SE1650167A1 - Elevator cabin support structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Support structure (16) for supporting a cabin (14) on a track (12) of an elevator system (10), where the support structure (16) comprises a first bogie member (26), a second bogie member (28) and a base member (30) configured to support the first bogie member (26) and the second bogie member (28) for relative rotation about a roll axis (44, 44a, 44b) and a yaw axis (32) of the track (12).(Fig. 2c)

Description

1 160041SE ELEVATOR CABI N SUPPORT STRUCTURETechnical Field The present disclosure generally relates to a support structure forsupporting an elevator cabin. ln particular, a support structure forsupporting a cabin on a track of an elevator system and an elevator system comprising a cabin and a support structure are provided.Background Various types of elevator systems for vertically transporting peopleand/or goods are known. Some elevator systems include a rotatablysupported cabin such that the cabin can be maintained in a horizontalorientation as the cabin transitions between horizontal and vertical track sections.

US 2001020429 A1 discloses an autonomous transport system where acabin is connected to a rolling traction with a cantilever. The cantileverholds the cabin with a swivel joint at a fixed distance from the wheel guides.

The Articulated Funiculator (R) is a new concept of vertical transportationwhich is described in WO 2013159800 A1. This transportation systemmay for example be used in tall buildings, deep underground subway stations and deep mines.

The concept of the Articulated Funiculator (R) opens up for the use of awide range of track configurations. For example, practically endlesscombinations of straight, curved, inclined, twisted and helical tracksections may be used. For these track configurations, a cabin supportstructure such as the one shown in US 2001020429 A1 is not suitable. 2 160041SE Summary Accordingly, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a supportstructure for supporting a cabin on a track of an elevator system that cantravel through a wide range of different types of track sections, including twisted and curved track sections.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a support structurewith a simple and compact configuration. A still further object of thepresent disclosure is to provide a support structure that can maintain afloor of the cabin in a substantially horizontal orientation as the support structure travels through the different track sections.

According to one aspect, there is provided a support structure forsupporting a cabin on a track of an elevator system, where the supportstructure comprises a first bogie member, a second bogie member and abase member configured to support the first bogie member and thesecond bogie member for relative rotation about a roll axis and a yawaxis of the track. ln other words, the base member allows the first bogiemember to rotate with respect to the second bogie member both about a roll axis and a yaw axis of the track.

The base member may be configured to support the first bogie memberand the second bogie member for a relative rotation about a roll axis ofup to 90°, such as up to 45°, such as up to 30°, such as up to 10°.Alternatively, the base member may be configured to support the firstbogie member and the second bogie member for an endless relativerotation about the roll axis (i.e. 360°). Furthermore, the base membermay be configured to support the first bogie member and the secondbogie member for a relative rotation about a yaw axis of up to 80°, such as up to 60°, such as up to 45°, such as up to 30°.

The cabin may be a passenger cabin and/or a cargo cabin. The cabin mayalternatively be referred to as a pod, carriage or car. Several cabins may be used in the elevator system. The cabins may be individually routed on 3 160041SE the track or collectively as trains with two or more cabins. ln case thecabins are driven collectively as trains, the cabins may be drivenindividually or interconnected, for example with cables. The supportstructure according to the present disclosure is not limited to anyparticular type of propulsion system. For example, all cabins in thee|evator system may be driven with a cable or set of cables or each cabinmay have an individual propulsion system. Two or more different types of propulsion systems may also be combined within the e|evator system.

Throughout the present disclosure, the support structure may alternatively be referred to as a chassis or suspension arrangement.

The e|evator system may for example be used in a tall building orunderground to access a deep underground subway station or a deepmine. ln case the e|evator system is implemented in a building, the trackmay be provided in an e|evator shaft within the building and/or be provided at the exterior of the building.

The track may include a single rail or several rails. One suitable track isconstituted by a pair of rails. The track may for example contain twistedsections such that the support structure can roll in space, curved sectionssuch that the support structure can yaw in space, and/or sections thattransition between horizontal and vertical (i.e. tilted or inclined sections)such that the support structure can pitch in space as the support structure with the cabin is moved along the track.

The roll, yaw and pitch terminology is analogous with the principal axesof an aircraft. For a straight horizontal track section, a roll axis is parallelwith the travel direction of the track, a yaw axis is vertical andperpendicular to the roll axis, and a pitch axis is horizontal and perpendicular to both the yaw axis and the roll axis. lf the track contains a twisted section, both the support structure and thecabin may roll together during movement along the twisted track section.

However, in case a first roll bearing member is provided between the first 4 160041SE bogie member and the base member and a second roll bearing memberis provided between the second bogie member and the base member, thecabin may also be allowed to roll relative to the track by means of arolling motion of the base member relative to the first and second bogie members. ln this manner, the cabin may roll relative to the track also at a straight(i.e. "non-twisted") section of the track. Depending on the configurationof the support structure and the cabin, this type of roll motion may belimited due to interference with the track. ln some configurations, only aroll motion of the cabin relative to the track in an angular range of up to180°, such as up to 120°, such as up to 60°, is allowed by theconfiguration of the support structure. However, it is also possible toconfigure the support structure such that an endless roll motion (i.e.360°) of the cabin relative to the track is enabled at straight sections of the track.

The track may include any type of loop configuration including forexample a single vertically elongated loop or several interconnected orseparated loops. ln case the track is designed with two loops, the track may have a layout substantially in the form of an “8-shape”. ln case the track comprises two or more loops, the track may besubstantially horizontally oriented at crossing regions between each pairof loops. A station for passengers may be arranged adjacent to each suchcrossing region. However, one or more stations may also, or alternatively, be provided at any vertical or inclined sections of the track.

At some stations (e.g. at stations vertically between two loops), twosubstantially horizontal track sections may be laid parallel (i.e. next toeach other substantially at the same vertical height). ln order to avoidinterference of the track sections, the track sections may have to turn(i.e. to be curved) in the horizontal plane, requiring a relative yawmovement between the first bogie member and the second bogie member. 5 160041SE ln case a station is arranged at an upper portion and at a lower portion ofa track loop, the track may roll 180° between the stations such that acabin can be stopped at each station with the same relationship to thetrack, either such that the cabin "hangs from the track" (i.e. under thetrack) or such that the cabin "stands on the track" (i.e. above the track).For example, a cabin (or a train comprising several cabins) may travelfrom a horizontal track section at a lower station of a track loop, througha lower tilted section that transitions from horizontal to vertical, througha roll section that rolls 180°, through an upper tilted section thattransitions from vertical to horizontal, and to a horizontal track section atan upper station of the track loop. Such roll sections of the track requirea relative roll movement between the first bogie member and the second bogie member.

The first bogie member and the second bogie member may throughoutthe present disclosure alternatively be referred to as a first frameworkand a second framework, respectively. Each of the first and second bogiemembers may comprise at least one track engaging element for engagingthe track and allowing a movement of the support structure along thetrack. Although the present disclosure mainly exemplifies the trackengaging elements as wheel assemblies engaging a rail portion, othertrack engaging elements are possible, for example track engagingelements relying on magnetic forces between the track engagingelements and the track. Thus, in this case the track may not bemechanically, but merely magnetically, engaged by the track engaging elements.

The first and second bogie members may have an elongated appearanceand may be oriented substantially parallel with the pitch axis, i.e.substantially transverse to the roll axis and the yaw axis of the track.Moreover, the first and second bogie members may each be constituted by a rigid piece of material.

The base member may comprise a first roll bearing member that rotatably connects the base member to the first bogie member for 6 160041SE relative rotation about the roll axis. ln this case, the base member maybe fixedly attached to the second bogie member. ln this manner, thebase member supports the first bogie member and the second bogiemember for relative rotation about the roll axis. With a fixed attachmentis meant a firm connection not allowing any relative movement (including rotation) between the parts.

Alternatively, the base member may comprise a second roll bearingmember that rotatably connects the base member to the second bogiemember for relative rotation about the roll axis. ln this case, the basemember may be fixedly attached to the first bogie member. Also in thismanner, the base member supports the first bogie member and the second bogie member for relative rotation about the roll axis.

As a further alternative configuration, the base member may compriseboth a first roll bearing member and a second roll bearing member asdescribed below. Also in this configuration, the base member supportsthe first bogie member and the second bogie member for relative rotationabout the roll axis. Both a first roll bearing member and a second roll bearing member may for example comprise a roller bearing.

The base member may com prise two parts that are rotatable relative toeach other about the yaw axis. ln this manner, the base member cansupport the first bogie member and the second bogie member for relative rotation about the yaw axis of the track.

A first part of the base member may be fixedly attached to, or integrallyformed with, the first bogie member or with a part (e.g. an inner race) ofthe first roll bearing member (in case a first roll bearing member isprovided). A second part of the base member may be fixedly attached to,or integrally formed with, the second bogie member or with a part (e.g.an inner race) of the second roll bearing member (in case a second rollbearing member is provided). Since the first part and the second part of the base member are allowed to swivel about the yaw axis, the base 7 160041SE member may throughout this disclosure alternatively be referred to as a swivel member.

The first bogie member and the second bogie member may eachcomprise at least one wheel assembly having at least one wheel forengaging a portion of a rail of the track to move along the track.According to one variant, each of the first bogie member and the secondbogie member comprises two wheel assemblies for engaging a pair ofrails where each wheel assembly includes a plurality of wheels, forexample four wheels (two wheels on an upper part of the rail and twowheels on a lower part of the rail) or six wheels (two wheels on an upperpart of the rail, two wheels on a lower part of the rail and two wheels on a lateral part of the rail).

The wheel assemblies may be openable so that in an open state thesupport structure and the cabin can be lifted off a track by a machine orrobot and in a closed state lock the support structure and the cabin can be locked to the track for relative movement thereon.

According to one realization, at least one of the first bogie member andthe second bogie member may be configured to support the respective atleast one wheel assembly for relative rotation about a pitch axis of thetrack. That is, the at least one wheel assembly of the first bogie membermay be rotationally coupled to the first bogie member for a rotationabout a pitch axis. Alternatively, the at least one wheel assembly of thesecond bogie member may be rotationally coupled to the second bogiemember for a rotation about a pitch axis. Alternatively, both the first andsecond bogie members may be configured to support the respective atleast one wheel assembly for relative rotation about a pitch axis of thetrack. ln this case, the at least one wheel assembly of the first bogiemember may be rotatable about a first pitch axis and the at least onewheel assembly of the second bogie member may be rotatable about asecond pitch axis, parallel with the first pitch axis (in case the the firstbogie member is not rotated with respect to the second bogie member about the yaw axis or the roll axis). 8 160041SE ln all these three configurations, the at least one wheel assembly of thefirst bogie member is rotatable about a pitch axis with respect to the atleast one wheel assembly of the second bogie member. ln thesemanners, the support structure is configured to follow track sections thattransition between horizontal and vertical (i.e. tilted or inclined sections)such that the support structure can pitch in space as the supportstructure with the cabin is moved along the track. The first and secondbogie members may be configured to support the respective wheelassemblies for a rotation about a pitch axis of up to 45°, such as up to 30°, such as up to 15°, such as up to 10°, such as up to 5°.

The base member may be substantially centered between the first bogiemember and the second bogie member. The definition substantiallycentered includes an offset distance of up to 20%, such as up to 10%,such as up to 5%, such as up to 2%, of the distance between the firstbogie member and the second bogie member when the first bogiemember and the second bogie member are not rotated relative to eachother about the yaw axis. I\/loreover, if the first and second bogiemembers comprise wheel assemblies rotationally coupled about arespective pitch axis, the distance between the first bogie member and the second bogie member may be measured between the two pitch axes.

According to one variant, the base member is substantially centeredbetween the first and second bogie members and the base member isconfigured to support the first and second bogie members for relativerotation about a yaw axis that is not centered between the first andsecond bogie members. For example, the yaw movement of the supportstructure may take place between the first bogie member and the base member or between the second bogie member and the base member.

The yaw axis may however be substantially centered between the firstbogie member and the second bogie member. According to onerealization, both the yaw axis and the base member are substantiallycentered between the first and second bogie members. Alternatively, the yaw axis may be substantially centered between the first and second 9 160041SE bogie member while the base member is not centered between the firstand second bogie member. This may for example be accomplished bymeans of an asymmetrically designed base member (asymmetric as seen in the travel direction of the track).

The base member may be configured to support each of the first bogiemember and the second bogie member for rotation about a roll axisrelative to the base member. For example, the base member maycomprise both a first roll bearing member and a second roll bearingmember where the first roll bearing member rotatably connects the basemember to the first bogie member for relative rotation about the roll axisand where the second roll bearing member rotatably connects the basemember to the second bogie member for relative rotation about the rollaxis. Also in this manner, the base member supports the first bogiemember and the second bogie member for relative rotation about the roll axis of the track. lf with this configuration the first bogie member is rotated relative to thesecond bogie member about the yaw axis (e.g. during a curve of thetrack), the first bogie member will be rotatable relative to the basemember about a first roll axis and the second bogie member will berotatable relative to the base member about a second roll axis, inclinedwith respect to the first roll axis. However, the first roll axis and thesecond roll axis will coincide when the support structure comes to a straight track section.

As an alternative configuration, the base member may be configured tosupport one of the first bogie member and the second bogie member forrotation about a roll axis relative to the base member and fixedly supportthe other of the first bogie member and the second bogie member suchthat the other of the of the first and second bogie members is preventedfrom rolling relative to the base member. For example, the first bogiemember can be fixedly connected to the base member such that the firstbogie member is prevented from rotating about the roll axis relative to the base member and the second bogie member can be coupled to the 10 160041SE base member such that a relative rotation about the roll axis relative to the base member is allowed.

The base member may com prise two plates rotatably arranged withrespect to each other for rotation about the yaw axis and one of theplates may be configured to support the cabin. Thus, the base member may be configured to support the cabin.

The support structure may further comprise a support memberconfigured to support the cabin for rotation about a cabin axissubstantially perpendicular to the yaw axis. The cabin may have acylindrical appearance (e.g. barrel shaped) and the cabin axis may besubstantially coincident with the cylinder axis of the cabin. The cabin axismay or may not be constituted by a pitch axis. That is, in case thesupport structure is also configured to rotationally support the cabin about a yaw axis, the cabin axis may not always constitute the pitch axis.

The support member may be connected to the base member, forexample directly connected to the base member. The support membermay comprise a yaw bearing member connected to the base member,two bearing frames for holding the cabin and two arms connecting theyaw bearing member and a respective bearing frame. One or both of thebearing frames may be driven by a motor to control the pitch of the cabinrelative to the support structure and/or the yaw bearing member may bedriven by a motor to control the yaw of the cabin relative to the support structure. The motors may be electric motors.

According to a further aspect, there is provided an elevator systemcomprising at least one cabin and at least one support structureaccording to the present disclosure for supporting the at least one cabin.Throughout the present disclosure, the elevator system may alternatively be referred to as a vertical transportation system. 11 160041SE Brief Description of the Drawings Further details, advantages and aspects of the present disclosure willbecome apparent from the following embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: Fig. 1: schematically represents a partial view of an elevator systemcomprising a twisted track, a cabin and a support structuresupporting the cabin on the track; Fig. 2a: schematically represents a bottom view of the supportstructure in Fig. 1 on a straight track section; Fig. 2b: schematically represents a bottom view of the supportstructure in Figs. 1 and 2a on a curved track section; Fig. 2c: schematically represents a view of the support structure andthe cabin along section A-A of the twisted track section inFig. 1; and Fig. 2d: schematically represents partial side view of a tilted track section transitioning from horizontal to vertical and the support structure in Figs. 1, 2a, 2b and 2c.Detailed Description ln the following, a support structure for supporting a cabin on a track ofan elevator system and an elevator system comprising a cabin and thesupport structure will be described. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

Fig. 1 schematically represents a partial view of an elevator system 10comprising a track 12 having a twisted section, a cabin 14 and a supportstructure 16 supporting the cabin 14 on the track 12 for movement alongthe track 12 in a travel direction 18. Arrows 20 and 22 represent avertical direction and a horizontal direction in space, respectively. Thetrack 12 comprises two rails 24 for being engaged by wheels of the support structure 16. 12 160041SE The section of the track 12 in Fig. 1 is slightly oblique with respect to thevertical direction 20. Moreover, the track 12 is twisted approximately 90°from a lower portion along the travel direction 18 to an upper portion.The section of the track 12 in Fig. 1 constitutes a part of an elevatorsystem 10 that may comprise practically endless combinations ofstraight, curved, inclined, twisted and helical track sections and any type of loop configuration as described above.

Fig. 2a schematically represents a bottom view of the support structure16 in Fig. 1 on a straight section of the track 12. The cabin 14 has beenleft out in Fig. 2a (and also in Fig. 2b) in order to improve the visibility of the support structure 16.

The support structure 16 comprises a first bogie member 26 and asecond bogie member 28. When the support structure 16 moves alongthe travel direction 18, the first bogie member 26 constitutes a frontbogie member and the second bogie member 28 constitutes a rear bogie member.

The support structure 16 further comprises a base member 30. The basemember 30 is configured to support the first bogie member 26 and thesecond bogie member 28 for relative rotation about a yaw axis 32. Ascan be seen in Fig. 2a, the base member 30 is substantially centeredbetween the first and second bogie members 26, 28, between a firstpitch axis 34a of the first bogie member 26 and a second pitch axis 34bof the second bogie member 28. Also the yaw axis 32 of the basemember 30 is substantially centered between the first bogie member 26 and the second bogie member 28.

Both the first bogie member 26 and the second bogie member 28comprise track engaging elements in the form of two wheel assemblies36, each comprising six wheels 38 (only four shown) for engaging aportion of a respective rail 24 of the track 12 to move along the track 12.

The number of wheel assemblies 36 and wheels 38 comprised by the first 13 160041SE and second bogie members 26, 28 may however be adjusted depending on the implementation.

The first bogie member 26 rotationally supports two wheel assemblies 36for a relative rotation about a front or first pitch axis 34a.Correspondingly, the second bogie member 28 rotationally supports twowheel assemblies 36 for a relative rotation about a rear or second pitchaxis 34b. Thus, the wheel assemblies 36 of the first bogie member 26can pitch relative to the wheel assemblies 36 of the second bogie member 28.

The base member 30 com prises two relatively rotatable parts, hereconstituted by two plates 40, 42 rotatably arranged with respect to eachother for rotation about a yaw axis 32. The base member 30 therebysupports the first bogie member 26 and the second bogie member 28 for relative rotation about a roll axis 44 of the track 12.

A support member (not shown) for supporting the cabin 14 may beattached to the plate 42 such that the base member 30 supports thecabin 14. A roller bearing or frictional bearing may for example be used to provide the relative rotation between the two plates 40,42.

The base member 30 further comprises a first roll bearing member 46and a second roll bearing member 48. The first roll bearing member 46rotatably connects the base member 30 to the first bogie member 26 forrelative rotation about a roll axis 44 of the track 12. The second rollbearing member 48 rotatably connects the base member 30 to thesecond bogie member 28 for relative rotation about the roll axis 44. Thebase member 30 thereby supports the first bogie member 26 and the second bogie member 28 for relative rotation about the roll axis 44.

The first and second roll bearing members 46, 48 allow an endlessrotation of the first and second bogie members 26, 28, respectively, relative to the base member 30. The maximum rotation of the first and 14 160041SE second bogie members 26, 28 about the roll axis 44 is determined by the layout of the track 12 and possible interferences with the cabin 14.

The configuration of the support structure 16 in Fig. 2a also allows arotation of the cabin 14 about the roll axis 44 relative to the track 12 bymeans of a rolling motion of the base member 30 relative to the first andsecond bogie members 26, 28. Thus, the cabin 14 can roll relative to astraight section of the track 12. The rotation of the base member 30about the roll axis 44 may be controlled by using suitable rotational position sensors and motors. ln the implementation of the base member 30 in Fig. 2a, the first plate40 is integrally formed with an inner race (not shown) of the first rollbearing member 46 and the second plate 42 is integrally formed with aninner race (not shown) of the second roll bearing member 48. The part ofthe plate 42 that is visible in Fig. 2a is a downwardly protruding portion.The plate 42 also comprises a circular part with the same outer diameter as the plate 40. The plate 40 has the appearance of a circular disc.

The outer races of the first and second roll bearing members 46, 48 areintegrally formed with the first and second bogie members 26, 28,respectively. Each of the first and second bogie members 26, 28 has anelongated appearance oriented substantially parallel with the respectivepitch axis 34a, 34b.

The maximum relative rotation of the first and second bogie members26,28 about the yaw axis 32 is determined by the angle where twowheel assemblies 36 interfere with each other. ln this implementation, amaximum relative rotation of the first and second bogie members 26, 28 about the yaw axis 32 of approximately 80° is allowed.

The support structure 16 may comprise a yaw biasing mechanism and/ora roll biasing mechanism (not shown). The yaw biasing mechanism canbias the first and second bogie members 26, 28 towards the neutral positions in Fig. 2a where the first and second bogie members 26, 28 are 15 160041SE not rotated about the yaw axis 32. Correspondingly, the roll biasingmechanism can bias the first and second bogie member 26, 28 towardsthe neutral positions in Fig. 2a where the first and second bogie members 26,28 are not rotated about the roll axis 44.

One of the first and second roll bearing members 46, 48 may however beomitted so that the base member 30 is rigidly connected (or integrallyformed) with the first bogie member 26 or the second bogie member 28.ln this manner, the cabin 14 can be rotationally locked with one of thefirst and second bogie members 26, 28 for rotations about the roll axis44.

Fig. 2b schematically represents a bottom view of the support structure16 in Figs. 1 and 2a on a curved section of the track 12. The section ofthe track 12 is curved in a horizontal plane requiring a yaw movementbetween the first and second bogie member 26, 28. Both the supportstructure 16 and the cabin 14 may yaw together in space during movement along the curved section of the track 12 in Fig. 2b.

As can be seen in Fig. 2b, the first bogie member 26 is rotated relative tothe second bogie member 28 about the yaw axis 32 by means of thebase member 30. Since the first bogie member 26 is rotationally coupledto the base member 30 via the first roll bearing member 46 and since thesecond bogie member 28 is rotationally coupled to the base member 30via the second roll bearing member 48, the first bogie member 26 isrotatable about a first roll axis 44a and the second bogie member 28 isrotatable about a second roll axis 44b, at an angle to the first roll axis44a that corresponds to the curvature of the track 12, as the first bogiemember 26 is rotated relative to the second bogie member 28 about the yaw axis 32.

Fig. 2c schematically represents a view of the support structure 16 andthe cabin 14 along section A-A of the track 12 in Fig. 1. The supportstructure 16 comprises a support member 50 configured to support the cabin 14 for rotation about a cabin axis 52. The cabin axis 52 is 16 160041SE substantially perpendicular to the yaw axis 32. Both the support structure16 and the cabin 14 may roll together in space during movement along the twisted section of the track 12 in Fig. 2c.

As can be seen in Fig. 2c, the cabin 14 has a cylindrical appearance in theform of a barrel. The cabin axis 52 extends substantially through a geometrical centre of the cabin 14.

The support member 50 comprises a yaw bearing member 54, twobearing frames 56 and two arms 58 interconnecting the yaw bearingmember 54 with a respective bearing frame 56. The yaw bearing member54 is rigidly attached to the plate 42 of the base member 30. The yawbearing member 54 allows the cabin 14 to rotate about the yaw axis 32relative to the base member 30. Since the cabin 14 is rotatable about theyaw axis 32, the cabin axis 52 may or may not be parallel with a pitchaxis 34a, 34b, depending on the rotational position of the cabin 14 about the yaw axis 32.

The bearing frames 56 allow the cabin 14 to rotate relative to the supportmember 50 about the cabin axis 52. The rotation of the cabin 14 relativeto the base member 30 about the yaw axis 32 by means of the yawbearing member 54 may be controlled by a motor in or adjacent to theyaw bearing member 54. The rotation of the cabin 14 relative to the basemember 30 and the support member 50 about the cabin axis 52 may becontrolled by a motor in or adjacent to one or both of the bearing frames56. ln Fig. 2c, the cabin 14 is substantially aligned with the first bogiemember 26. Both the cabin axis 52 and the first bogie member 26 areoriented substantially parallel with the horizontal direction 22. Thus, thefirst roll bearing member 46 is in a neutral state (i.e. not rotated). Due tothe twisted track 12, the second bogie member 28 is rotated relative to the cabin 14 about the roll axis 44. 17 160041SE Fig. 2d schematically represents a partial side view of a tilted section ofthe track 12 transitioning from horizontal to vertical and the supportstructure 16 in Figs. 1, 2a, 2b and 2c. Both the support structure 16 andthe cabin 14 may pitch together in space during movement along the section of the track 12 in Fig. 2d.

Since the wheel assemblies 36 of the first bogie member 26 are rotatableabout a pitch axis (34a and/or 34b) with respect to the wheel assemblies36 of the second bogie member 28, the support structure 16 isconfigured to follow sections of the track 12 that transition betweenhorizontal and vertical (i.e. tilted or inclined sections) such that thesupport structure 16 can pitch in space as the support structure 16 together with the cabin 14 are moved along the track 12.

Each wheel assembly 36 may be configured for an endless rotation abouta respective pitch axis 34a, 34b. As can be seen in Fig. 2d, the sharpestinclination of the track 12 during a transition from horizontal to vertical israther determined by the inclination where the plate 42 of the base member 30 interferes with the rails 24.

Fig. 2d further illustrates an interior floor 60 of the cabin 14. The supportstructure 16 according to the present disclosure is configured to maintainthis floor 60 in a substantially horizontal orientation as the supportstructure 16 together with the cabin 14 travel through the elevator system 10.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present inventionis not limited to what has been described above. For example, it will beappreciated that the dimensions of the parts may be varied as needed.Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention may be limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (1)

1. 8 160041SE CLAI MS Support structure (16) for supporting a cabin (14) on a track (12) ofan elevator system (10), the support structure (16) comprising: - a first bogie member (26); - a second bogie member (28); and - a base member (30) configured to support the first bogie member(26) and the second bogie member (28) for relative rotation about aroll axis (44, 44a, 44b) and a yaw axis (32) of the track (12). The support structure (16) according to c|aim 1, wherein the firstbogie member (26) and the second bogie member (28) eachcomprises at least one wheel assembly (36) having at least onewheel (38) for engaging a portion of a rail (24) of the track (12) to move along the track (12). The support structure (16) according to c|aim 2, wherein at leastone of the first bogie member (26) and the second bogie member(28) is configured to support the respective at least one wheelassembly (36) for relative rotation about a pitch axis (34a, 34b) ofthe track (12). The support structure (16) according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the base member (30) is substantially centered between the first bogie member (26) and the second bogie member (28). The support structure (16) according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the yaw axis (32) is substantially centered between the first bogie member (26) and the second bogie member (28). The support structure (16) according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the base member (30) is configured to support each of thefirst bogie member (26) and the second bogie member (28) forrotation about a roll axis (44, 44a, 44b) relative to the base member(so). 10. 19 160041SE The support structure (16) according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the base member (30) comprises two plates (40, 42)rotatably arranged with respect to each other for rotation about theyaw axis (32) and wherein one of the plates (42) is configured to support the cabin (14). The support structure (16) according to any of the preceding claims,further comprising a support member (50) configured to support thecabin (14) for rotation about a cabin axis (52) substantially perpendicular to the yaw axis (32). The support structure (16) according to claim 8, wherein the support member (50) is connected to the base member (30). Elevator system (10) comprising at least one cabin (14) and at leastone support structure (16) according to any of the preceding claims for supporting the at least one cabin (14).