CAR ARRANGEMENT FOR A DOUBLE-DECKER ELEVATOR AND DOUBLE-DECKER ELEVATOR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a car arrangement for a double-decker elevator and a double-decker elevator with such a car arrangement.

[0002] People or loads can be transported between different floors or levels in buildings using conventional single-car elevators or double-decker elevators, sometimes also called double-decker elevators. A double-decker elevator is characterized by a car arrangement with a car frame and two cabins arranged one above the other. These two cabins allow two different floors to be reached simultaneously.

[0003] In some buildings, the floors are of different heights, resulting in different vertical distances between the elevator entrances. To ensure that such floors can be reached smoothly with a double-decker elevator, it must be possible to adjust the vertical distance between the two cars of a double-decker elevator to the corresponding floor heights and corresponding distances between the entrances. To adjust this vertical distance, at least one of the two cars can be moved vertically relative to the other car and, as a rule, relative to the car frame. This vertical displacement is achieved by means of a displacement device.

[0004] The displacement device can, for example, have one or more screw spindle drives and / or scissor-like connecting links via which the two cars are connected to one another. Such a spindle drive has at least one spindle and a rack into which the spindle engages. The spindle can be arranged on the car frame of the car arrangement or on the car to be moved. The rack can accordingly be arranged on the car to be moved or on the car frame. When the spindle rotates using a drive device, the distance between the cars changes. As an alternative to the spindle drive, a hydraulic displacement device can be provided for displacing the car. The distance between the cars can be adjusted during travel by means of a control system to suit the distance between the two floors to be reached and the corresponding distance between the entrances.

[0005] EP 3 514 096 A1 describes a double-deck elevator with two cars, wherein the vertical distance between the cars can be adjusted by means of a traction chain and several deflection elements. The corresponding drive device increases the height of the corresponding car arrangement. EP 3 514 096 A1 discloses a car arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] US 2020 / 0 239 289 A1 describes a push chain in which chain links of the push chain engage with each other in a form-fitting manner under pressure load such that a force-absorbing section of the push chain is stable under the pressure load in a direction in which the chain links can be pivoted against each other in the absence of pressure load.

[0007] WO 2015 / 043766 A1 describes an elevator with two cars, each of which can be moved independently of each other in an elevator shaft by means of a drive. The cars can be temporarily coupled together using a mechanical coupling element, for example, in the form of a support chain. The distance between the coupled cars is adjusted using the drives assigned to the cars.

[0008] When designing an elevator system, the size of the elevator shaft, particularly its cross-sectional area (footprint), plays a key role. To avoid having to further enlarge the elevator shaft, the relocation device should require as little space as possible, especially horizontally. However, both of the aforementioned relocation devices require a relatively large amount of space, both horizontally and vertically, and the space available in an elevator shaft, especially horizontally, is generally very limited. In addition, the hydraulic relocation device can tend to produce an odor due to the oil used in it, which may be unpleasantly noticeable in the corresponding car.

[0009] One of the challenges in the design of such double-decker elevators is to design components for moving and driving the cabin to be moved in a way that is as space-saving as possible and, at the same time, lightweight and cost-effective.

[0010] There may be a need, among other things, for a car assembly for a double-deck elevator that allows the distance between an upper car and a lower car to be adjusted using a particularly compact and lightweight displacement and drive device. Furthermore, there may be a need for a corresponding double-deck elevator.

[0011] Such a need can be met by the subject matter according to one of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0012] A first aspect of the invention relates to a car assembly for a double-deck elevator. The car assembly comprises a car frame, a first car, a second car, a push chain, and a drive device. The first car is coupled to the car frame. The second car is arranged on the car frame above or below the first car. The second car is coupled to the car frame such that it is movable vertically relative to the car frame and relative to the first car. The push chain is coupled to the first car or the car frame by a first end of a force-absorbing section of the push chain. Furthermore, the push chain is coupled to the second car by an opposite second end of the force-absorbing section. The push chain is arranged such that the second car exerts a compressive load on the force-absorbing section of the push chain due to gravity.The drive device is coupled to the push chain and is designed to displace the second cabin in the vertical direction relative to the first cabin by means of the push chain.

[0013] Thus, by means of the push chain and the drive device, the second car, which is arranged in the car frame above or below the first car and is movable in the vertical direction, can be displaced vertically relative to the first car, so that the vertical distance between the cars is adjustable, in particular depending on the corresponding access points to the cars on different floors of a building. The vertical distance is adjusted in particular by changing the length of the force-absorbing section, with this length being achieved by moving the push chain by means of the drive device.

[0014] Possible features and advantages of embodiments of the invention may be considered, among other things and without limiting the invention, to be based on ideas and findings described below.

[0015] The term "car frame" can generally be understood as a frame that can be moved between several levels or floors, for example in an elevator shaft, and has at least one cabin, or in the present case of a double-decker elevator with at least two cabins, for transporting people or loads. The car frame can in particular be a frame-like construction for supporting the cabins and is also called a safety frame, among other things. The car frame can, for example, be guided along at least one guide rail running in an elevator shaft. Such guide rails can be arranged on one side or on two opposite sides of the elevator shaft. A safety gear can be integrated into the car frame to slow the car frame down in the event of excessive speed.

[0016] In the case of a double-decker elevator, the car frame can comprise the two double-decker cars for simultaneously serving two different floors. As mentioned in the introduction, unequal floor distances between the different floors may require the vertical distance between the two cars of the double-decker elevator to be adjusted. For this purpose, a displacement device can be arranged by means of which at least one of the two cars can be displaced vertically relative to the other car and, as a rule, relative to the car frame. The aforementioned drive device and the push chain form such a displacement device. In particular, the approach presented here proposes realizing the displacement of the second car using the push chain. The vertical distance between the cars is determined by the length of the force-absorbing section of the push chain.This length can be adjusted using the drive unit, thereby shifting the second car relative to the first. Typically, a guide structure is also installed within the car frame, in which the two cars are arranged one above the other, to guide the car being shifted during its movement.

[0017] The weight of the second cabin acts on the push chain. To illustrate this, the second cabin can stand on the push chain. The section of the push chain that is subjected to the weight and which therefore supports the weight of the second cabin is called the force-absorbing section. In order for the length of the force-absorbing section to be variable, the push chain must be longer than the force-absorbing section. The section of the push chain not subjected to the weight of the second cabin can be referred to as the remaining section of the push chain. The length of the remaining section changes depending on the length of the force-absorbing section. In particular, the length of the remaining section increases as the length of the force-absorbing section decreases, and vice versa. The push chain exhibits impact properties when the second cabin is lifted. Therefore, the push chain cannot break.In addition, the push chain and the drive device that drives it require relatively little space, especially in the horizontal direction, compared to the spindle drive and the hydraulic displacement device.

[0018] The drive device can generally be understood as a motor by which the push chain is moved in such a way that the length of the force-absorbing section of the chain changes so that the corresponding car, for example the second car, can be raised and / or lowered relative to the car frame and the first car.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the push chain can be designed such that chain links of the push chain engage with each other in a form-fitting manner under a compressive load such that the force-absorbing section of the push chain is stable under the compressive load in a direction in which chain links of the push chain can be pivoted relative to each other in the absence of a compressive load.

[0020] In other words, the push chain can always be stable in a first lateral direction, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the push chain when the push chain is unwound, and can be unstable, in particular pivotable, in particular bendable, at the transition of the chain links in a second lateral direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the push chain and perpendicular to the first lateral direction when the push chain is unloaded and / or unwound. In contrast, the chain links of the push chain can engage with one another in a form-fitting manner under compressive load such that the push chain is stable in the second lateral direction. The push chain can thus withstand high compressive loads.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the drive device can be designed and coupled to the push chain in such a way that when the second cabin is displaced in the direction of gravity, the push chain drives the drive device in a generator-like manner.

[0022] In other words, the potential energy stored in the raised second cabin can be converted into electrical energy by means of the push chain and the drive mechanism in generator mode. The weight of the second cabin acts on the push chain, which drives the drive mechanism, which in turn acts as a generator and generates electrical energy. The electrical energy can be stored and reused, for example, to supply the drive mechanism with energy the next time the second cabin is moved.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the drive device can comprise the motor and an output arranged on a shaft of the motor and engaging with the push chain. The output can be formed, for example, by a gear whose teeth engage with the chain links of the push chain. The drive device can further comprise a housing and / or a guide for the remaining section and optionally a part of the force-absorbing section of the push chain. The motor and / or the remaining section can optionally be arranged in or on the housing.

[0024] According to one embodiment, if the push chain is coupled to the first car, the drive device can be arranged on the first car or on the second car. Alternatively, if the push chain is coupled to the car frame, the drive device can be arranged on the car frame or on the second car. Thus, the drive device can engage the push chain at the first end of the force-absorbing section or at the second end of the force-absorbing section.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the push chain can be arranged such that the remaining section of the push chain, which is not the force-absorbing section, is located between the cabins. This is particularly advantageous when the push chain is coupled to the first cabin. For example, if the push chain is coupled to the first cabin, the remaining section can be guided along the cabin on which the drive device is arranged.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the push chain can be arranged such that the remaining section of the push chain extends at least partially in the horizontal direction. This can contribute to the particularly small vertical space requirement of the relocation device.

[0027] According to one embodiment, if the push chain is coupled to the first car, the first car can have a first force-absorbing region, or if the push chain is coupled to the car frame, the car frame can have the first force-absorbing region. The second car can have a second force-absorbing region. The push chain can be coupled to the first force-absorbing region by the first end of the force-absorbing section and to the second force-absorbing region by the second end of the force-absorbing section. The force-absorbing section can extend from the first force-absorbing region to the second force-absorbing region. A vertical distance between the two cars depends on a length of the force-absorbing section. The drive device can be designed to move the push chain in order to displace the second car in the vertical direction such that the length of the force-absorbing section changes.

[0028] The second force-absorbing area is the area where the weight of the second car is transferred to the force-absorbing section of the push chain. The first force-absorbing area is the area where the corresponding compressive load is transferred from the force-absorbing section to the first car or the car frame. The drive device can be arranged at the first end or at the second end of the force-absorbing section. At the end of the force-absorbing section at which the drive device is arranged, the drive device, for example its output, can form the corresponding force-absorbing area. Alternatively, a rotatable deflection device, for example a gear that engages with the push chain, can be arranged at the first end or at the second end of the force-absorbing section. In this case, the deflection device can form the corresponding force-absorbing area.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first car can be coupled to the car frame such that it is arranged to be movable vertically relative to the car frame. The car assembly can have a further push chain coupled to the first car and the car frame. The car assembly can have a further drive device coupled to the further push chain. The further drive device can be configured to displace the first car vertically relative to the car frame by means of the further push chain.

[0030] In other words, both cars can be displaced vertically relative to the car frame, wherein the additional push chain can be arranged to displace the first car. In this context, the additional push chain for displacing the first car can be referred to as the first push chain, and the push chain for displacing the second car can be referred to as the second push chain. Displacing the first car in addition to displacing the second car allows for greater flexibility and / or greater speed with regard to adjusting the vertical distance between the cars depending on the different floor heights.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the elevator car arrangement can have exactly a single push chain for vertically displacing the second car. Alternatively, two or more push chains, for example four push chains in each case, can be arranged to displace the second car and / or the first car. If two or more push chains are used to displace the corresponding car, the drive devices for adjusting the corresponding push chains must be synchronized with one another in order to prevent tilting and / or jamming of the corresponding car. Arranging only a single push chain for displacing the second car, however, makes it possible to dispense with this synchronization. This contributes to the elevator car arrangement being particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture when only a single push chain is used.

[0032] In the case of multiple push chains per cabin, the push chains can engage two diametrically opposed corner sections of the corresponding cabin. For example, a second force-absorbing area can be arranged at each of the diametrically opposed corner sections of the second cabin. Two diametrically opposed corner sections can be understood as two corner sections of the corresponding cabin, each of which lies on a diagonal of the underside of the corresponding cabin. The lifting force can be understood as a force for raising and / or lowering the corresponding cabin. This design minimizes torsion of the corresponding cabin due to loads during movement.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the push chain can be attached to the second cabin in alignment with the center of gravity of the second cabin. In other words, the push chain can engage directly below the center of gravity of the second cabin. This is particularly advantageous when only a single push chain is used to move the second cabin. In particular, this can help prevent the second cabin from tipping and / or jamming.

[0034] A second aspect of the invention relates to the double-decker elevator. The double-decker elevator comprises the above-described car assembly and a control unit configured to control the drive device of the car assembly depending on the floor distance between a first floor and a second floor such that, in a stop position of the car assembly, the first car is accessible via the first floor and the second car is accessible via the second floor. Information about the distances between the floors of the corresponding building and / or the corresponding entrances can be stored, for example, in a memory unit of the control unit, for example in the form of a lookup table in which the floors and their distances are assigned to corresponding control signals for the drive device.

[0035] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein neither the drawings nor the description are to be construed as limiting the invention. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a car arrangement for a double-decker elevator. Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a car arrangement for a double-decker elevator. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a car arrangement for a double-decker elevator. Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a car arrangement for a double-decker elevator.

[0036] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. The same reference numerals designate identical or equivalent features in the various figures.

[0037] Fig. 1shows an embodiment of a car assembly 20 for a double-deck elevator 10. The car assembly 20 comprises a car frame 22, a first car 24, a second car 26, a push chain 30 and a drive device 40. The cars 24, 26 are arranged vertically one above the other in the car frame 22. For example, in the Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the first cabin 24 is arranged below the second cabin 26.

[0038] When the car assembly 20 is used as intended in an elevator shaft of a building, the first car 24 is accessible via a first entrance on a first floor 72, and the second car 26 is accessible via a second entrance on a second floor 74. A vertical distance between the cars 24, 26 can be adjusted using a control unit 70. Other components of the double-deck elevator 10, such as a drive device for vertically displacing the entire car assembly 20, a counterweight, floor doors, or the like, are not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0039] The push chain 30 has a force-absorbing section 32, a first end 34 of the force-absorbing section 32, a second end 36 of the force-absorbing section 32 opposite the first end 34, and a remaining section 38. The push chain 30 can also be referred to as a first push chain 30. The force-absorbing section 32 can also be referred to as a first force-absorbing section 32.

[0040] The push chain 30 has a plurality of connected chain links. When subjected to a compressive load, the chain links engage with one another in a form-fitting manner such that the force-absorbing section 32 is stable under the compressive load in a direction in which chain links of the push chain 30 can pivot relative to one another in the absence of a compressive load. Thus, in the unloaded state, the chain links can pivot relative to one another in a first lateral direction and are stable in directions perpendicular to the first lateral direction, in particular in a second lateral direction and a longitudinal direction of the push chain 30. Under the compressive load of the push chain 30, however, the chain links engage with one another in a form-fitting manner such that the push chain 30 is also stable in the first lateral direction in the region of the force-absorbing section 32.

[0041] The remaining section 38 of the push chain 30 is arranged between the two cabins 24, 26. In particular, the remaining section 38 is arranged essentially horizontally. The remaining section 38 can, for example, rest on an upper side of the first cabin 24. The remaining section 38 is not subjected to any pressure.

[0042] The drive device 40 is coupled to the first cabin 24 and the push chain 32. The drive device 40 can also be referred to as the first drive device 40. The drive device 40 has a motor and an output that is coupled to the push chain. The output is, for example, a gear that engages the chain links of the push chain 30. The motor can, for example, be an electric motor. Optionally, the drive device 40 has a housing. If necessary, the motor and / or the output can be arranged in or on the housing. Furthermore, a part of the force absorption section 32 and / or the remaining section 38 can be arranged in the housing and / or guided in the housing. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the drive device 40 is arranged on the first cabin 24. Alternatively, the drive device 40 can be arranged on the second cabin 26.

[0043] The first car 24 has a plurality of fastening structures 41, by means of which it is firmly coupled to the car frame 22. In other words, the first car 24 is in the Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the second car 26 is fixed relative to the car frame 22 by means of the fastening structures 41. The second car 26 has first brackets 42 that are fixedly connected to the rest of the second car 26. The second car 26 is coupled via the first brackets 42 to a first guide structure 44 arranged on the car frame 22 such that the second car 26 and in particular the first brackets 42 are movable in the vertical direction relative to the car frame 22.

[0044] The weight of the second cabin 26 acts on the push chain 30. In other words, the second cabin 26 stands on the push chain 30. Due to the weight of the second cabin 26, the second cabin 26 exerts a compressive load on the push chain 30, in particular on the force-absorbing section 32. Due to this compressive load, the force-absorbing section 32 is stable in all directions, in particular in the first lateral direction. The compressive load is transferred from the force-absorbing section 32 at the first end 34 to a first force-absorbing area 46. In the Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the drive device 40, in particular the output of the drive device 40, has the first force absorption region 46. The weight of the second cabin 26 is transmitted to the second end 36 of the push chain 30 in a second force absorption region 48. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1In the embodiment shown, a floor of the second cabin 26 has the second force absorption area 48.

[0045] If a vertical distance between the first car 24 and the second car 26 does not match the vertical distance between the first access on the first floor and the second access on the second floor, the second car 26 can be displaced vertically relative to the first car 24 by means of the drive device 40 and the push chain 30. The drive device 40 can drive the push chain 30 such that the length of the force-absorbing section 32 changes, thereby changing the vertical position of the second car 26 relative to the first car 24. For example, the second car 26 can be pushed upwards or lowered relative to the car frame 22 by means of the push chain 30.For this purpose, the drive device 40 can have a control unit or be coupled to it, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive device 40 depending on the vertical distance between the entrances of the respective floors. The control can be effected by means of corresponding control signals.

[0046] Optionally, the drive device 40 can be configured such that, when the second car 26 is lowered relative to the car frame 20, the drive device 40 is driven by the push chain 30 as a generator and generates electrical energy. In other words, when the second car 26 is moved from top to bottom, the potential energy released can be converted into electrical energy by means of the push chain 30 and the drive device 40 in generator mode. The electrical energy can be temporarily stored in an energy storage device (not shown in the figures) and reused at a later time, for example, to raise the second car 26.

[0047] In the Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, exactly a single push chain 30 is arranged. This single push chain 30 can, for example, be attached to the second cabin 26 in alignment with the center of gravity of the second cabin 26. Alternatively, two or more push chains, for example four push chains, can be arranged to displace the second cabin 26. In the case of multiple push chains, the push chains can engage two diametrically opposite corner sections of the floor of the second cabin 26. For example, corresponding second force-absorbing regions 48 can be arranged at the diametrically opposite corner sections of the second cabin 26.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a car arrangement 20 which largely corresponds to that shown in Figure 1 Therefore, in order to avoid repetition, only the differences between the embodiment shown in Figure 2 shown embodiment and the one in Figure 1 shown embodiment.

[0049] The elevator car assembly 20 has two push chains 30 and two drive devices 40. Alternatively, the elevator car assembly 20 can have more than two push chains 30 and corresponding drive devices 40. The push chains 30 are coupled at their respective first end 34 to the first force absorption region 46 and at their respective second end 36 to the second force absorption region 48, for example via the first brackets 42. The first force absorption region 46 is arranged on the elevator car frame 22 and the second force absorption region 48 is arranged on the second car 26, in particular on the first brackets 42. In the Figure 2In the embodiment shown, the drive devices 40 are arranged on the car frame 22. In this case, the drive devices 40 have the corresponding first force-absorbing regions 46. Alternatively, the drive devices 40 can be arranged on the second car 26, for example, on the first brackets 42. In this case, the drive devices 40 have the corresponding second force-absorbing regions 48.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a car assembly 20 which largely corresponds to one of the previously explained embodiments. Therefore, in order to avoid repetition, only the differences between the embodiment shown in Figure 3 shown embodiment and the embodiments explained above.

[0051] The first car 24, which is fixed relative to the car frame 22, is arranged above the second car 26. The push chain 30 and the drive device 40 are arranged vertically between the car frame 22 and the second car 26. The first force-absorbing region 46 is arranged on the car frame 22, and the second force-absorbing region 48 is arranged on the second car 26. The drive device 40 is arranged on the second car 26 and has the second force-absorbing region 48. Alternatively, the drive device 40 can be arranged on the car frame 22 and have the first force-absorbing region 46. The remaining section 38 is guided horizontally along the second car 26, for example, in the housing of the drive device 40 (not shown in the figures).

[0052] In the Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, only a single push chain 30 with a corresponding drive device 40 is arranged. Alternatively, two or more push chains 30 and corresponding drive devices 40 can be arranged vertically between the second car 26 and the car frame 22. Furthermore, the second force-absorbing region 48 is arranged on an underside of the second car 26. Alternatively, the second force-absorbing region(s) 48 can be arranged on the first brackets 42.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a car assembly 20 which largely corresponds to one of the previously explained embodiments. Therefore, in order to avoid repetition, only the differences between the embodiment shown in Figure 4 shown embodiment and the embodiments explained above.

[0054] The first car 24 is arranged above the second car 26 and coupled to the car frame 22 such that the first car 24 is vertically displaceable relative to the second car 26 and relative to the car frame 22. The first car 24 has second brackets 52 that are fixedly connected to the rest of the first car 24. The first car 24 is coupled via the second brackets 52 to a second guide structure 54 arranged on the car frame 22 such that the first car 24 is vertically movable relative to the car frame 22.

[0055] Two additional push chains and two corresponding additional drive devices are arranged for vertically displacing the first cabin 24. In this context, the push chains 30 and drive devices 40 for vertically displacing the second cabin 26 can be referred to as first push chains 30 and first drive devices 40, respectively, and the additional push chains and additional drive devices for vertically displacing the first cabin 24 can be referred to as second push chains 60 and second drive devices 50, respectively.

[0056] The second push chains 60 each have a second force-absorbing section 62, which engages a third force-absorbing region 56 at a first end 64 of the corresponding second force-absorbing section 62 and a fourth force-absorbing region 58 at a second end 66 of the corresponding second force-absorbing section 62. The fourth force-absorbing regions 58 are arranged on the first cabin 24, in particular on the second brackets 52. Alternatively, the fourth force-absorbing regions 58 can each be arranged on an underside of the first cabin 24. Furthermore, the third force-absorbing regions 56 can be arranged on the second cabin 26, for example on an upper side of the second cabin 26, for example such that the second push chains 60 and / or the second drive devices 50 are arranged in the vertical direction between the first cabin 24 and the second cabin 26.

[0057] The second drive devices 50 are arranged on the car frame 22 and have the third force-absorbing regions 56. Alternatively, the second drive devices 50 can be arranged on the first car 24 and have the fourth force-absorbing regions 58.

[0058] Alternatively to the Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, only one second push chain 60 and only one second drive device 50 or more than two second push chains 60 and correspondingly more second drive devices 50 can be arranged for vertically displacing the first cabin 24.

[0059] The weight of the first cabin 24 acts on the second push chains 60. In other words, the first cabin 26 stands on the second push chains 60. Due to the weight of the first cabin 24, the first cabin 24 exerts a compressive load on the second push chains 60, in particular on the second force-absorbing sections 62. Due to the compressive load, the second force-absorbing sections 62 are stable in all directions, in particular in the first lateral direction. The compressive load is transferred from the second force-absorbing sections 62 at the first ends 64 of the second force-absorbing sections 62 to the third force-absorbing regions 56.

[0060] The invention is not limited to the given embodiments. For example, the given embodiments can be combined with each other. For example, in the Figure 1 The embodiment shown is similar to that shown in Figure 2In the embodiment shown, two or more push chains 30 and drive devices 40 can be arranged between the first cabin 24 and the second cabin 26. Alternatively or additionally, in the Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the drive device 40 can be arranged on the underside of the second cabin.

[0061] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having," "comprising," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

1. Elevator car arrangement (20) for a double-deck elevator, the elevator car arrangement (20) comprising: - an elevator car frame (22); - a first cabin (24) which is coupled to the elevator car frame (22); - a second cabin (26) which is arranged on the elevator car frame (22) above or below the first cabin (24) and is coupled to the elevator car frame (22) such that the second cabin is movable in the vertical direction relative to the elevator car frame (22) and relative to the first cabin (24), characterized in that the elevator car arrangement (20) comprises: - a push chain (30) which is coupled to the first cabin (24) or the elevator car frame (22) by a first end (34) of a force absorption portion (32) of the push chain (30), which is coupled to the second cabin (26) by an opposite, second end (36) of the force absorption portion (32) and is arranged such that the second cabin (26) exerts a pressure load on the force absorption portion (32) of the push chain (30) due to gravity; and - a drive unit (40) which is coupled to the push chain (30) and is designed to move the second cabin (26) in the vertical direction relative to the first cabin (24) by means of the push chain (30).

2. Elevator car arrangement (20) according to claim 1, wherein the push chain (30) is designed such that chain links of the push chain (30) engage in one another in a positive manner under a pressure load, such that the force absorption portion (32) of the push chain (30), under the pressure load, is stable in a direction in which chain links of the push chain (30) are pivotable relative to one another when there is no pressure load.

3. Elevator car arrangement (20) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (40) is designed and coupled to the push chain (30) such that when the second cabin (26) is moved in the direction of gravity, the push chain (30) drives the drive unit (40) in the manner of a generator.

4. Elevator car arrangement (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (40) comprises a motor and an output, which is arranged on a shaft of the motor and in engagement with the push chain (30).

5. Elevator car arrangement (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (40) is arranged on the second cabin (26); or the drive unit (40) is arranged on the first cabin (24), and the push chain (30) is coupled to the first cabin (24); or the drive unit (40) is arranged on the elevator car frame (22), and the push chain (30) is coupled to the elevator car frame (22).

6. Elevator car arrangement (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the push chain (30) is arranged such that a remaining portion (38) of the push chain (30) that is not the force absorption portion (32) is arranged between the cabins (24; 26).

7. Elevator car arrangement (20) according to claim 6, wherein the push chain (30) is arranged such that the remaining portion (38) of the push chain (30) extends at least partially in the horizontal direction.

8. Elevator car arrangement (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein if the push chain (30) is coupled to the first cabin (24), the first cabin (24) comprises a first force absorption region (46), or, if the push chain (30) is coupled to the elevator car frame (22), the elevator car frame (22) comprises the first force absorption region (46); the second cabin (26) comprises a second force absorption region (48); the push chain (30) is coupled to the first force absorption region (46) by the first end (34) of the force absorption portion (32), and is coupled to the second force absorption region (48) by the second end (36) of the force absorption portion (32); the force absorption portion (32) extends from the first force absorption region (46) to the second force absorption region (48); a vertical distance between the two cabins (24; 26) is dependent on a length of the force absorption portion (32); and the drive unit (40), in order to move the second cabin (26) in the vertical direction, is designed to move the push chain (30) such that the length of the force absorption portion (32) changes.

9. Elevator car arrangement (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first cabin (24) is coupled to the elevator car frame (22) such that said cabin is arranged so as to be movable relative to the elevator car frame (22) in the vertical direction, the elevator car arrangement (20) comprises a further push chain (60) which is coupled to the first cabin (24) and the elevator car frame (22), the elevator car arrangement (20) comprises a further drive unit (50) which is coupled to the further push chain (60), and the further drive unit (50) is designed to move the first cabin (24) in the vertical direction relative to the elevator car frame (22) by means of the further push chain (60).

10. Elevator car arrangement (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator car arrangement (20) comprises exactly one single push chain (30) for vertical movement of the second cabin (26).

11. Elevator car arrangement (20) according to claim 10, wherein the push chain (30) is fastened to the second cabin (26) in alignment with the center of gravity of the second cabin (26).

12. Double-deck elevator (10), comprising: an elevator car arrangement (20) according to any of the preceding claims; and a control device (70) which is configured to control the drive unit (40) of the elevator car arrangement (20) depending on a floor distance between a first floor (72) and a second floor (74) such that in the stop position of the elevator car arrangement (20), the first cabin (24) is accessible via the first floor (72), and the second cabin (26) is accessible via the second floor (74).