There is no single correct classification of elevators. Different types can be distinguished depending on the type of drive, the transported cargo, speed of movement, design, etc.
Elevator drive type. Freight and passenger lifts
Electric, hydraulic and pneumatic elevators are distinguished by the type of drive. The electric lift is a classic version with traction ropes and a motor. The electric motor drives the winch. The hydraulic lift is driven by oil pressure. Its carrying capacity is greater than that of an electric one. The pneumatic lift moves with air pressure, without any cables or pistons. The movement is facilitated by the difference in pressure from the top and bottom of the cab.
Passenger and freight elevators are distinguished according to the cargo being moved. Passenger elevators can be either residential, public or industrial. They are designed for relatively light weight. Separately, among the passenger, hospital and invalid elevators can be distinguished. The hospital is run by a lifter. People with disabilities are equipped with special devices for lifting and lowering in a wheelchair.
Lifting capacity, speed, control
The lifting capacity of an ordinary freight elevator can reach 5000kg. There are also small ones, for loads not exceeding 300 kg. They are used in restaurants, libraries. Lifting people is prohibited. There are special passenger-and-freight elevators where this is possible. Freight elevators may have a conductor to escort the cargo. There are also sidewalk lifts, the car of which comes out of the ground to the level of the sidewalk. Typically, such elevators are installed in warehouses, underground parking lots.
The speed of movement of the elevator car is also not the same. There are low-speed elevators - up to 1 m / s, high-speed - up to 2 m / s, high-speed - up to 4 m / s, high-speed - faster than 4 m / s. The drive of the lifting mechanism is also divided: electric or hydraulic. In the first case, the drive is from an electric motor, in the second - a drive in the form of a lifting hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic lifts are quiet and smooth to move. When the electricity is cut off, the emergency door opening is triggered.
According to the door drive, elevators with a manual drive are distinguished - the doors are opened manually, with semi-automatic ones - the doors are opened manually, and they are closed with the help of a closer. Also, the drive can be fully automatic and combined. Elevator control is divided into: internal control from the cabin, external control from the platforms, mixed control.
There are elevators with simple separate control - only one command is implemented. With collective control - several commands are executed in the form of a program. For example, in residential buildings passing stops are possible only when descending, in public buildings - when moving in both directions.
