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elevator traction machines

Learn about the types of elevator traction machines

Elevator traction machines are among the important pieces that must be carefully chosen when purchasing elevators for residential or commercial buildings. It is known that the types of elevators depend greatly in their operation on the type of machine used, whether gear-driven machines or magnetic-powered machines.

In this article, we will discuss in detail everything related to traction machines for elevators, their importance, and the most important criteria on the basis of which these machines are selected.

An overview of elevator traction machines

elevator traction machines

The quality of traction elevators in their operating system depends on the use of traction machines, which are a group of ropes made of solid steel, and also on the pulleys that are used in the ascent and descent of the elevator cabin, and on the basis of this system the weight of the cabin is weighed.

Sometimes steel belts are also used instead of these ropes with certain types of elevators according to their specifications.

One of the most important features of elevators that rely on traction machines for their operation is that they are high-speed elevators compared to other types of elevators.

Types of traction elevators

There are three types of traction elevators that can be used in buildings:

Guided traction elevators

This type of elevator contains a special box for the gears that operate the machine, and it also contains steel ropes, a pulley, and an electric motor.

This type of elevator traction machines works through the connection between the gearbox and the electric motor that is made by operating the pulley or sheave and moving the ropes on which it is installed.

Guided traction elevators operate through alternating current and also it is suitable for the use of direct current. These elevators are very fast, as the maximum speed reaches the equivalent of 500 feet / minute. Despite this, they are among the lowest traction elevators in terms of speed rates.

Features of geared traction elevators (gear box elevators)

There are many advantages of gear elevators or gearboxes, which are as follows:

  • It is characterized by the fact that the maintenance costs as well as its installation expenses are greatly reduced compared to other types of elevator traction machines.
  • It is considered one of the elevators that save electricity, as it does not consume much energy.
  • One of the most important features that distinguishes it is its high efficiency in operation, but it causes some noise because it urges a loud sound during the ascent and descent of the elevator cabin.
  • Some designs of directed traction elevators bear very high weights and loads that sometimes reach about 13,000 kg, and thus they are among the few elevators that carry this weight.
  • Despite these advantages, these elevators need regular gear maintenance, which increases their costs more than other types of elevators.

Gearless traction elevators

elevator traction machines

Gearless elevators are a type of traction elevators that operate without a gear operating system.
They contain a wheel and counterweight to adjust the balance of the cabin, an electric motor,
and a cable for operation.

The cables or traction ropes of gearless traction elevators attach to the upper part of the elevator
and are wound around the ropes on one side only, and on the other side a counterweight is attached to the opposite end of the rope or cable and the elevator cab is raised and lowered.

The weight of the elevator cabin together with the counterweight presses on the machine’s electric motor, and thus the beams are driven, and then the elevator works to move up and down

The most important features of gearless traction elevators

  • Traction elevators without gears and so-called gearless elevators have a number of advantages,
    as follows:
  • The most important thing that distinguishes it is that it is very energy-saving,
    as it does not consume a lot of electricity compared to other elevators.
  • The movement speed in the Girlless elevators is very high, reaching the equivalent of 2000 feet per minute.
  • These elevators are characterized by strength and rigidity to a very large extent.
  • Also, this type of elevator traction machines is suitable for installation in all types of residential and commercial buildings.
  • Gearless elevators do not need maintenance except at long intervals,
    which increases the cost savings.

Traction elevators without machine rooms

These elevators are among the modern types that were manufactured in the nineties of the last century and manufactured by Kony Company, which is the largest elevator manufacturing company, and it contains in its components a room for elevator traction machines designed above the elevator cabin.

These elevators operate by means of this machine, and in the event that they need some kind of maintenance, the technician opens the room from the top of the elevator car to detect the malfunction.

Advantages of using traction elevators that operate without a machine room

  • There are many advantages that characterize this type of elevator traction machines,
    and these advantages are as follows:
  • These elevators are very fast, with speeds of up to 500 feet per minute.
  • It is considered one of the elevators with a low cost compared to other types of elevators,
    whether in terms of installation or maintenance costs as well.
  • These elevators are highly suitable for medium-rise building types

The most important benefits of using traction elevators

There are many benefits that you can see when choosing to install elevator traction machines in your building, and the most important of these benefits are the following:

  • One of the most important benefits achieved by traction elevators is that they can go to an unlimited number of floors in buildings, and therefore they are suitable for use in high-rise buildings.
  • It is used with ease and safety and is quiet while moving up and down.
  • The elevator accommodates the rear openings as well as the front of the elevator,
    regardless of its design.
  • It has a very small electric motor size,
    and it needs less control room requirements than other elevators.
  • It is considered to be super fast and can move between floors at a very fast rate.
  • Its safety systems are designed with very high technologies to protect users from accidents from falling cabs and injuries resulting from damaged ropes, broken belts, or any other technical malfunctions.
  • It is highly resistant to fire and accident risks, and does not require additional costs for decoration in its design.
  • Environmentally friendly and significantly saves electricity.

Read more: Elevator machine, drive system and the most important components of the elevator

The most important disadvantages of using traction elevators

elevator traction machines

There are some disadvantages that characterize elevator traction machines despite the many advantages, including:

  • Some types of traction elevators carry limited loads and weights.
  • The installation and maintenance costs are relatively high compared to other types of elevators.
  • It is installed in a relatively long period of time, which increases the installation time.
  • It usually needs a crane during installation that needs certain structural specifications.

Thus, we explained everything related to elevator traction machines, their types,
and the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Was the article useful?

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Types of traction elevators

Discover the most important types of traction elevators!

Elevators play a crucial role in the planning of any structure, whether it is residential or commercial. But which types of traction elevators ought you to choose? Learn about the four primary categories in this article. You will also discover how various dimensions might be used to accomplish various transit goals.

A house lift or personal elevator would make your life much simpler if you are a homeowner trying to enhance the convenience and value of your property.

Types of traction elevators

People may avoid the stairs whenever they wish thanks to little elevators for houses. This is practical and simple. The elderly and family members who have mobility issues benefit greatly from it. To accommodate various building constructions and passenger weights, home elevators are available in a wide range of sizes and designs.

Types of traction elevators come in a variety of styles, including:

  • Hydraulic
  • Cable
  • Shaft-less
  • Glass
  • Even pneumatic models

Every structure with more than one family living there needs to have a business elevator.

How Do Traction Elevators Work?

In traction elevators, the cabin is moved by passing ropes over a wheel propelled by a motor placed in the machine room, which is situated above the elevator shaft. A counterweight is employed to exert an opposing force, reducing the stress on the electric motor and increasing the effectiveness of the lifting operation. The advantages of traction elevators are their high capacity and possible speed.

Steel ropes or belts and a counterweight are used in this type of elevator’s pulley system to raise and lower the cabin. There are two types of traction elevators: gearless traction and gearless traction.

The most advanced choice is a gearless traction elevator, which has a wheel that is directly attached to the engine and controls the hoisting mechanism using counterweights. The hoisting sheave is turned by a gearbox in geared traction, which raises the elevator.

These systems often run more slowly than gearless ones. Overall, types of traction elevators offer a smoother and quieter trip for passengers while generally using less energy.

Traction elevators often use less energy while providing passengers with a quieter and more comfortable ride. Since gearless traction is believed to be the most energy and space-efficient design, it is used by the majority of modern elevators.

Types of traction elevators

Types of traction elevators

Types of traction elevators

Three further categories for traction elevators are;

Gear-driven (Geared) traction:

These have an electric motor with a gearbox connected. This enhances the elevator’s speed, allowing it to reach over 500 feet per minute.

Non-Geared Traction:

These feature no gearbox; instead, the wheel is directly connected to the motor, raising the elevator’s speed to around 200 feet per minute.

Elevators for non-machine rooms:

The engine and the wheel typically require a machine room, but these don’t have one. Since it is easier to reach in the event of repairs and you don’t have to set up a whole room for it, the motor and wheel are situated immediately over the elevator shaft.

These elevators may move at speeds of up to 2000 feet per minute since they lack a gearbox to control their speed.

The ideal option for skyscrapers is a gearless elevator since it uses electricity a bit more effectively than another traction elevator and has a maximum travel distance of 2000 feet.

Types of traction elevators: Pros & Cons

It’s important to consider your needs and preferences while selecting a lift system type. Here are some basic advantages and disadvantages to get you started, but it’s vital to apply these to your particular setup to determine which is the best choice for you.

PROS

Since there are far fewer mechanical processes and no fluid systems that might malfunction, traction lifts are more effective and dependable than hydraulic lifts. They also require less space than hydraulic lifts, which must be constantly stocked with a lot of oil.

Because traction lifts are a little quicker than hydraulic lifts, they are a preferable option for really tall structures.

A traction lift’s safety features are created expressly to guard against “dead drops” and harm from broken cables or mechanical malfunction. For instance, the whole We Goods Lift line has an incorporated disk brake that stops the vehicle from tumbling.

This is connected to the lift shaft’s guide rails, so if it starts to collapse, the overspeed governor engages, stopping the car’s wheels without the need for wires.

CONS

A traction lift with a machine room can eat up a lot of important space, but you can frequently purchase one type of traction elevators without one, which means less space is needed.

 

Although traction lifts are often more expensive than hydraulic lifts, this is justified by the increased speed and energy efficiency they provide.

The traditional notion of a “dead drop,” in which the cables snap and the lift vehicle falls, is a fallacy, but it is conceivable for cables to snap, unlike hydraulic systems.

We are always there to assist, no matter what kind of lift you choose. Simply contact us for assistance, details, and suggestions.

Types of Traction Elevators feature and Disadvantages

Types of traction elevators

Types of traction elevators

To help you better understand your options, below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of both kinds of elevators.

MRL (Most Common Traction Elevator) Self-Supported:

Pros:

  • Above-average net travel 60’
  • Smaller needs for the control room
  • Smaller-sized motor
  • It could be a calmer ride.

Cons:

  • The cost of installation and upkeep is higher
  • Typically, a crane is needed (a building’s roof cannot be erected over the hoistway).
  • Restrictions on cab weights
  • Insufficient cab capacity
  • Criteria for overhead and pits growing
  • Adding 4-6 weeks to the project’s timetable

Our team is delighted to assist you whether you’re planning to update your current system or decide which type of elevator to put in your new building. To discuss your project, reach out to us whenever.

Conclusion

In the context of talking about Types of Traction Elevators, we have to know that instead of using hydraulic machinery, this design makes use of ropes and counterweights. A pair of counterweight rails are put on one side or the back of the car in addition to the primary guide rails, which are mounted on both sides of the vehicle.

The geared machine and any associated driving components are often housed in a penthouse machine room above the hoistway.

It could be situated at a lower landing adjacent to the hoistway in a few specific circumstances. Basement traction is a name given to the latter configuration.

Read More: Let’s Know about Elevator prices

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