Method for maintenance of low-pit elevator shaft and elevator

Abstract

A method for carrying out a maintenance operation (18) for an elevator (1) and an elevator. An elevator car comprises a protective panel device (Ad) with a transparent protective element (Pe). The elevator car is positioned for servicing the well pit and related components such that a servicing technician (Mt) can perform a visual inspection (22) of the well pit remotely from the lowermost landing (L1). Therefore, the inspection does not need to enter the well pit.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The invention relates to a method for carrying out maintenance measures for an elevator, wherein the elevator pit has a limited depth.

[0002] The invention also relates to a lift.

[0003] The field of the invention is defined more particularly in the preambles of the independent claims.

[0004] An elevator comprises an elevator car which moves vertically in an elevator shaft and stops at a landing. The bottom of the elevator shaft comprises a pit. Since a deep pit causes several problems for the building structure and costs to the builder, it is desirable to reduce the depth of the pit. However, elevator manufacturers need to consider reducing the depth of the pit, because safety regulations require that the risk of crushing must be prevented in the event that the elevator car moves to its lowermost position. Since maintenance needs to be carried out in each pit, at least to some extent, elevator manufacturers have designed different solutions to implement the required maintenance measures. However, the known solutions show that they contain some disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved method for carrying out maintenance measures in a pit for an elevator shaft. Another object is to provide a new and improved elevator.

[0006] The method according to the invention is characterized by the features of the independent method claim.

[0007] The lift according to the invention is characterized by the features of the independent device claim.

[0008] The idea of ​​the disclosed solution is that the method is designed for carrying out maintenance operations for an elevator comprising an elevator shaft with a pit and a guard plate device installed below the elevator car for preventing falling into the elevator shaft. The method comprises carrying out a visual inspection of the pit and carrying out maintenance measures at the pit in response to detected needs based on the visual inspection. Furthermore, the maintenance measures are carried out for a shaft with a limited depth of the elevator pit. The visual inspection starts from the lowest landing of the elevator and is carried out by means of a transparent protective element of the guard plate device without entering the pit. In other words, the maintenance operation at the pit comprises a preliminary remote inspection starting from the lowest landing and may be followed by one or more maintenance measures, tasks or actions based on the detected maintenance needs.

[0009] One advantage of the disclosed solution is that the required visual inspection can be quickly and easily performed from the lowest landing. The remote inspection is safe and the solution does not require extensive modifications to the structure of the elevator and the building. Furthermore, the disclosed guard plate device including the transparent element can be implemented in different elevators in a variety of ways and can also be retrofitted to existing elevators.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the depth of the pit is 500 mm or less. In some typical cases, the depth is 300 to 350 mm. Such a pit may be referred to as a low pit.

[0011] According to an embodiment, access to the pit is prevented from the lowest level. Thus, there may only be access to tools and other equipment, but maintenance technicians cannot enter the pit from the first platform.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the elevator comprises technical equipment and elements located at the pit and they need to be checked at least from time to time or according to a planned maintenance schedule. At least some of these technical equipment and elements may also require regular maintenance measures, such as adjustment, lubrication and component replacement. Examples of such technical equipment and elements are elevator car buffers, pulleys, counterweight buffers, limit switches, rope tension switches and possible other sensors and electronic devices. The working condition of these elements can now be visually checked from a remote location. Remote inspection is also very useful when checking the cause of the fault in the event of an elevator fault.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises moving the elevator car for visual inspection to a first maintenance position, wherein the bottom of the elevator car is above the lowermost landing and the transparent protective element of the guard plate device protects the gap between the lowermost landing and the bottom of the elevator car. In other words, by utilizing this transparent gap, the maintenance technician can check the need for maintenance actions in a safe and convenient manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the height of the transparent gap is 200 to 400 mm. A typical height of the transparent gap is 300 mm. The height of the transparent gap is defined by the protective element of the panel arrangement.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the lift may be provided with a maintenance mode to facilitate driving to the first maintenance position. The maintenance mode may comprise automatic driving to the first maintenance position.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the elevator may be provided with at least one first limit switch or sensing device for defining the position of the first maintenance position and thereby the height of the gap between the lowermost landing and the bottom of the elevator car.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises moving the elevator car from the first maintenance position in an upward direction to a second maintenance position after the visual inspection, and thereby forming a limited open gap between the lowermost end of the transparent protective element of the guard plate device and the lowermost landing. One or more additional maintenance tasks can then be performed remotely from the lowermost landing and through the open gap of the pit. In other words, the maintenance technician can perform the required maintenance actions in a safe and convenient manner by utilizing the open gap. The transparent protective element provides visibility of the target, and the open gap provides access to the pit for tools and equipment operated remotely from the lowermost landing.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the lift may be provided with a maintenance mode to facilitate driving to the second maintenance position. The maintenance mode may include automatic driving to the second maintenance position.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the lift may be provided with at least one second limit switch or sensing device for defining the position of the second maintenance position and thereby the height of the open gap between the lowermost landing and the bottom of the transparent protective element of the guard plate arrangement.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the height of the open gap is 150 to 200 mm.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the control unit of the lift can receive the sensing data from the drive system and can calculate the mentioned first maintenance position and the second maintenance position.Therefore no separate limit switches or sensing devices are required.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the solution may include an alternative solution, wherein a transparent protective element of the fender device may include one or more openings or openable portions, thereby allowing access to a tool or a remotely operable device through the protective element.

[0023] According to an embodiment, maintenance measures after the visual inspection include at least remotely removing foreign matter from the pit without entering the pit. In other words, the maintenance technicians can first check whether there is dirt, waste, dust, sand, water or lost items in the pit, and if so, they can then perform the required cleaning by removing the foreign matter using a suction action, i.e., by remotely performing vacuuming and pumping from the lowest level.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the hoses or tubes of the vacuum handling and pumping equipment can be guided to the pit through the open gap. Since the transparent gap provides good visibility for the maintenance technician, the cleaning work can be completed quickly and correctly.

[0025] According to embodiments, maintenance measures after the visual inspection can include adjustments of technical equipment or components, as well as changes of parts or entire equipment. These measures can be carried out remotely with special tools and devices, or alternatively, a maintenance technician can enter the pit through an openable floor or floor hatch of the elevator car, or through the elevator car wall, or through a hatch in the car wall, and can then carry out more complex or extensive tasks therein.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the method comprises carrying out at least one maintenance task after a visual inspection through an openable floor or floor hatch of the elevator car. The elevator car can be moved to the level of the first landing or to a desired maintenance position located at a safe distance from the bottom of the pit. The maintenance technician can then enter the pit or enter the pit through an open floor, a part of the floor or a hatch without the risk of falling. Alternatively, the elevator car can be moved so that the maintenance technician can reach the service target from the elevator car through the opening in the floor and carry out the measures without entering the pit.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises providing the guard plate device with a protective element made of a transparent plastic material. In other words, the protective element is made of a transparent plastic material. The plastic material is durable and lightweight.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the protective element is made of a polycarbonate sheet.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the protection element is made of an acrylic sheet.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the guard plate device comprises a foldable protective element made of a transparent part.For example, the structure may comprise elements that are movable relative to each other.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the protective element of the panel arrangement comprises several transparent sheets made of a transparent plastic material.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the solution relates to an elevator, comprising: an elevator shaft; an elevator car, which is supported vertically movably inside the elevator shaft; a lifting machinery and a suspension element, which are used to move and support the elevator car; a plurality of landings; a pit of the elevator shaft below the lowest landing; at least one control unit, the at least one control unit for controlling the operation of the elevator; and wherein the elevator car is provided with a guard plate device, which guard plate device comprises at least one vertically oriented protective element for preventing falling into the elevator shaft. Furthermore, the elevator is a low-pit elevator, wherein the depth of the pit below the lowest landing is 400 mm or less. The mentioned at least one vertically oriented protective element of the guard plate device is at least partially made of a transparent plastic material. And further, the control unit comprises a maintenance mode for moving the elevator car to a first maintenance position, wherein the bottom of the elevator car is located above the lowest landing, and wherein a visual inspection of the pit is possible through the transparent protective element.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the maintenance mode is configured to selectively move the elevator car upwards into a second maintenance position, wherein an open gap with a limited height is formed between the lowermost landing and the lower end of the transparent protective element.

[0034] The embodiments disclosed above may be combined to form a suitable solution having the desired above-mentioned features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Some embodiments are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic and highly simplified side view of a traction lift,

[0037] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the lower part of the elevator and of a maintenance operation carried out on the pit of the elevator shaft when the elevator car is in a first maintenance position and in a second maintenance position,

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of possible steps to be carried out during a maintenance operation,

[0039] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of some features of the guard plate equipment, and

[0040] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of some possibilities for carrying out maintenance tasks on a target at a pit after a visual inspection.

[0041] For the sake of clarity, the drawings show some embodiments of the disclosed solution in a simplified manner. In the drawings, the same reference numerals identify the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 A traction elevator 1 is disclosed which is mounted to an elevator shaft 2 of a building. The elevator 1 comprises an elevator car 3 for receiving a load to be transported. The car 3 and a counterweight assembly 4 are suspended from suspension ropes 5 passing through a hoisting machine 6. The hoisting machine 6 comprises a traction sheave 7 driven by means of an electric motor M. Friction is generated between the suspension ropes 5 and the traction sheave 7, which friction is used to transmit the hoisting power to the elevator system. The hoisting machine 6 may comprise one or more additional pulleys 8 for guiding and controlling the suspension ropes 5. The hoisting machine 6 may be located in an upper machine room 9, or alternatively, the system may be a so-called machine room-less elevator. A compensating chain or rope 10 may or may not be connected between the counterweight assembly 4 and the bottom of the elevator car 3.

[0043] The elevator car 3 can be driven to the desired landing L or floor under the control of one or more control units CU. Below the first landing or the lowest landing L1, there is a pit 11 of the shaft 2. In the pit 11 there can be a buffer 12 as well as other technical equipment. In addition, the elevator car 3 is provided with a guard plate device Ad below its bottom. The guard plate device Ad is located at the entrance side of the elevator car 3, at which is the door opening 13. The guard plate device Ad comprises at least one protective element Pe. The protective element Pe extends vertically below the bottom or door sill 14 of the elevator car 3. If the elevator car 3 stops at Figure 1 In the position shown, the guard device 13 closes the uncontrolled access to the elevator shaft 2. The guard device Ad is consistent with the embodiments and features disclosed in this document.

[0044] It should be noted that the type and operating principle of the lift 1 may be different from Figure 1 Types and working principles shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The pit and lower part of the elevator system are shown in a highly simplified manner.

[0045] exist Figure 2In the embodiment of the present invention, the elevator car 3 has been moved to a first maintenance position Mp1 in which the bottom 15 of the elevator car 3 is located above the lowest landing L1 and the protective element Pe closes the gap between the bottom 15 and the lowest landing L1. However, there is a transparent gap protection because the protective element Pe of the guard plate device Ad is made of a transparent material. The maintenance technician Mt can then visually inspect the condition of the pit 11 and the equipment therein. The visual inspection is carried out through the transparent gap. The pit 11 includes buffers 12 and possibly other equipment, which require frequent inspection and maintenance. The elevator car 3 can be driven to the first maintenance position Mp1 by means of the control unit CU and there can be a first sensing device S1 for providing sensing data about the position of the elevator car 3.

[0046] exist Figure 3 The elevator car is further moved upwards to a second maintenance position Mp2. There may be a second sensing device S2 for sensing the vertical position of the elevator car 3. An open gap 16 is formed between the lower end of the protection element Pe and the upper surface of the lowermost landing L1. Tools 17 and other maintenance equipment can be pushed into the pit 11 through the open gap 16. The maintenance technician Mt has good visibility of the pit 11 through the transparent protection element Pe and the open gap 16.

[0047] Figure 4 Some features that a maintenance operation 18 for a low pit may include are disclosed. The elevator may be connected to a maintenance mode 19, and then the elevator car may be moved 20 to a first maintenance position. A maintenance technician is located 21 on the lowermost landing, and they perform a visual inspection 22 of the pit. There is visibility 23 of the pit through a transparent guard plate, and the maintenance technician determines 24 the need for an actual maintenance task. If something needs to be done, the elevator car is raised 25 to a second maintenance position, where an open gap is formed and good visibility of the target is provided by the transparent guard plate and the open gap. Possible impurities are removed 26 from the pit by vacuuming, pumping or picking up with a suitable tool. Other maintenance measures, such as adjustments and simpler component replacements, may be performed 27 remotely. In more complex cases, the maintenance technician may enter 28 the pit via an openable bottom of the elevator car or through an openable service hatch. An alternative solution is that the maintenance actions after the inspection measures are performed through an openable hatch or a component of the floor or wall of the elevator car. When the maintenance operation is completed 29, the elevator is then connected back 30 to normal operating mode.

[0048] Figure 5 It is disclosed that the guard plate device Ad comprises one or more protection elements Pe, which are at least partially made of a transparent plastic material 31. Two suitable transparent plastic materials are also shown.

[0049] Figure 6 It is disclosed that after the visual inspection the mentioned maintenance tasks can be carried out 32 through the elevator car floor 33 or through the elevator car wall 36. There can be an openable floor 34 or a floor hatch 35, or alternatively or additionally, there can be an openable wall panel 37 or a wall hatch 38. The mentioned openable elements 34, 35, 36, 38 allow access to the pit or to objects located in the pit.

[0050] The implementation of the disclosed solution is not limited to the exemplary elevator disclosed in the attached drawings. The method can be used when performing maintenance on any type of elevator with guard plate equipment and a low pit, such as an elevator with or without a machine room, an elevator with or without a counterweight.

[0051] Thus, the disclosed solution can be implemented in a universal manner in buildings with a low pit.

[0052] The drawings and the related description are intended only to illustrate the idea of ​​the invention. In details, the invention may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for carrying out a maintenance operation (18) for an elevator (1), the elevator comprising an elevator shaft (2) having a pit (11) and a guard plate device (Ad) installed below the elevator car (3) for preventing falling into the elevator shaft (2); The method comprises: conducting a visual inspection of the pit; and In response to a need detected based on the visual inspection, performing maintenance measures on the pit (11); Features The visual inspection (22) is carried out from the lowest landing (L1) of the elevator (1) and through the transparent protective element (Pe) of the guardrail device (Ad) without entering the pit (11).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The elevator car (3) used for the visual inspection (22) is moved (20) to a first maintenance position (Mp1), wherein the bottom (15) of the elevator car (3) is located above the lowest landing (L1), and the transparent protective element (Pe) of the guard plate device (Ad) protects the gap between the lowest landing (L1) and the bottom (15) of the elevator car (3).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that After the visual inspection (22), the elevator car (3) is moved (25) from the first maintenance position (Mp1) in an upward direction to a second maintenance position (Mp2) and thereby a limited open gap (16) is formed between the lowermost end of the transparent protective element (Pe) of the guardrail device (Ad) and the lowermost landing (L1); And, at least one maintenance task (26, 27) is performed remotely from the lowermost level (L1) and through the open gap (16) for the pit (11).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that After the visual inspection (22), at least one maintenance task (26, 27) is carried out (32) via at least one of the following openable elements of the elevator car (3): floor panel (34), floor panel hatch (35), wall panel (37), wall hatch (38).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The maintenance measures (26, 27) following the visual inspection (22) include at least the remote removal of foreign matter (26) from the pit (11) without entering the pit (11).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The panel arrangement (Ad) is provided with a protective element (Pe) made of a transparent plastic material (31).

7. A lift (1), comprising: elevator shafts (2); an elevator car (3) which is supported vertically movably inside the elevator shaft (2); Hoisting machinery and suspension elements, said hoisting machinery and said suspension elements being used to move and support said elevator car (3); Multiple platforms (L); a pit (11) of the elevator shaft (2) below the lowest landing (L1); at least one control unit (CU) for controlling the operation of the lift (1); and wherein the elevator car (3) is provided with a guardrail device (Ad) comprising at least one vertically oriented protection element (Pe) for preventing falling into the elevator shaft (2); Features The at least one vertically oriented protective element (Pe) of the guard plate device (Ad) is at least partially made of a transparent plastic material (31); and The control unit (Cu) comprises a maintenance mode (19) for moving the elevator car (3) to a first maintenance position (Mp1), wherein the bottom (15) of the elevator car (3) is located above the lowermost landing (L1) and wherein a visual inspection (22) of the pit (11) can be carried out by means of the transparent protective element (Pe).

8. The lift according to claim 7, characterized in that The maintenance mode (19) is configured to selectively move the elevator car (3) upwards (25) to a second maintenance position (Mp2), wherein an open gap (16) of limited height is formed between the lowermost landing (L1) and the lower end of the transparent protective element (Pe).

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