EP3681835A1

EP3681835A1 - Elevator system

Info

Publication number: EP3681835A1
Application number: EP18745596.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian Studer; Donato Carparelli; Josef Husmann; Raphael Bitzi
Original assignee: Inventio AG
Current assignee: Inventio AG
Priority date: 2017-08-17
Filing date: 2018-07-25
Publication date: 2020-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-25
Also published as: EP3681835B1; WO2019034381A1; CN110997543A; CN110997544B; US20200231410A1; AU2018319105A1; SG11202000756UA; EP3668810A1; US11623845B2; CN110997544A; AU2018319105B2; US11535493B2; CN110997543B; AU2018317641B2; EP3668810B1; AU2018317641A1; SG11202000750VA; US20200180911A1; WO2019034405A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator system (10) comprising an elevator cab (14) which can be moved in an elevator shaft (12) in the vertical direction. Additionally, the elevator system (10) has a closed support means (26a) which is guided about a lower deflection roller (28) and an upper deflection roller (30) and a drive machine (34a) which is paired with the support means (26a). In order to produce a drive connection between the support means (26) and the elevator cab (14), a coupling device which can be coupled to a coupling element (44.1a) of the support means (26a) is arranged on the elevator cab (14). According to the invention, the coupling element (44.1.a) of the support means (26a) is designed as a connection element which connects two free ends of the support means (26a) together.

Description

elevator system

The invention relates to an elevator system having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

WO 2010/072656 AI describes an elevator system with two lift cabins which can be displaced in a vertical direction in an elevator shaft, wherein each elevator car is connected to a counterweight via a carrying and propelling means in the form of a steel cable. The elevator system has two drive machines in the form of electric motors, each of which can drive a traction sheave, via which in each case a carrying and blowing agent is guided. Thus, the two elevator cabins of the

Drive machines are moved independently in the elevator shaft. The cross section of the elevator shaft must therefore be designed so that the counterweights can be guided past the elevator cars.

EP 2219985 B1 describes an elevator system with two lift cabins which can be displaced in a vertical direction in a lift shaft, a self-contained carrying means guided around a lower deflection roller and an upper deflection roller, one of which

Supporting means associated drive machine in the form of an electric motor and each one arranged on each elevator car controllable coupling device. The support means has a plurality of coupling elements, which may be embodied for example as holes or cams. A coupling device of an elevator car can be coupled to and decoupled from a coupling element, whereby a drive connection between the respective elevator car and the suspension element can be produced and released. An elevator car coupled to a suspension element can thus be displaced in the first elevator shaft by means of the suspension element drivable by the respective drive machine.

The elevator cabins are only moved in one direction, ie only upwards or only downwards, in said elevator shaft. In order to realize a circulating operation of the elevator cars, the elevator system has another Elevator shaft. The elevator cars can be moved horizontally between the two elevator shafts by means of a transfer device. In operation of the

Elevator system coupled to an elevator car at a lower or an upper end position via their coupling device and a coupling element to a support means and is displaced above the support means of the associated drive machine up or down until it has reached the upper or lower end position. There, the elevator car decoupled from the suspension element and is from a transfer device in the elevator shaft for the other direction of displacement horizontally in the other

Moved elevator shaft.

In contrast, it is in particular the object of the invention to propose an elevator system, which on the one hand requires only little space in a building and on the other hand enables a simple and thus cost-effective implementation of the suspension element. According to the invention, this object is achieved with an elevator system having the features of claim 1.

The elevator system according to the invention has a first elevator car, which can be displaced in a vertical direction in a first elevator shaft. It also has a self-contained, guided around a lower guide roller and an upper guide roller first support means and a first support means associated with the first drive machine. The first support means has a first primary coupling element, to which a first coupling device arranged on the first elevator car can be coupled. Thus, a drive connection between the first elevator car and the first support means can be produced, so that the coupled first elevator car can be displaced in the first elevator shaft by means of the first support means drivable by the first drive machine. According to the invention, the first primary coupling element of the first suspension element is designed as a connecting element which connects two free ends of the first suspension element with each other.

The use of a self-contained suspension means makes it possible to dispense with a counterweight, which must be guided past the elevator car, which allows a small cross section of the elevator shaft. In addition, the aforementioned fulfilled

Coupling a double function. It serves for a coupling of the

Elevator cabin to the suspension and on the other hand the simple and inexpensive Realization of the closed suspension element.

The coupling element fulfills in particular the function of a so-called

Belt lock or a rope connector. This can be very simple, inexpensive and safe from an originally open, elongated support means by connecting the two free ends with the coupling element a self-contained support means are made. The coupling element may, for example, comprise two interconnected suspension end connections, which may for example be designed according to EP 1634842 A2. The two Tragmittelendverbindungen can be connected for example via an intermediate piece, with which they can be screwed or welded, for example. The coupling element may also have a one-piece housing.

The elevator shaft is arranged in or on a building and runs mainly in the vertical direction, so that the elevator cars in a shift in the

Elevator shaft are shifted mainly vertically.

The support means is self-contained, so for example designed annular. It can also be called endless. But that does not mean that it exists as a homogeneous ring or just one piece. Rather, the ring is realized by the connection of two free ends of Tragmittelteilen by the coupling element designed as a coupling element. The support means is guided around a lower and an upper deflection roller, wherein at least one deflection roller as a drive roller or

Traction sheave serves over which the suspension element can be driven by the drive machine assigned to it. The deflection rollers have in particular an effective diameter of less than 100 mm. Such a small effective diameter of a pulley serving as a pulley allow a gearless drive of the support means, which takes up little installation space. The deflection rollers are in particular arranged so that their respective axis of rotation perpendicular to an adjacent shaft wall of the

Elevator shaft is. On the support means, in particular, a clamping device may be arranged, with which on the one hand generates the required Tragmittelvorspannung and on the other hand deviations in the original length of the self-contained support means and operational plastic changes in length of the support means are compensated. The required clamping forces can be, for example, with Create tension weights, gas springs or metal springs.

The drive machine is designed in particular as an electric motor, which is controlled by an elevator control. The elevator control controls the complete operation of the elevator system, so it controls all controllable components of the elevator system and is connected to switches and sensors of the elevator system. The

Elevator control can be implemented as a single central elevator control or consist of several decentralized control, which are responsible for subtasks.

The coupling device arranged on the elevator car is arranged in particular on a floor or a roof of the elevator car. The coupling to a

Ankoppelelement the support means is in particular a positive fit, with a frictional coupling is conceivable. In particular, the coupling element has a mainly horizontally oriented recess into which, for example, a pin of the coupling device can dip in an actuating direction. In the simplest case, the coupling element can be screwed to the elevator car. In this case, the coupling device is designed as one or more screws. A positive or frictional connection between the elevator car and the suspension element can thus be produced via the coupling device and the coupling element so that the elevator car is also displaced during a displacement or movement of the propellant. This is a drive connection between the

Elevator cabin and the support means and thus ultimately produced between the elevator car and the support means associated drive machine.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first coupling device is coupled to the first primary coupling element such that in a normal operation of the elevator system, the first coupling device can not be decoupled from the first primary coupling element. Thus, there is always a drive connection between the first elevator car and the first support means in normal operation. Thus, the first elevator car is relocated exclusively in the first elevator shaft. This allows a particularly simple construction of the elevator system. In this embodiment, a suspension element of the elevator system has exactly one coupling element.

Normal operation of the elevator system is understood to mean an operating mode in which passengers are carried in the elevator car. The normal operation is in particular to be distinguished from a maintenance phase in which a service technician can perform maintenance on the elevator system, of an installation phase in which the elevator system is installed, and of a disassembly phase in which the elevator system is dismantled. In the three phases mentioned, it may happen that the coupling of the first coupling device with the first primary coupling element is achieved. The coupling of the coupling device to the coupling element takes place in particular in the installation phase and possibly in the maintenance phase, but not in the

Normal operation of the elevator system.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first coupling device can be controlled such that in normal operation of the elevator system, the first coupling device can be coupled to the first primary coupling element and decoupled from the first primary coupling element. In order for a drive connection between the first elevator car and the first support means can be produced and released. If the elevator car from the

Carrying means is disconnected, it can be moved out of the first elevator shaft, for example, be moved into a second elevator shaft. This makes the elevator system particularly flexible.

An elevator system with a normally connected connection between the first

In particular, the elevator car and the first suspension element have at least one second elevator car, which is also displaced only in the first elevator shaft. The connection between the second elevator car and the second suspension means is in particular identical to the first car. The two elevator cabins can be shifted independently of each other. This can be achieved in terms of space requirements, a very high transport capacity of the elevator system. The elevator system may in particular also have more than two, for example three or four elevator cars.

An elevator system with normally detachable connection between the first

In particular, the elevator car and the first suspension element have at least one second elevator car, which can likewise be displaced into a second elevator shaft. The coupling and uncoupling of the second elevator car to the second suspension means is carried out in particular the same as in the first elevator car. The two Elevator cabins can be moved independently of each other. This can be achieved in terms of space requirements, a very high transport capacity of the elevator system. The elevator system can in particular also more than two,

For example, have three or four elevator cars. The coupling devices are controlled in particular so that at least during the transfer of an elevator car to a (single) support means only one elevator car is coupled. From a (single) suspension means so only one (single) elevator car is always moved in the shaft.

If more than one suspension element is present, it may be necessary for the coupling devices to be able to couple to the coupling elements of the various suspension elements. The coupling devices are then arranged horizontally, in particular displaceable transversely to their direction of actuation. If an elevator car is to be coupled to a suspension element, then first the coupling device is moved transversely to its actuating direction so that it is correctly positioned with respect to the coupling element of the corresponding suspension element. Subsequently, in particular by extending a bolt of the coupling element, the coupling to the suspension element take place. It is also possible for this case that per support means a correspondingly positioned coupling device is provided on the elevator car.

Even if a plurality of support means are present, a coupling device at a fixed position, ie a non-displaceable coupling device, can be sufficient per elevator car. This is an assignment of an elevator car to a

Coupling element necessary, which will be discussed in more detail below.

For the realization of an elevator system with more than one elevator car, the elevator systems have a second elevator car which can be displaced vertically in the first elevator shaft, a self-contained second suspension element guided around a lower deflection roller and an upper deflection roller and a second drive device associated with the second suspension element , At the second elevator car is a second

Coupling arranged. The second support means has a second primary coupling element, to which the second coupling device can be coupled, with which a drive connection between the second elevator car and the second support means can be produced. Thus, the coupled second elevator car by means of can be driven by the second drive machine second support means in the first

Elevator shaft to be relocated. Thus, the elevator system can be operated particularly effectively and it can be transported many passengers in particular with different destination floors in the building. The elevator system can pro

Elevator shaft also more than two, in particular four, six or eight support means, so that in an elevator shaft and four, six or eight elevator cars can be moved simultaneously and independently.

In an embodiment of the invention, the support means in addition to said primary coupling element on a secondary coupling element, to which

Coupling coupling devices and can decouple. The primary and secondary coupling elements of a suspension element are arranged so that in a displacement of coupled via a coupling element to a suspension means elevator car from a lower end position to an upper end position or vice versa, no coupling element is guided around a pulley. The primary and secondary

Ankoppelelemente are executed in particular identical.

Thus, in the aforementioned displacement of the elevator car between the two end positions, ie at a maximum displacement in the elevator shaft, no

Coupling led around or over one of the pulleys. It is thus only the flexible support means guided over the pulleys, which is possible without loss of comfort, such as bucking or noise. In addition, care must be taken in the design of the coupling elements neither that they can be performed at all or over the pulleys, nor whether they can be performed with the least possible loss of comfort to or over the pulleys. The coupling elements can be optimally adapted to their tasks, the coupling of the

Coupling device to allow a support means and to connect two free ends of the support means are designed. In addition, no space must be provided in the area of the deflection rollers, in which the coupling elements can be guided around the deflection rollers. This allows for a simpler

Construction of the elevator system.

The support means thus consists in this case of two support means parts, the free ends by means of a primary coupling element and a secondary coupling element are connected. In this case, in each case a free end of the first suspension element part is connected to a free end of the second suspension element part, so that the suspension element forms a closed ring.

This arrangement of the coupling elements on a support means makes it possible to control the drive means associated with the drive machine so that during operation of the

Elevator system is never a coupling element is guided around a pulley.

The said first and second elevator cars do not have to be displaceable simultaneously in the first elevator shaft. In particular, it is possible that first the first elevator car is displaced in the elevator shaft and then the second

Elevator car is displaced in particular in the same direction in the elevator shaft. The first elevator car is for this purpose in particular before or during the relocation of the second elevator car removed from the elevator shaft.

In an embodiment of the invention, the two coupling elements of the support means are arranged so that in a displacement of coupled via a coupling element to the support means first elevator car from a lower end position to an upper end position or vice versa, no coupling element comes into contact with a pulley. By this is meant that the coupling element does not touch the pulleys. It can thus no damage to a pulley by a

Ankoppelelement or vice versa come.

Elevator system never comes a coupling element in contact with a pulley. The suspension element can thus always be stopped in time so that the coupling elements never reach the pulleys or, for example, maintain a certain minimum distance to the pulleys.

In an embodiment of the invention, the two coupling elements of a support means are arranged so that when a coupled via a primary coupling element to a suspension means elevator car has reached the upper end position, the secondary

Ankoppelelement is positioned so that a coupling device in the arranged lower end position elevator car can be coupled to the secondary coupling element. In the case of a displacement of an elevator car downwards, the secondary coupling element is accordingly positioned upon reaching the lower end position of the first elevator car such that a coupling device of an elevator car arranged in the upper end position can be coupled to the other coupling element. Thus, whenever the first elevator car has reached one of the two end positions, another elevator car at the other end position can be coupled to the secondary coupling element and thus the displacement of the other

Prepare elevator cabin. Thus, the decoupling of an elevator car and the coupling of another elevator car can take place at least partially simultaneously, thus enabling effective operation of the elevator system.

In an embodiment of the invention, the prime movers of a

Elevator control activated. This is intended to reverse a direction of movement of the support means for the next displacement of an elevator car when an elevator car has reached the lower end position or the upper end position depending on the direction of displacement. Thus, it is advantageously possible to relocate both elevator cars of the elevator system in the same direction in the elevator shaft without a coupling element being guided around a deflection roller during operation of the elevator system or coming into contact with a deflection roller. The elevator control is thus intended to shift the elevator cars in the elevator shaft only in one direction, ie only from bottom to top or only from top to bottom.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first and the second elevator car are also displaceable in a vertical direction in a second elevator shaft arranged parallel to the first elevator shaft. The elevator system also has a first transfer device, by means of which elevator cars can be moved from the first elevator shaft into the second elevator shaft, and a second transfer device, by means of which elevator cars can be moved from the second elevator shaft into the first elevator shaft. A shift of the elevator cars in the second

Elevator shaft is realized analogous to the displacement in the first elevator shaft. The elevator cabins are displaced only from the bottom upwards in the first elevator shaft and only from the top downwards in the second elevator shaft. It is irrelevant which elevator shaft as the first and which as the second elevator shaft referred to as.

An analogous realization of the displacement of the elevator cars in the elevator shaft should be understood to mean that at least one suspension element with correspondingly arranged primary and secondary coupling elements is also provided in the second elevator shaft, which can be driven via an associated drive machine. In addition, all the above embodiments of the invention are also applicable to the second elevator shaft.

The provision of the second hoistway and the two transfer devices advantageously allow a circulating operation of the elevator system. The transfer devices are in particular in the area of the end positions of

Elevator cabins arranged. If, for example, an elevator car reaches the upper end position in the event of a displacement in the first elevator shaft, then, after all passengers have left the elevator car and it has detached itself from the suspension element, it is horizontally displaced by means of the upper transfer device into the upper end position of the second elevator shaft. Subsequently, it can be coupled to a suspension in the second elevator shaft and so be moved in the second elevator shaft down to the lower end position. From there, it will turn horizontally from the lower transfer device to the lower end position of the first

Lift shaft shifted, from which they can be moved back up. In particular, several, for example, four elevator cars per

Lift shaft are moved simultaneously, with only one elevator car is coupled to a suspension means. This is a particularly effective operation of the

Elevator system allows.

The transfer devices can be designed in particular according to the transfer devices in the form of horizontal displacement units of EP 2219985 Bl. In this case, the transfer device has a vertical guide rail piece that guides the elevator car in the transfer device. The transfer device is positionable such that the guide rail piece is a portion of a

Vertical guide rail forms, from which the elevator car is guided during a displacement in a hoistway. The elevator car then has a braking device with which the elevator car is integrated with the one integrated in the transfer device Guide rail piece is temporarily fixed during the shift between the elevator shafts.

In an embodiment of the invention are in the first elevator shaft and in the second

Elevator shaft each an equal number of support means, each with two

Ankoppelelementen arranged. A number of the elevator cars is at most equal to a total number of the suspension means of the elevator system. The number of elevator cars is in particular exactly the same size as the total number of suspension elements. This means that the number of coupling elements per elevator shaft is greater than or equal to the number of elevator cars to be relocated in an elevator shaft. This allows each elevator car in each of the two elevator shafts a specific

Coupling or in the simultaneous coupling to two support means two coupling elements are assigned, wherein the respective coupling elements are arranged in the two elevator shafts at the same position. In this context, an association should be understood to mean that an elevator car, via its coupling device, is exclusively connected to the one or more associated with it

Coupling couples coupled. Thus, each elevator car requires only one or, with simultaneous coupling to two coupling elements, only two

Coupling devices, which are each arranged at a fixed position. The coupling devices are thus not transversely displaceable to the actuating direction of the bolts of the coupling devices. This allows a cost-effective implementation of the coupling devices. In addition, the coupling device in this case require very little space.

For example, in two suspension elements (a left and a right suspension means) and thus four coupling elements (a left, primary and a right, secondary

Coupling element per suspension element) per elevator shaft of the first elevator car the left coupling element of the left suspension element, the second elevator car the left

Ankoppelelement of the right suspension element, the third elevator car the right

Ankoppelelement of the left suspension element and the fourth elevator car to be assigned the right coupling element of the right suspension element. These assignments are the same in both elevator shafts. The coupling element associated with an elevator car is thus arranged in the same position in both elevator shafts. Thus, for example, the first elevator car requires only one coupling device, which is so is positioned so that it can only be coupled to the left coupling element of the left suspension element.

In an embodiment of the invention, the support means are designed as belts. Belts have excellent traction and are particularly suitable for

Interaction with controllable coupling devices The belts can be designed, for example, as flat belts, V-ribbed belts or toothed belts and can be provided with tensile reinforcements in the form of wire ropes, synthetic fiber ropes or

Be reinforced synthetic fiber fabrics. Thus, a coupled to the suspension means elevator car can be moved over a large height without impermissible

Vertical vibrations occur.

But it is also possible that the suspension means consists of one or more ropes, in particular Drahteilen.

In an embodiment of the invention, the coupling elements are guided in a shift in the elevator shaft. The guide used for this purpose is in particular designed so that it prevents a striking of the coupling elements to a passing elevator car. This allows a particularly comfortable and safe operation of the elevator system. In a shift of an elevator car in the elevator shaft can not be completely ruled out that the suspension element and thus the not connected to an elevator car coupling element is set in vibration. Without a guidance of the coupling element, there would in particular be the risk that the coupling element strikes against the elevator car when driving past it. Such a striking would lead to an audible shock on the one hand and on the other hand could cause damage to the elevator car and / or the coupling element. This danger is avoided by the leadership of Ankoppelelemente.

In an embodiment of the invention, each elevator car has two coupling devices. These are intended to simultaneously couple to Ankoppelelemente two different suspension elements. The drive machines of the two suspension elements are controlled synchronized, so that both support means are synchronously driven and moved. The two coupling devices of an elevator car are arranged in particular on opposite sides of the elevator car. you are in particular intended to be coupled at diagonally opposite positions to a respective coupling element of a suspension element. This allows a particularly uniform or even distributed force introduction into the elevator car, which allows a very small tilting of the elevator car during the relocation. This is on the one hand a comfortable method of the elevator car possible and on the other guides of the elevator car are little loaded, which is a simple and

cheaper design makes possible and also leads to a very low wear. In addition, only about half the force must be introduced via a coupling device per elevator car compared to only one coupling device. This allows the use of low-cost drive machines, which also require only a small space.

The two coupling devices are in particular not mechanically coupled, but are controlled accordingly by the elevator control. The

Coupling devices are particularly positioned when coupling to the two support means such that a connecting line at the height of the center of gravity of the elevator car between the two coupling elements of the support means through said

Focus is on. This allows a particularly uniform force introduction into the elevator car.

It is also possible that each elevator car has only a single coupling device. The elevator car can then only be coupled to a suspension element and be displaced by means of this in the elevator shaft.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings, in which the same or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference numerals. The drawings are only schematic and not to scale.

Showing:

1 shows a first elevator shaft of an elevator system with a first and a second elevator car, which can be coupled to and detach from suspension elements,

Fig. 2 is a Ankoppelelement a support means of Fig. 1 in an enlarged Presentation,

3 is a view from above of the first elevator shaft of the elevator system in Fig. 1 with a total of eight drive machines,

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of an elevator car of the elevator system in

1 with two coupling devices for coupling to and decoupling of coupling elements of the support means,

5a-c a greatly simplified representation of an elevator system according to FIG. 1 with two elevator shafts, two transfer devices and two elevator cars with different positions of the elevator cars to explain the functioning of the elevator system, FIG.

6 shows a single elevator shaft of an elevator system with a first and a second elevator car, which are firmly coupled to suspension means and

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of an elevator car of the elevator system in

Fig. 6 with two coupling devices for fixed coupling to coupling elements of two support means.

According to FIG. 1, an elevator system 10 has a first elevator shaft 12, in which a first elevator car 14 and a second elevator car 16 are arranged. The first elevator car 14 is located at a lower end position 18 which corresponds to a position of the elevator car 14 at a lowermost floor of the building 20 having the elevator system 10. The second elevator car 16 is located at an upper end position 22, which corresponds to a position of the elevator car 16 at a top floor of the building 20. Between the lower end position 18 and the upper end position 22 are a plurality of floors, which are not shown in Fig. 1.

The elevator system 10 has a running in the vertical direction

Vertical guide rail 24, at which the elevator cars 14, 16 are guided during a shift in the elevator shaft 12. To shift the elevator cars 14, 16 in the elevator shaft 12, the elevator system 10 has a total of eight self-contained suspension elements, of which four suspension elements 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are shown in FIG. The support means 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are designed as belts and are each guided around a lower deflection roller 28 and an upper deflection roller 30. The two deflection rollers 28, 30 of a support means 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are arranged vertically one above the other, so that the support means 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d extend vertically between the deflection rollers 28, 30. The deflection rollers 28, 30 have in particular an effective diameter of less than 100 mm. The lower deflection rollers 28 are arranged below the first elevator car 14 and each connected to a tension weight 32. The tension weight 32 acts as a tensioning device with which on the one hand the required suspension element prestressing voltage is generated and on the other hand deviations in the original length of the self-contained suspension elements 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d and operational plastic changes in length of the suspension element 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are compensated.

The upper deflection rollers 30 are arranged above the second elevator car 16 and each serve as a traction sheave for each one designed as an electric motor

Drive machine 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d. Each support means 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d is associated with a drive machine 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, by means of which the support means 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d can be driven and displaced. The drive machines 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d are controlled by an elevator control 36, which controls all the actuators of the elevator system 10.

Each support means 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d consists of two support means parts 38, 40 whose free ends 42 (see FIG. 2) are connected by means of a primary coupling element and a secondary coupling element. In each case, a free end 42 of the first support means part 38 is connected to a free end of the second support means part 40, so that each support means 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d forms a closed ring. On

Coupling element can thus also be referred to as a connecting element 45 (see FIG. 2). In FIG. 1, only the first primary coupling element 44.1a and the first secondary coupling element 44.2a of the first suspension element 26a, and the second primary coupling element 44.1b and the second secondary coupling element 44.2b of the second suspension element 26b are shown. Exemplary for the identically constructed

Ankoppelelemente is the first primary coupling element 44.1a is shown in Fig. 2 enlarged. The coupling element 44.1a and thus the connecting element 45 consists of two aligned in the opposite direction Tragmittelendverbindungen 46, which are connected to a recess 48 having an intermediate piece 50. The intermediate piece 50 has a mainly cuboid outer contour. The Tragmittelendverbindungen 46, for example, according to the in the

EP 1634842 A2 described Tragmittelendverbindungen be executed. In the recess 48, an extendable bolt 60 (see FIG. 4) one on a

Elevator cab 14, 16 arranged coupling device (see, for example

Coupling device 58b in Fig. 4) immerse, whereby the coupling device couples to the coupling element. By pulling the bolt 60 out of the

Recess 48 may decouple the coupling device from the coupling element. The coupling devices are arranged on a floor 51 of the elevator cars 14, 16 and will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4. A coupling element 44.1a. 44.2a, 44.2a, 44.2b, to which a coupling device has been coupled, has a filled square in the figures. In FIG. 1, the second elevator car 16 is thus connected via the coupling element 44.1b to the second suspension element 26b, which is arranged on the far left in FIG. 1.

It is also possible that the coupling devices are arranged on the roof of an elevator car. The positions of the coupling elements on the support means must then be adjusted accordingly.

Once an elevator car 14, 16 via its associated coupling device to a coupling element 44.1a. 44.2a, 44.2a, 44.2b is coupled, a drive connection between the elevator car 14, 16 and the support means 26a, 26b is made. In this coupled state, the elevator car 14, 16 is carried along by the support means 26a, 26b and thus displaced in the elevator shaft 12, when the suspension element 26a, 26b is driven or displaced by the drive machine 34a, 34b assigned to it. In the state shown in Fig. 1 can thus the second elevator car 16 in

Elevator shaft 12 are relocated. Since the first elevator car 14 in FIG. 1 is not coupled to a suspension element 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, a displacement of the first elevator car 14 in the elevator shaft 12 is not possible in the state of FIG.

In Fig. 3 is a view from above of the first elevator shaft 12 with a total of eight drive machines 34 is shown. The drive machines 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d are each drive-connected to a traction sheave in the form of a deflection roller 30, over each of which a suspension element 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d runs. For clarity, in Fig. 3 the reference numbers are shown for one page only. In each case four drive machines 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d are arranged on opposite sides of the elevator car 16, wherein on each of the opposite sides of the elevator car 16 two drive machines 34a, 34b are arranged on one and two drive machines 34c, 34d on the other side of the vertical guide rail 24 , Drive axles 52 of the drive machines 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d are parallel to one another, wherein in each case a drive machine 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d on one side of the elevator car 16 coaxial with a

corresponding engine on the other side of the elevator car 16 is arranged. On one or both free sides 54 of the elevator car 16, on which no drive machines 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d are arranged, there is a not shown car door of the elevator car 16.

The elevator control 36 controls two corresponding drive machines on opposite sides the same or synchronously, so that their associated support means 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d also move or move synchronously. There are two drive machines controlled the same, which with respect to a

Center of gravity 56 of the elevator car 16 are arranged diagonally, so for example in Fig. 3, the upper, left drive unit 34b and the lower, rightmost

Prime mover. Thus, with the eight drive machines 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, a total of four elevator cars can be displaced simultaneously and independently of one another in the first elevator shaft 12.

In Fig. 4 is a view from below of the elevator car 16 with two

Coupling devices shown 58b for coupling to two coupling elements of the support means. In FIG. 4, the coupling devices 58b are coupled to the two primary coupling elements 44.1b of the second suspension element. The

Coupling devices 58b are each arranged opposite the drive machines 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, not shown in FIG. 4, and thus with respect to the coupling elements of the suspension elements. Each coupling device 58b has a bolt 60 which can be extended and retracted in an actuating direction 62, which is oriented in the direction of the coupling elements 44.1b. For extending and retracting the pin 60, the coupling device 58b has an actuating actuator 64, which may be designed, for example, as an electric motor. For positioning the bolt 60 with respect to the coupling elements 44.1b, the bolt 60 together with the actuating actuator 64 horizontally and perpendicular to the operating direction 62 along a rail 66 by means of a positioning actuator 68, which is for example also designed as an electric motor, are moved.

For coupling a coupling device 58b and thus the elevator car 16 to a coupling element 44.1b and thus to the second suspension element, first the bolt 60 is correctly positioned with respect to the corresponding coupling element 44.1b.

Subsequently, the bolt 60 is extended, whereby the bolt 60 dips into the recess 48 of the coupling element 44.1b. This produces a positive connection between the coupling device 58b and the coupling element 44.1b and thus between the elevator car 16 and the second suspension element. When this positive connection is established, the elevator car 16 is displaced in the elevator shaft 12 as soon as the second suspension element is driven or displaced by the drive machine 34b.

As already described in connection with FIG. 3, the elevator car 16 is coupled to two suspension elements, which are arranged diagonally with respect to the center of gravity 56 of the elevator car. This is done by the elevator car 16 at

Coupling elements 44.1b coupled, which are arranged with respect to the center of gravity 56 of the elevator car 16 diagonally.

Each coupling element 44.1a. 44.2a, 44.2a, 44.2b is used in the relocation in

Elevator shaft 12 guided by a guide 53. The guide 53 is between each coupling element 44.1a. 44.2a, 44.2a, 44.2b and the elevator car 16 and extends through the entire elevator shaft 12. The guides 53 prevent in particular a striking of a free coupling element 44.1a. 44.2a, 44.2a, 44.2b, ie a coupling element 44.1a. 44.2a, 44.2a, 44.2b, to which no elevator car 14, 16 is coupled, to a passing elevator car 14, 16.

It is also possible that the bolts of the coupling devices are not transversely displaceable to the actuating direction. In this case, the

Coupling devices for each coupling element separate bolts and

Actuators on. It is also possible for an elevator car to have only one coupling device, so that an elevator car for displacement in the elevator shaft only connects to a suspension element. This is particularly the case when the drive machines and thus the support means are arranged on one side of the elevator cars opposite the car door and thus shaft doors.

5a, 5b and 5c, the operation of the elevator system 10 and in particular the arrangement of the primary and secondary coupling elements 44.1b, 44.2b of the second support means 26b will be described in more detail. In FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, for the sake of clarity, only one upper and one lower region of the

Elevator system 10 and only each second support means 26b shown per elevator shaft. In addition, the pulleys 28, 30 are shown with a larger diameter compared to FIG. 1.

The elevator system 10 according to FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c has a first

Elevator shaft 12 via a second elevator shaft 13, which is parallel to the first

Elevator shaft 12 is arranged. The second hoistway 13 is designed analogously to the first hoistway 12. The displacement of the elevator cars 14, 16 in the second elevator shaft 13 is realized analogously to the displacement in the first elevator shaft 12. In the first elevator shaft 12, the elevator cars 14, 16 are displaced only upwards and in the second elevator shaft 13 only downwards.

In FIG. 5 a, the first elevator car 14 is located in the first elevator shaft 12 at the lower end position 18. It is connected via its coupling device (not shown in FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c) to a secondary coupling element 44. 2 b in FIG. 5 a coupled to the second support means 26b. The first elevator car 14 has only a single, non-displaceable coupling device. The coupling device is arranged so that it can be coupled to the secondary coupling element 44.2b. The first elevator car 14 can thus only be coupled to the secondary coupling element 44.2b, so that the first elevator car 14 is assigned the secondary coupling element 44.2b.

A second, in Fig. 5a primary, left coupling element 44.1b of the second

Supporting means 26b is arranged on the second support means 26b that a Coupling device one located at the upper end position 22 elevator car could decouple to the primary coupling element 44.1b. Between the secondary coupling element 44.2b and the primary coupling element 44.1b of the second

Supporting means 26b, a guide roller 28, 30 is arranged in each case.

For displacing the first elevator car 14 upwards, the driving machine 34b drives the upper deflecting roller 30 in a counterclockwise direction of movement, indicated by a directional arrow 69. The first elevator car 14 is moved with any intermediate stops on floors between the lower end position 18 and the upper end position 22 to the upper end position 22. Simultaneously with the displacement of the secondary, in Fig. 5a right coupling element 44.2b upward, the primary, in Fig. 5a left coupling element 44.1b is displaced downwards.

During said displacement, neither of the two coupling elements 44. 1b, 44.2b comes into contact with one of the two deflection rollers 28, 30. The coupling elements 44.1b, 44.2b thus neither touch either of the two deflection rollers 28, 30, nor are they guided around the deflection rollers 28, 30.

The second elevator car 16 is located in the second elevator shaft 13 at the upper end position 22 in FIG. 5a. It is connected via its coupling device (not shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c) to a primary coupling element 44.1b left in FIG. 5a coupled to the second support means 26b. The second elevator car 16 also has only a single, non-displaceable coupling device. The coupling device is arranged so that it can be coupled to the primary coupling element 44.1b. The second elevator car 16 can thus only be coupled to the primary coupling element 44.1b, so that the second elevator car 16 is assigned the primary coupling element 44.1b.

A secondary, in Fig. 5a right Ankoppelelement 44.2b of the second support means 26b is arranged on the second support means 26b, that a coupling device located at the lower end position 18 elevator car could decouple to the secondary coupling element 44.2b. Between the primary coupling element 44.1b and the secondary coupling element 44.2b of the second support means 26b, a respective deflection roller 28, 30 is arranged. For displacing the second elevator car 16 downwards, the drive machine 34b also drives the upper deflection roller 30 in the counterclockwise direction. The second elevator car 16 is displaced with possible intermediate stops on floors between the upper end position 22 and the lower end position 18 to the lower end position 18. Simultaneously with the displacement of the primary, in Fig. 5a left

Ankoppelelements 44.1b down, the secondary, in Fig. 5a right

Coupling 44.2b shifted upward. During the said displacement, neither of the two coupling elements 44.1b, 44.2b comes with one of the two

Pulleys 28, 30 in contact.

FIG. 5b shows the situation when the first elevator car 14 in the first elevator shaft 12 has reached the upper end position 22 and the second elevator car 16 in the second elevator shaft 13 has reached the lower end position 18. Since in the first elevator shaft 12 the elevator cars 14, 16 are displaced only upwards and in the second elevator shaft 13 only downwards, both elevator cars 14, 16 have to perform a shaft change.

For carrying out shaft changes, the elevator system 10 has a first, upper transfer device 70, by means of which the first elevator car 14 can be displaced from the first elevator shaft 12 into the second elevator shaft 13 at the upper end position 22. The first transfer device 70 has a vertical

Guide rail piece 72, the first elevator car 14 in the first

Transfer device 70 leads. The first transfer device 70 is positioned before the start of the displacement such that the guide rail piece 72 forms a portion of the vertical guide rail 24 of the first elevator shaft 12, from which the first elevator car 14 is guided during a displacement in the first elevator shaft 12. The first elevator car 14 has a braking device 74 with which the first elevator car 14 is integrated with the one integrated in the first transfer device 70

Guide rail piece 72 during the displacement between the first

Elevator shaft 12 and the second elevator shaft 13 is temporarily fixed.

The elevator system 10 also has a second, lower transfer device 76 for moving the second elevator car 16 in the lower end position 18 from the second elevator shaft 13 into the first elevator shaft 12. The second, lower Transfer device 76 is designed analogously to the first, upper transfer device 70. The second elevator car 16 also has a braking device 74.

The transfer devices 70, 76 can in particular according to the

Transfer devices in the form of horizontal displacement units of EP 2219985 Bl be executed.

In Fig. 5c, the situation after moving the two elevator cars 14, 16 is shown. The first elevator car 14 is positioned in the second elevator shaft 13 at the upper end position 22 and the second elevator car 16 in the first elevator shaft 12 at the lower end position 18.

The second elevator car 16 now arranged in the first elevator shaft 12 at the lower end position 18 is now coupled via its coupling device to the primary, in Fig. 5c left coupling element 44.1b of the second support means 26b. The secondary, in Fig. 5c right coupling element 44.2b of the second support means 26b is arranged on the second support means 26b, that a coupling device of an elevator located at the upper end position 22 could decouple to the secondary coupling element 44.2b.

For displacing the second elevator car 16 upwards, the drive machine 34b now drives the upper deflection roller 30 in the clockwise direction. The drive machine 34b is thus controlled by the elevator control so that the direction of movement of the second support means 26b is reversed for the next shift of an elevator car when an elevator car has reached the lower end position or the upper end position.

The second elevator car 16 is displaced with possible intermediate stops on floors between the lower end position 18 and the upper end position 22 to the upper end position 22. Simultaneously with the displacement of the primary, in Fig. 5c left coupling element 44.1b upward, the secondary, in Fig. 5c right coupling element 44.2b is displaced downwards.

The first elevator car 14 is located in Fig. 5c in the second elevator shaft 13 at the upper end position 22. It is via its coupling device to the secondary, in 5c right coupling element 44.2b of the second support means 26b coupled. The primary, in Fig. 5c left coupling element 44.1b of the second support means 26b is arranged on the second support means 26b, that a coupling device of a located at the lower end position 18 elevator car could decouple to the primary coupling element 44.1b.

For displacing the first elevator car 14 downwards, the drive machine 34b now also drives the upper deflection roller 30 in the clockwise direction. In comparison to FIG. 5a, therefore, there is also a reversal of the direction of movement of the second suspension element 26b. The first elevator car 14 is displaced with possible intermediate stops on floors between the upper end position 22 and the lower end position 18 to the lower end position 18. Simultaneously with the displacement of the secondary, in Fig. 5c right coupling element 44.2b down, the primary, in Fig. 5c left coupling element 44.1b is displaced upwards.

According to this scheme shown in FIGS. 5a-5c, four and thus a total of eight elevator cars can be displaced simultaneously in the vertical direction in the elevator system according to FIGS.

It is also possible for the elevator system to have a third elevator shaft in which elevator cars that are currently not required can be parked.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an elevator system 110 with only a single elevator shaft 112. The elevator system 110 in FIGS. 6 and 7 has a very similar structure to the elevator system 10 according to FIGS. 1-5, so that only the differences between the elevator system 110 and the elevator system 10 are discussed.

The elevator system 110 in FIG. 6 has a total of four independently movable elevator cars, wherein only a first, lower elevator car 114 and an upper, second elevator car 116 are shown. The first elevator car 114 is coupled via a first coupling device 158a and a first primary coupling element 144.1a to a first suspension element 126a. The second elevator car 116 is coupled via a second coupling device 158b and a second primary coupling element 144.1b to a second suspension element 126b. The coupling is designed so that it can not be solved in a normal operation of the elevator system 110, ie the said coupling devices can not be decoupled from the coupling elements. Thus, in normal operation of the elevator system 110, there is always a drive connection between an elevator car and the suspension element assigned to it.

The four elevator cabins can thus be moved independently of one another in the elevator shaft 112.

As shown in FIG. 7, a pin 160 of the second coupling device 158b is inserted into a recess 148 of the second primary coupling element 144.1b. The bolt 160 is arranged over two spaced apart U-shaped

Fixing elements 164 fixed to the bottom 151 of the second elevator car 116. The two fasteners 164 are screwed by means not shown screws to the bottom 151. The bolts 160, the fastening elements 164 and the screws thus form the coupling device 158b, which realize a coupling to the second primary coupling element 144.1b, which can not be released during normal operation of the elevator system 110.

The coupling element could alternatively be screwed directly to the elevator car.

The elevator cars can also be held by a mainly L-shaped frame which is guided and driven. Such an embodiment is also referred to as a backpack arrangement.

Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising," "comprising," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a variety. It should also be appreciated that features or steps described with reference to any of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limiting.

Claims

claims

1. elevator system with

a first elevator car (14, 14) which is displaceable in a vertical direction in a first elevator shaft (12, 112),

a self-contained first support means (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 126a, 126b) guided around a lower deflection roller (28) and an upper deflection roller (30),

- A first drive means (26a, 126a) associated with the first drive machine (34a) and

- One on the first elevator car (14, 1 14) arranged first

Coupling device (158a),

wherein the first support means (26a, 126a) comprises a first primary coupling element (44.1a, 144.1a) to which the first coupling device (158a) can be coupled, whereby a drive connection between the first elevator car (14, 1 14) and the first support means (26a, 126a) can be produced and the coupled first elevator car (14, 114) can be displaced in the first elevator shaft (12, 12) by means of the first support means (26a, 126a) which can be driven by the first drive machine (34a),

characterized in that

the first primary coupling element (44.1.a, 144.1a) of the first suspension element (26a, 126a) is designed as a connecting element (45) which connects two free ends (42) of the first suspension element (26a, 126a).

2. Elevator system according to claim 1,

characterized in that.

the first coupling device (158a) is coupled to the first primary coupling element (144.1a) such that in a normal operation of the elevator system (110) the first one

Coupling device (158a) can not be decoupled from the first primary coupling element (144.1a), whereby in normal operation there is always a drive connection between the first elevator car (114) and the first suspension element (126a).

3. Elevator system according to claim 1,

characterized in that.

the first coupling device is controllable such that in a normal operation of the elevator system (10), the first coupling device to the first primary Coupling element (44.1a) can be coupled and from the first primary coupling element (44.1a) can be decoupled, whereby a drive connection between the first

Elevator car (14) and the first support means (26a) can be produced and released.

4. Elevator system according to one of claims 2 or 3,

marked by

a second elevator car (16, 16) which is displaceable in the first elevator shaft (12, 112) in the vertical direction,

a self-contained second support means (26b, 126b) guided around a lower deflection roller (28) and an upper deflection roller (30),

- A second drive means (26 b) associated second drive machine (34 b) and

- One on the second elevator car (16, 1 16) arranged second

Coupling means (58b, 158b),

wherein the second suspension element (26b, 126b) has a second primary coupling element (44.1b, 144.1b) to which the second coupling device (58b, 158b) can be coupled, whereby a drive connection between the second elevator car (16, 16) and the second support means (26b, 126b) can be produced and the coupled second

Elevator cabin (16, 1 16) by means of the second drive machine (34b) drivable second support means (26b, 126b) in the first elevator shaft (12, 1 12) can be moved.

5. Elevator system according to claim 3 and 4,

characterized in that

the suspension elements (26a, 26b) have a secondary coupling element (44.2a, 44.2b) to which coupling devices (58b) can couple and uncouple, and the primary and secondary coupling elements (44.1a, 44.2a; 44.1b, 44.2b) of a

Supporting means (26a, 26b) are arranged so that in a displacement of a via a coupling element (44.1a, 44.2a, 44.1b, 44.2b) to a support means (26a, 26b) coupled to an elevator car (14, 16) from a lower end position (18) to an upper end position (22) or vice versa, no coupling element (44.1a, 44.2a, 44.1b, 44.2b) is guided around a deflection roller (28, 30).

6. Elevator system according to claim 5,

characterized in that.

the two coupling elements (44.1a, 44.2a, 44.1b, 44.2b) of a suspension element (26a, 26b) are arranged such that upon displacement of one via a coupling element (44.1a, 44.2a; 44.1b, 44.2b) to the Carrier (26a, 26b) coupled to the elevator car (14, 16) from the lower end position (18) to the upper end position (22) or vice versa, no coupling element (44.1a, 44.2a, 44.1b, 44.2b) in contact with a pulley ( 28, 30) comes.

7. Elevator system according to claim 5 or 6,

characterized in that

the two coupling elements (44.1a, 44.2a, 44.1b, 44.2b) of a suspension element (26a, 26b) are arranged such that when a coupling element (44.1a, 44.2b) is coupled to a suspension element (26a, 26b) via a primary coupling element (44.1a, 44.2b) Elevator car (14, 16) has reached the upper end position (22), the secondary coupling element (44.2a, 44.2b) is positioned so that a coupling device (58b) of an in the lower end position (18) arranged elevator car (14, 16 ) can be coupled to the secondary coupling element (44.2a, 44.2b).

8. Elevator system according to claim 5, 6 or 7,

characterized in that

the drive machines (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) are actuated by an elevator control (36) which is provided to reverse a direction of movement (69) of the support means (26a, 26b) for the next transfer of an elevator car (14, 16), when an elevator car (14, 16) has reached the lower end position (18) or the upper end position (22).

9. Elevator system according to one of claims 3 to 8,

characterized in that

the first elevator car (14) and the second elevator car (16) can also be displaced in a vertical direction in a second elevator shaft (13) arranged parallel to the first elevator shaft (12) and

the elevator system (10)

a first transfer device (70) by means of which elevator cars (14, 16) from the first elevator shaft (12) into the second elevator shaft (13) can be moved and

a second transfer device (76) by means of which elevator cars (14, 16) can be moved from the second elevator shaft (13) into the first elevator shaft (12),

wherein a displacement of the elevator cars (14, 16) in the second elevator shaft (13) analogously to the displacement in the first elevator shaft (12) is realized.

10. Elevator system according to claim 9,

characterized in that

the elevator cars (14, 16) in the first elevator shaft (12) are displaced only from the bottom to the top and in the second elevator shaft (13) only from top to bottom.

11. Elevator system according to claim 9 or 10,

characterized in that

in the first elevator shaft (12) and in the second elevator shaft (13) in each case an equal number of support means (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) each having a primary

Ankoppelelement (44.1a, 44.1b) and a secondary coupling element (44.2a, 44.2b) are arranged and a number of elevator cars (14, 16) is at most equal to a total number of support means (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d).

12. Elevator system according to one of claims 1 to 11,

characterized in that

the support means (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) are designed as belts.

13. Elevator system according to one of claims 1 to 12,

characterized in that

the coupling elements (44.1a, 44.2a, 44.1b, 44.2b) are guided during a displacement in the first elevator shaft (12).

14. Elevator system according to one of claims 1 to 13,

characterized in that

each elevator car (14, 16) has two coupling devices (58b) which are intended to simultaneously engage coupling elements (44.1a, 44.2a, 44.1b, 44.2b) two different suspension elements (26a, 26b) couple.

15. Elevator system according to claim 14,

characterized in that

the two coupling means (58b) on opposite sides of

Elevator car (14, 16) are arranged.