 (
When elevator car 40 operates in a Shabbat mode, electrical switch 874 may be disconnected from the control unit of the brake. Mechanical lever 878 may be configured to trigger operation of a brake, such as brake 70 or drum brake 808 (
When elevator car 40 begins to move, electric actuator 886 (or an electromagnet) operates to open brake pads 890 to enable rotation of drive shaft 20. When in a non-Shabbat mode, electric actuator 886 may continue to hold open brake pads 890. When elevator car 40 is to be braked, electric actuator 886 may be released by operation of electrical switch 874. Brake springs 888 then push brakes pads 890 to apply friction to decelerate rotation of drive shaft 20.
When in a Shabbat mode, after electric actuator 886 operates to open brake pads 890, mechanical actuator 884, may be operated to hold open brake pads 890. Operation of mechanical lever 878 may cause steel trigger wire 880 (or another transmission mechanism) to operate mechanical release 882, causing mechanical actuator 884 to release brake pads 890. Brake springs 888 then push brakes pads 890 to apply friction to decelerate rotation of drive shaft 20.
It should be understood with respect to any flowchart referenced herein that the division of the illustrated method into discrete operations represented by blocks of the flowchart has been selected for convenience and clarity only. Alternative division of the illustrated method into discrete operations is possible with equivalent results. Such alternative division of the illustrated method into discrete operations should be understood as representing other embodiments of the illustrated method.
Similarly, it should be understood that, unless indicated otherwise, the illustrated order of execution of the operations represented by blocks of any flowchart referenced herein has been selected for convenience and clarity only. Operations of the illustrated method may be executed in an alternative order, or concurrently, with equivalent results. Such reordering of operations of the illustrated method should be understood as representing other embodiments of the illustrated method.
Elevator control method 900 may be executed by one or more elements or components of a controller or control system for a Shabbat elevator system, such as, e.g., Shabbat elevator system 10 (
The Shabbat elevator system may be set to a Shabbat mode (block 910). For example, a human operator or a timer may cause the Shabbat elevator system to enter a Shabbat mode. Entering the Shabbat mode may include disengaging a drive motor from a sheave that is used to move the elevator up or down. A Shabbat mode control system may be activated (e.g., by causing a processor of the control system to execute programmed instruction, by switching on an electrical or electronic circuit, by activating a mechanical control device, or otherwise). In some cases, an elevator car of the Shabbat elevator system may be sent to a bottom floor, or to another predetermined floor. A door of the elevator car may be opened.
The elevator waits a period of time equal to a predetermined delay (block 120). For example, the delay may be 10 seconds, 8 seconds, or another time period. The time of the delay at one floor (e.g., at a top or bottom floor) may differ from a delaty time at another floor.
After a delay, a travel command is issued (block 930). The travel command may be configured to cause the elevator car to move up or down.
Safety systems may be checked (block 935). For example, various electrical systems of the Shabbat elevator system may be checked to verify that all systems are in a state to enable safe movement of the elevator car. Failure to verify safety may result in no motion of the elevator car and a further delay (returning to block 920).
If safety is indicated, a command to close the elevator door may be issued (block 940). A mechanical system (e.g., as shown in
If the elevator car is overloaded (block 945) closing of the elevator door is mechanically interfered with (block 950). For example, overloading may interfere with closing of the elevator door as shown in
An electronic system may operate to verify that the elevator door is completely closed (block 955). The door may not have closed completely. For example, overloading of the elevator car may have interfered with action of the door. A person or object in the path of the door may have interfered with closing of the door.
If the door is not completely closed, the elevator door is reopened after a predetermined interval (block 960). After a predetermined delay, another attempt to move the elevator car may be made (return to block 920).
If the door is verified to be closed, the elevator may travel up or down to the next floor at which the elevator car is to stop (block 970). For example, the elevator car may be moved by operation of various brakes (e.g., brake 70 as in
During movement, a speed regulator 804 may limit the speed of travel of the elevator car. Motion of the elevator car may be monitored by sensors such as a speed sensor and a sensor of motion of the elevator cables (e.g., elevator cables 90). Detection of no motion (e.g., elevator car is stuck between floors) may trigger an emergency response such as release of the brakes. Detection of excessive speed may trigger an emergency response such as emergency operation of brakes and mechanical grabbing systems.
Braking the elevator car as it approaches the next floor may be initiated by operation of a mechanical component, e.g., as shown in
The elevator may have reached an end (top or bottom) floor (block 975). For example, an electrical sensor may sense that the elevator has reached a top or bottom of an elevator shaft. At the end floor, direction of travel is reversed (block 980). For example, a directional unit may be electrically or mechanically operated to change a direction of travel.
If the elevator is to continue operating in Shabbat mode (block 985), operation continues with opening the elevator door (block 960). For example, the elevator door may open after a predetermined period of time from when the elevator began to travel (at block 970). The door may stay open for a predetermined period of time before operation continues (returning to block 920). Thus, operation of the door may be independent of actions by a passenger of the elevator.
If Shabbat mode is not to continue, the elevator may be returned to non-Shabbat mode (block 990). For example, Shabbat mode may be scheduled to end automatically at a predetermined time or after a predetermined time period after it commences. Ending Shabbat mode may be contingent on one or more conditions. For example, in some cases, Shabbat mode may only be ended if the elevator car is at a bottom floor, or at another particular floor. In some cases, Shabbat mode may be ended by an action of a human operator.
Examples of the present invention may include apparatuses for performing the operations described herein. Such apparatuses may be specially constructed for the desired purposes, or may comprise computers or processors selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computers. Such computer programs may be stored in a computer-readable or processor-readable non-transitory storage medium, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) electrically programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable and programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, or any other type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the invention as described herein. Examples of the invention may include an article such as a non-transitory computer or processor readable non-transitory storage medium, such as for example, a memory, a disk drive, or a USB flash memory encoding, including or storing instructions, e.g., computer-executable instructions, which when executed by a processor or controller, cause the processor or controller to carry out methods disclosed herein. The instructions may cause the processor or controller to execute processes that carry out methods disclosed herein.
Different embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of certain embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; thus certain embodiments may be combinations of features of multiple embodiments. The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teaching. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2014/050503 | 6/3/2014 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13911668 | Jun 2013 | US |
| Child | 14896385 | US |
