Fahrkorb

Fahrkorb is a term used in German engineering to designate the movable cabin or cage that travels in vertical shafts to transport people or goods. It is the part of an elevator or mine lift that carries the occupants or cargo and is guided and suspended within the hoistway.

In building elevators, the Fahrkorb is typically suspended by steel hoisting ropes wrapped around a drive sheave or drum and balanced by a counterweight. It moves along reinforced guide rails inside the shaft, and its doors, interlocks, and interior fittings are designed to ensure safe access at each landing. In hydraulic elevators, the Fahrkorb is connected to a piston in a cylinder and is raised or lowered by hydraulic fluid pressure. The design and dimensions of the Fahrkorb vary according to load capacity, travel height, and building requirements.

Safety systems associated with the Fahrkorb include an overspeed governor or speed limiter, safeties to arrest motion in case of rope or mechanism failure, door interlocks, braking devices, and emergency communications or lighting. Regular maintenance, testing, and compliance with applicable standards are essential to ensure reliable operation.

Beyond passenger and freight lifts in buildings, the term Fahrkorb is also used in mining and industrial contexts to describe a cage or basket used to move ore and personnel between levels in a shaft. In such installations, the Fahrkorb is designed for rugged operation and may incorporate additional safety features appropriate to the working environment.

Overall, the Fahrkorb is a central component of vertical transport systems, coupling the moving cabin with the hoisting infrastructure and safety systems that enable ascent, descent, and access within shafts.