EP3837203A1

EP3837203A1 - Method for operating an elevator system comprising a specification of a predetermined travel route, elevator system, and elevator controller for carrying out such a method

Info

Publication number: EP3837203A1
Application number: EP19750107.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matthias Glück
Original assignee: TK Elevator Innovation and Operations GmbH
Current assignee: TK Elevator Innovation and Operations GmbH
Priority date: 2018-08-13
Filing date: 2019-08-01
Publication date: 2021-06-23
Also published as: US20210163257A1; WO2020035325A1; DE102018213575A1; CN112689607A; DE102018213575B4; CN112689607B

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an elevator system (1) having a plurality of elevator cars (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), which can be moved individually between a plurality of floors, wherein in one elevator shaft (3, 4) of the elevator system (1), a plurality of elevator cars (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) can be moved simultaneously. In doing so, a predetermined travel route is assigned to an elevator car, or to a plurality of elevator cars (20, 21, 22, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26). Said travel route is defined by a sequence of stopping points, which is predetermined in advance for the respective elevator car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), and at which the respective elevator car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) is to make a scheduled stop. Those elevator cars (20, 21, 22, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), to which a travel route is assigned, are then moved in accordance with the travel route (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) assigned to the respective elevator car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26). The invention further relates to an elevator controller (6), and to an elevator system (1) for carrying out such a method.

Description

Method for operating an elevator system with specification of a predetermined route as well as elevator system and elevator control for executing such a method

The invention relates to a method for operating an elevator system, the elevator system comprising a plurality of cars which can be moved individually between a plurality of floors. Several cars of the elevator system can be moved simultaneously in one elevator shaft of the elevator system.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an elevator control and an elevator installation for executing such a method.

Such elevator systems are known in particular as rope-less multi-cabin elevator systems with several horizontal and vertical elevator shafts. The cars of such an elevator system are largely largely independent of one another, in particular by means of a linear motor drive. The operation of such an elevator system, in particular with regard to an efficient movement of the cars in the elevator shafts of the elevator system, is a great challenge. To operate such elevator systems, destination call controls are often used in which elevator users already indicate the desired destination floor outside the elevator car. This helps to better assign the cars to the calls made. In particular, due to individual travel requirements on the part of the elevator users, however, only a few people can often use the same car.

In addition, when operating such an elevator system, it must often be taken into account that successive cars may not approach each other arbitrarily. This is because a minimum distance between successive cars must always be maintained to prevent collisions between the cars. Furthermore, such elevator systems with vertical and horizontal elevator shafts usually have shaft exchange units so that a car can change from a first elevator shaft to a second elevator shaft. Here too, when operating such an elevator system, it must be taken into account that, on the one hand, usually only one car can use a shaft changing unit. In addition, the higher time expenditure associated with the shaft change must be taken into account.

In addition, since elevator users often have little experience in the correct operation of such elevator systems, incorrect operation often occurs, such as incorrect entry of the destination floor or that not all elevator users make a call. In order to take all of these aspects into account when operating such an elevator system, increasingly complex algorithms for operating the elevator systems are being developed. The use of more complex algorithms can result in an increase in the complexity of operation and use on the user side as well, as a result of which the number of errors occurring when operating the elevator installation can also increase.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to improve the operation of an elevator installation. In particular, the calculation of the state of the elevator system is to be simplified. Advantageously, the conveying capacity of an elevator system with several cars should be improved and, moreover, the actual conveying capacity should advantageously be more predictable and easier to plan.

To achieve this object, a method for operating an elevator system with a plurality of cars that can be moved individually between a plurality of floors, and an elevator control system and an elevator system according to the independent claims are proposed. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the description. Further advantages and features also result from the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

The proposed solution provides a method for operating an elevator system with a plurality of cars which can be moved individually between a plurality of floors, wherein several cars can be moved simultaneously in an elevator shaft of the elevator system, in particular can be moved laterally and in height. At least one car from the plurality of cars of the elevator system, in particular several cars of the elevator system or all cars of the elevator system, is assigned a predetermined route. The route assigned to the at least one car of the elevator installation is defined by a sequence of stopping points which is predetermined for this at least one car, the at least one car being intended to make a scheduled stop at each of these stopping points. The stops are, in particular, predetermined stops at which elevator users can enter and / or exit the car. The at least one car is moved according to the route assigned to this at least one car. The at least one car advantageously moves to the predetermined stopping points one after the other. Cars of the elevator system can in particular be assigned different routes. So one can Design variant in particular provide that each car of the elevator system is assigned an individual travel route, wherein the travel routes assigned to the cars can differ with regard to the sequence of folding points. In particular, it is provided that the route includes a start stop and an end stop. In addition, it is particularly provided that the car is moved back to the starting stop point after reaching the final stopping point and is again moved according to the driving route. The starting point and the final point of the route are advantageously identical.

The assignment of travel routes to the cars advantageously reduces the control outlay for assigning cars to calls made by elevator users. In particular, it is provided that those cars of the elevator system to which a route is assigned are moved exclusively according to this assigned route and individual calls made by elevator users are not taken into account.

The cars of the elevator system, to which a route is assigned, are therefore advantageously not moved based on individually placed calls from elevator users, but rather according to a predetermined schedule. In particular, it is provided that a predetermined travel route is assigned to the at least one car, the stopping points of the travel route not being defined directly for one of these stopping points on the basis of calls received by the elevator system.

In particular, an advantageous embodiment provides that a predetermined travel route is assigned to all of the cars of the elevator installation. In this case, it is provided in particular that the elevator installation does not include any means for entering calls for normal elevator operation. Thus, it can be provided that the elevator system still includes operating elements, for example a closing circuit, in special operating modes, for example in the event of a fire, in order to control a car in a targeted manner and thus to overwrite the travel route. For normal operation, however, it is provided in particular that the elevator system has no operating means for inputting calls, that is to say in particular no destination call terminal or input means in the cars for placing an internal call. As a result, the control effort for the operation of the elevator system is advantageously greatly simplified. In particular, it can also be provided that operating means are deactivated, in particular deactivated in terms of control technology. The operating means are then advantageously deactivated for cars to which a route is assigned. In particular, if the assignment of a route to a car is only temporary, this also advantageously takes place Deactivation of the controls only for this period. Deactivation of the operating means is advantageously signaled accordingly for the elevator users.

In particular, it can also be provided that the route is predetermined by a few stopping points, advantageously at a few folding points, at which, however, many elevator users enter and / or exit a car. Such heavily frequented stops can be, for example, one or more of the floors mentioned below: ground floor; Parking deck; Floor with canteen; Floor with shops; Floor with many offices. These stops are always approached by the car, regardless of whether a call was received for this floor. On other floors, which are not defined as a stopping point of the route, a car of the elevator system advantageously only stops when a call for this floor has been made and received by the elevator system.

In particular, an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the elevator installation comprises a plurality of elevator shafts and / or shaft systems. In particular, it is provided that cages in a subset of these shafts are assigned a predetermined travel route, the travel route advantageously being defined in such a way that a scheduled stop by the respective car is made exclusively on every nth floor, for example on every fifth floor , where n is an integer rational number. It can be provided that the mezzanine floors must then be reached in particular via stairs, escalators or local elevators.

In particular, it can be provided that the at least one car is moved in a circulating mode.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the travel route assigned to the at least one car includes a starting stopping point from which the driving route of the at least one car begins and an end stopping point at which the driving route of the at least one car ends, a defined one Time interval for the movement of the at least one car from the start stop to the end stop is specified and the at least one car is moved such that this at least one car is moved from the start stop to the end stop within the specified time interval. In particular, it is provided that this at least one car is moved from the starting stopping point to the end stopping point exactly after the predetermined time interval has elapsed. Here, too, the start and end stops can be identical be determined. This configuration advantageously has the effect that the at least one car is moved according to the travel route at fixed time intervals. In this embodiment, no fixed times or time intervals are advantageously specified for the predetermined intermediate stops between the starting stop point and the end stop point, so that a longer stop can be made at a stop point in the sequence of folding points, for example because many people get on there, and at another Stopping point in the sequence of folding points a shorter stop can be made, for example because no one wants to get on and / or off there. In order that the specified time interval for driving through the specified sequence of stopping points can be adhered to even during heavy operation, provision is made in particular for the elevator installation to include appropriate means, such as, in particular, a so-called pushing function and forced closing of the doors, which prevent a car from being held at a stop ,

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least for a first stopping point from the sequence of folding points, a number of times are specified at which the at least one car repeatedly makes a scheduled stop at this first stopping point. These points in time can be relative points in time, that is to say in particular predefined time intervals, or absolute points in time, that is to say in particular fixed predefined times. Such a number of times is preferably specified for each breakpoint from the sequence of fold points. Advantageously, for the cars to which a route is assigned, it is thus defined at which points in time they stop at which fold points. This advantageously improves the predictability of the state of the elevator system, in particular the predictability of the behavior and the expected conveying capacity of the elevator system. In addition, it is advantageously ensured that a car will make a scheduled stop at a stopping point at the latest after the time interval resulting from the predetermined times has elapsed.

For example, it can be provided that a car of the elevator system is assigned a route which provides that the car starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. every six minutes to the ground floor as a stop on the route. A corresponding number of times is thus specified for the ground floor as a stopping point from the sequence of folding points, in this example, 9:00 a.m., 9:06 a.m., 9:12 p.m., 9:18 p.m., ..., 20:54 , 9:00 p.m., at which the car makes a scheduled stop on the ground floor. Advantageously, elevator users can be prepared for a car to stop at this stop at these times. Advantageously, the predetermined travel route is assigned to at least two cars of the elevator installation, the at least two cars making a scheduled stop at the points of fold of the travel route at different times in each case. This advantageously increases the transport capacity along the respective route. The routes that are assigned to the at least two cars can, in particular, also only partially match, in particular only with regard to a subset of the stopping points of the respective defined sequence of folding points.

In particular, at least one first car and at least one second car are provided as the at least one car of the elevator system, a first travel route being assigned to the at least one first car as the travel route and a second travel route being assigned to the at least one second car as the travel route, the first Route is different from the second route with regard to the sequence of the stops. This means in particular that the elevator cars can be assigned different routes. In particular, an embodiment is provided in which there is only a single route which is assigned to one or more or all of the cars of the elevator system. However, it is provided in particular as a preferred embodiment that a plurality of predetermined, different routes exist, the routes being assigned to the cars of the elevator installation, in particular such that a first group of cars is assigned a first route and a second group of cars is assigned a second route is assigned and an nth group of cars is assigned an nth route, where n is a whole rational number.

Advantageously, a minimum time interval is specified which lies between the times at which a car of the at least two cars makes a scheduled stop at a stopping point from the sequence of the stopping points and a car of the at least two cars following this car has a scheduled stop at this same stopping point inserts. This advantageously reduces the likelihood that these two cars interfere with one another and thus also reduces the occurrence of the so-called “bunching” effect. In particular, it can be provided that there are at least ten seconds between the insertion of a stop at a stop by the at least two cars. The specification of this time interval can, in particular, as a function of the required transport capacity at the stopping point and / or along the route of the at least two cars can be determined. Thus, the time interval when the transport capacity required is high is advantageously smaller than when the transport capacity required is low.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a time is specified for each of the at least two cars for each stopping point in the sequence of folding points, at which the at least two cars each make a scheduled stop at the respective stopping point.

In relation to the above-mentioned example, it is therefore provided in particular that a travel route is assigned to further cars of the elevator installation, these travel routes at least also including the ground floor as a stopping point. Advantageously, for example, eight cars are each assigned a route, each of which comprises the ground floor as a stopping point for a scheduled stop of the respective car. The times for a scheduled stop of the respective car can be at different distances from one another or can be equally far apart. If the times are equally far apart, it can be provided, for example, that a first car stops at 9:00 a.m. on the ground floor, a second car at 9:00:45 a.m., a third car at 9:01:30 a.m. fourth car at 9:02:15 a.m., a fifth car at 9:03:00 a.m., a sixth car at 9:03:45 a.m., a seventh car at 9:04:30 a.m., an eighth car at 9:05 a.m. : 3 p.m. and then the first car again at 9:06:00 a.m. etc. In particular, the travel routes of the eight cars can be identical with regard to the stopping points. In particular, however, it can also be provided that, starting from the ground floor, the first car, the third car, the fifth car and the seventh car have each been assigned the straight floors as stopping points and the second car, the fourth car, the sixth car and the eighth car has been assigned the odd floors as stopping points.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, travel requests from elevator users are recorded, in particular by recording the calls made or by sensors, such as cameras, and the recorded travel requests are evaluated, in particular by an elevator controller. The number of cars to which the travel route is assigned is advantageously determined as a function of the result of the evaluation of the travel requests. This means that in this embodiment it is provided in particular that elevator users can continue to place calls, in particular destination calls, on the floors. Unlike a conventional method of operating one In this case, however, the elevator system is not assigned a car to the individual calls, but rather the calls made are determined in order to determine a need for transportation along a previously determined route. If, for example, it is determined on the basis of the number of calls received by the elevator system that the need for transportation has increased compared to an earlier point in time, then at least one further car of the elevator system is advantageously assigned the predetermined travel route and this at least one further car is moved along the predetermined travel route. Such an increase in demand can occur, for example, in an office building at the end of the working day when many people take the Fleimweg. If, on the other hand, the need for transportation along a route is reduced compared to an earlier point in time, for example because fewer people are in a building in the evening, it is particularly provided that the number of cars that are moved according to the route is reduced. In particular, it is provided that the number of calls received by the elevator installation and / or the starting storeys from which calls are made and / or the destination storeys to which elevator users want to be transported are taken into account as travel requests. In particular, it is provided that if a transport requirement drops along a route below a predetermined limit value, the operation of the elevator system is converted to a conventional call delivery, at least until the transport requirement is again above the limit value.

Cars of the elevator system, to which no route is assigned, can be kept in a depot area or an unused shaft area, in particular until they are used due to an increased need for transportation. As an alternative or in addition, it is provided in particular that those cars of the elevator system to which no route is assigned are used as required, that is to say in particular they respond to calls made by elevator users and serve these calls. When moving those cars to which no route is assigned, the travel paths of the cars to which a route is assigned are advantageously taken into account. Since these travel routes are advantageously defined, advantageously both position-based and time-based, the consideration of these travel paths is advantageously easy to implement.

Another advantageous embodiment provides that travel requests are recorded by elevator users and the recorded travel requests are evaluated. The travel route assigned to the at least one car is advantageously dependent on adapted to the result of the evaluation. In this embodiment too, it is provided that the predetermined travel route is not based directly on calls received by the elevator system. Instead, a route is predefined, but provision can be made to adapt this route to an actual transportation requirement. In particular, it is provided that stops, from which no calls are made over a certain period of time, are omitted from the route. In particular, it is also provided that other stops, from which more calls are made, are included in the route. Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the stopping points of a route assigned to a car of the elevator system are comparatively far apart, for example at least ten floors, in particular more fifteen floors, the cars between the predetermined stopping points advantageously reacting to calls made and at stopping points other than those through the driving route predetermined stops can make a stop in order to enable elevator users to enter the elevator car and / or to enable elevator users to exit the elevator car. The route can be adapted in particular in such a way that a response is made to a call received by the elevator system by determining from which floor there is a request for transportation and the car making an additional stop on this floor, in particular without this stop being fixed stop is added to the route. It is preferably determined from which areas of the building many calls are made, and another stop is made on a certain floor within this area of the building by the elevator car. If it is detected, for example, that a high number of calls are made from floors 23 to 27, none of these floors being a predetermined stopping point of the route, it is particularly provided that floor 25 is added to the route as a further stopping point. Advantageously, it is pointed out on floors 23 to 27 that floor 25 is approached by the elevator car. It is also advantageously pointed out at which point in time the car stops at floor 25. If the number of calls made from floors 23 to 27 is permanently high, it is particularly provided that floor 25 is added to the predetermined sequence of breakpoints at least for the duration of the high number of calls made.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the route assigned to the at least one car is assigned to the at least one car as a function of at least one event. In particular, this embodiment provides that the route assigned to the at least one car depends on at least one of the the following events are assigned to the at least one car: event in the building; Weekday; Behavior of people in building; Weather; Season; Public transport departure / arrival times; Time of day. In particular, it is provided that a plurality of travel routes are predetermined. These travel routes are advantageously linked in advance to the occurrence of certain events. If, for example, an event takes place in a part of the building, at least one car of the elevator system is advantageously assigned a route which includes at least one stopping point in the corresponding part of the building in which the event takes place.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the travel route assigned to the at least one car is displayed by means of at least one display device. Advantageously, display devices, in particular displays, are arranged on all floors of the building. All travel routes along which the elevator cars are moved are advantageously shown on these display devices. In particular, it is provided that, in addition to the travel routes, the times are indicated at which a car will stop at a respective stopping point of the travel route. According to an advantageous further development, it is provided that different design features are assigned to the different travel routes, in particular different colors, the different design features advantageously being picked up when a car arrives on a floor level by means of corresponding signaling. If, for example, the color yellow is assigned to a first route, along which several cars are moved, and the color blue is assigned to a second route, along which several more cars are moved, then one floor lights up when a car arrives that has the first route is assigned the color yellow, and when a car to which the second route is assigned arrives, the color blue.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that an elevator user selects the route along which the elevator user wishes to be transported instead of a conventional call input on a floor, in particular instead of a destination call. With reference to the above-mentioned example, it can in particular be provided that the elevator user who wants to be transported along the first route uses a yellow input element, whereas a user who wants to be transported along the second route operates a blue input element. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the elevator user enters his destination floor in the car. Advantageously delivers the car indicates that the car needs to be changed if the destination floor is not approached directly by the car in which the elevator user is located.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that at least one first car of the elevator system is assigned a first route as the route and at least one second car of the elevator system is assigned a second route as the route, the first route from the second route with regard to the sequence of the Breakpoints is different. Advantageously, the at least one second car is temporarily assigned the first route, so that with respect to the at least one second car, the assignment changes from the second route to the first route. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when a route is assigned to all the cages of the elevator installation and there is an increased need for transportation on a route, in particular an increased need for transportation due to the time of day. Advantageously, a car that is moved along a route that is less in demand is then temporarily assigned a different route along which there is an acute high need for transportation. This means that a subset of cars of the elevator system is advantageously assigned a standard route and, in addition, a demand route, the subset of cars generally being moved along the standard route, but the subset of cars with a high volume of traffic on the demand route temporarily takes the demand route instead is assigned to the standard route so that the subset of cars is temporarily moved along the demand route.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that a route is continuously determined and updated for at least one third car from the plurality of cars in the elevator system on the basis of call requests received from the elevator system. This route is advantageously not a predetermined route, but rather a route which is determined in a conventional manner depending on requirements. That is to say, it is provided in particular that the elevator system comprises a first group of cars that are moved along a first predetermined travel route, the elevator system comprises a second group of cars that are traveled along a second predetermined travel route, and the elevator system includes a third one Group of cars includes, which are not assigned a predetermined route, but whose routes result from calls currently received by the elevator system. To solve the problem mentioned at the outset, an elevator control is also proposed, which is designed to carry out the method steps of a method proposed according to the invention. The elevator control can be designed centrally or decentrally. In particular, it is provided that the elevator control comprises memory areas in which the at least one route is stored. In particular, it is further provided that the elevator control comprises means for assigning travel routes to cars. Furthermore, the elevator control advantageously comprises at least one interface, via which the travel requests of elevator users are recorded. The elevator control further advantageously comprises at least one evaluation unit, in particular for evaluating travel requests from elevator users. In particular, the elevator control also includes means for controlling the movement of the elevator cars, in particular along the travel routes assigned to these elevator cars, and in particular taking into account further conditions, such as, for example, taking into account predefined times for inserting a scheduled stop of an elevator car.

To solve the problem mentioned at the outset, an elevator system is also proposed, which is designed to carry out a method proposed according to the invention. This elevator installation comprises in particular a shaft system and a plurality of cars that can be moved in the shaft system. In particular, it is provided that the cars can be moved horizontally and vertically in the shaft system. In particular, it is provided that the elevator system is a rope-free multi-cabin elevator system, in particular an elevator system comprising a linear motor drive for moving the cars. In addition, it is particularly provided that the elevator installation comprises an elevator control mentioned above, which is advantageously designed to carry out the method steps of a method proposed according to the invention.

Further advantageous details, features and design details of the invention are explained in more detail in connection with the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. It shows:

Fig. La in a simplified schematic representation of an embodiment for an elevator system according to the invention;

Fig. Lb in a simplified schematic representation of an embodiment for operating an elevator system according to the invention; Fig. Lc in a simplified schematic representation another embodiment for operating an elevator system according to the invention;

Fig. Id in a simplified schematic representation of another embodiment for operating an elevator system according to the invention;

2 shows a simplified schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment for a display device of an elevator installation according to the invention; and

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of an elevator system according to the invention.

The elevator system 1 shown as an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1 a comprises a shaft system with a plurality of vertical elevator shafts 3 and horizontal elevator shafts 4. Furthermore, the elevator system 1 comprises a plurality of cars 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. The cars 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 of the elevator installation 1 can be moved individually in the elevator shafts 3, 4. In particular, it is provided that the cars 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 are moved in the elevator shafts 3, 4 by means of a linear motor drive system. In particular, it is provided that the cars 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 can change from one elevator shaft 3, 4 to another elevator shaft 3, 4. For this purpose, so-called shaft exchange units are provided in particular, which are not explicitly shown in FIG. The elevator installation 1 further comprises an elevator control 6, which is shown symbolically in FIG. In particular, it is provided that the elevator control 6 is designed as a decentralized control system. In particular, the elevator control 6 controls the movement of the cars in the elevator shafts 3, 4. Furthermore, it can in particular be provided that the elevator control 6 comprises at least one safety system (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1 a), this safety system being set up in particular to prevent possible collision risks between cars 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 recognize and thus prevent situations in which there could be a collision between cars 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.

The elevator system 1 shown in FIG. 1 a is operated in such a way that at least one car 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 of the elevator system 1, in particular a first group of cars 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 , 26, a predetermined route is assigned. This predetermined The route is defined by a predetermined sequence of folding points at which the at least one car 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 makes a scheduled stop. The at least one car 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 is moved according to the travel route assigned to this car 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. In particular, the assignment of a route to a car 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1b, 1c and 1d.

For example, FIG. 1b shows the case in which a travel route 30 is exclusively assigned to the elevator cars 20 of the elevator installation 1 shown in FIG. This route 30 is defined by a predetermined sequence of folding points 40, at which the cars 20 each make a scheduled stop. The breakpoints 40 are each located on one floor level, at which it is possible for elevator users to get in and / or out of the respective car 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the breakpoints 40 are also defined such that the cars 20 are moved in a circulating mode. The direction of travel of the car 20 is symbolically represented by arrows.

In this exemplary embodiment it is also provided that the other cars 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 shown in FIG. 1 a are moved in a conventional manner, that is to say these cars 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 are shown in FIG no route assigned to this embodiment. Instead, these cars 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 react to calls received by the elevator system 1 or the elevator controller 6, which are placed in particular by elevator users via corresponding input terminals. For the cars 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, unlike for the cars 20, a route is continuously determined and updated on the basis of call requests received from the elevator system.

This stipulation that in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 b only one car route 30 is assigned to the car 20 is particularly advantageous if less traffic is expected in the other parts of the building, so that the car can be moved along a predetermined route is less advantageous in these other parts of the building. In the case of the specific exemplary embodiment, it is also advantageous that all floors that are approached by the elevator cars 20 can also be approached by the elevator cars 21 via the parallel elevator shafts, in the present exemplary embodiment the method of the elevator cars 21 by corresponding calls, in particular the issuing of destination calls. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1b, the stopping points 40 of the route 30 are also advantageously set such that from these stopping points 40 a simple change to other shafts, in which the further cars 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 are moved , can be carried out, in particular so that an elevator user can reach the final destination floor with one of these cars 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. In particular, it is provided in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 b that the cars 20 only make a stop at the predetermined breakpoints 40 and do not make any additional stops between these predetermined breakpoints 40. However, it is in particular possible to provide a configuration variant according to which the elevator users can specify a stop request, advantageously within a respective car 20. Advantageously, the car 20 will then approach a target floor desired by an elevator user and make an intermediate stop between the predetermined stopping points 40. This intermediate stop preferably takes place as a function of the volume of transport to be transported and / or the distance to the preceding car and / or the distance to the following car. If, for example, the volume of transport at the predetermined stopping points 40 is greater than a predetermined limit value, it can be provided that no intermediate stops are permitted, as well as if a predetermined time interval for driving the route 30 from the specified starting stopping point to the specified end stopping point when an intermediate stop is made or another stopover could not be met. Even if the following car is expected to be opened too tightly in the event of an intermediate stop or if a predetermined distance to the preceding car is expected to be exceeded, it can be provided that an intermediate stop is not permitted. An elevator user is advantageously informed accordingly within the elevator car.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 a and 1b, however, this insertion of intermediate stops is not provided. In this exemplary embodiment, all floors which can be approached by the car 20 can also be served by the car 21. An elevator user thus has the choice of whether he wants to travel with the car 21 or with the car 20. This decision can, however, also be determined in particular by the elevator controller 6, in particular depending on the volume of traffic.

In particular, in the exemplary embodiment explained with reference to FIGS. 1 a and 1b, it is provided that the travel route 30 assigned to the elevator cars 20 is one The initial stopping point includes, for example, the stopping point 40 shown at the bottom left in FIG. 1b, from which the travel route 30 of the car 20 begins. The route 30 further includes an end stop at which the route 30 of the cars 20 ends. In this exemplary embodiment, the starting stopping point and end stopping point can be the same, in particular since the cars 20 are moved in circulating mode. A defined time interval is specified for the movement of the cars 20 from the starting stopping point to the end stopping point, preferably by the elevator control 6. The cars 20 must be moved from the start stop to the end stop within this predetermined time interval. For example, a time interval of eight minutes could be specified, that is to say that a car 20 is moved within these predetermined eight minutes from the start stop to the end stop of the route 30. In particular, it is provided that the same time interval is predefined for each of the cars 20, for example, a time interval of eight minutes in each case.

It is further provided in this exemplary embodiment that specific times are specified at which a respective car 20 makes a scheduled stop at a respective stopping point 40. These specific times are selected differently for each of the cars 20. For example, provision can be made for a first car 20 to start at a stop x at the stop 40 shown at the bottom left in FIG. 1b, then to travel in the direction of the arrow to the next stop 40 and to stop there at a time x + a. The next stopping point 40 is then advantageously inserted at a predetermined point in time x + a + b. The next stopping point 40 is then inserted at a predetermined point in time x + a + b + c etc. until after a time x + y the car again stops at the stopping point 40 shown at the bottom left in FIG. 1b. Then the next stop is made at the next stop 40 at the predetermined time x + y + a. In this way, a number of times is defined for each car 20 and for each of the stops 40 of the route 30, at which a respective car 20 repeatedly makes a scheduled stop at the respective stop 40. The times can be set individually for each day of the week. Advantageously, the time offset with which the car 20 approaches a stopping point 40 of the route 30 is fixed. Advantageously, this results in a quasi-timetable for when a car 20 will stop at one of the stopping points 40 or when it will reach a stopping point 40.

In contrast to a use of the car 21, in this exemplary embodiment an elevator user can advantageously recognize when he is using a car 20, for example when at the stop 40 shown at the bottom right in FIG. 1b, can enter a car 20, ie how long he has to wait until a car 20 approaches this stop 40. In addition, the elevator user can also recognize when, when entering the car 20, he will reach the stopping point 40 shown at the top right in FIG.

This information, in particular when a car 20 stops at which stopping point, is advantageously displayed on a display device 8, which is symbolically shown in FIG. 1 a, inside and / or outside a car 20. Such a display device 8 is advantageously arranged at least on those floors on which a stopping point 40 of the route 30 is defined.

Another exemplary embodiment for operating an elevator system 1 shown in FIG. La is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 a and 1c. In this exemplary embodiment, it is provided that all of the cars 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 each have a route 30,

31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 is assigned. The route 30 is assigned to a first number of cars 20, the route 31 is assigned to a second number of cars 21, the route 32 is assigned to a third number of cars 22, the route 33 is assigned to a fourth number of cars 23, one Fifth number of cars 24 is assigned to route 34, a sixth number of cars 25 is assigned to route 35 and a seventh number of cars 27 is assigned to route 36 as a route. The travel routes 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are each defined by a sequence of folding points at which the respective cars 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 make a scheduled stop. For the sake of better clarity, only the defined stopping points 42 of the route 32 are shown by way of example in FIG. 1c.

In this embodiment, a car 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 are each given fixed times at which the car makes a scheduled stop at a stopping point. Advantageously, it is therefore always clearly defined when which car 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 will stop at which stop on its respective route 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36. Depending on the respective route 30, 31,

32, 33, 34, 35, 36 have different distances from one another. For example, it can be provided that a stop is located on each floor of route 36. This is particularly useful if these floors are heavily frequented, for example if shops are arranged on these floors and a large number of elevator users enter and / or exit a car on each floor level. Furthermore, can In particular, it can be provided that, for example, along the route that corresponds to route 34, additional routes are provided (not shown in FIG. 1 c), which are assigned, for example, to a subset of cars 24. The route 34 and the further route each serve the same route, but the routes have different stops. This means that the travel routes are defined by other stopping points and can also be defined by different stopping times at the folding points. For example, it can be provided that along the route that corresponds to the route 34, some of the cars 24 have the odd floors as stops and the other floors 24 are assigned the even floors as stops.

In the exemplary embodiment explained in connection with FIGS. 1 a and 1 c, an elevator user is also advantageously provided with a new way of operating the elevator system 1. For this purpose, it is provided that at least one display device 8 is arranged on the respective floors. This is advantageously designed as a touchscreen. An example of such a display device is shown in FIG. 2. The elevator system 1 is shown schematically on the display device 8 with the corresponding travel routes 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36. It is also provided that the position 50 of an elevator user is shown. If it is directly apparent to the elevator user that his desired target position 51 is served by cars 22 to which the route 32 is assigned, the elevator user can select this, for example, by touching the route 32. This advantageously registers a corresponding travel request of an elevator user by the elevator controller 6. This advantageously leads to a car 22 stopping at the starting position 50, in particular even when the starting position 50 is not a defined stopping point of the route 32. Advantageously, the elevator user is shown in an additional display field 60 of the display devices 8 in a departure display 61 when a car 22 will depart from the starting position 50. In addition, the arrival display field 62 advantageously shows when the car 22 will reach the target position 51.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided in particular that an elevator user can also directly indicate his target position 52. For this purpose, the elevator user advantageously indicates the target position 52 by means of the touchscreen on the schematically illustrated elevator system. The elevator controller 6 then calculates how the elevator user can best reach the target position 52 starting from the starting position 50. In the display field 60, the elevator user is advantageously shown that he must first use the route 32, preferably a corresponding arrival time is displayed. In a field 63, the necessary car change from a car 23 to a car 22 to which the route 32 is assigned is shown, in particular together with a preferred change point, at which the change from car 23 to car 22 takes place. This change point could, for example, be the stop 42 shown in FIG. 2 below the starting position 50. This change point is advantageously also shown in the display field 60. The arrival time at the target position 52 is preferably also displayed. In particular, it can also be shown when a car 23, to which the route 33 is assigned, will arrive at the stop 42 determined as a change point, and when a car 22 will arrive at this stop 42 for the onward journey to the target position 52.

A further advantageous aspect for the operation of an elevator installation 1, as shown in FIG. 1 a, is explained with reference to FIGS. 1 a and 1 d. The route 32 assigned to the cars 22 is shown as an example in FIG. In this embodiment, it is now provided that travel requests are recorded by elevator users and the recorded travel requests are evaluated, preferably using the elevator controller 6. The travel requests can be recorded, for example, by cameras installed on the floors. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the calls made by elevator users are recorded on the floors. If the evaluation reveals that the number of travel requests has changed, it is provided in particular that the travel route 32 assigned to the cars 22 is adapted to these changed travel requests. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1d, it can be provided, for example, that no crowds of people are recorded for the breakpoints 42 'or for further stops lying between the fold points 42', for example because no people are recognized in this building area by means of corresponding cameras installed on the floors , or because this area of the building is closed to passenger traffic. The reason for such a block can be, for example, the end of the opening hours of shops in this building area. The elevator system 1 or the elevator controller 6 of the elevator system 1 can react to this advantageously, for example by removing the stopping points 42 ′ from the travel route 32 and replacing the stopping points 42 ′ by new stopping points 42 ″. In particular, it is provided that due to the shortening of the route 32 resulting from the replacement of the breakpoints 42 ', times at which a car 22 stops at one of the breakpoints 42 are also adapted accordingly. If the number of people to be transported along the route 32 is also reduced in relation to the newly adapted route 32, it can also be provided in particular the number of cars 22 to which the route 32 is assigned is reduced. Cars 22 to which the route 32 is no longer assigned can be moved into a depot area not explicitly shown in FIG. 1d. Alternatively, provision can be made to temporarily park the elevator car, to which no travel route is assigned, in an elevator shaft 1 of the elevator installation 1 that is not or hardly used. If the number of people who would like to be transported along the route 32 rises again, it is provided that the route 32 is again assigned to the parked car. If, on the other hand, there is an increased need for transport capacity, for example along the route 36, due to a locally changed volume of people along another route, it can in particular also be provided that the route 36 is now assigned to the parked car or a car 22. In particular, it can also be provided that a driving route, not shown in FIG. 1c, is assigned to this car as a further driving route. Driving routes can advantageously be adapted to an existing transport volume, taking into account the already existing driving routes, and new stopping points can be defined.

A further exemplary embodiment of an elevator installation 1 is shown in FIG. 3. This elevator system 1 comprises two vertical elevator shafts 3 and two horizontal elevator shafts 4, so that the cars 20, 21, 22 of the elevator system 1 can be moved counterclockwise, in particular in a circulating mode. The elevator installation 1 also includes a depot area 70, in which cars 22 are parked, to which no travel route is assigned. In this exemplary embodiment, the elevator cars 20 are each assigned a first route. A second travel route is assigned to each car 21. The route of the cars 20 is defined by the sequence of the stops 40. The second route, which is assigned to the cars 21, is defined by the sequence of the stops 41. The top two floors and the two bottom floors of the elevator system 1 are stops 40, 41 of both the first route and the second route. In this exemplary embodiment it is provided that, for example, depending on the time of day, there is a greater need for transportation from the lower floors to the higher floors. Because of this, the elevator cars 21 are assigned a plurality of stopping points 41 in the right vertical elevator shaft 3. The cars 20, on the other hand, serve stopping points 40 distributed more uniformly. In particular, it is provided that the stopping points 40, 41 can be defined differently depending on the time of day. In particular, it can be provided that the cars 22 located in the depot 70 can also be assigned the first route with the stops 40 or the second route with the stops 41, depending on the need for transportation. In addition, it can be provided that cars 20 or cars 21 can be moved into the depot area 70 when there is less need for transportation.

The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures and explained in connection with these serve to explain the invention and are not restrictive thereof.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 elevator system

Representation of the elevator system (1) on the display device (8)

3 vertical elevator shaft

4 horizontal elevator shaft

6 elevator control

8 display device

20 car

21 car

22 car

23 car

24 car

25 car

26 car

30 route

31 route

32 route

33 route

34 route

35 route

36 route

40 breakpoint

42 breakpoint

42 ’breakpoint (old)

42 ”breakpoint (new)

50 start position

51 target position

52 target position

60 display field

61 Departure display

62 Arrival notification

63 Car change indicator

70 depot

Claims

Expectations

1. Method for operating an elevator system (1) with a plurality of cars (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) that can be moved individually between a plurality of floors, wherein in an elevator shaft (3, 4) of the elevator system ( 1) several cars (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) can be moved simultaneously, characterized in that at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) from the majority of the A predetermined route (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) is assigned to the elevator car (1), the route (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) by at least one for this a car (20,

21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) predetermined sequence of folding points (40, 42) at which the at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) is to make a scheduled stop, is defined, and the at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) corresponds to the route (30, 31.) assigned to this at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) is moved.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) assigned route (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) has a starting point , from which the route (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) of the at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) begins, and a final stopping point at which the route (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) of the at least one car (20, 21,

22, 23, 24, 25, 26) ends, wherein a defined time interval for the movement of the at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) is specified from the start stop to the end stop, and the at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) is moved such that this at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) within the predetermined time interval from the starting stopping point is moved to the final stop.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least for a first stopping point from the sequence of folding points (40, 42) a number of times is specified at which the at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) repeatedly make a scheduled stop at this first stop.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two cars (20) of the elevator system (1) the predetermined route (30) is assigned, the at least two cars (20) making a scheduled stop at the points of fold (40) of the route (30) at different times in each case.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that a minimum time interval is specified, which is between the times at which a car of the at least two cars (20) makes a scheduled stop at a stop from the sequence of stops (40) and a car following this car and having at least two cars (20) places a scheduled stop at this same stopping point.

6. The method according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that for each of the at least two cars (20) for each stopping point (40) of the sequence of folding points a time is specified at which the at least two cars (20) each have one Make a scheduled stop at the respective stop.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that travel requests are recorded by elevator users, the recorded travel requests are evaluated, and the number of cars (20) to which the travel route (30) is assigned, depending on the result of the evaluation the driving requirements are determined.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that travel requests are recorded by elevator users, the recorded travel requests are evaluated and the travel route (30) assigned to the at least one car (20) is adapted as a function of the result of the evaluation.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the route (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) depending on at least one event, the at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24 , 25, 26), in particular as a function of at least one of the events listed below, to which at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) is assigned: event in the building; Weekday; Behavior of people in building; Weather; Season; Public transport departure / arrival times; Time of day.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one car (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) associated route (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) is displayed by means of at least one display device (8).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one first car (20) and at least one second car (22) as the at least one car of the elevator system (1), wherein the at least one first car (20) as a route a first Route (30) is assigned and a second route (32) is assigned to the at least one second car (22) as route, the first route (30) from the second route (32) with regard to the sequence of the stops (40, 42) is different.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one second car (22) is temporarily assigned the first route (30), so that with respect to the at least one second car (22) a change in the assignment of the second route ( 32) to the first route (30).

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for at least a third car (21) from the plurality of cars (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) of the elevator system (1) continuously based on a route is determined and updated for the elevator system (1) received call requests.

14. elevator control (6), which is designed to carry out the method steps of a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Elevator system (1) comprising a shaft system and a plurality of cars (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) that can be moved in the shaft system, the elevator system (1) being designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding method claims is.