Universal elevator

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator, in particular to a passenger elevator. Specifically, the present invention relates to an elevator comprising a car (110), an inner frame (32, 34, 36) and an outer frame, where the outer frame surrounds an elevator shaft (10) and comprises a floor (20), a first lateral surface (12), a second lateral surface (16) positioned opposite the first lateral surface, a third lateral surface (14) and a fourth lateral surface (18) positioned opposite the third lateral surface, where the first lateral surface (12) and the second lateral surface (16) face each other. The inner frame (32, 34, 36) comprises at least one first guide post (32, 170) and a second guide post (34, 172) positioned opposite the first guide post, characterized in that the inner frame (32, 34, 36) supports the weight of the car (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an elevator, in particular a passenger elevator. The elevator according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in various elevator shafts, in particular elevator shafts made of concrete or also lightweight elevator shafts, for example made of glass or aluminum. It is also very suitable for retrofitting. Background Art

[0002] As known in the art, elevators are generally installed in an elevator shaft which is part of the building shell.

[0003] European patent 921088 discloses an elevator with a typical elevator shaft. This is cast from concrete and has different access openings on its front side. The elevator car runs in the shaft. At its rear, space is provided for the lifting mechanism and the counterweight. A drive unit is arranged at the upper end of the shaft. The drive unit is connected to and supported by the shaft wall.

[0004] European patent specification 665181 discloses an open elevator shaft and an elevator car adapted to the elevator shaft. Specifically, such an elevator shaft can be produced using glass panels and corresponding support frames. This is usually done during building construction.

[0005] Japanese patent application JP 2006151625 A2 discloses an elevator with a compact guide and drive unit. The elevator comprises a car on a square base. The elevator shaft is also square. A plurality of guide elements are provided on the left and right sides of the car. Additional drive elements and guide elements are provided behind the car. This also includes a counterweight guided on the rear wall of the elevator shaft. Overall, the construction appears to save space. However, the required shaft dimensions are significantly larger than the car dimensions. Only the front region of the shaft, where the access door is also provided, is free of technical components for drive and guidance. On the rear side, the shaft must be much larger than the car, and a large gap must also be provided in the shaft to the sides of the car. This elevator is also intended for use in a shaft provided during the construction of a building.

[0006] In other cases, the elevator is retrofitted after the building has been constructed. In this case, it is common to connect the elevator shaft to the building wall.

[0007] In both cases, other constructions are usually used inside the corresponding shaft.The object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and to ensure that the elevator can be installed equally well in prefabricated (concrete) shafts or in subsequently added shafts.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an elevator construction which is compact and adaptable to many shaft types in a simple, economical manner. In particular, the elevator should be suitable both for initial equipment of a building and for renovation. Economic advantages are achieved by reducing the load-bearing capacity of the shaft walls and thereby saving building material.

[0009] This object is achieved by an elevator according to claim 1. Advantageous developments can be found in the dependent claims. Summary of the invention

[0010] The elevator according to the invention can be a passenger elevator or a freight elevator. It comprises a suitably adapted car. The passenger car will usually comprise at least a car door.

[0011] The elevator shall comprise an outer frame surrounding the elevator shaft. It thus forms the outer casing of the elevator shaft and determines its dimensions. The outer frame comprises a base, a ceiling surface, a first lateral surface, a second lateral surface positioned opposite the first lateral surface, a third lateral surface and a fourth lateral surface positioned opposite the third lateral surface. In the case where the elevator shaft is installed in a shell construction, the base plate will usually be made of stone or concrete. This also usually applies to the lateral walls with the above-mentioned lateral surfaces. It also applies to the ceiling, which closes the elevator shaft at the top along the ceiling surface, but is usually provided with ducts.

[0012] The elevator shaft can stand on a rectangular base and can therefore have a generally cuboid shape. This means that it has four lateral walls corresponding to the above-mentioned lateral surfaces. Alternatively, other shapes are possible, for example elevators are sometimes built on an isosceles octagonal base. In this case, additional lateral surfaces are added to the four lateral surfaces mentioned. In the case of a generally round shaft, the lateral surfaces can also be considered as circumferential sections on a cylindrical surface.

[0013] The outer frame can be part of the building or can be erected independently of the building. Metal structures are usually used. In the case of a cuboid elevator shaft, the metal structure usually has four corner columns, which stand on a suitable base plate and are connected at least in the upper region by a plurality of transverse struts. Such transverse struts can also support the ceiling. Depending on the height of the elevator shaft, further transverse struts may be required. The walls of the outer frame can be closed by suitable panels; metal or plastic panels can be used for this purpose. Glass panels are also often used.

[0014] The elevator should also have an internal frame. The internal frame consists of at least one first guide column and a second guide column positioned opposite the first guide column. These columns generally extend in a single piece over the entire length of the elevator shaft. However, they can also be made in several pieces. These guide columns are used in particular to guide the elevator. They thus ensure that the car moves in a fixed position in the elevator shaft independently of the lifting device. In addition to the two guide columns, the internal frame will usually include a cross connection at the upper end of these columns. This can be a transverse strut; these guide columns and the transverse struts will then form a kind of gate. The transverse connection can also be realized by a cover plate.

[0015] The inner frame can support the weight of the car. Therefore, the outer frame can be used to increase the stability of the inner frame and specifically prevent the inner frame from tilting around the rotation axis in the area of ​​the base plate. However, the outer frame does not have to bear the weight of the car either. This represents a significant deviation from conventional elevator structures. In the context of the present invention, it is possible for the outer frame to also bear a portion of the weight of the car, such as 10% or a maximum of 20% of the weight. However, usually, the inner frame will bear the entire weight of the elevator only for structural reasons. However, in most cases, the inner frame is not suitable for providing an elevator without an outer frame. In particular, the outer frame is used to statically support the inner frame, in particular to resist movement from the vertical. In addition, the lateral walls of the outer frame are used to firmly space the elevator from its surroundings. The shaft door is also usually arranged in the outer frame.

[0016] Advantageously, the first guide post and the second guide post are arranged diagonally opposite each other, more specifically at the edge of the base plate. This leaves a lot of space between the guide posts for guiding the car. If the sides of the outer frame are rectangular, the first guide post and the second guide post are usually located at the diagonal corners of the rectangle.

[0017] The inner frame can also conveniently support a drive unit. The drive unit will generally comprise a motor, generally an electric motor, and, if necessary, a transmission. The drive unit will generally additionally comprise at least one driven wheel. In the context of the present invention, it has proven convenient that the drive motor drives two wheels, which are each located in the corner regions of the outer frame, more precisely conveniently in those corner regions, in which the guide columns of the inner frame are also arranged.

[0018] A particularly convenient construction is achieved if the first guide column and the second guide column are connected via a transverse strut. This transverse strut can be made in one piece or in several pieces. A one-piece transverse strut is very practical. This essentially results in a three-part internal frame, which consists of the two guide columns and the transverse strut. All three components as well as the internal frame itself can be designed in one or more parts.

[0019] In particular, the transverse struts can also support a plurality of drive elements. In particular, the motor can be supported by the transverse struts and is usually attached to the transverse struts for this purpose. The drive shaft can also be arranged parallel to the transverse struts. The drive shaft can also be mounted on the transverse struts. Advantageously, a drive wheel is provided at one end, and it is usually even more advantageous for the elevator structure according to the invention to provide a drive wheel in each of the two end regions of the transverse struts. The end region of the transverse struts is understood to mean the outer quarter or fifth of its length. Advantageously, the transverse struts extend diagonally in the shaft, i.e. in particular on the diagonal of the rectangle or square, on which the rectangular shaft has been erected.

[0020] This construction differs significantly from the prior art. In the prior art, the drive unit is usually arranged on a wider surface, for example on an intermediate floor or a shaft ceiling. In the case of using two drive wheels, these are driven by a single electric motor via a redirection transmission, and then two drive shafts extend from the redirection transmission. However, this construction takes up a lot of space. It is particularly advantageous if only one drive shaft is required and the drive shaft can then be oriented parallel to the transverse struts. For this purpose, a motor can be used, preferably also a gearless motor, which is also mounted on or at the transverse struts.

[0021] If the inner frame supports the weight of the car and the weight of the drive unit, the outer frame does not have to bear heavy loads. This allows greater freedom of design of the outer frame. In the case of an outer frame made of concrete, concrete (or a comparable building material) can be saved. According to current knowledge, this has considerable ecological advantages. If the outer frame is erected independently of the building, it is also advantageous that the outer frame can be dimensioned in such a way that the outer frame does not have to bear heavy loads.

[0022] It is convenient if the first guide column is connected to the outer frame by at least one spacer element. Typically, a large number of spacer elements are used along the length of the elevator. For example, it may be advantageous to use a spacer element at the height of each floor. Typically, the second guide column is also connected to the outer frame by a plurality of spacer elements; advantageously, the same spacer elements are used as for the first guide column, typically also at the same height.

[0023] Such a spacer element can be formed in such a way that a length of at least 2 cm is bridged, i.e. such that the innermost point of the outer frame and the outermost point of the inner frame are 2 cm apart. It can be advantageous if this length is 5 to 10 cm, it can also be up to 20 cm, but generally no more than 30 cm is required. The elevator can also use spacer elements of different sizes so that different lengths can be bridged. In this way, irregularities in the outer frame can also be compensated. Thus, it is possible, for example, to combine the inner frame with a large number of finished building shafts and to easily compensate for structural defects.

[0024] Spacer elements which provide a mechanical connection element to the outer frame have proven to be particularly useful. These can consist of tenons or flat plates which can be easily inserted into grooves. Corresponding grooves (also continuous at all heights) can easily be provided in the outer frame. Oriented towards the shaft (i.e. towards the guide column), the spacer elements can conveniently provide a mechanical connection element of different configurations. A mounting plate is very suitable. Such a plate can have holes to accommodate screws or bolts.

[0025] It has proven convenient if the guide column is provided substantially by a T-beam. Such a T-beam itself is very rigid. The base of the "T" is particularly suitable as a guide (i.e. as a guide rail), while the shoulder of the "T" allows the column to be well fastened to the external frame. In practice, the shoulder side of the "T" is usually connected to the spacer element. (The horizontal line in the font indicates the "shoulder side").

[0026] It has proven to be advantageous to manufacture the guide columns substantially from steel. This makes them sufficiently rigid and also able to withstand the loads of the car and possibly the drive unit. Correspondingly stable guide columns make it possible to design the outer frame to be lightweight. For example, the outer frame can be made entirely or partially from aluminum. It is particularly advantageous if the corner columns of the outer frame are made from aluminum. Usually, it is sufficient to use four corner columns to produce a light and stable outer frame.

[0027] It has also proven to be convenient if at least one of the columns of the outer frame has a groove oriented towards the inner frame. If the outer frame stands on a rectangular surface, it is useful if the groove is oriented in the direction of the diagonal of the rectangle.

[0028] It is convenient that the corner posts have a square cross section. This can be selected for at least two or all corner posts. In the case of such corner posts with a square cross section, the groove can be arranged at a particularly advantageous 45 degree angle relative to the lateral surface. The orientation of this groove is then approximately towards the center of the shaft. In addition to this groove, it may be advantageous to provide a further groove or fastening element in the lateral surface (i.e. in the direction of the lateral wall).

[0029] The groove is then particularly suitable for accommodating the spacer elements by means of which the inner frame can be connected to the outer frame. However, the groove can also accommodate other guide or control elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be found in the accompanying drawings listed below and in the associated description. In the drawings and the associated description, features of the present invention are described in combination. However, these features may also be included in other combinations of the subject matter according to the present invention. Therefore, each disclosed feature is also considered to be disclosed in a combination with other features that has technical significance. Some of the drawings are slightly simplified and schematic.

[0031] Figure 1 A sketch showing a perspective view of an outer frame and an inner frame for an elevator according to the invention;

[0032] Figure 2 A plan view cross section showing an inner frame and an outer frame according to the invention and an elevator car adapted thereto;

[0033] Figure 3 Shown from Figure 2 An enlarged view of a corner column and a guide column of an elevator according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 A further horizontal cross-sectional view of an advantageous drive unit for an elevator is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional overall view of an elevator is shown, which can be used in this way within the scope of the present invention. However, various other elevator configurations can also be considered. The elevator comprises an elevator shaft 10, which is preferably erected on a rectangular base (i.e., a rectangular parallelepiped as a whole). A square base is also advantageous. The elevator shaft can be provided by the building (for example cast from concrete), or it can be constructed independently of the building using its own components. For example, the elevator shaft can be made of columns and pillars and inserted panels. Such panels can be made of plastic, metal or glass. The elevator shaft can also be configured for retrofitting existing buildings.

[0036] The elevator shaft comprises a front wall 12, followed by a lateral wall 14, followed by a rear wall 16 and a lateral wall 18 opposite the lateral wall 14. According to the shaft configuration, all lateral walls have a substantially rectangular flat shape. The lateral walls stand upright above a base 20.

[0037] An access opening is provided in the lateral walls, namely an access opening 22 at a first level in the front wall 12. An access opening 24 is arranged above this access opening in the lateral wall 18. An access opening 26 is provided as a further access opening at a higher level in the front wall 12. The access openings are usually each closed with a shaft door. All access openings can be arranged on one side, for example all in the front wall 12, or the access openings can be arranged in different lateral walls.

[0038] The elevator structure shown here even allows to provide access openings in all four shaft walls. This is not possible in conventional elevators. However, this option creates a large number of degrees of freedom for the building form. It can also decisively determine whether the elevator can be retrofitted. When retrofitting, usually only certain access directions are possible, and it can easily be the case that access on the ground floor must come from the front, but on the upper floor access is only possible from one side.

[0039] The shaft 10 is delimited at the top by a ceiling 28. However, it is entirely conceivable, in particular within the scope of the invention, to provide a shaft without a ceiling.

[0040] An internal frame 30 stands upright inside the shaft 10. It comprises a first column 32, which is arranged in one corner of the shaft. A second column 34 is arranged in the diagonally opposite corner of the shaft. The two columns are connected by a transverse strut 36, which extends diagonally in the upper region of the shaft. It can extend directly below the ceiling 28.

[0041] The transverse struts 36 may carry different components, here symbolically shown are drive rollers 38A, 38B, which are provided at the ends of the transverse struts 36 adjacent to the columns 32, 34. The transverse struts 36 may also carry a drive unit 40. The drive unit 40 will generally comprise an electric motor, which can drive these drive rollers 38 via suitable drive means, such as corresponding shafts. The drive rollers are particularly suitable for driving a toothed belt, which can raise and lower the elevator car. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0042] Figure 2 A plan view cross section of an inner frame and an outer frame and an elevator car adapted therewith according to the present invention is shown. The car 110 includes a base 112 and a first car door 140 and a second car door 146 .

[0043] The base 112 extends within the square, but is not itself a square because the corners of the square are not filled in. The car 110 is bounded by a first lateral wall 114 and a second lateral wall 116. A first access opening is located opposite the lateral wall 114. A second access opening is located opposite the second lateral wall 116.

[0044] The lateral walls 114, 116 extend toward each other at right angles, but do not touch each other. Instead, a first wide corner 122 is provided in the area where the extensions of the lateral walls will intersect. Instead, in the area where the directions of the access opening intersect, a second wide corner 124 is provided. A first short corner is provided between the lateral wall 116 and the first access opening. A second short corner is provided between the first lateral wall 14 and the second access opening.

[0045] A wall element 132 is provided between the first and second lateral walls 116. The top view shows a wide corner between the lateral walls; from the user's inside view, simply, a further wall element 132 or panel is identifiable. A corresponding wall element 134 is arranged in the second wide corner 124.

[0046] In the above-mentioned short corners, wall elements are also provided. In the first short corner, this is wall element 136. In the second short corner, this is wall element 138.

[0047] The first access opening is closed by a first car door 140. The first car door 140 comprises two leaves, namely a first leaf 142 and a second leaf 144. The car door is intended to open towards the second wide corner 124. This means that, when opening, the first leaf 142 moves a greater distance than the second leaf 144. Therefore, the first leaf 142 is often referred to as a "fast" leaf.

[0048] The second inspection opening is closed by a second car door 146. This car door has three leaves. The car door 146 comprises a third leaf 148 and a fourth leaf 150. It also comprises a fifth leaf 152. The leaves 148, 150 are also intended to open in the direction of the second wide corner 124. Therefore, the fourth wing 150 is a fast wing here. The fifth wing 152 opens in the opposite direction (i.e., towards the second short corner 128). The fifth leaf 152 is significantly shorter than the third leaf 48 and the fourth leaf 50. Alternatively, the second car door can also be designed with four leaves, wherein two leaves open in opposite directions.

[0049] The embodiment of the car thus allows the provision of short wall panels (such as 132, 134 etc.) and wide corners without adversely affecting the car when the car is in use. These can be advantageously combined with an internal frame.

[0050] The car 110 is surrounded by a first shaft wall 154 and a second shaft wall 156. Opposite the first shaft wall 154 is a third shaft wall 158 and a first shaft door 160. Opposite the second shaft wall 156 is a fourth shaft wall 162 and an adjacent second shaft door 164. The elevator car is suitable for different types of shafts, and what is shown here is a shaft constructed with corner columns, showing corner columns 166A, 166B, 166C, 166D. These corner columns are arranged in the corners of a square so that the shaft has a square base area. As explained, the base 112 is not square in shape, but is precisely spaced apart from the corners of the shaft in the corner area.

[0051] Therefore, there is room for other devices in the shaft of the wide corner of the car 110. A first guide column 170 is provided here, which is connected to the corner column 166D by a first connecting element 168. A relative guide column 172 is provided, which is connected to the corner column 166B by a connecting element 174. Each guide column provides (usually within the scope of the present invention) at least one guide rail. They can also be composed of guide rails (e.g., flat bars) or include other elements, for example, formed as T-beams. The guide columns can provide an internal frame. Therefore, the guide columns are more often referred to as guide rails. However, it is advantageous if the guide columns are self-supporting elements that do not at least need to be supported by the shaft walls and if the guide columns are supported on the shaft floor.

[0052] Figure 3 An enlarged detail of the shaft structure in the region of the corner column 166D is shown. Such a corner column can be formed as a profiled column. This makes it possible to connect the corresponding shaft walls (such as the third shaft wall 158 and the fourth shaft wall 162) well to the corner column 166D and to be supported by the corner column. The corresponding wall sections can easily be made of metal (e.g. aluminum, plastic or even glass). They can be provided with a suitable frame. Recesses can be provided for the corresponding connections. In the case of a shaft column with a generally square profile, a suitable connecting element will therefore be right-angled.

[0053] Additional connecting elements can be provided between these connecting elements, for example at an angle of 45 degrees. These additional connecting elements can be used to connect to a plurality of technical components of the shaft. For example, a groove (not described in more detail) extending at an angle of 45 degrees is provided here and accommodates the connecting element 168. The connecting element 168 carries a guide column 170.

[0054] This enlarged view highlights how the arrangement of the corner posts and guide posts creates an area in which the door leaves of the car can move in the open position. This area is shown as area 176 in hatching.

[0055] Figure 4A horizontal section through the shaft 110 of an elevator according to the invention is shown. Figure 2 The main part of the shaft structure is known. The view is from above to the shaft floor. The shaft is surrounded by a first shaft wall 154 and an adjacent and vertical second shaft wall 156. Opposite the first shaft wall 154 is a third shaft wall 158 and a first shaft door 160. Opposite the second shaft wall 156 is a fourth shaft wall 162 and a second shaft door 164. The shaft as a whole is embodied with a frame (i.e., suitable, for example, for retrofitting elevators) and is supported by corner columns. Corner columns 166A, 166B, 166C, 166D are recognizable.

[0056] Guide posts are provided in two diametrically opposed corners and can be connected to the corner posts by connecting elements. Connecting element 168 connects guide post 170 to corner post 166D. Guide post 172 is arranged opposite and connected to corner post 166B by connecting element 174.

[0057] Guide posts 170, 172 form an internal frame and correspond to Figure 1 32, 34 in the schematic diagram of the guide columns. The guide columns are formed as T-beams here. They can not only support the transverse struts in their upper area, but also serve to guide the car along its length. Therefore, the base of the T-beam points to the inside of the shaft.

[0058] This view is of the drive elements in the upper shaft region. Here a shaft 80 can be seen, which drives a first drive wheel 82 and a second drive wheel 84. A drive motor 86 for driving the shaft is schematically shown. A transmission 88 is also schematically shown, which can, however, also be omitted within the context of the present invention. Overall, within the scope of the present invention, it is quite possible to position drive elements, such as drive motors or also electrical switch boxes, etc., below the shaft ceiling provided by the outer frame.

[0059] The shaft 80 is oriented precisely along the connecting line of the guide posts 170, 172. It can therefore be easily supported by the guide posts themselves or by transverse struts attached thereto. In the context of the present invention, such an orientation of the drive shaft is generally preferred.

[0060] All in all, it is possible to see how an elevator can be constructed efficiently and ecologically, which can be used in a variety of ways and can also be easily retrofitted.

[0061] Reference numerals list

[0062] 10 Shaft

[0063] 12 Anterior wall

[0064] 14 Lateral wall

[0065] 16 Back wall

[0066] 18 Lateral wall

[0067] 20 base

[0068] 22 Inspection port

[0069] 24 Inspection ports

[0070] 26 Inspection port

[0071] 28 Ceiling

[0072] 30 Internal Frame

[0073] 32First Pillar

[0074] 34 Second Pillar

[0075] 36 lateral support

[0076] 38 Drive shaft

[0077] 40 Drive

[0078] [……]

[0079] 80 drive shaft

[0080] 82 First driving wheel

[0081] 84 Second drive wheel

[0082] 86 Motor

[0083] 88 transmission units

[0084] [……]

[0085] 110 Car

[0086] 112 Base

[0087] 114 first lateral wall

[0088] 116 second lateral wall

[0089] 118 First Inspection Port

[0090] 120 Second inspection port

[0091] 122 First wide corner

[0092] 124 Second wide corner

[0093] 126 First short corner

[0094] 128 Second short corner

[0095] 130 control elements

[0096] 132 wall elements

[0097] 134 wall elements

[0098] 136 wall elements

[0099] 138 wall elements

[0100] 140 First car door

[0101] 142 First page

[0102] 144 Second Page

[0103] 146 Second car door

[0104] 148 Page 3

[0105] 150 Page 4

[0106] 152 Page 5

[0107] 154 First shaft wall

[0108] 156 Second shaft wall

[0109] 158 Third shaft wall

[0110] 160 First Shaft Door

[0111] 162 Fourth Shaft Wall

[0112] 164 Second Shaft Door

[0113] 166 Corner Column

[0114] 168 Connecting elements

[0115] 170 guide column

[0116] 172 guide column

[0117] 174Connection elements

Claims

1. An elevator, comprising a car (110), an inner frame (32, 34, 36) and an outer frame, wherein: The outer frame surrounds the elevator shaft (10) and includes a base plate (20), a first lateral surface (12), a second lateral surface (16) positioned opposite to the first lateral surface, a third lateral surface (14) and a fourth lateral surface (18) positioned opposite to the third lateral surface, wherein the inner frame (32, 34, 36) includes at least one first guide column (32, 170) and a second guide column (34, 172) positioned opposite to the first guide column, characterized in that the inner frame (32, 34, 36) supports the weight of the car (110, 36).

2. Elevator according to the preceding claim, wherein The first guide column and the second guide column (32, 170) are arranged diagonally opposite to each other at an edge of the base plate (20) on which the outer frame stands upright.

3. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The lateral surfaces are arranged in a rectangle.

4. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inner frame (32, 34, 36) also carries the drive unit (40).

5. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inner frame (32, 34, 36) also carries two drive rollers (38A, 38B).

6. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first guide column is connected to the outer frame by at least one spacer element (168, 174).

7. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spacer elements (168, 174) are configured to bridge a length of at least 2 cm.

8. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first guide column (32, 170) and the second guide column (34, 172) are connected via a transverse support (36).

9. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A drive shaft (80) is arranged parallel to the transverse strut (36).

10. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least the first guide column (32, 170) is substantially composed of a T-beam.

11. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least the first guide post (32, 170) is substantially made of steel.

12. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The outer frame is generally made of aluminum.

13. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The outer frame includes four corner posts (166A, 166B, 166C, 166D).

14. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one corner post (166A) has lateral surfaces (178, 180) arranged around a rectangular cross-section and a groove (182) arranged at a 45 degree angle to the lateral surfaces (178, 180).

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