EP1479637B1 - Buffer and elevator using such a buffer - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a buffer for supporting an elevator car and / or for supporting a counterweight for the elevator car and an elevator installation with such a buffer.

Lift systems are usually provided with one or more buffers, which are arranged on the shaft bottom of a hoistway to stop the elevator car when driving over the lowest holding position in the elevator train night in the downward direction and / or when driving over the top holding position in the elevator train in the upward direction after passing a predetermined distance. These buffers are usually located below the elevator car and / or the counterweight.

To prevent overrun of a top holding position in the elevator shaft upwards at the latest after passing through a predetermined distance, buffers can also be arranged at the shaft head above the elevator car. The fact that such buffers must be arranged at the bottom of the shaft and shaft head immediately below or above the elevator car, there is a certain amount of space. The shaft head or the shaft floor can therefore only be used to a limited extent otherwise. For elevator systems without pit, such a standard arrangement of buffers is not possible because there is little space below the elevator car.

From the PCT Patent Application WO 00/64798 A1 is an elevator system with an elevator shaft, a vertically movable elevator car with counterweight and with buffers described, with the buffers are not below the elevator car, but next to the elevator car at the bottom of the shaft. The elevator car is provided with angles which impinge on the buffers in the event of an overrun situation, ie if the elevator car moves over the lowest holding position on the lowest floor. As a result, the elevator car is decelerated and stopped at a short distance above the shaft floor. An overrun protection against overrunning the uppermost holding position of the elevator car upwards is not proposed in this PCT patent application. The elevator system has a pit without a pit. One possibility of providing temporary protection zones for carrying out maintenance and repair work in the elevator shaft at the shaft bottom and / or at the shaft head is not disclosed.

The present invention has for its object to provide a solution that allows to ensure a rollover protection against the crossing of a lowermost holding position of the elevator car in the downward direction and against the driving over an uppermost holding position of the elevator car in the upward direction.

The solution of this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and claim. 9

Advantageous developments of the inventive buffer are defined by the dependent claims 2 to 8. Advantageous developments of the elevator installation according to the invention are defined by the dependent claim 10.

The buffer according to the invention protrudes at least partially into the path of the elevator car and into the path of the counterweight. This ensures that with a single buffer either the car or the counterweight can be supported in each case at a predetermined distance above the shaft bottom. The respective predetermined distance may be different for the car and the counterweight, depending on the arrangement and shape of the buffer. Thus, solely by the choice of the arrangement of a single buffer, the elevator car can be prevented from running over the lowest holding position in the elevator shaft down and the uppermost holding position in the elevator shaft upwards.

A further embodiment of the buffer can be provided with movable means which can be brought into the path of the elevator car and / or into the path of the counterweight in order to support the elevator car and / or the counterweight at a second predetermined distance above the bottom of the shaft , This embodiment has the advantage that with a single buffer - depending on the choice of the position of the movable means - the elevator car and / or the counterweight can each be supported in at least two different distances above the shaft bottom. Such a buffer can - suitably dimensioned - in a trenchless elevator system ensure a rollover protection against overrunning a lowermost holding position of the elevator car in the downward direction and against overshooting a top holding position of the elevator car in the upward direction and in addition - at a suitable position of the movable means - the creation of temporary Enable shelters on the shaft bottom and the shaft head.

Fig. 1A

eine schematische Draufsicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Puffers gemäss Erfindung;

Fig. 1B

eine schematische Seitenansicht der ersten Ausführungsform eines Puffers gemäss Erfindung, wobei eine Aufzugskabine regulär auf der Höhe eines untersten Stockwerks stoppt;

Fig. 1C

eine schematische Seitenansicht der ersten Ausführungsform eines Puffers gemäss Erfindung, wobei die Aufzugskabine in einer Überfahrsituation gezeigt ist und auf dem Puffer aufsitzt;

Fig. 1D

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines gesamten Aufzugsschachts mit der ersten Ausführungsform eines Puffers gemäss Erfindung, wobei die Aufzugskabine in einer Überfahrsituation nach oben gezeigt ist und ein Gegengewicht auf dem Puffer aufsitzt;

Fig. 2A

eine schematische Draufsicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Puffers gemäss Erfindung, in einem Normalzustand;

Fig. 2B

eine schematische Seitenansicht der zweiten Ausführungsform eines Puffers gemäss Erfindung, in dem Normalzustand, wobei die nach unten über die unterste Haltposition hinausfahrende Aufzugskabine gestoppt wird;

Fig. 2C

eine schematische Draufsicht der zweiten Ausführungsform eines Puffers gemäss Erfindung, in einem Einsatzzustand;

Fig. 2D

eine schematische Seitenansicht der zweiten Ausführungsform eines Puffers gemäss Erfindung, in dem Einsatzzustand, wobei eine temporäre Schutzzone gewährleistet wird.

Details and advantages of the invention will be described below with reference to embodiments and with reference to the schematic drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1A

a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of a buffer according to the invention;

Fig. 1B

a schematic side view of the first embodiment of a buffer according to the invention, wherein an elevator car regularly stops at the level of a lowermost floor;

Fig. 1C

a schematic side view of the first embodiment of a buffer according to the invention, wherein the elevator car is shown in a Überfahrsituation and is seated on the buffer;

Fig. 1D

a schematic side view of an entire hoistway with the first embodiment of a buffer according to the invention, wherein the elevator car is shown in a Überfahrsituation up and a counterweight is seated on the buffer;

Fig. 2A

a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of a buffer according to the invention, in a normal state;

Fig. 2B

a schematic side view of the second embodiment of a buffer according to the invention, in the normal state, wherein the down over the lowermost stop position driving elevator car is stopped;

Fig. 2C

a schematic plan view of the second embodiment of a buffer according to the invention, in an operating condition;

Fig. 2D

a schematic side view of the second embodiment of a buffer according to the invention, in the use state, with a temporary protection zone is ensured.

The Figures 1A to 1D show a first embodiment of a buffer 20, according to the invention, in various schematic views and in various states. The buffer 20 shown is a buffer for supporting an elevator car 25 above the floor 28 of a hoistway 21. The elevator car 25 is connected to a counterweight 23 such that the elevator car 25 and the counterweight 23 travel along paths V _K and V, respectively _G in the elevator shaft 21 are moved up and down. The counterweight 23 and a part of a support cable 23.1 for the elevator car 25 and the counterweight 23 is in the Fig. 1D In contrast, the traction sheave for the carrying cable 23.1, the guide rails and the other conventional elements of an elevator system are not in the Figures 1A to 1D shown. The buffer 20 has an elongated extent parallel to the webs V _K and V _{G of} the elevator car 25 and the counterweight 23. The buffer 20 is designed and arranged so that it at least partially in the web V _{K of} the elevator car and in the web V _G protrudes the counterweight.

The buffer 20 comprises a lower base member 22 and a slimmer upper part 24. The upper part 24 is asymmetrically seated on the base member 22. The buffer 20 is in the Figures 1C and 1D shown in a so-called active state.

The buffer 20 is located at least partially between the web V _{K of} the elevator car and the web V _{G of} the counterweight. These tracks V _K and V _G are in Fig. 1D indicated by dashed lines. For illustration is in the Figure 1A the projection K2 of the floor 25.1 of the elevator car 25 and the projection G2 of the underside 23.2 of the counterweight 23, each projected onto the shaft floor. The projections K2 and G2 are shown in dotted lines in the areas where they overlap with the base 22.1 of the base element 22 at the shaft bottom 28.

In the normal case, ie in the case in which the elevator car 25 moves up and down in the area provided for this, the buffer 20 is not used. As in Fig. 1B shown, the elevator car 25 can approach the lowest floor and allows entry and exit through the car door 26 and the shaft door 27th

If it now comes to a driving over the lowest holding position of the elevator car 25 down (use state in Fig. 1C ), a mechanical contact of the elevator cage 25 with the base element 22 of the buffer 20 takes place as soon as the elevator cage 25 falls below a predetermined distance Z 2 with respect to the base 28. In the embodiment shown, the elevator car 25 is seated with a lower edge on the base element 22, as in FIG Fig. 1C shown. As a result, in an emergency, the elevator car 25 can be braked and stopped. The base element 22 of the buffer 20 is slightly compressed in this state.

The embodiment of the Figures 1A to 1D is characterized by the fact that it not only prevents the lowest holding position of the elevator car 25 from being driven over downwards but also that an overrun of the uppermost holding position of the elevator car 25 is caught upwards. This "emergency" is in Fig. 1D shown. In this figure, a schematic longitudinal section through the entire elevator shaft 21 is shown. The elevator shaft 21 has four or more than four floors. At the height of each of the floors a shaft door 27 is indicated. In the elevator shaft 21, the counterweight 23 moves in opposite directions to the elevator car 25. If the elevator car is located at the upper shaft end, then the counterweight 23 is located at the lower shaft end. An overrun of the uppermost holding position of the elevator car 25 upwards is now stopped according to the invention in that the counterweight 23 comes into mechanical interaction with the upper part 24 of the buffer 20. By braking and stopping the counterweight 23 through the buffer 20, the elevator cars 25 are prevented from continuing to move up.

Depending on the total extent H2.1 of the buffer 20, a protection zone can also be defined at the upper end of the shaft.

The FIGS. 2A to 2D show a second embodiment of a buffer 40, according to the invention, in various schematic views and in various states. The buffer 40 shown is a buffer for supporting an elevator car 45 above the floor 48 of a hoistway 41. The buffer serves as a rollover protection and as means for providing a temporary protection zone in a trenchless elevator installation, ie in one Elevator installation, in which the lowest holding level of the elevator car is located at such a short distance above the ground that there is no space for a pit. The elevator car 45 is connected to a counterweight so that the elevator car 45 and the counterweight can be moved up and down along paths in the elevator shaft 41. The counterweight, suspension cables for the elevator car 45 and the counterweight, the traction sheave for the suspension cables, the guide rails and the other conventional elements of an elevator system are not in the FIGS. 2A to 2D shown. The buffer 40 has an elongated extent parallel to the tracks of the elevator car 45 and the counterweight. The buffer 40 is designed and arranged such that, depending on the state, it protrudes at least partially into the path of the elevator car and into the path of the counterweight.

The buffer 40 comprises a lower base element 43 designed as a strong damper and movable means 44 which sit on the base element 43 and can be rotated, as in FIGS Figures 2C and 2D indicated. The movable means 44 are symmetrical in the embodiment shown, ie they project in equal parts on both sides beyond the base element 43. The movable means 44 comprise dampers 44. 1 which are seated in recesses of the movable means 44.

The buffer 40 is in the FIGS. 2A and 2B shown in a so-called normal state. In the Figures 2C and 2D the buffer 40 is shown in a so-called use state. The buffer 40 is located at least partially between the path of the elevator car and the path of the counterweight. For illustration is in the characters 2A and 2C the projection K4 of the floor 45.2 of the elevator car 45 and the projection G4 of the underside of the counterweight are shown.

In the operating state, a mechanical contact of the elevator car 45 with the damper 44.1 of the buffer 40 takes place as soon as the elevator car 45 drops below a first predetermined distance Z4 with respect to the bottom 48. In the embodiment shown, the elevator car 45 sits with a lower edge on the damper 44.1, as in Fig. 2D shown. The buffer 40 is therefore loaded eccentrically. As a result, if necessary, a temporary protection zone can be created in the region of the lower shaft end.

The buffer 40 with the movable means 44, 44.1 is designed and arranged such that in the condition of use also a mechanical contact with the counterweight occurs when the counterweight falls below the predetermined distance Z4 with respect to the bottom 48. The counterweight is in the FIGS. 2A to 2D not visible because it is at the upper end of the shaft when the elevator car 45 is at the lower end of the shaft.

In the Fig. 2B the buffer 40 is shown in the normal state. Since, in the normal state, the movable means 44, 44.1 of the buffer 40 do not protrude into the path of the floor 45.2 of the elevator car 45, the elevator car 45 can approach the shaft door 47 of the lower floor without making mechanical contact with the buffer 40. It should be noted that in the state shown there is a distance D between an angle 45.1 (buffer stop) attached to the elevator car 45 and the damper 44.1. In the in Fig. 2B shown situation an entry or exit through the car door 46 and the shaft door 47 done.

If it now comes to a running over the lowest holding position of the elevator car 45 down (not in the FIGS. 2A to 2D shown), so there is a mechanical contact of the angle 45.1, which is attached to the elevator car 45, with the means 44 or designed as a strong damper base element 43 of the buffer 40. Thus, the elevator car 45 can be braked and stopped in an "emergency" , It should be noted that when passing over the lowest holding position of the elevator car 45, the dampers 44.1 are not used, since the angle 45.1 establishes direct contact with the means 44 or the base element 43. The buffer 40 is thus loaded centrally in such an "emergency".

When the buffer 40 is in the normal state, then an upward movement of the uppermost holding position of the elevator car 45 is prevented by an angle or other protruding element on the side of the counterweight facing the landing door 47 making contact with the movable means 44 of the counterweight Buffer 40 produces. This also leads to a central load of the buffer 40.

In Figs. 2A and 2C are each a dashed lines projection K4.1 of the angle 45.1 and a projection G4.1 of said angle or the protruding element on the counterweight, each projected onto the shaft bottom represented.

In order to create a protection zone, the buffer 40 is transferred from the normal state to the operating state, this being done by rotating the movable means 44 into the tracks of the floor 45.2 of the elevator car 45 and the underside of the counterweight, respectively ( Fig. 2C and 2D ). The necessary conversion can be triggered for example by a (key) switch or electronically controlled. To create the temporary protection zone, the elevator car 45 is slowly moved down until it touches the damper 44.1. A person may enter and / or exit the protection zone through an opening of the hoistway door 47. The distance Z4 ensures sufficient distance to the ground 48 to allow safe and trouble-free working in the protection zone.

By the same buffer 40, a temporary protection zone in the region of the upper shaft end can be created. However, this condition is not in the FIGS. 2A to 2D shown. To provide a protection zone at the upper shaft end, the counterweight is prevented from falling below the distance Z4 to the bottom 48. As soon as the counterweight is seated on the damper 44.1 on the right side of the movable means 44, the elevator car 45 is also held at a fixed predetermined distance from the shaft head. This results in a protection zone at the upper end of the shaft.

As in the Figures 1C and 1D indicated, the elevator car and the counterweight need not be supported at the same height.

The buffer can according to the invention have an attenuation characteristic that is specially adapted to the application. In the second embodiment, dampers 44.1 are used, which allow a slightly damped placement of the elevator car 35 or the counterweight when a protection zone is to be created. When driving over the lowest or the highest holding position of the elevator car 45 addition, however, the damping characteristic of the base member 43 is used.

The buffer according to the invention may be equipped with special means which allow unbalanced loading without the buffer "buckling" or "evading". For this purpose, the buffer may be wholly or partially surrounded by a corset-like element or be guided by special means to compensate for the bending moments occurring due to the eccentric buffer load.

In a part of the embodiments, the buffer is completely disposed between the elevator car and the counterweight (see for example Fig. 2A ).

The cross section of the inventive buffer can be chosen arbitrarily. The buffer 20 has a substantially circular cross-section parallel to the bottom of the elevator shaft. By contrast, the buffer 40, for example, has a square cross-section in the lower region 43.

Depending on the embodiment, a movement of the movable means of the buffer can be carried out electro-magnetically, hydraulically, pneumatically, manually, or by means of a servomotor.

In another embodiment, a pit set is used that includes a drive / inverter unit, a speed limiter, a guide rail attachment, and the buffer. As a result, the assembly in the elevator shaft considerably simplified.

The present invention is also suitable for use in an elevator installation in rucksack disposition.

The special arrangement and design of the, buffer results in a reduced space requirement compared to conventional solutions.

The invention is particularly suitable for use in elevator installations which have no or only small shaft pit and shaft head height mass.

It is an advantage of the invention that regulations for the fulfillment of personal protection complied with and the construction costs or investment costs, depending on the embodiment, can be significantly reduced.

The movable means 44 and 44.1 can be modified in various ways within the scope of the invention. They can be replaced by means which can be folded out, pivoted out, pushed out and / or rotated out of a basic position and respectively movable in paths of the elevator car and the counterweight in order to support the elevator car and / or the counterweight at a distance above the ground. The movable means can also be designed by a suitable arrangement be that the elevator car and the counterweight can each be supported at different heights.

Claims (10)

1. Buffer (20; 40) for supporting a lift cage (25; 45) and/or for supporting a counterweight (23) for the lift cage (25; 45), wherein the lift cage (25; 45) and the counterweight (23) are movable along paths (V_K, V_G), characterised in that the buffer (20; 40) is so constructed that it projects at least partly into the path (V_K) of the lift cage (25; 45) and the path (V_G) of the counterweight.
2. Buffer according to claim 1, characterised in that the buffer is arranged in such a manner that a mechanical contact with the lift cage (25; 45) takes place when the lift cage (25; 45) falls below a predetermined spacing (Z2; Z4) with respect to a floor (28; 48) and that a mechanical contact with the counterweight (23) takes place when the counterweight (23) falls below a second predetermined spacing (Z2.1; Z4) with respect to the floor (28; 48).
3. The buffer (40) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that at least one upper part (43, 44, 44.1) of the buffer (40) is disposed between an area projection (K4) of the lift cage and an area projection (G4) of the counterweight.
4. The buffer (20; 40) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it is so designed that it serves as overrun protection for the lift cage (25; 45), which through mechanical contact with the lift cage (25; 45) brakes and stops the lift cage (25; 45) on overrunning a lowermost stopping position in downward direction and/or through mechanical contact with the counterweight (23) brakes and stops the counterweight (23) in downward direction and thus brakes and stops the lift cage (25; 45) on overrunning an uppermost stopping position in upward direction.
5. The buffer (40) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the buffer (40) comprises movable means (44, 44.1)

   - which can be brought into the path of the lift cage in order to produce a mechanical contact with the lift cage (45) and

   - which can be moved out of the path of the lift cage for travelling past the buffer (40) in a normal state if there is no need for a lower zone of protection.
6. The buffer (40) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the buffer (40) comprises movable means (44, 44.1)

   - which can be brought into the path of the counterweight in order to produce a mechanical contact with the counterweight and

   - which can be moved out of the path of the counterweight for travelling past the buffer (40) in a normal state if there is no need for an upper zone of protection.
7. The buffer (20; 40) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the buffer (20; 40) has a damping characteristic suitable for braking and stopping and the lift cage (25; 45) or the counterweight (23) and/or that the movable means are foldable means (14), pivotable means, slidable means or rotatable means (44, 44.1).
8. The buffer (20; 40) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that it is so designed that in case of need it also serves for producing a zone of protection between a floor (28; 48) and the lift cage (25; 45) and/or a zone of protection above the lift cage (25; 45).
9. Lift installation with a lift cage (25; 45), a counterweight (23) and a buffer (20; 40) according to one of the preceding claims.
10. The lift installation according to claim 9, characterised in that the lift cage (45), the counterweight (23) and the buffer (40) are arranged in a lift shaft (41) without a pit and/or the lift installation comprises a drive which is preferably arranged on or at a floor (28; 48).

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