Abstract: A drive unit (1,41,51) for a self-propelled elevator car (30) which travels along a pair of guide rails (27) is connected with a car-supporting structure (16) by rocker arms (15) and contact pressure springs (29). An electric motor (2,3,26,31) is coaxial with a wheel shaft (8) which extends therethrough and has a pair of drive wheels (10) mounted at the ends thereof. The motor housing (31) is connected to the axle tubes (11) by releasably attached motor flanges (12). The motor (2,3,26,31) drives the wheel axle (8) in rotation through a speed-reducing planetary gear (33) and a brake (32,34) which prevents rotation of the wheel axle (8) can be released selectively. An auxiliary drive (35,36,37) mounted on the motor (2,3,26,31) selectively rotates the wheel axle (8) in response to a power failure.

Abstract: A drive frame for a self-propelled elevator travelling on guide rail running surfaces (22) includes a car carrying frame (5,14,16,17,18) on which are mounted driving wheels (1) coupled to a drive unit (24) and supporting wheels (2). The driving wheels (1) are rotatably mounted on axle tubes (3) connected to the drive unit (24) and rocker arms (15) pivotally mounted on frame brackets (5). The supporting wheels (2) are rotatably mounted on an axle (12) mounted on axle carriers (4) extending from the frame brackets (5). The driving wheels (1) and the supporting wheels (2) are drawn into contact with the running surfaces (22) by spring cylinders (8) connected between the axle tubes (3) and the supporting wheel axle (12) and extending through lateral passages (13) formed in a frame crossbeam (14) connected between the frame brackets (5).