WO2024150218A1

WO2024150218A1 - Device and system for stopping a cable-based means of transport

Info

Publication number: WO2024150218A1
Application number: PCT/IL2024/050027
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amon Tavor
Original assignee: BORKOW, Haggai
Priority date: 2023-01-10
Filing date: 2024-01-09
Publication date: 2024-07-18
Also published as: WO2024150215A1

Abstract

The present patent application relates to a safety braking device and system for a cable-based transport vehicle that travels along a suspended cable, such as a self-propelled elevator car, cable car or street car. The device comprises a movable member arranged to contact the suspended cable and a force applying element arranged to exert force onto the suspended cable via the movable member. The movable member is mechanically linked to a brake mechanism and arranged to activate it based on the position of the movable member, causing the brake mechanism to stop the transport vehicle and prevent risk of slippage or dropping of the transport vehicle in case the tension of the suspended cable is insufficient to ensure proper grip of the transport vehicle.

Description

DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR STOPPING A CABLE-BASED MEANS OF TRANSPORT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present invention generally relates to the field of cable transport systems, and particularly, to a device and system for ensuring safety in cable transport systems, such as elevators and cable cars. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device and system for safety braking in self-propelled cable transport systems. The invention specifically pertains to a braking system designed to prevent the uncontrolled movement of a transport vehicle along a cable in the event of a reduction in cable tension.

BACKGROUND

[2] The present invention relates generally to cable transport systems, and more specifically to a device and system for safety braking in such systems.

[3] Cable transport systems, such as elevators, cable cars, and the like, are commonly used worldwide for transporting people and goods. These systems typically use a car or set of cars that are fixed on a suspended cable or set of cables, and the cable(s) are pulled by a central drive system which causes them to haul the car(s) along the path formed by the cable(s). While considered generally safe, these systems are not efficient since they need to use vast amounts of energy to drive the entire cable-based system in order to transport the car(s).

[4] For example, in the case of elevators, a motor is used to drive a car, lifting cable(s), compensating cable(s) and counterweight. This means that a considerable amount of energy is wasted in moving parts that are not directly contributing to the transport of passengers or goods. This approach is not the most efficient method of transport in terms of the energy consumption, the wide range of potential points of failure, costs and time required for maintenance and amount of material and parts needed for such systems. [5] Self-propelled elevator and cable car systems, can potentially significantly reduce the mass that needs to be moved, leading to substantial energy savings. Moreover, unlike multiple car cable-hauled systems which necessitate movement of all cars simultaneously, self-propelled systems’ capability of moving each car independently offer more economical and efficient means of transportation.

[6] However, these systems are not in use nowadays due to a variety of problems. One of the main problems with operating such systems is the lack of safety braking systems suitable for self-propelled cars. While cable-hauled elevators use safety braking systems that activate upon detachment of the car from the cable that hauls it, self- propelled cars are not attached to the cable but rather travel along it, which is why safety braking systems used in cable-hauled elevators cannot be implemented in them. The lack of reliable, safe and effective braking systems suitable for self-propelled cable transport vehicles is one of the main obstacles that prevent these systems becoming a proper alternative to traditional cable-hauled systems.

[7] Therefore, there is a need for a reliable, safe and efficient braking system for self-propelled cable transport systems that can automatically activate upon detecting a risk of slippage or free falling of the car. The present invention seeks to address these needs.

SUMMARY

[8] The present invention relates to devices and systems for stopping cable-based transport vehicles, introducing an innovative approach for safety braking of transport vehicles that travel along suspended cables, such as elevator cars, cable cars and street cars, utilizing a device arranged to activate based on the state of the suspended cable the transport vehicle travels along.

[9] It is known that the safe operation of cable-based transport systems is reliant on the proper functioning of the cable(s) that the transport vehicle(s) travel on, and that the tension level of the cable(s) is one of the most essential aspects in the operation of such systems.

[10] This is all the more so true with regard to cable-based transport systems with self-propelled transport vehicles that travel along suspended cables. Maintaining tension level of the suspended cable(s) is crucial for obtaining a tight enough grip between the drive unit of the transport vehicle(s) and suspended cable(s), which is necessary in order to generate the amount of traction required for the transport vehicle(s) to travel along the suspended cable(s) and to safely hold the transport vehicle(s) in place when not in operation.

[11] If the cable is not sufficiently taut, the drive unit of the transport vehicle(s) may lose grip with the suspended cable(s), substantially increasing the risk of slippage of the transport vehicle(s) against the suspended cable(s) or uncontrolled dropping of the transport vehicle(s), which may result in fatal accidents. This risk is particularly high when the track is steep or vertical.

[12] The present invention seeks to minimize this safety hazard by utilizing an autonomous safety braking system that is mechanically triggered based on tension level of the suspended cable(s), without being dependent on a power source, human intervention, electronic or computer-based controllers or the main braking systems used in the cable-based transport system.

[13] The devices and systems disclosed herein provide an innovative solution for stopping cable-based transport vehicles using a novel device configured to mechanically monitor the suspended cable the transport vehicle travels along during its travel, and activate a brake mechanism upon detecting tension level of the suspended cable is below a predetermined threshold.

[14] A preferred embodiment of the present invention may relate to a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles, comprising: at least one brake mechanism, configured to stop a transport vehicle from traveling along at least one suspended cable; at least one movable member, arranged to contact said at least one suspended cable; and at least one force applying element, arranged to exert constant lateral force on said at least one suspended cable via said at least one movable member; wherein said at least one movable member is mechanically linked to said at least one brake mechanism and arranged to activate said at least one brake mechanism based on position of said at least one movable member.

[15] As the movable member is constantly forced against the suspended cable by the force applying element, it moves the suspended cable as much as allowed by the force exerted by the suspended cable in the opposite direction. The more the suspended cable is stretched and the higher is its tension level, the suspended cable is more resistant to the force exerted towards it through the movable member, which limits the movable member’s movement. The more the suspended cable is loose and the lower is its tension level, the suspended cable becomes less resistant to the force exerted towards it through the movable member, which allows the movable member to divert the portion of the suspended cable adjacent to the movable member outside the path the suspended cable is stretched along. The degree of deflection of the suspended cable as a result of this force indicates its tension level.

[16] Since the movable member is mechanically linked to the brake mechanism, this movement of the movable member resulting from change in tension level of the suspended cable may be mechanically transmitted to the brake mechanism, which may be configured to activate as soon as the movable member moves beyond or into a specific position.

[17] This allows conditioning the activation of the brake mechanism directly to the tension level of the suspended cable, and may allow for example, to configure the device to trigger the brake mechanism when the tension level of the suspended cable is reduced to a level that may be considered to create a safety hazard.

[18] The device is designed such that it can be securely fixed to or installed on a transport vehicle, or manufactured as one unit with the transport vehicle. The primary function of the device is to provide means for automatically stopping a cable-based transport vehicle in case of a critical failure in the cable infrastructure.

[19] The invention is not limited to a specific number or type of movable members, force applying elements or brake mechanisms, or to a particular type of car or cable. The system and device are versatile and adaptable, making this invention suitable for a wide variety of cable-transport systems, including elevators, cable cars and street cars.

TERMS AND GENERAL COMMENTS

[20] The term "movable member" or "movable members" may refer to any type of solid object suitable to be movably installed in a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicle and sustain force exerted onto it from opposite directions.

[21] The term "force applying element" or "force applying elements" may refer to any type of element that may exert force without external power, including without limitation, springs, flexible elements, compressible elements, bending elements, magnets and gas pistons.

[22] The term “brake mechanism” or "brake mechanisms" may refer to any type of mechanism that is capable of stopping a transport vehicle from traveling, including without limitation, clamp brakes, interlocking brakes, hydraulic brakes, magnetic brakes and air brakes.

[23] The term “idle pulley” may refer to any type of unmotorized wheel that may contain a single or multiple grooves that can fit a cable or cables, and that may rotate freely against a cable or cables.

[24] The term "suspended cable" or "at least one suspended cable" may refer to any type of cable or set of cables that may be used in a cable-based transport system, such as elevator, cable car or street car systems. The cable may be manufactured from any materials suitable for withstanding the load and friction associated with operation of cable-based transport systems and formed as a single cable, multiple intertwined cables or wires, a row of parallel cables or a belt.

[25] The term "traction drive" may refer to any drive mechanism that may be installed on a cable-based transport vehicle and transport it along a suspended cable by means of traction with the suspended cable. [26] The term "controller" may refer to any electronic part, device or assembly, including without limitation, power circuit boards, computational devices and computers of any kind, that can be used for controlling activation of electrical devices and components.

[27] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the device(s) described in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to hereinafter as "device", “braking device”, "device for stopping cable-based transport vehicle" or "device for stopping cable-based means of transport" interchangeably.

[28] Accordingly, system(s) described in the below embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to hereinafter as "system", “braking system”, "system for stopping cable-based transport vehicle" or "system for stopping cable-based means of transport" interchangeably.

[29] Similarly, the car(s) to which the device disclosed herein is fixed may be referred to hereinafter as "car", "transport vehicle", "means of transport" or "transport device" interchangeably.

[30] The terms "plurality" and "a plurality," as used herein, include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more". For example, "a plurality of items" includes two or more items.

[31] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "demonstrative embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[32] Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be incorporated in the invention detailed herein, independently or in combination therewith:

[33] In an embodiment relating to said device, said at least one movable member is configured to activate said at least one brake mechanism when in position indicating that tension level of said at least one suspended cable is below a predetermined threshold. This "predetermined threshold" could be a specific degree of slack or sag in the cable, measured by the amount of deflection of the suspended cable by the movable member or displacement of the movable member. For instance, the predetermined threshold could be set to a tension level expressed in the deflection of the suspended cable or displacement of the movable by 10 mm or more. In such a case, the movement of the movable member to a position 10 mm or more from its initial position would trigger the activation of the brake mechanism.

[34] According to another embodiment, said at least one force applying element is configured to push said at least one suspended cable via said at least one movable member.

[35] In another embodiment, said at least one force applying element is configured to pull said at least one suspended cable via said at least one movable member.

[36] In another embodiment, said at least one movable member is linked to said at least one brake mechanism through at least one connecting element of the following: a pull wire, a shaft, an axle, a chain and a lever.

[37] In accordance with another embodiment, said at least one brake mechanism is configured to activate upon detachment of said at least one connecting element.

[38] In another embodiment, said device is installed on said transport vehicle and travels therewith along said at least one suspended cable.

[39] According to yet another embodiment, said at least one movable member comprises at least one idle pulley.

[40] In another embodiment, said at least one movable member comprises at least one idle pulley configured to rotate against said at least one suspended cable during travel of said transport vehicle.

[41] In another embodiment of the present invention, the device disclosed herein further comprising at least one support member for supporting said at least one suspended cable from direction opposite to said at least one movable member.

[42] In another embodiment, said at least one support member comprises at least one idle pulley.

[43] According to another embodiment, said at least one support member is being a plurality of support members, wherein at least one of said plurality of support members is positioned against said at least one suspended cable before said at least one movable member and at least one other of said plurality of support members is positioned after said at least one movable member.

[44] In another embodiment, said at least one force applying device comprises a spring.

[45] In another embodiment, said at least one movable member is being a plurality of movable members; wherein each of said plurality of movable members is arranged to contact a different location on said at least one suspended cable.

[46] In accordance with another embodiment, said transport vehicle is equipped with a traction drive for transporting said transport vehicle along said least one suspended cable; and wherein at least one of said plurality of movable members is positioned against said at least one suspended cable before said traction drive and at least one other of said plurality of movable members is positioned against said at least one suspended cable after said traction drive.

[47] In another embodiment, said at least one movable member is being a plurality of movable members, and said at least one suspended cable is being a plurality of suspended cables; wherein each of said plurality of movable members is arranged to contact a different one of said plurality of suspended cables.

[48] In another embodiment, said at least one brake mechanism is being a plurality of brake mechanisms; wherein said at least one movable member is mechanically linked to each of said plurality of brake mechanisms.

[49] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device disclosed herein further comprising at least one adjustable member for setting the position in which said at least one movable member activates said at least one brake mechanism, enabling customization of said predetermined threshold of tension level.

[50] According to another embodiment, activation of said at least one brake mechanism causes said brake mechanism to engage with at least one stationary object of the following: at least one suspended cable, a support cable, a support shaft and a guiding rail.

[51] In another embodiment, said at least one brake mechanism is equipped with at least one braking force applying element arranged to cause said at least one brake mechanism to engage with said at least one stationary object; and wherein said at least one brake mechanism is held in a cocked position until released by movement of said at least one movable member to a position set to activate said at least one brake mechanism, allowing said at least one braking force applying element to cause said at least one brake mechanism to engage with said at least one stationary object.

[52] In another embodiment, said at least one brake mechanism further comprises: at least one lever and at least one holding member, wherein said at least one braking force applying element is arranged to cause said at least one lever to be pressed against said at least one stationary object and said at least one holding member is arranged to hold said at least one brake mechanism in said cocked position, obstructing said at least one lever from engaging with said at least one stationary object, and wherein said at least one holding member is mechanically linked to said at least one movable member.

[53] In another embodiment, said transport vehicle is equipped with a traction drive for transporting said transport vehicle along said least one suspended cable.

[54] In accordance with another embodiment, said transport vehicle is one of the following: an elevator car, a cable car and a street car.

[55] In another embodiment, said device further comprises at least one sensor configured to measure position of said at least one movable member.

[56] In another embodiment, said device further comprises a controller linked to said at least one sensor and wherein data from said at least one sensor is sent to said controller.

[57] According to another embodiment, said controller is configured to compute a tension level of said at least one suspended cable based on input received from said at least one sensor, and control operation of said transport vehicle based on said tension level.

[58] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, said traction drive comprising: a plurality of motorized sheaves; wherein said at least one suspended cable is arranged to wrap around each of said plurality of motorized sheaves, allowing said traction drive to transport said car along said at least one suspended cable by means of rotation of said plurality of motorized sheaves against said at least one suspended cable. [59] In another embodiment, wherein said brake mechanism is further configured to activate in response to at least one predetermined condition of the following: dropping of said transport vehicle, slippage of said transport vehicle against said at least one suspended cable, and excessive movement speed of said transport vehicle.

[60] Another embodiment of the present invention relates a system for stopping cable-based transport vehicle, comprising: at least one suspended cable; at least one transport vehicle, arranged to travel along said at least one suspended cable; at least one brake mechanism, configured to stop said transport vehicle from traveling along said least one suspended cable; at least one movable member, arranged to contact said at least one suspended cable; and at least one force applying element, arranged to exert constant lateral force on said at least one suspended cable via said at least one movable member; wherein said at least one movable member is mechanically linked to said at least one brake mechanism and arranged to activate said at least one brake mechanism based on position of said at least one movable member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[61] The disclosure can be more fully appreciated in connection with the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which:

[62] Figure 1 illustrates a device for stopping a cable-based transport vehicle according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[63] Figures 2a-2c illustrate operation of a device for stopping a cable-based transport vehicle according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[64] Figures 3 a and 3b illustrate two configurations of a movable member of a device for stopping a cable-based transport vehicle according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[65] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate two configurations of a movable member and support members of a device for stopping a cable-based transport vehicle according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[66] Figure 5 illustrates a device for stopping a cable-based transport vehicle in an elevator system according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[67] Figure 6 illustrates a device for stopping a cable-based transport vehicle incorporated in an elevator car with a traction drive and a controller according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[68] Figures 7a and 7b illustrate two configurations of a device for stopping a cablebased transport vehicle with multiple movable members according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[69] Figure 8 illustrates a device for stopping a cable-based transport vehicle with two brake mechanisms incorporated in an elevator car with a traction drive according to some demonstrative embodiments.

[70] Figures 9a and 9b illustrate two configurations of a brake mechanism of a device for stopping a cable-based transport vehicle according to some demonstrative embodiments. [71] Figure 10 illustrates an adjustment member of a device for stopping a cablebased transport vehicle according to some demonstrative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

GENERAL COMMENTS

[72] The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, and so on, are not described in detail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[73] The present invention pertains to a novel system and device for stopping a cablebased means of transport. The invention pertains to a safety mechanism designed specifically for a car that moves along a cable. This invention is relevant to the field of cable-based transportation, particularly for self-propelled vehicles that travel along a cable. This could include elevators, and various types of trains or cars that traverse on a railroad, which could be either horizontal or inclined.

[74] Turning first to FIG 1, showing an embodiment of a device for stopping cablebased transport vehicles 100 according to the present disclosure. The device 100 is fixed to transport vehicle 104, which travels along suspended cable 105. The device 100 comprises movable member 101, force applying member 102 and brake mechanism 103. Movable member 101 is arranged to contact suspended cable 105 while force applying member 102 is arranged to exert constant lateral force on suspended cable 105 via movable member 101. Movable member 101 is mechanically linked to brake mechanism 103 and arranged to activate it based on position of movable member 101. In the embodiment presented herein, transport vehicle 104 is an elevator car configured to ascend and descend along suspended cable 105, however, in other embodiments the device may be adapted for use in other types of cable-based transport vehicles, such as cable cars and street cars. Furthermore, the current embodiment shows optional features and elements, such as an idle pulley on movable member, a housing for movable member and a guiding rail. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the device may not include some or any of the optional features and elements.

[75] Now referring to FIG 2a and FIG 2b, an embodiment of a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 200 is shown in two modes: ready-to-activate and activated. FIG 2a shows the device 200 in a ready -to-activate mode during normal operation of the cable-based transport system in which the device is incorporated. The device 200 comprises movable member 201, force applying element 202 and brake mechanism 203. Movable member 201 is pushed against suspended cable 205 by force applying element 202. During normal operation of the cable-based transport system as presented herein, suspended cable 205 is relatively stretched, causing it to exert force onto movable member 201 in a direction opposite to the force exerted by force applying element 202, thereby pushing movable member 201 toward force applying element 202, resulting in compression of force applying element 202. As long as movable member 201 is kept in a similar position under balance between counter forces of force applying element 202 and suspended cable 205, brake mechanism 203 remains in a disengaged ready -to-activate state that allows the transport vehicle (not shown) on which the device 200 is installed to travel uninterruptedly along suspended cable 205.

[76] A change in position of movable member 201 may cause device 200 to switch into activated mode, as shown in FIG 2b. In the scenario presented therein, suspended cable 205 is loosened relatively to FIG 2a, which reduces the amount of force exerted from suspended cable 205 toward movable member 201 and allows force applying element 202 to push movable member 201 further toward suspended cable 205. As a consequence, movable member 201 enters into or moves through a position set to activate brake mechanism 203. When in that position, movable member 201 triggers activation of brake mechanism 203, which is intended to prevent the transport vehicle (not shown) on which the device 200 is installed from uncontrolled movement.

[77] FIG 2c illustrates a closeup view of movable member 211 in a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 210 according to some embodiments. Movable member 211 is arranged to contact suspended cable (not shown) in the cable-based transport system the device is incorporated in. Force applying element 212 is arranged to exert constant lateral force toward suspended cable via movable member 211, while the suspended cable exerts force onto movable member 211 in the opposite direction. The position of movable member 211 is therefore directly affected by tension level of the suspended cable. The more the suspended cable is stretched and the higher is its tension level, more force is exerted from the suspended cable toward movable member 211, resulting in movable member 211 being pushed toward force applying element 212 and compression of force applying element 212. Similarly, the more the suspended cable is loose and the lower is its tension level, less force is exerted from the suspended cable toward movable member 211, resulting in movable member 211 being pushed by force applying element 212 toward the suspended cable through expansion of force applying element 212.

[78] Accordingly, positions 21 li 21 lii 21 liii represent three possible positions of movable member 211 within its range of movement, indicating different tension levels of the suspended cable. In this illustration, position 21 liii and the range of positions from 21 liii to 21 lii (excluding 21 lii) represent normal operation of the cable-based transport system. The positions within this range indicate that the suspended cable is relatively stretched and characterized by a relatively high tension level. When movable member 211 is within this range of positions, where tension level of the suspended cable is considered safe for travel, the device 210 is in a ready-to-activate mode allowing the transport vehicle (not shown) on which the device 210 is installed to travel along the suspended cable. Position 21 lii is set as the position set to activate brake mechanism (not shown) of device 210, which indicates that the tension level of the suspended level is below a predetermined threshold. This position and the range of positions 21 lii to 21 li indicate that the suspended cable is relatively loose and characterized by a relatively low tension level, which is considered unsafe for travel along the suspended cable. Therefore, in order to avoid travel along the suspended cable in such conditions, when entering into or moving through position 21 lii, movable member 211 is configured to activate the brake mechanism, causing the transport vehicle to stop its travel along the suspended cable.

[79] FIGs 3a-3b illustrate two configurations of a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. FIG 3a illustrates a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 300 comprising movable member 301, force applying element 302 and brake mechanism (not shown). Movable member 301 comprises an idle pulley 306 rotatably installed on the end thereof in contact with suspended cable 305, whereas idle pulley 306 is arranged to rotate freely against suspended cable 305 during travel of the transport vehicle (not shown) on which device 300 is installed. In this embodiment, force applying element 302 is a compression spring, configured to push suspended cable 305 via movable member 301. Another configuration of a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles is shown in FIG 3b, wherein the device 310 comprising movable member 311, force applying element 312 and brake mechanism (not shown). Movable member 311 comprises an idle pulley 316 rotatably installed on the end thereof in contact with suspended cable 315, whereas idle pulley 316 is arranged to rotate freely against suspended cable 315 during travel of the transport vehicle (not shown) on which device 310 is installed. In this embodiment, force applying element 312 is a compression spring, configured to pull suspended cable 315 via movable member 311.

[80] Now referring to FIG 4a, showing a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 400 according to some demonstrative embodiments. The device 400 comprises a brake mechanism (not shown) configured to stop a transport vehicle (not shown) from traveling along suspended cable 405. Movable member 401 comprises idle pulley 406, which is arranged to contact and rotate against suspended cable 405 during travel of the transport vehicle along suspended cable 405. In this embodiment, force applying element 402 is a compression spring arranged to exert constant lateral force onto suspended cable 405 by means of pushing movable member 401 against suspended cable 405. The device 400 further comprises support members 407a 407b configured as idle pulleys for supporting suspended cable 405 from direction opposite to movable member 401, support member 407a being positioned before movable member 401 and support member 407b being positioned after movable member 401. Movable member 401 is mechanically linked to the brake mechanism through two connecting elements linked in sequence, connecting element 408a being a lever and connecting element 408b being a pull wire. Movable member 401 may be configured to prevent the brake mechanism from activating by continuously pulling connecting element 408b and allowing the brake mechanism to activate when movable member 401 enters into or moves through a position set to activate the brake mechanism, or upon failure of the device, such as detachment of connecting element 408b.

[81] FIG 4b illustrates another embodiment of a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 410. The device 410 comprises a brake mechanism (not shown) configured to stop a transport vehicle (not shown) from traveling along suspended cable 415. Movable member 411 comprises idle pulley 416, which is arranged to contact and rotate against suspended cable 415 during travel of the transport vehicle along suspended cable 415. In this embodiment, force applying element 412 is a compression spring arranged to exert constant lateral force onto suspended cable 415 by means of pulling movable member 411 toward suspended cable 415. The device 410 further comprises support members 417a 417b configured as idle pulleys for supporting suspended cable 415 from direction opposite to movable member 411, support member 417a being positioned before movable member 411 and support member 417b being positioned after movable member 411. Movable member 411 is mechanically linked to the brake mechanism through connecting element 418 being a pull wire. Movable member 411 may be configured to prevent the brake mechanism from activating by continuously pulling connecting element 418 and allowing the brake mechanism to activate when movable member 411 enters into or moves through a position set to activate the brake mechanism, or upon failure of the device, such as detachment of connecting element 418.

[82] Referring to FIG 5, a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 500 is presented as part of an elevator system. The device 500 is installed on elevator car 504, which is arranged to travel along suspended cable 505 using a traction drive 509 fixed on elevator car 504. Suspended cable 505 is stationarily stretched between two ends of elevator pathway 521 and elevator car 504 is self-propelled by traction drive 509 installed thereon, allowing it to ascend and descend along suspended cable 505. The device 500 comprises movable member 501, force applying element (not shown) and brake mechanism 503. Force applying mechanism is arranged to exert constant lateral force on suspended cable 505 through movable member 501. Brake mechanism 503 is mechanically linked to movable member 501 and configured to activate based on position of movable member 501. It will be appreciated that the device shown herein as part of an elevator system may be adapted for use in cable car and street car systems as well.

[83] FIG 6 shows another embodiment of a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 600. The device 600 is installed on elevator car 604, which is arranged to travel along suspended cable 605 using a traction drive 609 fixed on elevator car 604. A guiding rail 624 is further provided to support the elevator car 604 in its travel. Guiding rail 624 extends throughout the elevator pathway (not shown) alongside suspended cable 605, and elevator car 604 is movably attached to the guiding rail 624 through rollers 625a 625b, contacting guiding rail 624 and configured to rotate against guiding rail 624 during ascend and descend of the elevator car 604. The device 600 comprises a movable member (not shown), force applying element (not shown) and brake mechanism 603. The movable member and force applying element are housed inside container 630. The force applying mechanism is arranged to exert constant lateral force on suspended cable 605 through the movable member . Brake mechanism 603 is mechanically linked to the movable member through connecting element 608 and configured to activate based on position of the movable member. In the current embodiment, brake mechanism 603 is movably installed around guiding rail 624 and configured to engage with guiding rail 624 upon activation of brake mechanism 603. The device 600 further comprises sensor 622 configured to measure position of the movable member through position of connecting element 608 linked thereto, indicating the tension level of suspended cable 605. Sensor 622 is linked to controller 623 and may send data pertaining to position of the movable member to controller 623, which may use that data to calculate the tension level of suspended cable 605 and control the operation of traction drive 609 accordingly.

[84] FIG 7a illustrates a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 700. The device 700 is installed on elevator car 704, which is arranged to travel along suspended cable 705 using a traction drive 709 fixed on elevator 704. A guiding rail 724 is further provided to support the elevator car 704 in its travel. Guiding rail 724 extends throughout the elevator pathway (not shown) alongside suspended cable 705, and elevator car 704 is movably attached to the guiding rail 724 through rollers 725a 725b, contacting guiding rail 724 and configured to rotate against guiding rail 724 during ascend and descend of the elevator car 704. The device 600 comprises two movable members 701a 701b, two force applying elements (not shown), each associated with one of movable members 701a 701b and brake mechanism 703. Movable member 701a is positioned to contact suspended cable 705 before traction drive 709 and movable member 701b is positioned to contact suspended cable 705 after traction drive 709. Each force applying mechanism is arranged to exert constant lateral force on suspended cable 705 through the movable member it is associated with. Brake mechanism 703 is mechanically linked to both movable members 701a 701b through pull wires 718a 718b, respectively, and configured to activate and engage with guiding rail 724 when either of movable members 701a 701b moves to a position set to activate brake mechanism 703. [85] FIG 7b illustrates a closeup view of a part of a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles. The device shown in this embodiment is designed for use in a cablebased transport system with plurality of parallel suspended cables, as may be required by safety regulations for such systems. The device comprises three movable members 711a 711b 771c, each in contact with one of suspended cables 715a 715b 715c, respectively. The device further comprises three force applying elements (not shown), each associated with one of movable members 711a 711b 771c. Each force applying element is arranged to exert constant lateral force on one of suspended cables 715a 715b 715c it is associated with through one of movable members 711a 711b 771c it is associated with. A brake mechanism (not shown) is mechanically linked to all movable members 711a 711b 771c and configured to activate when any of movable members 711a 71 lb 771c moves to a position set to activate the brake mechanism.

[86] With reference to FIG 8, an embodiment of a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 800 is shown. The device 800 is installed on elevator car 804, which is arranged to travel along suspended cable 805 using a traction drive 809 fixed on elevator car 804. A pair of guiding rails 824a 824b extend throughout the elevator pathway (not shown) alongside suspended cable 805, and elevator car 804 is movably attached to the guiding rails 824 through rollers 825a 825b 825c 825d, configured to rotate against guiding rails 824a 824b during ascend and descend of the elevator car 804. The device 800 comprises movable member (not shown), force applying element (not shown) and two brake mechanisms 803a 803b. Movable member and force applying element are housed inside container 830. Brake mechanism 803a is movably installed around guiding rail 824a while brake mechanism 803b is movably installed around guiding rail 824b, while both brake mechanisms 803a 803b are mechanically linked to movable member and configured to activate based on position of movable member by way of engaging with guiding rails 824a 824b, respectively.

[87] FIG 9a illustrates side and top views of a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 900 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device 900 comprises movable member 901, force applying element 902 and brake mechanism 903 configured to stop a transport vehicle (not shown) from traveling along suspended cable 905 by means of clamping guiding rail 924. Movable member 901 comprises idle pulley 906, which is arranged to contact and rotate against suspended cable 905 during travel of the transport vehicle along suspended cable 905. Brake mechanism 903 comprises a pair of levers 925, a pair of brake force applying elements 926 and holding member 927, which is mechanically linked to movable member 901 and configured to move as one therewith. Brake force applying elements 926 are arranged to cause levers 925 to be pressed against guiding rail 924 while holding member 927 is arranged to hold the brake mechanism 903 in cocked position by obstructing levers 925 from engaging with guiding rail 924. Thus, brake mechanism 903 is configured to be held in cocked position until movable member 901 enters into or moves through a position set to activate brake mechanism 903 by causing holding member 927 to pull away from the gap between levers 925, allowing brake force applying elements 926 to push levers 925 together to clamp guiding rail 924, thereby stopping travel of a transport vehicle (not shown) along suspended cable 905.

[88] FIG 9b illustrates another embodiment of a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles. The device comprises movable member (not shown), force applying element (not shown) and brake mechanism 913 mechanically linked to the movable member via pull wire 918. Brake mechanism 913 comprises a pair of levers 945, brake force applying element 946 and holding member 947, which is mechanically linked to the movable member via pull wire 918. Brake force applying element 946 is arranged to cause levers 945 to spread apart and press against side walls of support shaft 944 while holding member 947 is arranged to hold the brake mechanism 903 in cocked position by obstructing levers 945 from engaging with support shaft 944. Brake mechanism 913 is configured to be held in cocked position until the movable member enters into or moves through a position set to activate brake mechanism 913. It may be appreciated that the movable member must constantly apply force on holding member 947 via pull wire 918 to prevent brake mechanism 913 from activating, and that failure of the device, such as detachment of pull wire 918, will by default activate brake mechanism 913, preventing a potential risk of undetected movement of the movable member to a position set to activate brake mechanism 913.

[89] Lastly, referring to FIG 10, showing a device for stopping cable-based transport vehicles 1000 in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. The device 1000 comprising movable member 1001, force applying element 1002 and brake mechanism 1003. Movable member 1001 comprises an idle pulley 1006 rotatably installed on the end thereof in contact with suspended cable 1005, idle pulley 1006 is arranged to rotate against suspended cable 1005 during travel of the transport vehicle (not shown) on which device 1000 is installed. Force applying element 1002 is a spring configured to push suspended cable 1005 via movable member 1001. Movable member 1001 is mechanically linked to brake mechanism 1003 while shaft 1008 is used as a connection element therebetween. Shaft 1008 is attached to movable member 1001 using adjuster member 1028, such that movable member 1001 and shaft 1008 move together as one unit. Adjustment member 1028 allows attaching shaft 1008 to movable member 1001 in various positions, allowing to adjust the combined length of movable member 1001 and shaft 1008. Adjusting the combined length of movable member 1001 and shaft 1008 affects the position of movable member 1001 set to activate brake mechanism 1003, and by proxy, the predetermined threshold of tension level of suspended cable 1005. Reducing the combined length of movable member 1001 and shaft 1008 will increase the predetermined threshold of tension level of suspended cable 1005 at which brake mechanism 1003 will be triggered, while extending the combined length of movable member 1001 and shaft 1008 will lower the predetermined threshold of tension level of suspended cable 1005 at which brake mechanism 1003 will be triggered.

[90] The content described above is illustrative and should not be seen as restrictive. Various alterations and changes can be made without deviating from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is defined in the subsequent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed:

1. A device for stopping cable-based transport vehicle, comprising: at least one brake mechanism, configured to stop a transport vehicle from traveling along at least one suspended cable; at least one movable member, arranged to contact said at least one suspended cable; and at least one force applying element, arranged to exert constant lateral force on said at least one suspended cable via said at least one movable member; wherein said at least one movable member is mechanically linked to said at least one brake mechanism and arranged to activate said at least one brake mechanism based on position of said at least one movable member.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one movable member is configured to activate said at least one brake mechanism when in position indicating that tension level of said at least one suspended cable is below a predetermined threshold.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one force applying element is configured to push said at least one suspended cable via said at least one movable member.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one force applying element is configured to pull said at least one suspended cable via said at least one movable member.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one movable member is linked to said at least one brake mechanism through at least one connecting element of the following: a pull wire, a shaft, an axle, a chain and a lever.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said at least one brake mechanism is configured to activate upon detachment of said at least one connecting element.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is installed on said transport vehicle and travels therewith along said at least one suspended cable.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one movable member comprises at least one idle pulley.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein said at least one movable member comprises at least one idle pulley configured to rotate against said at least one suspended cable during travel of said transport vehicle.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one support member for supporting said at least one suspended cable from direction opposite to said at least one movable member.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said at least one support member comprises at least one idle pulley.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein said at least one support member is being a plurality of support members, wherein at least one of said plurality of support members is positioned against said at least one suspended cable before said at least one movable member and at least one other of said plurality of support members is positioned after said at least one movable member.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one force applying device comprises a spring.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one movable member is being a plurality of movable members; wherein each of said plurality of movable members is arranged to contact a different location on said at least one suspended cable

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said transport vehicle is equipped with a traction drive for transporting said transport vehicle along said least one suspended cable; and wherein at least one of said plurality of movable members is positioned against said at least one suspended cable before said traction drive and at least one other of said plurality of movable members is positioned against said at least one suspended cable after said traction drive.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one movable member is being a plurality of movable members, and said at least one suspended cable is being a plurality of suspended cables; wherein each of said plurality of movable members is arranged to contact a different one of said plurality of suspended cables.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one brake mechanism is being a plurality of brake mechanisms; and wherein said at least one movable member is mechanically linked to each of said plurality of brake mechanisms.

18. The device of claim 2, further comprising at least one adjustable member for setting the position in which said at least one movable member activates said at least one brake mechanism, enabling customization of said predetermined threshold of tension level.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein activation of said at least one brake mechanism causes said brake mechanism to engage with at least one stationary object of the following: said at least one suspended cable, a support cable, a support shaft and a guiding rail.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein said at least one brake mechanism is equipped with at least one braking force applying element arranged to cause said at least one brake mechanism to engage with said at least one stationary object; and wherein said at least one brake mechanism is held in a cocked position until released by movement of said at least one movable member to a position set to activate said at least one brake mechanism, allowing said at least one braking force applying element to cause said at least one brake mechanism to engage with said at least one stationary object.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein said at least one brake mechanism further comprises: at least one lever; and at least one holding member; wherein said at least one braking force applying element is arranged to cause said at least one lever to be pressed against said at least one stationary object and said at least one holding member is arranged to hold said at least one brake mechanism in said cocked position, obstructing said at least one lever from engaging with said at least one stationary object; and wherein said at least one holding member is mechanically linked to said at least one movable member.

22. The device of claim 1, wherein said transport vehicle is equipped with a traction drive for transporting said transport vehicle along said least one suspended cable.

23. The device of claim 1, wherein said transport vehicle is one of the following: an elevator car, a cable car and a street car.

24. The device of claim 1, wherein said device further comprises at least one sensor configured to measure position of said at least one movable member.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein said device further comprises a controller linked to said at least one sensor and wherein data from said at least one sensor is sent to said controller.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein said controller is configured to compute a tension level of said at least one suspended cable based on input received from said at least one sensor, and control operation of said transport vehicle based on said tension level.

27. The device of claim 22, wherein said traction drive comprising: a plurality of motorized sheaves; wherein said at least one suspended cable is arranged to wrap around each of said plurality of motorized sheaves, allowing said traction drive to transport said car along said at least one suspended cable by means of rotation of said plurality of motorized sheaves against said at least one suspended cable.

28. The device of claim 1, wherein said brake mechanism is further configured to activate in response to at least one predetermined condition of the following: dropping of said transport vehicle, slippage of said transport vehicle against said at least one suspended cable, and excessive movement speed of said transport vehicle.

29. A system for stopping cable-based transport vehicle, comprising: at least one suspended cable; at least one transport vehicle, arranged to travel along said at least one suspended cable; at least one brake mechanism, configured to stop said transport vehicle from traveling along said least one suspended cable; at least one movable member, arranged to contact said at least one suspended cable; and at least one force applying element, arranged to exert constant lateral force on said at least one suspended cable via said at least one movable member; wherein said at least one movable member is mechanically linked to said at least one brake mechanism and arranged to activate said at least one brake mechanism based on position of said at least one movable member.