Modern elevators mainly consist of a traction machine (winch), guide rails, counterweight, safety devices (such as speed governors, safety brakes, and buffers), signal control system, car, and landing doors. These components are installed in the building's hoistway and machine room, respectively. They typically use friction drive with steel wire ropes. The steel wire ropes pass around the traction sheave, with each end connected to the car and counterweight, respectively. The motor drives the traction sheave to raise and lower the car. Elevators are required to be safe and reliable, have high transport efficiency, accurate leveling, and comfortable rides. The basic parameters of an elevator mainly include rated load capacity, passenger capacity, rated speed, car dimensions, and hoistway type.
The traction system includes the traction motor, traction sheave, reducer, brake, traction machine base, and handwheel. The traction sheave is mounted on the load-bearing beam. The elevator traction machine is the driving mechanism for elevator operation. Through the load-bearing beam and traction sheave, it bears the entire load (dynamic and static load) of all reciprocating lifting components. The load-bearing beam is often made of I-beam steel.
The suspension compensation system consists of the traction ropes, all structural components of the car and counterweight, compensating ropes, tension pulleys, etc. The car and counterweight are the main components for the elevator's vertical movement; the car is the container for carrying passengers and goods.
The guiding system includes guide rails and guide shoes, guiding the car and counterweight in their vertical lifting and lowering motion.
The electrical system is the elevator's control system, including various contactors, relays, controllers, and displays.
Safety devices include speed governors, safety brakes, buffers, and various door safety devices.
