Transportation system

Abstract

A transport system (1) for a building having a plurality of floors (14, 15), the transport system comprising a shaft (2), a traction sheave driven elevator (3) and a lift (4). The elevator (3) is for vertically transporting persons, having an elevator car (5) movable in the shaft (2) and at least two counterweights (6) movable in the shaft (2) in a movement direction opposite to the movement direction of the elevator car (5) together with the car (5). The elevator car (5) and the counterweights (6) are driven by a drive engine (8) having a traction sheave (9). The lift (4) for vertically transporting objects is designed as a self-propelled lift. The lift (4) has a lift platform (11) designed as a vehicle for supplying goods which can enter and exit the shaft, the vehicle being within a vertical projection of the elevator car (5) when located in the shaft (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a transportation system for a building having a plurality of floors. The building comprises a shaft which forms the basis for an elevator for vertically transporting persons and a lift for vertically transporting objects. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known that elevators in buildings are used to transport persons from one floor to another. For this purpose, the person enters a call, for example on a call input terminal on the floor, and an elevator car transports the person to the desired destination floor in response to the call. To this end, traction sheave driven elevators have been established and have been in operation particularly successfully for many years, wherein the elevator comprises an elevator car which can be moved upwards and downwards in a shaft by means of a drive engine having a traction sheave using a suspension means, for example in the form of a rope or a belt. Typically, the elevator car comprises a cuboid car body having a floor, doors, side walls, a rear wall and a ceiling. Passengers stand inside the car body and move with the car.

[0003] In addition to persons as described above, it is also necessary to vertically transport unmanned objects in the building. For example, autonomous vehicles, robots and other unmanned objects are increasingly used in buildings. Due to the rise of online purchases and ordering of items, at best, must be delivered to the apartment door of the purchaser. In addition, waste from apartments and other households can have to be collected from the building and transferred out.

[0004] The subject matter of the independent claims can meet this need. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a transportation system for a building having a plurality of floors is proposed. The transportation system comprises a traction sheave driven elevator for vertically transporting persons and a self-propelled lift for vertically transporting objects, such as autonomous mobile robots or items. The elevator comprises an elevator car which is vertically movable in a shaft. The self-propelled lift comprises a lift platform which is vertically movable in the same shaft. The elevator car is preferably guided along at least one car guide in the shaft. The elevator further comprises at least one counterweight which is preferably connected with the car via at least one suspension means and which is movable in the shaft in a movement direction opposite to the movement direction of the elevator car. The elevator car and the counterweight are driven by at least one drive engine having a traction sheave. The counterweight can be moved along at least one counterweight guide in the shaft.

[0006] For high-power transport systems, the self-propelled lift comprises at least one drive unit for moving up and down in the shaft. The advantageous combination of a traction sheave driven elevator and a self-propelled lift ensures a high range of flexibility. For example, the self-propelled lift can comprise a lift platform with a friction wheel drive system acting vertically, the friction wheels being pressed to the associated shaft or guide in horizontal direction. Other drive solutions can also be applicable, such as linear drives capable of moving the lift platform up and down in the shaft.

[0007] The lift platform of the self-propelled lift is at least temporarily located in the shaft and is vertically movable in the shaft independently from the elevator. Thus, the self-propelled lift for vertically transporting objects is based on a different drive type than the elevator, resulting in a beneficial redundancy and flexibility.

[0008] The transport system provides an efficient and effective way of vertically transporting people and unmanned objects in a building. Using the same shaft also provides significant cost advantages in terms of investment and expenses over time. For example, the lift can be used for vertically transporting autonomous robots or vehicles between floors in a residential building for garbage collection and disposal. The robots can be designed as home robots. Another advantageous application of the lift can be postal services and package delivery within a building.

[0009] The transport system can comprise at least two and preferably four guide units for guiding the lift platform of the self-propelled lift, the guide units being arranged in the shaft. The respective guide units can be formed by a guide rail. The guide rail can be formed as a hollow profile. Two of the four guide units can be arranged at or on opposite sides of the shaft. For example, each of the four guide units can interact with an associated wheel driven by a drive unit of the at least one drive unit.

[0010] It can be advantageous that the individual drive units are designed as gear drives. The lift platform of the self-propelled lift can comprise at least two and preferably four motorized gears capable of interacting with the associated at least two and preferably four guide units. These guide units can be equipped with a travel aid, such as a rack, a toothed belt or a roller chain. Each guide unit can comprise or be formed by a guide rail. Instead of one gear per guide unit, it is also conceivable to have more than one gear per guide unit, it being conceivable that these gears can be combined together.

[0011] It can be particularly advantageous when, when four guide units are provided, the guide units comprise two pairs of vertical uprights and roller chains, wherein one of the roller chains is attached to each of the uprights and extends parallel to the uprights, and wherein the roller chains are intended to receive the associated gearwheels. Such roller chains provide a kind of moving ladder at a low cost. The roller chains can also be easy to maintain. The vertical uprights can be formed as hollow profiles.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator platform of the elevator is a mobile elevator platform which is designed as a vehicle which is able to enter and exit the hoistway and which can move in the floor, wherein the elevator platform comprises rollers which are able to move on the floor. It can be particularly advantageous when the elevator platform is designed as an autonomous vehicle which can also be referred to as a "robotic car" or the like. Such a vehicle is able to sense its environment and move safely without human input. In particular, the autonomous vehicle is able to move on the floor and can be used for different tasks such as the distribution of items. These vehicles can also be integrated in the waste stream management of a building. The autonomous vehicle can incorporate various sensors such as radar, laser, lidar, sonar, GPS, odometry, and inertial measurement units to perceive its surroundings. The autonomous vehicle can comprise a control system which is able to interpret the sensory information to identify appropriate navigation paths as well as obstacles and related signage. The mobile elevator platform can be designed as an automated guided vehicle (AGV) which is for example programmed to travel along marked lines or wires on the floor.

[0013] The elevator platform at least partially overlaps with the vertical projection of the elevator car when being in the hoistway. Therefore, preferably, the vertical projection of the elevator platform is smaller than the vertical projection of the elevator car.

[0014] It is clear that due to the compact and small design of the self-propelled elevator or elevator platform, the self-propelled elevator can be operated in a way that the performance of the elevator is not affected or only slightly affected compared to a conventional elevator. In a preferred embodiment, the transportation system is characterized in that the base area occupied by the vertical projection of the elevator platform is preferably less than 80% of the base area occupied by the vertical projection of the elevator car and particularly preferably less than 60% of the base area occupied by the vertical projection of the elevator car.

[0015] In the hoistway, the elevator platform can be positioned at least temporarily below the elevator car. However, when the special arrangement of a traction sheave driven elevator is applied, it can even be envisaged that the elevator platform is positioned at least temporarily above the elevator car.

[0016] Instead of the elevator landing at least partially overlapping with the vertical projection of the elevator car when being in the shaft, it is conceivable that the elevator landing does not overlap with the vertical projection of the elevator car when being in the shaft. In other words, the elevator landing of the self-propelled elevator remains outside the travel area of the elevator car. Thus, the self-propelled elevator is able to move completely independently in the vertical direction in the shaft over the entire shaft height.

[0017] Furthermore, the self-propelled elevator can comprise more than one elevator landing. In this case, the elevator landings can be arranged above and below each other in the vertical direction.

[0018] The self-propelled elevator landing can be a single structure having a substantially plate-like form or flat configuration. However, for special needs, the elevator can comprise an elevator cabin, wherein the elevator landing defines a floor of the cabin.

[0019] The elevator car and the elevator landing can essentially have the same width. Thus, in terms of depth, the elevator landing can be shortened compared to the elevator car, such that the depth of the elevator landing is preferably less than 80% of the depth of the elevator car, in particular preferably less than 60% of the depth of the elevator car. The direction of measurement of the width will be at right angles to the direction of measurement of the depth of the car. The depth is measured along a direction from the front side to the rear side of the shaft.

[0020] It can be particularly advantageous for an undisturbed and safe interaction of the passenger flow and the object flow that the shaft comprises a plurality of elevator shaft doors to provide passengers with access into the elevator car, the plurality of elevator shaft doors being arranged at a front side of the shaft, and at least one of the elevator shaft doors being arranged at each of a plurality of floors, and the shaft comprises a plurality of elevator landing doors to provide objects with access onto the elevator landing, the plurality of elevator landing doors being arranged at a rear side of the shaft opposite to the front side, and at least one of the elevator landing doors being arranged at each of a plurality of floors, each of the latter floors preferably being arranged on the same level as an adjacent one of the floors at the front side of the shaft. Each of the elevator landing doors can have an associated door drive to open and close the elevator landing door reciprocally.

[0021] However, it is also conceivable that instead of at the rear side, the elevator landing doors can also be arranged at one of the lateral sides of the shaft.

[0022] It can be particularly advantageous that the plurality of floors associated with the elevator shaft door at the front side of the shaft comprise the lowest floor and, of course, at least one upper floor, and that the plurality of floors associated with the lift shaft door at the rear side (or at the side face) of the shaft comprise at least one floor associated with the elevator shaft door at the front side arranged below the lowest floor. The latter at least one floor arranged below the lowest front-side floor can face the outside of the building and / or can be, as an example, an article receiving point or a robot storage location.

[0023] The elevator can be configured as a so-called backpack elevator. The elevator car can be supported on a rucksack frame. However, the backpack elevator can also be frameless. The counterweight can be moved along the side face of the shaft. The elevator car can be guided along at least one and preferably two car guide devices, and the counterweight can be guided along at least one and preferably two counterweight guide devices. The car guide devices and the counterweight guide devices are located at the same side face of the shaft. The suspension means can be driven by a drive unit having a traction sheave and can be guided in a manner on deflection rollers which are arranged laterally at the elevator car with respect to the vertical projection of the elevator or in plan view of the elevator, the suspension means extending over its entire length beyond the bottom region of the elevator car.

[0024] The elevator car can be a front-side supported car which is guided along a pair of opposite car guide devices, wherein each of the two car guide devices is arranged at one of the side faces of the shaft (and thus of the elevator car) and in a region close to the front side of the shaft. Such an elevator can thus be described as a "front-mounted elevator".

[0025] Especially for providing a compact and balanced front-mounted elevator design, it can be particularly advantageous that the elevator comprises two opposite counterweights, wherein the counterweights are located at opposite side faces of the shaft.

[0026] It can be particularly advantageous when the counterweights are guided along counterweight guide devices, wherein the counterweight guide devices and the car guide devices on each side face of the shaft are formed by a common guide rail profile, for example a hollow rail profile, and more preferably a rolled metal profile formed to define a single body. Such a guide rail profile can be simply installed in the shaft.

[0027] The counterweights can extend maximally in horizontal direction to a virtual boundary line defined by the closest boundary of the vertical projection of the lift platform. In other words, each of the two opposite counterweights extends in lateral direction into the depth, but does not interfere into the projection of the lift platform. Thus, it can be easily ensured that the trouble-free and safe operation of the transportation system.

[0028] Each of the elevator shaft doors can comprise a controllable elevator shaft door drive for reciprocally opening and closing the elevator shaft door, wherein the elevator shaft door drive can be controlled by the mobile elevator platform as described above or by an autonomous robot as an object to be transported onto the elevator platform when the elevator platform is permanently installed in the shaft.

[0029] According to another aspect, the self-propelled elevator can comprise at least one signal receiver for receiving signals from an autonomous robot as an object to be transported onto an elevator platform in the self-propelled elevator and an elevator controller for controlling the operation of the self-propelled elevator. The elevator controller can control the operation of at least one elevator drive engine in order to move the elevator platform to a desired floor. Accordingly, each of the elevator shaft doors has an associated elevator shaft door drive for reciprocally opening and closing the elevator shaft door and an elevator shaft door drive controller for controlling the operation of the elevator shaft door drive of the elevator shaft door, wherein the at least one signal receiver is connected with the elevator controller and the elevator shaft door drive controllers in such a way that the autonomous robot is able to call the elevator platform to a desired floor, enter the elevator platform via an opened elevator shaft door and then drive the elevator platform to the destination floor.

[0030] For reliable functionality of the transportation system, a master elevator and elevator controller can be provided. The master elevator and elevator controller is arranged in such a way that it is able to control the movement of the elevator car and the elevator platform so that a collision of the elevator car with the elevator platform can be prevented.

[0031] When the elevator platform is a mobile elevator platform designed as a vehicle that can enter and exit the shaft, at least part of the control of the elevator controller can be located on the elevator platform. In this case, each of the elevator shaft doors can also have an associated elevator shaft door drive for reciprocally opening and closing the elevator shaft door and an elevator shaft door drive controller for controlling the operation of the elevator shaft door drive of the elevator shaft door, wherein the at least one signal receiver is connected with the mentioned part of the control of the elevator controller and the elevator shaft door drive controllers on the mobile elevator platform in such a way that the mobile elevator platform is able to open the elevator shaft door so that the elevator platform can enter and be brought into the shaft. Thereafter, the elevator platform can autonomously drive to the destination floor. However, the master elevator and elevator controller can manipulate the local elevator controller and / or the elevator controller on the mobile elevator platform in order to prevent a collision with the elevator car.

[0032] As mentioned above, a plurality of signal receivers are used for receiving signals from the autonomous robot or from the mobile lift platform, at least one of the signal receivers being arranged in the proximity of a lift shaft door at each of the associated plurality of floors.

[0033] The plurality of signal receivers can receive the request signal via short-range wireless data communication from a data communication device integrated in or at least associated in the autonomous robot or the mobile lift platform. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Different aspects of the enhancement technique are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings. In these drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 schematic side view of a transport system comprising a traction sheave driven elevator and a self-propelled lift in a common shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 another schematic view of the transport system of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 an elevator of the transport system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a simplified top view; and

[0038] Figure 4 a lift platform of the lift of the transport system from Figure 3 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 A vertical transport system 1 for a building 10 having a plurality of floors is shown. The transport system 1 comprises an elevator 3. The elevator 3 has an elevator car 5 which is arranged in a shaft 2 in the building 10 to be movable along a substantially vertical axis. The elevator car 5 is mainly used for the movement of persons. In the shown example, the elevator car 5 is connected with a counterweight 6 by means of a suspension 7. The suspension 7 for supporting the elevator car 5 and the counterweight 6 can be envisaged as a cable or belt or several cables or belts. For moving the elevator car 5 and the counterweight 6, a drive engine 8 with a traction sheave 9 is used. The drive engine 8 of such a traction sheave driven elevator is arranged in the shaft head region of the shaft 2, for example. Instead of a so-called machine room-less elevator 3, it is also conceivable to arrange the drive engine 8 in a separate engine room in the shaft head region. In this description, the term "building" refers to a residential tower, an office tower, a stadium or a shopping center, for example, but also to a ship.

[0040] The transport system 1 further comprises a self-propelled lift 4 for vertically transporting objects. The self-propelled lift 4 comprises a lift platform 11 which is at least temporarily located in the shaft 2. The lift platform 11 can be permanently installed in the shaft 2. On such a lift platform 11, autonomous mobile robots, such as domestic robots, or other unmanned objects 29 can be transported. However, it is particularly advantageous for the transport system 1 that the lift platform 11 is designed as a mobile lift platform which can move on the floors of the building and which is only located or installed in the shaft 2, above which it moves up and down to access different floors. The mobile lift platform 11 can carry and transport objects 29 as loose items on an upper side of the platform or using specific containers.

[0041] The self-propelled lift 4 is based on a different drive type than the elevator 3. Thus, the lift platform 11 can be moved vertically in the shaft 2 independently from the elevator car 5, which can be guided along lift platform guiding means (not shown here, but see Figure 4 ). The lift platform 11 of the self-propelled lift 4 comprises at least one drive unit (not shown) for moving up and down in the shaft 2. The combination of the traction sheave driven elevator 3 with the self-propelled lift 4 ensures a high range of flexibility.

[0042] The traction sheave driven elevator 3 comprises an elevator control system with an elevator controller 31 for controlling the operation of the drive engine 8 to displace the elevator car 5 during operation, for example in response to a call received from one of a plurality of landing operating panels (not shown) provided at each floor in the building and / or from a car operating panel (not shown) provided within the elevator car 5. The elevator controller 31 processes the received elevator call and accordingly activates the drive engine 8 to move the elevator car 5 in the shaft 2 by means of the suspension means 7. The elevator control system further comprises a door controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of the car doors (not shown) and the elevator shaft doors. The car doors of the elevator car 5 and the corresponding shaft doors open when the car has reached the desired floor. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1 , these shaft doors for accessing the elevator car 5 will be arranged at the front side 12 of the shaft 2. The opposite side of the shaft 2, hereinafter referred to as the rear side, is denoted with 13. The shaft 2 further comprises two side faces 19 connecting the front side 12 and the rear side 13.

[0043] The lift platform 11 comprises a lift controller 32 which controls the movement of the lift platform 11 to a desired floor. In the exemplary embodiment, the lift controller 32 also comprises a transmitting and receiving unit which is designed to transmit and receive radio signals in order to wirelessly communicate with the main elevator and lift controller 33 via a communication network. The transmission can be realized according to the previously mentioned mobile radio communication technologies, such as WLAN / WiFi systems, 4G / LTE (Long Term Evolution), or one or more technologies such as IP (Internet Protocol) technologies or wire-bound technologies, such as Ethernet technologies. Among other functions, the main elevator and lift controller 33 ensures the safe operation of the transportation system 1 and, in particular, that no collision between the elevator car 5 and the lift platform 11 occurs.

[0044] The lift platform 11 which is positioned below the elevator car 5 at least partially overlaps the vertical projection of the elevator car 5. In Figure 1 the exemplary embodiment shown, the access for the lift platform 11 which is provided by a lift shaft door (not shown here) can be arranged at one of the lateral sides 19 of the shaft 2. In contrast thereto, in the following Figure 2 , reference is made to another exemplary embodiment, the access for the lift platform 11 is arranged at the rear side 13 of the shaft 2.

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic and simplified representation of a building 10 is shown which is partially illustrated, wherein a shaft 2 is provided which has a traction sheave driven elevator 3 and a self-propelled lift 4 for vertically transporting objects based on a different drive type than the elevator in the manner described above. In Figure 1 the exemplary embodiment shown, the building 10 has a plurality of floors 14 and 15. The floors denoted 14 are associated with the front side 12 of the shaft 2, wherein these floors comprise a first floor 14', a second floor 14'', etc.; the uppermost floor is here exemplarily the fifth floor 14 v A passenger can enter the elevator car 5 from this front side 12 via an elevator shaft door 17 and an adjacent car door 35. On the opposite rear side 13 of the shaft 2, a plurality of elevator shaft doors 18 are arranged, wherein the elevator shaft doors 18 provide an access for the lift platform 11. These elevator shaft doors 18 which are at least of a smaller size in terms of height are intended to provide an access for unmanned objects and shall not be used as a general personnel access. The individual floors on the same level, i.e. the floors 14', 14'', 14''', 14 v , 14 V and the floors 15', 15'', 15''', 15 v , 15 v , can be connected to a common landing, so that, for example, on the floors 14 vThe personnel present can reach the floors 14 by walking via a passage or a corridor (not shown here) in the building 10 v . The plurality of floors 14 associated with the elevator shaft doors 17 at the front side 12 of the shaft 2 has a lowest floor 14'. As can be seen in Figure 2 , the plurality of floors 15 associated with the lift shaft doors 18 at the rear side 13 of the shaft 13 has a floor 15 N , which is arranged below the lowest floor 14'. This floor 15 N serves as a main entrance floor, which can be used exclusively, for example, for the passage of autonomous vehicles, robots and other unmanned objects from outside via a (not shown) building entrance or from a storage facility or waiting area. N

[0046] Figure 2 It is further shown that each of the lift shaft doors 18 comprises a controllable lift shaft door drive 34 for reciprocally opening and closing the lift shaft door 18. For opening and closing the lift shaft door 18, the lift shaft door drive 34 can be controlled by the mobile lift platform 11. Thus, as Figure 1 shown, the lift controller 32 integrated in the mobile lift platform 11 has a transmitting and receiving unit designed to transmit and receive radio signals in order to wirelessly communicate with a signal receiver (not shown) associated with the lift shaft door drive 34. The mobile lift platform 11 is designed as a vehicle which can enter and exit the shaft 2 and which can move on the floors. The mobile lift platform 11 is provided with rollers 27 so that the lift platform 11 (shown by a dashed line) can move on the floors.

[0047] ​The main elevator and lift controller 33 arranged in the building 10 comprises an interface. The interface is communicatively linked to the elevator controller 31. In addition, the interface is communicatively linked to a processing unit of the lift platform 11, here the lift controller 32 mentioned before. The interface is generally used for the transmission of data as well as for the storage of data; thus, it is designed for at least one of these purposes. According to exemplary embodiments, the interaction between the interface and the lift platform 11 can take place via a network. The network can comprise a mobile communication network allowing communication according to one of the known mobile radio communication standards; it can for example be implemented in the form of a GSM, UMTS or LTE mobile communication network. The network can also comprise a data network, which can be part of an IT infrastructure for so-called cloud computing. Cloud computing for example refers to the storage of data in a remote computer center, but can also refer to the execution of programs which are not installed locally but remotely. Depending on the respective design, it is made possible that specific functions are for example available in the interface or via the "cloud". For this purpose, for example, a software application or program parts thereof can be executed in the cloud. In this case, the interface accesses this infrastructure as required in order to execute the software application.

[0048] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the transport system 1. In Figure 3 , some technical details of the elevator car 5 of the traction sheave driven elevator 3 are shown in a diagrammatic manner; the lift platform 11 of the self-propelled lift 4 for the vertical transport of objects is shown schematically by a dashed line. The lift guide unit 22 for guiding the lift platform 11 as well as the travel drive unit 23 for moving up and down (see below Figure 4 ) are shown symbolically.

[0049] The lift platform 11 overlaps the vertical projection of the elevator car 5 when located in the shaft for moving up and down, wherein the vertical projection of the lift platform 11 is significantly smaller than the vertical projection of the elevator car 5. In exemplary embodiments according to Figure 3 , the lift platform 11 projects substantially completely within the elevator car 5. The projection condition also includes an arrangement such that a minimum rear portion of the lift platform 11 can be located outside the vertical projection of the car. In order to easily access the lift platform 11 and to process with respect to the lift platform 11, it can be advantageous to position the lift platform 11 close to and more preferably immediately adjacent to the proximity of the rear side 13 of the shaft 2 provided with an adjacent lift shaft door 18. The vertical projection of the lift platform 11 occupies a floor area of approximately 50% of the floor area of the vertical projection of the elevator car 5.

[0050] The elevator car 5 is a front-side supported car, which is guided along a pair of opposite car guide means 20, wherein each of the two car guide means 20 is arranged at one of the side faces 19 of the shaft 2 (and thus at the side face of the car) and in a region close to the front side 12. The elevator 3 comprises two opposite counterweights 6, wherein the counterweights 6 are located at opposite side faces 19 of the shaft 2. The counterweights 6 extend in horizontal direction to the maximum to a virtual boundary line defined by the closest boundary of the vertical projection of the landing platform 11.

[0051] The counterweights 6 are guided along counterweight guide means 21. In the present embodiment, the counterweight guide means 21 and the car guide means 20 on each side face 19 of the shaft 2 are formed by a common guide rail profile, for example made of a monolithically rolled metal profile. Further details about such front-side elevator with a common guide rail profile and counterweights can be found in the applicant’s PCT applications PCT / EP2019 / 085699 and PCT / EP2019 / 086382, the disclosure of which will be referred to in the following. The elevator 3 comprises two drive engines 8 (not shown here), wherein one drive engine is provided for each of the counterweights.

[0052] For a better understanding and overview, Figure 4 The transport system 1 is shown for a self-propelled lift 4, without showing the elevator 3. The landing platform 11 of the self-propelled lift 4 comprises two drive units 35 for moving up and down in the shaft 2, wherein each of the two drive units 35 drives two gears 26. Thus, the landing platform 11 comprises four gears 26. Four guide units 22 are arranged in the shaft 2, wherein two of the four guide units 22 are arranged at or on opposite side faces 19 of the shaft 2. The guide units 22 comprise two pairs of vertical uprights 25 and a roller chain 26, one of which is attached to each of the uprights 25 and extends parallel to the uprights 25, wherein the roller chain 26 is intended to receive the associated gear 26. The uprights 25 can be formed as hollow rail profiles. A similar landing platform with motorized gears and roller chains and vertical uprights so that the landing platform can move up and down has been disclosed in WO2018 / 189110A1, however, it relates to a different technical field. Surprisingly, the applicant found that such a landing platform from an order picking system driven vertically between shelves can advantageously be implemented in a vertical transport system in a building having floors between which transport is to be carried out.

[0053] The elevator platform 11 is designed as an autonomous vehicle for the supply of items that can be brought into and out of the shaft 2 and that can be moved in the floors 15. In order to be able to move on the floors 15, the elevator platform comprises motorized rollers 27 (see Figure 2 ). The elevator platform 11 then functions like a robotic car that is able to sense its environment and move safely on the floor without human input. Alternatively, the mobile elevator platform 11 can be designed as an AGV that, for example, travels along marker lines or wires on the floor.

[0054] Figure 2 It is exemplarily shown how such a mobile elevator platform 11 can be brought into the shaft 2. The shaft 2 comprises a retractable platform or ramp 36 arranged on each floor 15. The ramp 36 is designed such that it can be elongated from a rest position to an elongated position. In order to activate the controllable ramp 36, a slide drive (not shown) can be provided that can be electrically coupled with the elevator door controller for controlling the operation of the elevator shaft door 18. The elongated ramp 36 associated with the main entrance floor 15 N is shown by a dashed line. By means of the ramp 36, the mobile elevator platform 11 can be moved from the floor 15 N into the shaft 2 via the elongated ramp 36. Then, the mobile elevator platform 11 docks itself to the elevator guiding unit and is ready to move up and down in the shaft 2. After the docking process, the ramp 36 slides back to the rest position. The corresponding closing movement of the ramp 36 is indicated by the arrow S. In this rest position, the ramp is fully retracted and allows the mobile elevator platform 11 to move up and down unhindered. The shaft 2 can be a pitless shaft. In this case, the mobile elevator platform 11 can be moved from the entrance floor 15 N into the shaft 2 without the need for such a ramp 36. The elongated ramp 36 can comprise a plurality of elements that form a telescopic ramp.

[0055] Other transfer means of the mobile elevator platform 11 from the floor 15 into the shaft 2 can also be conceivable. For example, instead of a retractable ramp 36 as described above, a foldable ramp can be provided on each floor 15, wherein after activation, the foldable ramp can be moved in a pivotable manner from a vertical rest position to a horizontal drive position.

Claims

1. A transportation system (1) for a building having a plurality of floors (14, 15), the transportation system comprising: - a shaft (2) comprising a plurality of elevator shaft doors (17) for providing access to passengers into an elevator car (5), the plurality of elevator shaft doors (17) being arranged at a front side (12) of the shaft (2), wherein at least one of the elevator shaft doors (17) is arranged at each of a plurality of floors (14), - a traction sheave driven elevator (3) for vertically transporting people, having the elevator car (5) movable in the shaft (2) and at least one counterweight (6) movable in the shaft (2) in a movement direction opposite to the movement direction of the elevator car (5) together with the elevator car (5), the elevator car (5) and the counterweight (6) being driven by at least one drive engine (8) having a traction sheave (9), characterized in that the transportation system (1) further comprises: - a self-propelled lift (4) for vertically transporting objects based on a different drive type than the elevator (3), the self-propelled lift (4) having a lift platform (11) movable in the shaft (2) and comprising at least one travel drive unit (23) for traveling up and down in the shaft (2); and wherein the shaft (2) comprises a plurality of lift shaft doors (18) providing access to the lift platform (11) or to objects on the lift platform (11), the plurality of lift shaft doors (18) being arranged at a rear side (13) of the shaft (2) opposite to the front side and at least one of the lift shaft doors (18) being arranged at each of a plurality of floors (15), each of the latter floors (15) being arranged on the same level as an adjacent one of the floors (14) at the front side (12) of the shaft (2).

2. Transport system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that At least two lift guide units (22) are arranged in the shaft (2) for guiding the lift platform (11).

3. Transport system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that Four lift guide units (22) are arranged in the shaft (2) for guiding the lift platform (11).

4. A transport system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The lift platform (11) of the self-propelled lift (4) comprises at least two motorized gears (24) interactable with the associated at least two lift guide units (22).

5. Transport system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The lift platform (11) of the self-propelled lift (4) comprises four motorized gears (24) interactable with the associated four lift guide units (22).

6. Transport system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that When four elevator guide units (22) are provided, the elevator guide units (22) comprise two pairs of vertical uprights (25) and a roller chain (26), one of the roller chains (26) being attached to each of the uprights (25) and extending parallel to the uprights (25), wherein the roller chains (26) are intended to receive an associated motorized gear wheel (24).

7. Transport system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The uprights (25) are formed as hollow rail profiles.

8. Transport system (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The elevator platform (11) of the self-propelled elevator (4) is a mobile elevator platform designed as a vehicle that can move into and out of the shaft (2) and can move on the floors (15), wherein the elevator platform (11) comprises rollers (27) that can move on the floors (15).

9. Transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The elevator platform (11) of the self-propelled elevator (4) at least partially overlaps the vertical projection of the elevator car (5).

10. Transport system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The vertical projection of the elevator platform (11) is smaller than the vertical projection of the elevator car (5).

11. Transport system (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The base area occupied by the vertical projection of the elevator platform (11) is less than 80% of the base area occupied by the vertical projection of the elevator car (5).

12. A transport system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The base area occupied by the vertical projection of the elevator platform (11) is less than 60% of the base area occupied by the vertical projection of the elevator car (5).

13. A transport system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that A plurality of floors associated with the elevator shaft doors (17) at the front side (12) of the shaft (2) comprises a lowest floor, and a plurality of floors associated with the elevator shaft doors (18) at the rear side (13) of the shaft (2) comprises at least one floor arranged below the lowest floor.

14. A transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that Each of the elevator shaft doors (18) comprises a controllable elevator shaft door drive (34) for reciprocally opening and closing the elevator shaft door (18), wherein the controllable elevator shaft door drive (34) is controllable by a mobile elevator platform (11) or by an autonomous robot as an object to be transported onto the elevator platform (11) when the elevator platform (11) is permanently installed in the shaft (2).

15. A transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The elevator car (5) of the elevator (3) is a front-side supported car guided along a pair of opposite car guide means (20), wherein each of the two car guide means (20) is arranged at one of the lateral sides (19) of the shaft (2) and in a region close to the front side (12) of the shaft (2).

16. A transport system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The elevator (3) comprises two opposite counterweights (6), wherein the counterweights (6) are located at opposite lateral sides (19) of the shaft (2).

17. A transport system (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The counterweights (6) are guided along counterweight guide means (21), the counterweight guide means (21) and the car guide means (20) on each lateral side (19) of the shaft (2) being formed by a common rail profile.

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