Universal elevator

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator, in particular a passenger elevator. In particular, the invention relates to an elevator comprising a car (110), an inner frame (32, 34, 36), and an outer frame, wherein the outer frame encloses an elevator shaft (10) and comprises a base (20), a first lateral surface (12), a second lateral surface (16) lying opposite the first lateral surface, a third lateral surface (14), and a fourth lateral surface (18) lying opposite the third lateral surface, and the inner frame (32, 34, 36) comprises at least one first guide post (32, 170) and a second guide post (34, 172) lying opposite the first guide post. The invention is characterized in that the inner frame (32, 34, 36) supports the weight of the car (110).

Description

[0001] Universal elevator

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an elevator, in particular a passenger elevator. The inventive elevator is particularly well suited for use in various elevator shafts, in particular concrete elevator shafts or lightweight elevator shafts, for example, made of glass or aluminum. It is also well suited for retrofitting.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] As the state of the art shows, elevators are typically installed in an elevator shaft, which is part of the building shell.

[0006] European Patent 921 088 discloses an elevator with a typical elevator shaft. This shaft is cast from concrete and has various access openings at its front. An elevator car runs in the shaft. At the rear of the shaft, space is provided for the lifting mechanism and a counterweight. A drive unit is located at the top of the shaft. This drive unit is connected to and supported by the shaft wall.

[0007] European Patent Specification 665 181 discloses an open elevator shaft and an adapted elevator car. In particular, such an elevator shaft can be constructed with glass panels and a corresponding support structure. This is usually done during the construction of a building.

[0008] Japanese patent application JP 2006151625 A2 discloses an elevator with a compact guide and drive unit. The elevator comprises a

[0009] CONFIRMATION COPY Car on a square base. The elevator shaft is also square. Guide elements are provided to the left and right of the car. Additional drive and guide elements are provided behind the car. This includes a counterweight that is guided along the rear wall of the elevator shaft. Overall, the design appears space-saving. However, the required shaft dimensions are significantly larger than the car dimensions. Only the front area of ​​the shaft, which also houses access doors, is free of technical components for drive and guidance. At the rear, the shaft must be considerably larger than the car, and large open spaces must also be provided in the shaft on the sides of the car. This elevator is also designed for a shaft planned during construction of the building.

[0010] In other cases, the elevator is retrofitted after the building has been constructed. In this case, it is common for an elevator shaft to be connected to a building wall.

[0011] In both cases, different constructions are typically used inside the respective shaft. The present invention aims to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and ensure that an elevator can be installed equally well in a prefabricated (concrete) shaft or in a subsequently added shaft.

[0012] The present invention therefore aims to provide a simple, economical elevator construction that is compact and suitable for many shaft types. In particular, the elevator should be well-suited both for initial installation in a building and for retrofitting. Economic advantages are to be achieved by reducing the load-bearing capacity of the shaft walls and thus saving building materials. This object is achieved by an elevator according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims.

[0013] Further description

[0014] An elevator according to the present invention can be a passenger or freight elevator. It comprises a correspondingly adapted car. A passenger car will generally include at least one car door.

[0015] The elevator is intended to comprise an external framework that encloses an elevator shaft. It thus forms the outer shell of the elevator shaft and determines its dimensions. The external framework comprises a floor, a ceiling surface, a first side surface, an opposite second side surface, a third side surface, and an opposite fourth side surface. In the case of an elevator shaft constructed within a shell, the floor slab will typically be made of stone or concrete. This generally also applies to the side walls, which have the aforementioned side surfaces available. It also applies to the ceiling, which closes off the elevator shaft at the top along the ceiling surface but is typically provided with penetrations.

[0016] The elevator shaft can be built over a rectangular base and thus have an essentially cuboid shape. This means that it has four side walls that correspond to the aforementioned side surfaces. Alternatively, other shapes are also possible; for example, elevators are sometimes built over the base of an isosceles octagon. In this case, additional side surfaces are added to the aforementioned four side surfaces. In the case of an essentially round shaft, the side surfaces can also be thought of as circumferential sections on a cylindrical surface. The external framework can be part of a building or have been erected independently of the building. A metal structure is often used for this. In a cuboid elevator shaft, the metal structure typically has four corner posts, which stand on a suitable base plate and are connected at least in the upper area by cross braces.Such cross braces can also easily support a ceiling. Depending on the height of the elevator shaft, additional cross braces may be required. The walls of the external scaffolding can be closed with suitable panels, including metal or plastic ones. Glass panes are also frequently used.

[0017] The elevator should also have an internal framework. The internal framework consists of at least one first guide post and an opposite second guide post. These posts are usually a single piece running the entire length of the elevator shaft, but they can also be constructed in multiple pieces. These guide posts serve primarily to guide the elevator. They ensure that the car moves in a fixed position in the elevator shaft, independent of the lifting equipment. The internal framework will usually include, in addition to the two guide posts, a cross connection at the upper ends of these posts. This can be a cross brace; the guide post and cross brace would then form a kind of gate. The cross connection can also be created by a cover plate.

[0018] This inner scaffolding can bear the weight of the car. The outer scaffolding can therefore serve to increase the stability of the inner scaffolding and, in particular, to prevent the inner scaffolding from tipping around a rotation axis in the area of ​​the floor slab. However, the outer scaffolding does not have to bear the weight of the car. This represents a significant deviation from a conventional elevator design. Within the scope of the present invention, it may be conceivable that the outer scaffolding also partially bears the weight of the car, for example 10% or a maximum of 20% of the weight. As a rule, however, the inner scaffolding will bear the entire weight of the elevator for structural reasons alone. In most cases, however, the inner scaffolding is not suitable for providing the elevator without the outer scaffolding. In particular, the outer scaffolding expediently serves to statically support the inner scaffolding, particularly against movements from the vertical.Furthermore, the side walls of the external scaffold serve to securely separate the elevator from the surrounding area. Shaft doors are usually also provided in the external scaffold. It is advisable for the first and second guide posts to be positioned diagonally opposite each other, at the edge of the floor slab. This leaves plenty of space between the guide posts for guiding the car. If the side surfaces of the external scaffold are arranged in a rectangle, the first and second guide posts are usually positioned at opposite corners of this rectangle.

[0019] The inner frame can also conveniently support the drive unit.

[0020] The drive unit will usually consist of a motor, often an electric motor, and, if necessary, a gearbox.

[0021] The drive unit will generally additionally comprise at least one driven wheel. Within the scope of the present invention, it has proven expedient if the drive motor drives two wheels, which are each located in corner regions of the outer scaffolding, and expediently in those corner regions in which the guide posts of the inner scaffolding are also arranged.

[0022] A particularly practical design is achieved when the first guide post and the second guide post are connected by a cross brace. This cross brace can be constructed as a single piece or in multiple pieces. A single-piece cross brace is certainly practical. This essentially results in a three-part internal framework, consisting of the two guide posts and the cross brace. All three components, as well as the internal framework itself, can be constructed as a single piece or in multiple pieces.

[0023] The cross brace can in particular also carry drive elements. In particular, the motor can be carried by the cross brace and is typically attached to the cross brace for this purpose. A drive shaft can also be provided parallel to the cross brace. This drive shaft can also be mounted on the cross brace. It is expedient if a drive wheel is provided at one end; it is often even more expedient for the elevator construction according to the invention if a drive wheel is provided in each of the end regions of the cross brace. An end region of the cross brace is understood to mean the outer quarter or fifth of its length. It is advantageous if the cross brace runs diagonally in the shaft, i.e. in particular on the diagonal of a rectangle or square above which a cuboid shaft has been built.

[0024] Such a design deviates significantly from the state of the art. In the prior art, the drive unit is usually mounted on a wider surface, for example, on a mezzanine floor or the shaft ceiling. Where two drive wheels are used, they are driven by a single electric motor via a deflection gear, from which two drive shafts then branch off. However, such a design takes up a lot of space. It is particularly advantageous if only one drive shaft is required, and this can then be oriented parallel to the cross member. A motor can be used for this purpose, preferably a gearless motor, which is also mounted on or at the cross member.

[0025] If the internal scaffolding supports both the weight of the cabin and the weight of the drive unit, the external scaffolding is not required to bear a heavy load. This allows for greater design freedom for the external scaffolding. In the case of an external scaffold made of concrete, this can save concrete (or a comparable building material). According to current knowledge, this has significant ecological advantages. If the external scaffolding is erected independently of the building, it is also advantageous if it can be dimensioned so that it does not have to bear a heavy load.

[0026] It is advisable for the first guide post to be connected to the external scaffolding with at least one spacer element. Typically, a plurality of spacers are used along the length of the elevator. For example, it might be appropriate to install a spacer element at the height of each floor. Typically, the second guide post is also connected to the external scaffolding with spacers. Advantageously, the same spacers are used as for the first guide post, usually at the same height.

[0027] Such a spacer element can be designed to bridge a length of at least 2 cm, so that the innermost point of the outer scaffold and the outermost point of the inner scaffold are 2 cm apart. It can be useful for this length to be 5 cm to 10 cm, but it can also be up to 20 cm, but more than 30 cm is generally not necessary. It is also possible for the elevator to use spacers of different sizes so that different lengths can be bridged. In this way, irregularities in the outer scaffold can also be compensated for. This makes it possible, for example, to combine the inner scaffold with a variety of finished building shafts and easily compensate for construction defects.

[0028] Spacers that provide a mechanical connection to the external scaffolding have proven particularly useful. This can be a tenon or a flat piece that fits easily into a groove. A corresponding groove can easily be provided in the external scaffolding (even continuously across all heights). Oriented toward the shaft, i.e., toward the guide posts, the spacers can conveniently provide a differently constructed mechanical connection. A mounting plate is a particularly suitable option. Such a plate can have holes for screws or bolts.

[0029] It has proven practical to provide the guide posts primarily with T-beams. Such a T-beam is inherently very rigid. The base of the "T" is particularly well suited as a guide (i.e., a guide rail), while the shoulders of the "T" allow for a secure attachment of the post to the outer scaffold. In practice, the shoulder side of the T is usually connected to the spacer element. (The horizontal line in the font here represents the "shoulder side").

[0030] It has proven practical to make the guide posts primarily from steel. This provides them with sufficient rigidity and is also capable of supporting the load of the cabin and, if necessary, the drive unit. Such sturdy guide posts allow for a lightweight design of the external scaffold. For example, the external scaffold can be made entirely or partially from aluminum. It is particularly practical to use aluminum for the corner posts of the external scaffold. As a rule, four corner posts are sufficient to create a lightweight and stable external scaffold.

[0031] It has also proven useful if at least one post of the outer scaffold has a groove oriented toward the inner scaffold. If the outer scaffold is erected on a rectangular surface, it is advisable for the groove to be oriented in the direction of the rectangle's diagonals.

[0032] Ideally, the corner posts have a square cross-section. This can be chosen for at least two or even all corner posts. For such a corner post with a square cross-section, the groove can be provided at a 45-degree angle to the side surfaces, which is particularly advantageous. This groove is then essentially oriented toward the center of the shaft. It may be advisable to provide additional grooves or fastening elements in addition to this groove in the side surfaces, i.e., toward the side walls.

[0033] This groove is particularly suitable for accommodating the spacer elements used to connect the inner scaffold to the outer scaffold. However, the groove can also accommodate other guide or control elements.

[0034] Further features, as well as advantages of the invention, will become apparent from the following drawings and the accompanying description. In the figures and the accompanying descriptions, features of the invention are described in combination. However, these features can also be encompassed by a subject matter according to the invention in other combinations. Each disclosed feature is therefore also to be considered as disclosed in technically reasonable combinations with other features. Some of the figures are slightly simplified and schematic.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an inventive external scaffold and internal scaffold for an elevator

[0036] Fig. 2 shows in a plan-like cross-section an internal scaffold and external scaffold according to the invention as well as an adapted elevator car

[0037] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of corner posts and guide posts of the elevator according to the invention from Fig. 2 Fig. 4 shows a further horizontal cross-sectional view of a suitable drive unit for the elevator

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective overall view of an elevator that can be used in the context of the present invention. A variety of other elevator designs are also conceivable. The elevator comprises the elevator shaft 10. This is preferably constructed over a rectangular base area, i.e. overall cuboid-shaped. A square base area is also expedient. The elevator shaft can be provided by a building, for example, cast from concrete, or it can be manufactured independently of the building using its own components. For example, an elevator shaft can be made from posts and struts and inserted panels. Such panels can be made of plastic, metal, or glass. The elevator shaft can also be designed for retrofitting to an existing building.

[0039] The elevator shaft comprises a front wall 12, adjoining a side wall 14, adjoining the rear wall 16, and opposite the side wall 14, the side wall 18. In accordance with the shaft design, all side walls have a substantially rectangular, flat shape. The side walls are constructed above the floor 20.

[0040] Access openings are provided in the side walls, namely access opening 22 on a first level in the front wall 12. Above this, access opening 24 is arranged in the side wall 18. As a further access opening, access opening 26 is provided on a higher level in the front wall 12. The access openings are typically each closed with shaft doors. All access openings can be provided on one side, for example, all in the front wall 12, or the access openings can be provided in different side walls. The elevator construction shown even allows access openings to be provided in all four shaft walls. This is not possible with conventional elevators. However, this option creates considerable freedom for architectural design. It can also be decisive in determining whether an elevator can be retrofitted.During retrofitting, often only certain access directions are possible, and it can easily happen that access on the ground floor must be provided from the front, but on an upper floor is only possible from one side. Shaft 10 is limited at the top by ceiling 28. However, it would be quite conceivable, especially within the scope of the present invention, to provide a ceiling-less shaft.

[0041] The internal scaffold 30 is erected within the shaft 10. This consists of a first post 32, located in one corner of the shaft. The second post 34 is located in the diagonally opposite corner. The two posts are connected by the cross brace 36, which runs diagonally in the upper area of ​​the shaft. It can run directly below the ceiling 28.

[0042] The cross member 36 can support various components; symbolically represented here are drive rollers 38A and 38B, which are provided at the ends of the cross member 36 adjacent to the posts 32 and 34. The cross member 36 can also support a drive unit 40. The drive unit 40 will typically comprise an electric motor that can drive the drive rollers 38 via suitable drive means, for example, corresponding shafts. Drive rollers are particularly suitable for driving toothed belts that can raise and lower an elevator car. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional plan view of an inner scaffold and outer scaffold according to the invention, as well as an elevator car adapted thereto. The car 110 comprises the floor 112 and further comprises the first car door 140 and the second car door 146.

[0044] The floor 112 extends within a square, but is not square itself, as the corners of the square are not filled. The cabin 110 is bounded by a first side wall 114 and a second side wall 116. Opposite the side wall 114 is the first access opening. Opposite the second side wall 116 is the second access opening.

[0045] The side walls 114 and 116 converge at right angles to each other but do not touch. Rather, a first obtuse corner 122 is provided in the area where the extensions of the side walls would intersect. Opposite, in the area where the directions of the access openings intersect, a second obtuse corner 124 is provided. A first acute corner is provided between the side wall 116 and the first access opening. A second acute corner is provided between the first side wall 14 and the second access opening.

[0046] A wall element 132 is provided between the first side wall and the second side wall 116. From a top view, a blunt corner appears between the side walls; from the user's inside view, another wall element 132 or panel is easily recognizable. A corresponding wall element 134 is arranged in the second blunt corner 124.

[0047] Wall elements are also provided in the aforementioned acute corners. In the first acute corner, this is wall element 136. In the second acute corner, this is wall element 138.

[0048] The first access opening is closed by a first car door 140. The first car door 140 consists of two wings, namely the first wing 142 and the second wing 144. The car door is designed to open toward the second obtuse corner 124. This means that the first wing 142 moves a greater distance than the second wing 144 when opening. The first wing 142 is therefore commonly referred to as the "fast" wing.

[0049] The second access opening is closed by the second car door 146. This car door has three wings. The car door 146 comprises the third wing 148 and the fourth wing 150. It also comprises the fifth wing 152. Wings 148 and 150 should also open toward the second blunt corner 124. Thus, the fourth wing 150 is the fast wing here. The fifth wing 152 opens in the opposite direction, toward the second acute corner 128. The fifth wing 152 is significantly shorter than the third wing 48 and the fourth wing 50. The second car door can alternatively be designed with four wings, two of which open in opposite directions.

[0050] The cabin design allows for the use of short wall panels (such as 132 and 134) and blunt corners without compromising cabin functionality. These can be advantageously combined with an internal scaffold.

[0051] The car 110 is surrounded by the first shaft wall 154 and the second shaft wall 156. Opposite the first shaft wall 154* are the third shaft wall 158 and the first shaft door 160. Opposite the second shaft wall 156 are the fourth shaft wall 162 and the adjacent second shaft door 164. The elevator car is suitable for various types of shafts; shown here is a shaft constructed with corner posts, depicting corner posts 166A, 166B, 166C, and 166D. These corner posts are arranged in the corners of a square, so that the shaft offers a square footprint. As explained, the floor 112 is not square, however, but is spaced from the corners of the shaft, especially in the corner areas. Therefore, there is space in the obtuse corners of the car 110 for additional devices in the shaft.Provided here is a first guide post 170, which is connected to the corner post 166D by a first connecting element 168. Opposite is provided the guide post 172, which is connected to the corner post 166B by the connecting element 174. The guide posts each offer (generally within the scope of this invention) at least one guide rail. They can also consist of a guide rail alone (e.g., a flat iron) or comprise further elements, e.g., be designed as T-beams. The guide posts can provide an internal framework. Accordingly, the guide posts are frequently referred to simply as guide rails. However, it is advantageous if the guide posts are self-supporting elements that at least do not require support from a shaft wall and also if the guide posts are supported on the shaft floor.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged section of the shaft structure in the area of ​​the corner post 166D. Such a corner post can be designed as a profile post. This allows the shaft walls, such as the third shaft wall 158 and the fourth shaft wall 162, to be easily connected to the corner post 166D and supported by the corner posts. Corresponding wall sections can easily be made of metal, for example aluminum, plastic, or even glass. They can be provided with suitable frames. Grooves can be provided for the corresponding connection. For a shaft post with an essentially square profile, suitable connecting elements will therefore extend at right angles.

[0053] Additional connecting elements can be provided between these connecting elements, for example, at a 45-degree angle. These additional connecting elements can serve to connect technical components for the shaft. For example, a groove extending at a 45-degree angle is provided here (not further designated), which accommodates the connecting element 168. This connecting element 168 supports the guide post 170.

[0054] This enlarged view highlights how the arrangement of corner posts and guide posts creates an area within which the car door leaves can be moved in the open position. This area is indicated by the hatch as area 176.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a horizontal section through the shaft 110 of an elevator according to the invention. The shaft construction is essentially already known from Fig. 2. The view is from above onto the shaft floor. The shaft is surrounded by the first shaft wall 154 and the adjacent and perpendicular second shaft wall 156. Opposite the first shaft wall 154 are the third shaft wall 158 and the first shaft door 160. Opposite the second shaft wall 156 are the fourth shaft wall 162 and the second shaft door 164. The shaft as a whole is constructed with a frame, thus suitable, for example, for retrofitting an elevator, and is supported by corner posts. The corner posts 166A, 166B, 166C, and 166D are visible.

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

[0057] Guide posts 170 and 172 form the inner framework and correspond to posts 32 and 34 in the schematic representation of Fig. 1. The guide posts are designed as T-beams. Not only can they support a cross brace in their upper section, but they also serve to guide the car along their length. Accordingly, the base of the T-beam points toward the interior of the shaft.

[0058] The view focuses on the drive elements in the upper shaft area. There, the shaft 80 can be seen, which drives the first drive wheel 82 and the second drive wheel 84. A drive motor 86 for driving the shaft is shown schematically. Also shown schematically is a gear 88, which, however, can also be omitted within the scope of the present invention. In general, it is quite possible within the scope of the present invention to position drive elements such as the drive motor or electrical control boxes below the shaft ceiling defined by the external scaffolding.

[0059] Shaft 80 is oriented precisely along the connecting line of guide posts 170 and 172. It can therefore be easily supported by the guide posts themselves or a cross brace attached thereto. This orientation of a drive shaft is generally preferred within the scope of the present invention.

[0060] Overall, it is clear how an elevator can be constructed in an efficient and environmentally friendly way that is versatile in its use and can also be easily retrofitted.

[0061] List of reference symbols

[0062] 10 shafts

[0063] 12 front wall

[0064] 14 Side wall

[0065] 16 Rear wall

[0066] 18 Side wall

[0067] 20 floor

[0068] 22 Access opening

[0069] 24 Access opening

[0070] 26 Access opening

[0071] 28 Ceiling

[0072] 30 internal scaffolding

[0073] 32 first post

[0074] 34 second post

[0075] 36 Cross brace

[0076] 38 Drive shaft

[0077] 40 drive

[0078] 80 drive shaft

[0079] 82 first drive wheel

[0080] 84 second drive wheel

[0081] 86 engine

[0082] 88 Gear unit

[0083] 110 cabin

[0084] 112 Floor

[0085] 114 first side wall

[0086] 116 second side wall

[0087] 118 first access opening

[0088] 120 second access opening

[0089] 122 first blunt corner 124 second blunt corner

[0090] 126 first sharp corner

[0091] 128 second sharp corner

[0092] 130 Control element

[0093] 132 wall element

[0094] 134 wall element

[0095] 136 wall element

[0096] 138 wall element

[0097] 140 first cabin door

[0098] 142 first wing

[0099] 144 second wing

[0100] 146 second cabin door

[0101] 148 third wing

[0102] 150 fourth wing

[0103] 152 fifth wing

[0104] 154 first shaft wall

[0105] 156 second shaft wall

[0106] 158 third shaft wall

[0107] 160 first shaft door

[0108] 162 fourth shaft wall

[0109] 164 second shaft door

[0110] 166 corner posts

[0111] 168 connecting element

[0112] 170 guide posts

[0113] 172 guide posts

[0114] 174 Connecting element

Claims

Elevator with a cabin (110), an inner frame (32, 34, 36) and an outer frame, wherein the outer frame encloses an elevator shaft (10) and comprises a base plate (20), a first side surface (12) and an opposing second side surface (16), as well as a third side surface (14) and an opposing fourth side surface (18), wherein the inner frame (32, 34, 36) comprises at least a first guide post (32, 170) and an opposing second guide post (34, 172), characterized in that the inner frame (32, 34, 36) supports the weight of the cabin (110). Elevator according to the preceding claim, wherein the first guide post and the second guide post (32, 170) are arranged diagonally opposite each other at the edge of the base plate (20) over which the outer frame is erected. Elevator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side surfaces are arranged on a rectangle.Elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner frame (32, 34, 36) also carries the drive unit (40). Elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner frame (32, 34, 36) also carries two drive rollers (38A, 38B). Elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide post is connected to the outer frame by at least one spacer element (168, 174). Elevator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer element (168, 174) is designed to bridge a length of at least 2 cm. Elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide post (32, 170) and the second guide post (34, 172) are connected by a cross member (36). Elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a drive shaft (80) is provided parallel to the cross member (36). Elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first guide post (32, 170) consists substantially of a T-beam. Elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first guide post (32, 170) is made substantially of steel. Elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer frame is made substantially of aluminum. Elevator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer frame comprises four corner posts (166A, 166B, 166C, 166D).Extract according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one corner post (166A) has side surfaces (178, 180) arranged around a rectangular cross-section and a groove (182) which is arranged at a 45-degree angle to the side surfaces (178, 180).

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