Elevator and procedures for maintaining the shaft of an elevator shaft

Abstract

Elevator (1) and method for performing maintenance work (52) for an elevator comprising an elevator shaft (2) with a pit (11). The elevator comprises at least one pit extension room (Es) adjacent to the shaft, located below a lowest landing (L1). The pit extension room is provided with an openable and closable hatch (H) that allows maintenance technicians (Mt) to access the pit extension room from the lowest landing. The pit extension chamber is horizontally connected to the shaft via a narrow gap (G), whereby at least the visual inspection (58) of the shaft can be carried out from the pit extension chamber without entering the pit.

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an elevator with an elevator shaft having a pit of limited depth.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for carrying out maintenance measures for an elevator in which an elevator pit of limited depth is present.

[0003] The field of the invention is more particularly defined in the preambles of the independent claims. An elevator consists of an elevator car that is vertically moved in an elevator shaft and stopped at stop positions. At the lower end, the elevator shaft contains a pit. There is a desire to reduce the depth of the shafts because deep shafts cause various problems with the building structure and incur costs for the building owners. However, with shallower shaft depths, elevator manufacturers must take into account that safety regulations prescribe that the risk of crushing must be prevented when the elevator car is brought into its lowest position. Since maintenance work is required to some extent in every shaft, elevator manufacturers have developed various solutions for carrying out the required maintenance measures.However, it has been shown that the known solutions have some disadvantages. Brief description of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a new and improved elevator with a pit of limited depth. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a new and improved method for performing maintenance measures for a shaft pit of an elevator shaft.

[0005] The elevator according to the invention is characterized by the characterizing features of the independent device claim.

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

[0007] One idea of ​​the disclosed solution is for the elevator to include at least one pit extension room adjacent to the pit. The pit extension room is located below the lowest landing and is equipped with an openable and closable hatch that allows maintenance technicians to enter the pit extension room from the lowest landing. The pit extension room is horizontally connected to the shaft via a narrow gap, allowing at least a visual inspection of the shaft from the extension room without entering the pit. In other words, the pit extension room provides a good view of the pit through the narrow open gap.

[0008] An advantage of the presented solution is that the required visual inspections can be performed quickly and easily, virtually remotely, from the pit extension room. This remote inspection is safe, and the solution is simple and fully mechanically fail-safe. The system also operates without electrical power or an electrical control system, making the solution inherently safe. Furthermore, the solution enables shaft maintenance—i.e., inspection and service—from outside the shaft, eliminating the need to open the car floor, a car wall, or a hatch on the car wall for shaft maintenance. The structure of the elevator car floor can therefore be simplified.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elevator comprises technical devices and elements in the shaft pit that must be inspected at least periodically or according to established maintenance schedules. At least some of these technical devices and elements may also require regular maintenance measures such as adjustments, lubrication, and replacement of components. Examples of such technical devices and elements include a car buffer, a rope sheave, a counterweight buffer, limit switches, rope tension switches, and possibly other sensors and electronic devices. It is now possible to visually check the operating status of these elements from the pit extension room. Remote inspection is also very useful in investigating the causes of faults in elevator failure situations.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the maintenance measures after the visual inspection may include at least the removal of foreign objects from the pit without entering the pit. In other words, the maintenance technicians can first check whether there is any dirt, debris, dust, sand, water, or lost objects in the pit. If so, they can then perform the necessary cleaning by removing the foreign objects through suction operations, i.e., suction and pumping, performed from the lowest landing.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, hoses or pipes from suction and pumping devices can be routed into the pit through the narrow opening or gap between the pit and the pit expansion chamber. This allows cleaning work to be carried out quickly and properly.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the maintenance measures following the visual inspection may include both adjustments of technical devices or elements as well as the replacement of components or entire devices. These measures can be performed remotely from the mine expansion room without entering the mine.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the floor of the mine expansion chamber is at the same level as the bottom of the shaft. This facilitates maintenance work and provides a good view of the targets to be inspected.

[0014] In one embodiment, the depth of the shaft below the lowest landing is 500 mm or less. This type of elevator may be referred to as a low pit elevator.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vertical height of the narrow gap between the pit and the pit extension space is 300 mm or less. In other words, the height of the narrow gap is selected so that maintenance technicians cannot enter the pit through the gap from the pit extension space. The narrow gap allows maintenance technicians to view the pit and use tools and other equipment from a distance from the pit extension space.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the vertical height of the narrow gap is 200 - 300 mm.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the height of the narrow gap is limited by a vertically movable limiting element, the vertical position of which can be adjusted by means of at least one adjusting element.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the limiting element is a horizontal beam or a horizontal structure located below a door threshold of the lowest landing. The height position of the limiting element can be adjusted using one or more adjusting screws. Alternative adjusting elements such as wedges and eccentrics can also be used.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the hatch of the pit extension room is provided with at least one access control device connected to an access control system of the elevator, whereby the elevator is configured to switch from a normal operating mode to a maintenance mode in response to the opening of the hatch. In other words, opening the hatch activates maintenance mode and prevents subsequent normal operation. The elevator is then controlled only by the maintenance technicians, and safe operation at the pit is possible. The intrusion of unauthorized persons into the pit extension room is prevented, and the safety of the maintenance technicians while performing their maintenance work is ensured.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the hatch can be equipped with at least one electric lock, the opening of which is signaled to the access control system. This can, for example, be a code key lock system.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hatch can be provided with at least one mechanical lock, and one or more detection devices or sensors can be present to detect the movement of the hatch. The sensor data from the sensors is forwarded to the access control system or to a security circuit.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hatch is provided with hinges and can be rotated relative to the hinges into a vertical or substantially vertical opening position and a horizontal closing position. The hinges can be arranged on an edge closest to a door opening. In this case, the hatch, in its open position, can be located adjacent to the doors of an entrance to the door opening, so that the hatch does not pose an obstacle to maintenance technicians working at the lowest landing.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the hatch is equipped with a sliding mechanism for opening and closing. The hatch can then be slid sideways and retracted after maintenance work has been completed.

[0024] In one embodiment, the hatch is designed to be removable from the surface of the lowest level to provide access to the pit expansion space. The removed hatch is reinstalled after completion of maintenance work.

[0025] In one embodiment, the pit extension space and hatch are located in front of a door opening at the lowest landing. In other words, the hatch is located in front of an elevator door in the area reserved for elevator access.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lowest holding position may have two door openings for a continuous elevator car. Then there are two door openings on opposite sides of the elevator, i.e., on the so-called A- and C-sides. In this case, the pit expansion space and the hatch may be in front of one of these opposite doors or alternatively at both doors. In other words, the pit may be in horizontal connection with one or two pit expansion spaces.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elevator car comprises a skirt assembly provided with at least one vertically oriented protective element to prevent falling into the elevator shaft from the landings. Furthermore, the protective element has a foldable structure, wherein the height of the protective element is configured to decrease when the lower end of the protective element encounters an obstacle. In other words, the skirt assembly is foldable and does not injure the maintenance technician's arms even when the elevator car moves downward during maintenance.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the elevator includes a skirt stop device configured to move below the vertical path of the skirt element of the skirt device in response to the opening of the pit extension space hatch, thereby preventing movement of the lower end of the protective element to reduce the narrow gap between the pit and the pit extension space. In other words, there is an automatically operating device that ensures that the protective element of the skirt device does not reduce the connection between the pit and the pit extension space when the elevator car is moved downward for any reason during the maintenance operation.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the apron stop device may comprise a horizontally movable sliding element connected to the hatch via a lever mechanism. The lever mechanism transmits a force to the sliding element to move it into a holding position and a rest position.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the apron stop device may comprise a manually movable element arranged transversely to the path of movement of the apron device. The maintenance technician can then switch the stop device on and off.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pit is equipped with at least one buffer supported on a horizontally movable structure, wherein the buffer can be moved from the pit into the pit extension space. In other words, the buffer can be moved away from the pit for the duration of the maintenance work, so that necessary inspections, component replacements, and other maintenance work on the buffer can be performed in the pit extension space. Afterward, the buffer can be moved back into the pit. The inspections and replacement of buffers can be performed without entering the pit.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the buffer is attached to a support element that is movable relative to a base element fixedly mounted at the bottom of the pit. In this way, the buffer is slidably mounted. Guide surfaces can be provided between the support element and the base element to control the movement of the buffer.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the buffer is attached to a support element provided with wheels.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the buffer can be manually moved between the operating position and the maintenance position by the maintenance technicians.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the buffer assembly may comprise movement means that facilitate the movement of the buffer. The movement means may comprise a gripping element that extends close to the pit extension space so that it is easy for the maintenance technician to grasp. Alternatively, a cable or belt system may be provided to perform the movement. Another possibility is a hinge mechanism for transmitting the movement to the buffer.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the buffer can be locked in the operating position by a screw fastening, alternatively quick coupling means can be provided.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elevator is equipped with a rescue movement system for moving the elevator car from outside the elevator shaft without entering the pit. Furthermore, the rescue movement system is equipped with a transmission system for transmitting the motive force generated in the pit extension space to the elevator car or to a counterweight assembly of the elevator. In other words, the elevator car is forcibly moved by the rescue movement system when the elevator is without power and when the elevator car is in a so-called equilibrium situation, when it does not move under the influence of gravity after the elevator car brakes are manually released. The elevator car can be moved without requiring access to the top of the elevator car or into the pit.The solution offers a safe and practical solution for rescuing trapped people in such special balance situations.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elevator is a traction sheave elevator with a counterweight assembly. The rescue movement system comprises at least one flexible element, e.g., a belt, a strap, or a rope, for connecting the lower part of the elevator car and the counterweight assembly. The rescue movement system further comprises at least one pulley or idler mounted on the pit, over which the flexible element runs. The idler pulley is configured to be rotated by the force generated externally at the pit extension space. The idler pulley can be rotated to pull the elevator car downward, or the idler pulley can be rotated to pull the counterweight assembly downward, thereby moving the elevator car upward. There may be several alternative ways to rotate the pulley from the pit extension space.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rescue movement system comprises: at least one flexible transmission element, such as a rope or a belt, coupled to the elevator car, at least one pulley mounted on the pit, and a shaft selectively connectable to the pulley to transmit the torque generated in the pit extension space to the pulley and further via the flexible transmission element to the elevator car.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the shaft can be supported on the pit and have a coupling end facing away from the pit (toward the pit expansion space). A ratchet tool or cordless screwdriver can then be connected to the shaft to generate the required torque.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, a clutch mechanism may be provided to select when the shaft is connected to the pulley and when it is in its normal idle position. The clutch mechanism may comprise gearing at a first end of the shaft and a spring urging the shaft away from the gearing of a pulley, i.e., toward the idle position. The shaft may be axially displaced against the force of the spring to couple the gears and thereby place the clutch mechanism in the rescue position. The shaft must be axially pressed while the torque is being transmitted. When the required car movement is achieved, the spring force automatically returns the shaft to its rest position.

[0042] The invention also relates to a method for performing maintenance work for an elevator comprising an elevator shaft with a pit, the method comprising: performing a visual inspection for the pit; and performing maintenance measures for the pit in response to the determined need based on the visual inspection; performing the maintenance measures for the pit with limited depth. The method further comprises entering a pit extension space located below the lowest landing and in horizontal communication with the pit from a lowest landing or floor via an openable and closable hatch; and performing at least the visual inspection from the pit extension space without entering the pit.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises preventing maintenance technicians from entering the pit from the pit extension space through a narrow gap of vertically limited height.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises cleaning the pit and removing foreign objects from the pit extension space without entering the pit.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises automatically switching the elevator from a normal operating mode to a maintenance mode in response to the detected opening of the hatch.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises arranging the hatch on the lowest landing in front of a door opening of the elevator car.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises moving the elevator car upward to a maintenance position in which the floor of the elevator car is above the level of the lowest landing. In other words, the elevator car is moved upward to provide more vertical space in the pit to facilitate the maintenance process. Additional solutions - two auxiliary inventions

[0048] This application discloses the following two auxiliary solutions, which may not correspond to the present solution claimed in the independent claims. However, these auxiliary inventions may include the same additional features and embodiments disclosed above in this application.

[0049] A first auxiliary invention: A buffer arrangement for an elevator, wherein the buffer assembly comprises at least one buffer and mounting means for attaching the buffer assembly to a pit of a shaft of the elevator; characterized in that the mounting means comprise at least one horizontally movable structure, whereby the buffer can be moved laterally out of the pit for carrying out maintenance work.

[0050] In other words, the buffer assembly can be loosened or removed and then moved or pulled into the maintenance area in the pit extension room.

[0051] According to an elevator policy, elevators must be equipped with buffers under the elevator cabins. As safety components, these buffers must be regularly inspected. For this purpose, there is a special buffer attachment system that enables the buffers to be inspected and, if necessary, replaced from the pit expansion space, which serves as an inspection and maintenance area.

[0052] In this system, the buffer and a buffer attachment plate can be attached to a rod (e.g., a flat rod) that can slide along a rail profile (e.g., a C-rail profile). Then, the entire buffer arrangement can be detached or removed (e.g., via screw or bolt connection) and moved or pulled into the service area at the pit expansion space.

[0053] A second auxiliary invention: A rescue movement system for moving an elevator car of an elevator in an elevator shaft without using a hoisting machine of the elevator; characterized in that the rescue movement system includes a transmission system for transmitting the movement force from a location outside the elevator shaft and without entering the shaft pit.

[0054] In other words, the rescue and movement system is designed to move the elevator car to rescue trapped persons without entering the pit. The solution is particularly suitable for rescuing trapped persons in elevators with low shaft pits and low headroom (e.g., in a balanced situation). A rescue rope or harness system allows the car to be moved from outside the pit, allowing a maintenance technician to work from the maintenance area, such as a pit extension room. The device can operate autonomously because it does not require electrical power from a power grid and is not dependent on the elevator's hoisting machinery.

[0055] The embodiments described above can be combined to form suitable solutions having the above-mentioned features that are required. Short description of the characters

[0056] Some embodiments of the invention are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a schematic and highly simplified side view of a traction sheave elevator, Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the lower part of a lift provided with a pit extension room for carrying out maintenance operations, Fig. 3 a schematic side view of a pit extension room provided with an openable hatch, Fig. 4 a schematic side view of a pit extension room provided with an apron stopper, Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of a pit provided with a movement mechanism for moving a buffer in a lateral direction to a pit extension space, The Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 schematic views of the movable systems of buffer arrangements in the direction of transfer movement, Fig. 8 a schematic representation of possible features of a buffer arrangement, Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of a rescue movement arrangement for moving an elevator car in a so-called equilibrium situation, Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of a rescue movement device operable from a mine extension room, Fig. 11 is a schematic side view of a rescue movement device which can be selectively activated to move an elevator car, Fig. 12 a schematic diagram of possible features of a rescue movement system, and Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of some features and steps related to maintenance operations performed on a low pit elevator.

[0057] For reasons of clarity, the figures show some exemplary embodiments of the described solution in a simplified form. In the figures, like reference numerals denote like elements. Detailed description of some embodiments of the invention

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a traction sheave elevator 1 mounted in conjunction with an elevator shaft 2 of a building. The elevator 1 comprises an elevator car 3 for receiving the load to be transported. The car 3 and a counterweight assembly 4 are suspended from a suspension cable 5 running over a hoisting machine 6. The hoisting machine 6 comprises a traction sheave 7 driven by an electric motor M. Friction is created between the suspension cable 5 and the traction sheave 7, which is used to transmit the lifting force to the elevator system. The hoisting machine 6 may comprise one or more additional pulleys 8 for guiding and controlling the suspension cable 5. The hoisting machine 6 may be located in an upper machine room 9; alternatively, the system may be a so-called machine room-less elevator. A compensation chain or compensation rope 10 may, but need not, be arranged between the counterweight assembly 4 and a floor of the elevator car 3.

[0059] The elevator car 3 can be moved to the desired stops L or floors under the control of one or more control units CU. Below a first or lowest stop L1 there is a shaft pit 11 of the shaft 2. Buffers 12 and other technical equipment can be located in the pit 11. Furthermore, the elevator car 3 is provided with an apron device Ad extending below its floor. The apron device Ad is located on an entrance side of the elevator car 3, where a door opening 13 is located. The apron device Ad comprises at least one protective element Pe. The protective element Pe extends vertically below the floor of the elevator car 3 or a door threshold 14. If the elevator car 3 is in the Fig. 1, the apron device 13 closes the uncontrolled access to the elevator shaft 2.

[0060] It is noted that the type and operating principle of the elevator 1 differs from that shown in Fig. 1. The figures show the pit and the lower part of the elevator system in a highly simplified form.

[0061] In Fig. 2, an elevator car 3 has moved into a maintenance position Mp, in which a floor 15 of the elevator car 3 is located above a lowest landing or floor access L1 and a protective element Pe closes a gap between the floor 15 and the lowest landing L1. A sensing device S can be present which supplies sensing data on the position of the elevator car 3 to a control unit. At the front of a door entrance 16 of one of the lowest landings L1 there is an openable and closable hatch H. Below the hatch H there is a pit extension room Es, which is thus located next to a pit 11 and has a passage to the pit 11 through a narrow gap G. This allows a maintenance technician Mt to visually inspect the condition of the pit 11 and the equipment located therein. The visual inspection is carried out from a distance through the narrow gap G.Pit 11 includes a buffer 12 and possibly other devices that require periodic inspection and maintenance. The height of the narrow gap is limited, so that the maintenance technician Mt cannot enter pit 11 from the pit extension space Es, but only has a view of pit 11 and access for arms and tools through the narrow gap G.

[0062] A protective element Pe of an apron device Ad has a foldable or telescopic structure, and the height of the protective element Pe may decrease when the lower end of the protective element Pe faces or hits an obstacle such as an arm when the elevator car 3 moves downward for any reason during maintenance work.

[0063] Out of Fig. 3 shows that a hatch H is located at the door entrance 16 and can be folded from a closed to an open position relative to the hinges 17. The hinges 17 can be located near the elevator doors 18, allowing the hatch H to lie next to the elevator doors 18 when folded into the open position. The hatch H can comprise a locking system 19 to prevent unauthorized access to the pit extension space Es. The locking system 19 can comprise a mechanical lock or an electric lock with an access code or an opening indicator. The aforementioned locking system 19 and the sensor 20 can be part of an access control device 21 that is connected to the access control system AS and the control unit CU of the elevator.The opening of hatch H is then detected and forwarded to the access control system AS, whereupon the control unit CU switches the elevator from a normal operating mode to a maintenance mode.

[0064] A narrow gap G between the pit 11 and the pit expansion space. It may be fixed, or the vertical dimensions of the gap G may be adjustable. If adjustable, a vertically movable limiting element 22 may be provided, the vertical position of which can be adjusted by means of adjusting elements, such as screws. The limiting element 22 may be arranged under a door sill 23 or other suitable fixed structure above the gap G. The limiting element 22 may be a strut, a telescopically extendable structure, or another adjustable or movable part, plate, or structure.

[0065] Fig. Figure 4 shows that an elevator car 3 may have a skirt device AD ​​below its floor 15, and that a protective element Pe of the skirt device Ad may have a foldable structure, which may, for example, comprise telescopic or sliding elements. If such a foldable protective element Pe faces or encounters an obstacle, the vertical height of the protective element Pe may decrease. The solution may also comprise a skirt stop device 24 configured to move below the vertical path of movement of the protective element Pe of the skirt device Ad in response to the opening of the hatch H of the pit extension space Es. This prevents movement of the lower end of the protective element Pe to reduce the narrow gap G between a pit 11 and the pit extension space Es. The skirt stop device 24 may comprise a movable stop element 25, e.g.a strut, plate or panel which can rotate or slide when the hatch H is folded into its open position T. In . Fig. 4, the stop element 25 is arranged to rotate from the vertical to the horizontal position when a rotational force is transmitted thereto by means of a rod 26 connected to the hatch H.

[0066] Fig. Figure 5 shows the pit 11 with the buffer 12 mounted on a laterally movable structure 27, allowing the buffer 12 to be moved from its operating position at the pit 11 to the pit extension space Es for inspections and other maintenance. The buffer 12 and the laterally movable structure 27 may form a buffer assembly BA. The buffer assembly BA may be loosened or released and then pulled to a maintenance area in the pit extension space Es.

[0067] The laterally movable structure 27 may comprise a guide element 28 attached to the floor of the pit 11 and a sliding element 29 or carriage movably arranged relative to the guide element 28. After loosening locking elements 30, such as screws, the sliding element 29 can be pulled together with the buffer 12 into the pit expansion space Es or at least close to it. The sliding element 29 may be provided with a handle 31 or a corresponding element to facilitate the sliding movement.

[0068] Fig. 6 shows the buffer arrangement BA, in which a buffer 12 is mounted on the sliding element 29, which is supported on the guide element 28 with a C-profile.

[0069] Fig. 7 shows the buffer arrangement BA, in which the buffer 12 is mounted on a support element 32 provided with rollers 33, which is supported on the guide element 28 with a U-profile.

[0070] In some alternative solutions, the laterally movable structures 27 of the Fig. 5 to 7 can also be modified such that the guide elements 28 are omitted. Then, the sliding elements 29 or support elements 32 are moved on the floor surface of the pit 11, and the position of the locking elements 30 and their counter elements arranged on the floor of the pit 11 of the pit extension space ES determines the operating position of the buffer 12. In other words, the fastening of the buffer assembly BA can be released, and the buffer 12 can be freely moved or pulled into the pit extension space for inspection and maintenance. Thereafter, the buffer assembly BA is pushed back and brought into its original operating position and locked.

[0071] In Fig. Figure 8 shows some features of the buffer assembly BA. The buffer assembly BA may comprise one or more buffers 12 for an elevator car and for a counterweight. The buffer assembly BA further comprises fastening means 34, such as fastening and locking means, and further comprises one or more horizontally or laterally movable structures 27. The buffer assembly BA can then be moved 35 out of the pit by moving it 36 ​​into the pit extension space or 37 into another space located laterally of the shaft. Another possibility is to relocate the buffer assembly BA within the shaft to a position that is easier to reach from outside the shaft when carrying out maintenance work.

[0072] Fig. 9 shows the lower part of the elevator 1, which is equipped with a rescue travel system 39 for moving the elevator car 3 from outside the elevator shaft 2 without entering the pit. The rescue travel system 39 is equipped with a transmission system 40 for transmitting the motive force generated in the pit extension space Es to the elevator car 3. The rescue movement system 39 can comprise at least one flexible transmission element 41 coupled to the elevator car 3, e.g., a rope or a belt, at least one pulley 42 mounted on the shaft, and a shaft 43 selectively connectable to the pulley 42 for transmitting the torque generated in the pit extension space Es to the pulley 42 and further, via the flexible transmission element 41, to the elevator car 3. In a traction sheave elevator, the flexible transmission element 41 is arranged to couple the elevator car 3 and a counterweight 4.If the counterweight 4 is pulled downward, the elevator car can be moved upward toward an upper floor for rescue; alternatively, the elevator car 3 is moved downward toward a lower floor for rescue. The decision as to whether the elevator car 3 or the counterweight 4 is moved downward is made, for example, based on the position of the elevator car 3. The force for moving or pulling can be applied using standard hand tools 44.

[0073] Fig. Figure 10 discloses a transmission system 40 of the rescue movement system 39 and includes a shaft 43 supported on the floor of the pit 11 and having a coupling end 45 pointing away from the pit 11, i.e., toward the pit expansion space Es. A tool can then be connected to the shaft 43 to generate the required torque. An opposite end of the shaft 43 can be provided with a coupling mechanism, which can be selectively connected to a gear 46 or directly to transmission elements of a pulley 42. The coupling mechanism is normally in a neutral position.

[0074] Fig. 11 shows that the coupling mechanism of the shaft 43 of the rescue motion system 39 can include a gear 47 at a first end of the shaft 43 and a spring 48 to urge the shaft 43 away from a gear 46 of a pulley 42, i.e., in the direction of the rest position. The shaft 43 can be axially displaced against the force of the spring 48 to couple the gears and thus bring the coupling mechanism into the rescue position. The shaft 43 must be axially pressed to transmit the torque. When the required movement for the elevator car is reached, the shaft 43 is automatically returned to the rest position by the spring force. A ratchet tool or a power screwdriver 49 can be connected to a coupling end 45 of the shaft 43.

[0075] In Fig. Figure 12 illustrates some features of the rescue movement system 39. The system includes a transmission system 40 that can be operated from a location outside a pit and does not employ the normal lifting machinery of an elevator. The transmission system 40 includes a flexible transmission element 41, such as a belt or a rope. The torque required for the transmission system 40 is generated using portable hand tools 50, such as handheld or battery-operated hand tools. The disclosed system can be used to move the elevator car 51 from equilibrium either upwards or downwards, depending on where the elevator car is located relative to the landings.

[0076] Fig.Figure 13 shows some features that a maintenance operation 52 for a low shaft pit may include. An elevator can be placed in a maintenance mode 53, and the elevator car can then be moved 54 into a maintenance position above the lowest landing. The maintenance technicians are located 55 on the lowest floor and can 56 open the pit extension room hatch and then 57 at least partially enter the room. The maintenance technicians can carry out a visual inspection 58 of the shaft. The pit is visible through a gap 59, and the maintenance technicians can 60 determine the need for actual maintenance work. If something needs to be done, this further action 61 can be carried out through the gap. Arms and tools can enter the pit through the gap 62. Possible foreign objects are removed 63 from the pit by suction, pumping, or picking them up with suitable tools.It is also possible to perform 64 other maintenance tasks remotely, such as adjustments and simple component replacements. For more complicated tasks, maintenance technicians 65 can relocate components from the shaft to or near the pit extension room. Movable elements 66 may be provided to facilitate the transfer of components. After all maintenance tasks 67 are completed, the hatch 68 can be closed and the elevator 69 can be returned to normal operating mode.

[0077] The implementation of the disclosed solution and embodiments is not limited to the example elevator shown in the figures. The solution can be used when performing maintenance work on any type of elevator with a low shaft pit, e.g., an elevator with or without a machine room, an elevator with or without a counterweight. Thus, the described solution can be used in a variety of ways in buildings with low shafts. The drawings and the associated description serve merely to illustrate the idea of ​​the invention. The invention may vary in its details within the scope of the claims.

Claims

[1] An elevator (1) consisting of: an elevator shaft (2); an elevator car (3) which is supported vertically movable in the elevator shaft (2); a lifting machine and suspension elements for moving and supporting the elevator car (3); multiple stops (L); a pit (11) of the lift shaft (2) below the level of a lowest landing (L1); at least one control unit (CU) for controlling the operation of the elevator (1); and wherein the depth of the pit (11) is limited below the lowest stop (L1); characterized by , that the lift (1) has at least one pit extension room (Es) next to the pit (11) and below the lowest stop (L1); wherein the pit extension room (Es) is provided with an openable and closable hatch (H) allowing maintenance technicians (Mt) to access the pit extension room (Es) from the lowest landing (L1); and the pit extension space (Es) is horizontally connected to the pit (11) via a narrow gap (G), whereby at least the visual inspection of the shaft (11) can be carried out from the pit extension space (Es) without entering the pit (11). [2] Elevator according to claim 1, characterized by that the maximum vertical height of the narrow gap (G) between the pit (11) and the pit extension space (Es) is 300 mm. [3] Elevator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the height of the narrow gap (G) is limited by a vertically movable limiting element (22), the vertical position of which can be adjusted by means of at least one adjusting element. [4] Elevator according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized by in that the hatch (H) of the pit extension space (Es) is provided with at least one access control device (21) connected to an access control system (AS) of the elevator (1), whereby the elevator (1) is configured to switch from a normal operating mode to a maintenance mode in response to the opening of the hatch (H). [5] Elevator according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the pit extension room (Es) and the hatch (H) are located in front of a door opening (16) at the lowest stop (L1). [6] Elevator according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the elevator car (3) comprises an apron device (Ad) which is provided with at least one vertically oriented protective element (Pe) to prevent falling into the elevator shaft (2) from the landings (L); and wherein the protective member (Pe) has a foldable structure, the height of the protective member (Pe) being configured to decrease when a lower end of the protective member (Pe) faces an obstacle. [7] Lift according to claim 6, characterized by in that the elevator comprises an apron stop device (24) configured to move below the vertical movement path of the apron element (Pe) of the apron device (Ad) in response to the opening of the hatch (H) of the pit extension space (Es), preventing movement of the lower end of the protective element (Pe) to reduce the narrow gap (G) between the pit (11) and the pit extension space (Es). [8] Elevator according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat the pit (11) is provided with at least one buffer (12) which is carried by a laterally movable structure (27), whereby the buffer (12) can be moved from the pit (11) to the pit extension space (Es). [9] Elevator according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the elevator (1) is equipped with a rescue movement system (39) to move the elevator car (3) from outside the elevator shaft (2) without entering the pit (11); and wherein the rescue movement system (39) is provided with a transmission system (40) for transmitting the movement force generated at the pit extension space (Es) to the elevator car (3). [10] Elevator according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the depth of the pit (11) below the lowest landing (L1) is not more than 500 mm. [11] A method for carrying out maintenance work (52) for an elevator (1) having an elevator shaft (2) with a pit (11) of limited depth; and wherein the method comprises: Carrying out a visual inspection (58) for the pit (11); and Carrying out maintenance measures (61, 63, 64) for the pit (11) in response to the identified need based on the visual inspection (58); characterized by following steps: Entering (57) a pit extension space (Es) located below the lowest stop (L1) and horizontally connected to the pit (11) from a lowest stop (L1) via a hatch (H) that can be opened and closed; and carrying out at least the visual inspection (58) from the pit extension room (Es) without entering the pit (11). [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized byPreventing the entry of maintenance technicians (Mt) from the pit extension room (Es) into the pit (11) by means of a narrow gap (G) with a vertically limited height. [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by Cleaning the pit (11) and removing foreign bodies (63) from the pit extension space (Es) without entering the pit (11). [14] Method according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 13, characterized by Automatic switching of the elevator (1) from a normal operating mode to a maintenance mode in response to detecting the opening of the hatch (H). [15] Method according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterized by arranging the hatch (H) on the lowest landing (L1) in front of an access door (16) of the elevator car (3). [16] Method according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 15, characterized by moving (54) the elevator car (3) in the upward direction into a maintenance position (Mp) in which a floor (15) of the elevator car (3) is above the level of the lowest landing (L1).

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