Lifting system for goods lifts and goods lift with lifting system

Abstract

Lifting system for a discontinuous elevator, comprising a frame part and a support structure configured for lifting or lowering relative to the frame part, wherein a drive unit is mounted on the frame part, comprising an electric motor with a drive shaft provided with a gear, and a chain configured to move over the gear and thereby lift or lower the support structure, characterized in that - the lifting system has an open roller chain with two ends; - on one side, the bearing side of the gear, one end of a bearing section of the chain is connected to and supports the supporting structure; - on the other side, the loop side of the gear, the other end of a loop section of the chain is connected to a fixed part of the lift; - the loop section can hang freely downwards, forming a loop under the influence of gravity; - the chain is set up to engage with the teeth of at least the upper half of the gear; - the loop section is designed to form a loop that becomes longer when the supporting structure is lifted and a loop that becomes shorter when it is lowered.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to elevators, and in particular to (industrial) goods elevators. More specifically, the invention relates to a lifting system for a discontinuous goods elevator and various safety devices for the lifting system or for the goods elevator. BACKGROUND

[0002] Industrial freight elevators, hereinafter referred to as goods elevators, are specialized types of elevators designed for the transport of (heavy) goods within industrial facilities such as warehouses, factories, distribution centers and production plants.

[0003] A commonly used type of goods elevator is the discontinuous elevator, i.e., an elevator that travels up and down the same path. A suitably designed drive mechanism is configured to raise or lower a support structure such as a lifting cage or loading platform—suitable for transporting goods and, in many cases, people. This is in contrast to, for example, a paternoster elevator. In the following, a goods elevator is defined as a discontinuous elevator designed for transporting goods, products, and / or people (usually personnel) from one level to another, preferably in a commercial or industrial environment.

[0004] These elevators are crucial for the quick and efficient transport of materials, equipment, and products between different floors of a building or within large spaces. This leads to increased productivity and smoother workflows in industrial environments.

[0005] To handle heavy loads, goods lifts are equipped with robust mechanisms, including powerful motors, sturdy steel frames, and reinforced loading platforms to support the weight of heavy loads.

[0006] Goods lifts are equipped with various safety devices, including overload protection systems, emergency braking systems, fall protection devices, and protective grilles or cages, particularly to prevent accidents and injuries.

[0007] By efficiently utilizing vertical space, goods elevators help optimize floor space within industrial facilities. This is particularly beneficial in warehouses and distribution centers, where space is often limited, allowing companies to maximize their storage capacity and operational efficiency.

[0008] Many goods elevators use a lifting system that works with one or more chains, a gear structure, a transmission and an (electric) motor.

[0009] The advantage of using chains lies in their strength and durability. Here are some important aspects related to chains in goods elevators: Chains used in goods elevators are typically designed for heavy loads. They must withstand the weight of the transported loads. They generally provide efficient power transmission, resulting in smooth and reliable operation of the goods elevator. Chains are made of high-quality materials such as steel or special alloys to ensure the strength and durability required for use in demanding industrial environments. This makes them more wear-resistant and durable than other drive systems such as belts or gears.

[0010] A typical chain for a goods elevator works as follows: A motor, usually an electric motor, provides the drive power for the elevator. The motor is connected to a drive system that drives a closed chain. In existing designs, the chain typically runs over gears (rollers) located at the top and bottom of the elevator shaft, with the chain forming a closed loop. The chain is attached to the support structure. As the chain moves, the elevator car moves up or down depending on the direction of rotation of the motor.

[0011] A control system regulates the elevator's movement, including speed, direction, and stopping positions. This system receives signals, for example, from buttons in the elevator shaft and on each floor, to move the elevator to the desired position. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The objective is to provide a lifting system for goods elevators that can improve the guidance and, in general, the use of a chain. The objective is also to design such a lifting system in such a way that the chain-driven movement can be carried out in a particularly safe manner.

[0013] The invention relates to a lifting system for a discontinuous elevator, i.e., a goods elevator as defined above, comprising a drive unit permanently mounted on the elevator and an (electric) motor. A gear and / or further transmission system drives an open chain, preferably a roller chain, around a gear that is rotatably mounted on the elevator and located above a support structure, such as a lifting cage, which can be moved up and down. On one side (support side) of the gear, a support section of the chain is connected to the support structure. On the other side (loop side) of the gear, a loop section of the chain can hang freely downwards, forming a loop or sling. The loop is created by gravity and becomes longer as the elevator moves upwards and shorter as it moves downwards, with the length of the loop depending on the lifting height of the support structure.

[0014] A conventional roller chain system forms a complete circulating loop. Tensioning this chain can reduce the risk of the chain slipping off the sprockets or jumping over the teeth.

[0015] The present invention proposes the use of a roller chain that runs over the sprocket and hangs in a loop on one side. The advantage is that the chain does not need to be retensioned when it stretches.

[0016] The loop, which extends as the lifting cage is raised, increases its weight as it grows, ensuring that the chain automatically remains taut, is pressed firmly into the teeth of the sprocket, and does not skip, slip, or run sideways. To further improve the system, some additional measures are suggested below.

[0017] The lifting system is suitable for both a goods lift with a frame structure enclosing a lifting cage - preferably designed as a self-supporting goods lift with a (fully) lockable lifting cage - and for a so-called mast goods lift, which is often equipped with an open cage or a simple protective grille.

[0018] The lifting system according to the invention offers many advantages. By using an open chain and a tensioning system that utilizes gravity, a separate chain tensioner is not required. Thanks to the open chain, it can also be removed or replaced relatively easily for maintenance purposes.

[0019] If, according to the present invention, reference is made to goods lift, discontinuous lift, or freight lift, this is to be understood as a synonym for the generic lifts described here.

[0020] The invention is described below in various aspects and embodiments. First aspect

[0021] The invention relates to a lifting system for a discontinuous elevator, comprising a frame part and a supporting structure designed to be raised or lowered relative to the frame part, wherein: • a drive unit comprising an electric motor shaft with a gear is mounted on the frame part; • a chain is provided which moves over the gear wheel and thereby raises or lowers the supporting structure; • the lifting system has an open roller chain with two ends; • on one side of the gear (support side) one end of a support section of the chain is connected to the support structure; • on the other side of the gear (loop side) the other end of a loop section of the chain is connected to a fixed part of the elevator; • the loop section can hang freely downwards due to gravity; • the chain is designed in such a way that it engages securely with the teeth of at least the upper half of the gear; • the loop section is designed to lengthen when the supporting structure is raised and to shorten when it is lowered. First embodiment:

[0022] The lifting system is designed for use in a self-supporting goods lift with a shaft or frame enclosing a lifting cage or for use in a mast goods lift. Second embodiment:

[0023] The sprocket is shielded with a chain shackle that prevents the chain from jumping over or running off the sprocket. Third embodiment:

[0024] A guide is provided directly behind the gear to prevent the chain from getting caught in the teeth of the gear and being pulled along by the gear. Fourth embodiment:

[0025] One or more dampers are mounted below the sprocket and on the chain to dampen vibrations and / or oscillations of the chain. The damper preferably comprises a plastic guide block. Second aspect

[0026] A discontinuous elevator is configured with the lifting system according to the invention. First embodiment:

[0027] The elevator comprises a frame section with a mounted lifting system and a supporting structure with doors, whereby the lifting system raises or lowers the supporting structure relative to the frame section. Second embodiment:

[0028] The frame section comprises supporting profiles or beams equipped with a guide system to guide the supporting structure during lifting and lowering. The guide system includes flanged rollers with adjustable spacing. Third embodiment:

[0029] The elevator is designed to be stored, transported, and installed in parts. The elevator parts can be stacked together to form the elevator. Fourth embodiment:

[0030] The elevator includes corner profiles of the shaft that function as a guide system with adjustable flange rollers to guide the supporting structure. Third aspect

[0031] The invention also relates to a fall protection device for a generic elevator, comprising a housing, a spring-loaded locking pawl, and an electromagnet capable of retracting the locking pawl against the spring pressure. An edge attached to the support structure is configured to overcome the locking pawl during lifting, while the locking pawl can be retracted in a controlled manner to prevent the support structure from sinking. Fourth aspect

[0032] The invention also relates to a locking device for a generic elevator, which comprises a rod mechanism with a pin-groove construction for operating one of the two doors. Fifth aspect

[0033] The invention also relates to a door lock for a generic elevator, which is equipped with at least two switches to detect whether the door is locked before the lifting cage is raised or lowered. Sixth aspect

[0034] The invention also relates to a measuring system for overload warning of a lifting cage and / or for detecting a chain break, in each case in a generic elevator. Seventh aspect

[0035] The invention also relates to a measuring system for a generic elevator with at least two chains, which enables an overload warning for the lifting cage and / or chain breakage detection. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0036] The invention is described in more detail in the following drawing figures. Reference numbers not explicitly described in a particular drawing figure refer to the other drawing figures. The detailed views each refer to a lifting system described here, an elevator equipped therewith, or components of such an elevator. Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a lifting system as installed in an exemplary freight elevator. Fig. 2 shows a side view of a detail of the lifting system. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a lifting system as installed in an exemplary self-supporting freight elevator shaft. Fig. 4 shows a perspective detailed view of a drive unit. Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a lifting mast as an alternative to a self-supporting freight elevator. Fig. 6 shows a perspective detailed view of the drive unit according to Fig. 5. Fig. 7 shows a detailed side view of a drive unit. Fig. 8 shows a front view of the chain guide means according to Fig. 7. Fig. 9 shows a front view of a fall protection mechanism. Fig. 10 shows a plan view of a locking stop or locking mechanism for double doors. Fig. 11 shows a top view of the locking stopper in the open door position. Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of an elevator shaft consisting of stacked, connectable elevator elements of a self-supporting freight elevator. Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a coupling between stackable elevator elements. Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the connection between two lifting elements of a lifting mast. Fig. 15 shows a perspective front view of a door lock. Fig. Figure 16 shows a detailed plan view of a group of door locks. Fig. 17 shows a bottom view of a guidance system. Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of a guide mechanism. Fig. Figure 19 shows a cross-section of a weighing mechanism of a self-supporting freight elevator. Fig. 20 shows a front view of a weighing mechanism of a lifting mast. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0037] To facilitate understanding of the drawing figures, a list of reference numbers (reference symbols) with a brief description of each follows: 100 Lifting system according to the invention 101 Drive unit 102 Electric motor 103 Attachment point of the loop section 202 of the chain 200 on the freight elevator 300 104 Main gear 105 Power transmission from the drive unit to the main gear 104 106 Chain bracket / protective cover for the main gear 104 and the chain 200 107 Drive shaft 108 Bearing housing of bearing 109 109 Drive shaft bearing 107 111 Leading fingers 120 control unit 200 chain, consisting of sections 201 and 202 201 Supporting section of the chain 200, which hangs from the supporting side of the main gear 104 downwards to the supporting structure 400 202 Loop section of the chain 200, which runs from the loop side of the main gear 104 to the attachment point 103 on the freight elevator 203 Lowest point of the loop section 202 300 Self-supporting goods lift or freight lift / mast freight lift / lift shaft 300a Lower part of elevator 300 300b Upper part of elevator 300 301 Mounting flange for elevator parts 300a,b 302 Frame or column of the goods lift, lifting mast or lift shaft 300 303 Fall protection 304 Edge of the lifting cabin for fall protection 303 310a,b positioning pin 320 control panel 400 supporting structure (lifting cabin) 401 Attachment point of the chain 200 to the supporting structure 400 405 Housing of the retraction mechanism for cam 406 406 cam 410 locking mechanism or door stop or closing stop 411 Pivot point 412 Door stop rod 410 413 pin-slot mechanism 414 Right Door 415 Door lock 416 Left Door 500 door lock 501 locking module 502 Second switch 503 levers 504 door bolts 505 torsion spring 520a-d Lifting car guide mechanism of the self-supporting freight elevator 521 Adjustable bracket for roller 522 522 roller 600a weighing mechanism self-supporting freight elevator 600b weighing mechanism lifting mast freight elevator 601 Load measuring ring of the weighing mechanism 600a of the self-supporting freight elevator 602 Direction of force on the load ring 601 603 Chain anchor of the weighing mechanism 600a,b 604 Load measuring pin of the weighing mechanism 600b

[0038] In the figures, the terms self-supporting goods lift or freight lift or mast freight lift or lift shaft are used synonymously to designate the invention, depending on the context and embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a lifting system as installed in an exemplary freight elevator 300.

[0040] The freight elevator 300 is equipped with a lifting system 100 according to the invention. Preferably, a drive unit 101 is mounted on the top of the freight elevator 300 (here also called elevator shaft, referring to the structural components described here for forming a shaft-like space for the relocation of the elevator), with an electric motor 102, which is driven via a drive shaft 107 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 4) drives a main gear 104 (see Fig. 2). An open roller chain 200 moves over the main gear 104 and consists of a support section 201 and a loop section 202, as shown in Fig. 2 is further explained.

[0041] The chain 200 is connected via the support section 201 at a fastening point 401 to a support structure, in particular to a lifting basket, which is in Fig. 1 is only partially shown.

[0042] By activating the electric motor 101, the main gear 104 is selectively rotated clockwise, thereby shortening the support section 201 and raising the lifting basket. To lower the lifting basket, the main gear 104 is rotated in the opposite direction, i.e., counterclockwise. During lifting, the loop section 202 lengthens, while during lowering, it shortens.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a side view of a detail of the lifting system according to Fig. 1. The gear 104 can be rotated by the electric motor 102 via a gear 105 on the drive shaft 107.

[0044] The support portion 201 of the chain 200 hangs downward from the side of the main gear 104 (support side) toward the lifting cage 400, where it is attached to an attachment point 401. The loop portion 202 of the chain 200 (lowest point 203) extends from the other side of the main gear 104 (loop side) to an attachment point 103 of the freight elevator; the lowest point of the loop portion 202 is indicated by reference numeral 203.

[0045] A vertical guide is provided to guide the lifting basket.

[0046] The loop section 202 of the chain can be safely concealed within the hollow profile of the frame of the lifting mast or freight hoist 300. This provides an improved appearance, and the chain is better protected from dirt and damage.

[0047] For additional security, and to prevent the chain 200 from slipping over or running off the gear 104, an optional chain retainer or protective cap 106 is provided which covers a portion of the gear 104.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a lifting system 100 as installed in an exemplary freight elevator 300. The drive unit 101 is mounted on the structure functioning as the elevator shaft. The drive unit 101, with electric motor 102, is controlled by a control unit 120.

[0049] The control unit 120 is configured to control the drive unit and thereby regulate a movement of the supporting structure, whereby parameters from the following group are regulated: - Direction; - Speed, acceleration and deceleration; - Stop positions; - emergency stop; - fall protection; - Door locks.

[0050] The control unit preferably includes a frequency converter for the electric motor, which initiates a soft start of the electric motor when the support structure is to be set in motion, and which initiates a soft stop of the electric motor when the support structure is to come to a standstill. At least one sensor is positioned in the upward direction of the elevator, which is configured to detect when the support structure passes during lifting, whereby the control unit initiates the soft stop process.

[0051] A fall protection device 303 prevents an unintentional dangerous fall of the lifting basket 400 (further explained in Fig. 9). The elevator shaft 300 or the structure functioning as such is equipped with doors and a door lock 500 (further explained in Fig. 10).

[0052] Fig. 4 shows a detailed perspective view of the drive unit 101. The electric motor 102 drives the chain 200 (not shown) via the gear 105 and the main gear 104.

[0053] The freight elevator 300 is preferably equipped with a fully electric drive with electric motor 102 and gear / transmission 105, which is controlled by a frequency converter with soft start and soft stop.

[0054] In a lifting mast freight lift, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the motor is mounted on top of the side of the lifting mast to ensure a compact design. The transmission 105 features one or two splined drive shafts 107 that pass through bearings and main gears 104. The bearings absorb the loads of the lifting cage 400. Since the bearings are adjustable along the X-axis and the transmission 105 along the Y-axis, the drive shaft 107 can be mounted without stress.

[0055] In a preferably self-supporting freight elevator, the motor and gear 105 are mounted at the top center of the elevator shaft 300. There are two separate shafts 107 on either side of the gear 105, each with a main gear 104 at each end and a bearing 109 behind it (see Fig. 8). The bearings 109 absorb the majority of the lifting cage's load-bearing forces, while the gearbox absorbs a smaller portion. The section of the drive shaft 107 that engages the gear 105 is machined or designed to a smaller diameter (e.g., minus 0.5 mm), allowing for play, particularly to compensate for minimal misalignment of the shafts. This play is possible because the torque always acts in the same direction.

[0056] The width of the freight elevator 300 and the shafts 107 can be customized to suit the application. To still allow the use of a standard-length drive shaft 107, the drive shaft 107 has a continuous splined shaft, with the excess portion of the drive shaft 107 being shortened during assembly.

[0057] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a mast freight elevator 300 as an alternative to the previously described self-supporting freight elevator, in which the present invention can be applied or implemented. The mast 300 preferably consists of a vertical column-shaped frame 302 and a support structure, such as an open lifting cage 400, which can be moved up and down along the frame 302. According to the invention, lifting and lowering is carried out by means of the lifting system 100 described above.

[0058] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the drive unit 101 as mounted on the frame 302 of the lifting mast 300, wherein the electric motor 102 drives the chain 200 (not shown) via the gearbox 105, the drive shaft 107 and the main gear 104.

[0059] Fig. Figure 7 shows a side view of the drive unit 101 with a chain guide system. To prevent the chain from getting caught in the teeth of the main gear 104 and being carried along, a guide (guide finger) 111 is provided, which guides the chain 200 downward, preferably on both the support side 201 and the circulating side 202.

[0060] To prevent vibrations and oscillations in the chain, a damper in the form of a guide finger 111, preferably made of plastic, is provided. This damper pushes the rollers of the roller chain slightly outward (relative to the sprocket), thereby dampening any vibrations and movements. The guide finger 111 is preferably divided into two separate parts: One part presses against the support area of ​​the chain, the other part against the circulating area. By using two separate, adjustable damping elements, these can be optimally adjusted.

[0061] Fig. 8 shows a front view of the chain guide elements according to Fig. 7. The protective cap 106 protects the chain 200 from slipping. The drive shaft 107 is mounted in a bearing housing 108, which is attached to the lifting device or lifting mast 300.

[0062] Fig. 9 shows a front view of a fall protection device 303.

[0063] The freight elevators referenced according to the invention preferably fall into the category of accessible freight elevators. This means that people are permitted to enter the elevator during loading and unloading. To prevent the elevator from descending in the event of a technical defect, an additional safety measure in the form of a fall protection device 303 is proposed. The fall protection device 303 is mounted on the shaft of the freight elevator 300 or on the mast of the lifting mast 300 and consists of a steel housing 405, a hinged cam 406, an electromagnet, and a spring.

[0064] A rim 304 is attached to the lifting basket, which is blocked in the downward direction by the cam 406 unless the cam is retracted by the electromagnet.

[0065] In the normal state, the cam 406 protrudes and is held in this position by the compression force of an internal spring. During lifting, the edge 304 will at some point pass the cam 406, causing the cam to be briefly depressed against the spring force and then pushed outward again by the spring.

[0066] When the lifting cage 400 is positioned on a floor, the edge 304 is located a few centimeters above the cam 406 of the fall protection device. Before the lifting cage 400 can descend, the cam 406 must be retracted by the electromagnet. In the event of an uncontrolled descent or fall, the cam 406 thus protrudes outward by default and stops the lifting cage 400 to prevent a free fall.

[0067] The fall protection system is designed with positive connections so that it can absorb the dynamic force of a 400 lifting cage descending a few centimeters. The fall protection system is height-adjustable via a perforated plate.

[0068] Fig. 10 shows a plan view of a locking mechanism 410 (hereinafter also called “closing stop”) for double doors of a lifting basket 400 in the closed position.

[0069] Wide lifting cages often have two narrow doors instead of one wide one. In this case, the closing stop is preferably placed in the middle.

[0070] Low-profile lift cages lack an upper beam to which the stop can be mounted, and an end stop on the loading floor would be undesirable as it would be in the way during loading and unloading. To still provide an unobtrusive stop, a rod mechanism with a pin-and-groove design 413 is proposed. The rod 412 of this design 413 has a pivot point 411 on the door and a groove-and-pin design 413 on the lift cage, allowing the end of the rod to slide through the groove over a pin (preferably a screw). When the door is fully closed, the screw sits at the end of the groove and cannot be moved any further, thus fulfilling the locking function.

[0071] To minimize the loss of loading space, the bar is curved. When the doors 414, 416 (or door leaves) are closed, they can be secured with a door lock 415.

[0072] Fig. Figure 11 shows a top view of the closing stop 410 in the open position of the doors 414, 416 (right door, left door, or door leaf). The rod 412 has been pushed forward (downward in the figure) over the pin.

[0073] Fig. 12 shows an elevator shaft 300 (or the components designed therefor) of a self-supporting freight elevator, which is composed of stacked, connectable segments 300a, b.

[0074] Often, elevator shafts or lifting masts of freight elevators are manufactured as a single unit in the factory, allowing for quick and efficient on-site assembly. However, sometimes space constraints make it impossible to transport or install the elevator as a single unit. Therefore, a design with separate, stackable elevator sections 300a, b is provided, although multiple sections are also possible.

[0075] The parts 300a, b can be transported individually and connected together on-site using minimal, simple, and unambiguous fastening mechanisms. Preferably, the parts 300a, b are stacked on top of each other as blocks / modules during on-site assembly and secured with screws.

[0076] Depending on the desired height of the 300 lift, several parts can be stacked on top of each other.

[0077] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a construction detail of the coupling system between two stackable elevator shaft segments 300a, b.

[0078] To ensure that two stacked parts 300a, b are precisely aligned, locating pins 310a, b are provided on the inside of the profiles of the frame of the elevator shaft part 300a, which fit into positive openings in the elevator shaft part 300b.

[0079] Fig. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a detail of the connection between two stacked lifting mast segments 300a, b. In this case, the two parts are provided with flanges 301 with holes. Once connected, the two parts can be secured with bolts and nuts in the holes of the flanges 301.

[0080] Fig. 15 shows a front perspective view of a door lock 500 mounted on a lifting cage 400 and / or the shaft 300.

[0081] The doors 414, 416 of the freight elevator are preferably equipped with a door lock or a set of door locks 500 to prevent the doors from being opened when the elevator is not on the correct floor.

[0082] Fig. 16 shows a detailed top view of the 500 door lock set.

[0083] For additional security, two switches are preferably provided per door 414, 416. A first switch is a microswitch integrated into a locking module 501.

[0084] A second switch 502 serves as an additional safety feature for detecting angular rotation and is positioned next to the first switch. A lever 503 is mounted on switch 502, which presses against a door pin 504, activating switch 502.

[0085] An additional torsion spring 505 is preferably mounted around the lever, which pushes one or both doors 414, 416 open by a few centimeters when they are unlocked, so that it is visible that the doors 414, 416 are open.

[0086] When the elevator is on the correct floor, the door can be unlocked by pressing a button on the control panel 320 next to the elevator.

[0087] Fig. 17 shows a bottom view of a lifting cage 300 with a guide system (lifting cage guide mechanism 520a-d of the self-supporting freight elevator).

[0088] The self-supporting lift 300 preferably has four corner profiles. These profiles serve as guides for the lifting cage 400.

[0089] For this purpose, ball-bearing rollers 522 with flanges are provided on the lifting cage 400. Furthermore, a lifting cabin guide mechanism 520a-d of the self-supporting freight elevator is provided.

[0090] Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of a roller 522 of the plurality of rollers.

[0091] The respective rollers 522 are preferably mounted at a respective corner on the bottom and at each corner on the top, so that a total of eight rollers are provided.

[0092] The flange on the rollers prevents the lifting basket from moving sideways.

[0093] The wheel itself prevents the lift basket from moving forward or backward and prevents it from tipping when loaded at an angle. A mounting bracket 521 is adjustable to ensure the casters run smoothly.

[0094] Fig. 19 shows a front view of a weighing mechanism 600a, b.

[0095] To measure the weight in the lifting basket, a weighing mechanism is preferably used, for example a load measuring ring 601 for self-supporting freight lifts 300 and a load measuring pin 604 for mast freight lifts 300.

[0096] The outer side of the load measuring ring 601 is mounted on the lifting basket, the inner side presses against the attachment point of the chain on the supporting structure, the so-called chain anchor 603.

[0097] As the chain pulls on the chain anchor, a compressive force is generated in the load measuring ring, which is converted into a digital signal by means of strain gauges. Fig. 19, the direction of the force on the load measuring ring 601 is illustrated by the thick arrow with reference number 602.

[0098] A lift preferably has two or more chain anchors, and one load measuring ring is provided for each chain anchor.

[0099] The load measuring ring is also used to detect a chain break by setting or evaluating a lower threshold value for the chain tension.

[0100] By using a ball joint with a radius on the inside of the load measuring ring and a radius on the nuts of the anchor, the chain anchor can compensate for a tilt.

[0101] Fig. 20 shows a front view of a weighing mechanism 600b for a mast freight elevator 300.

[0102] On the 300 lifting mast, a crossbeam is mounted under the 400 lifting basket, which distributes the force evenly across two 200 chains.

[0103] At the pivot point of this traverse is a load measuring pin 604, which converts the force into a digital signal using strain gauges.

[0104] A few millimeters above the traverse there is a plate that ensures that the traverse can only tilt minimally.

[0105] However, if the traverse continues to tilt due to a chain break, the plate takes over the force of the load measuring pin 604, and a chain break can be detected by setting or evaluating a lower threshold value for the load measuring pin 604.

[0106] The ball joint on the chain anchor can also be used here.

[0107] The above-mentioned elements, with the exception of the lifting system according to the invention with the loop principle, can also be used in hydraulic (freight) elevators.

[0108] It should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting of the invention, and that one skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims. The use of the verb "comprise" and its derivatives does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not recited in the corresponding claim. The term "and / or" encompasses all combinations of one or more of the recited elements. The article "a" before an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The article "the" before an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In a claim formulation that enumerates various means, several of these means may be implemented by the same piece of hardware or component.

[0109] The fact that certain measures are or may be mentioned in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of those measures cannot be implemented.

Claims

[1] Lifting system for a discontinuous elevator, comprising a frame part and a supporting structure adapted to be lifted or lowered relative to the frame part, wherein a drive unit is mounted on the frame part, comprising an electric motor with a drive shaft provided with a gear, a chain adapted to move over the gear and thereby lift or lower the supporting structure, characterized by , that - the lifting system has an open roller chain with two ends; - on one side, the supporting side of the gear, one end of a supporting section of the chain is connected to the supporting structure and supports it; - on the other side, the loop side of the gear, the other end of a loop section of the chain is connected to a fixed part of the elevator; - the loop section can hang freely downwards, forming a loop under the influence of gravity; - the chain is designed to engage the teeth of at least the upper half of the sprocket; - the loop section is designed to form a loop that becomes longer when the supporting structure is raised and a loop that becomes shorter when it is lowered. [2] Lifting system according to claim 1, characterized by that the lifting system is designed for use in a self-supporting goods lift with a shaft or frame enclosing a lifting cabin or for use in a mast-type goods lift. [3] Lifting system according to claim 1, characterized by that the sprocket is equipped with a chain guard that prevents the chain from overshooting or jumping off the sprocket. [4] Lifting system according to claim 1, characterized bythat a guide is provided immediately behind the gear wheel, which is designed to prevent the chain from getting caught in the teeth of the gear wheel and being carried along by the gear wheel. [5] Lifting system according to claim 1, characterized by that one or more dampers are provided below the sprocket, acting against the chain, to dampen vibrations and / or oscillations of the chain, wherein the damper preferably comprises a plastic guide block. [6] Discontinuous elevator configured with the lifting system according to any one of the preceding claims. [7] Elevator comprising a frame part with a lifting system mounted thereon, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 5, and a supporting structure with doors, wherein the lifting system is arranged to raise or lower the supporting structure relative to the frame part. [8] Lift according to claim 7, characterized bythat the frame part comprises support beams or load-bearing hollow profiles which are provided with a guide system for guiding the supporting structure during lifting and lowering, wherein the guide system comprises flanged rollers which are adjustable in their distance from one another. [9] Lift according to claim 7, characterized by that the elevator is configured to be stored, transported and installed in parts, wherein the elevator parts are stackable and mountable to form the elevator. [10] Lift according to claim 7, characterized by that the elevator has hollow corner profiles of the shaft with adjustable flange rollers serving as a guide system for guiding the supporting structure during lifting and lowering. [11] Fall protection device for use in a lift, in particular according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized bythat the fall protection device comprises a housing, a driver which can be folded under spring pressure and an electromagnet which is designed to retract the driver against the spring pressure, wherein an edge is configured on the support structure which passes the driver during lifting against the spring pressure of the driver, wherein the driver is retractable in a controlled manner in order to allow the support structure to pass the driver. [12] Closing stop for use in an elevator, in particular according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized bythat the closing stop comprises a rod mechanism with a pin-and-groove construction for operating a first of two doors, with a pivot point on the first door and a rod which is rotatably connected to the first door on one side and is rotatably connected to the lifting cabin on the other side via the pivot point and slidably connected via the groove, so that the rod can rotate and slide over the pivot point and is thus configured to rotate the first door into a predefined closed position or stop position. [13] Door lock for use in a lift, in particular according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized byin that the door lock is equipped with at least two switches which are configured to detect whether the door is locked before the lifting cabin is raised or lowered, wherein a first switch of the at least two switches is configured to switch when the door is locked and a second switch of the at least two switches is configured to switch when a door pin is closed, and wherein an electric motor is further configured to selectively unlock the door, and wherein a spring system is configured to at least partially open the door when it is unlocked. [14] Measuring system for use in an elevator, in particular according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized bythat the measuring system is designed to issue a warning of overloading of the lifting cabin and / or chain breakage, wherein the measuring system comprises a chain anchor with a load measuring ring equipped with one or more strain gauges, wherein the load measuring ring is provided with a radius in the inner ring which, together with a radius on the chain anchor, forms a ball joint which is designed to limit transverse forces on the chain anchor. [15] Measuring system for use in an elevator with at least two chains, in particular in an elevator according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized bythat the measuring system is designed to issue a warning of overloading of the lifting cabin and / or chain breakage, wherein the measuring system comprises a crossbeam, at both ends of which chain anchors are provided, with a load measuring pin in the middle of the crossbeam, which is provided with one or more strain gauges, wherein the crossbeam is designed to transmit the force of both chains evenly to the load measuring pin, and wherein the chain anchors are provided with a ball joint which is designed to limit transverse forces on the chain anchors.

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