Lift system

Abstract

The invention relates to a lift system comprising a lift shaft. The lift shaft (12) is provided with a first movement path (14) for a first lift car (16) and a second movement path (26) for a second lift car (30). The first movement path (14) and the second movement path (26) are arranged next to one another in a width direction (32). Between the first movement path (14) and the second movement path (26), there are multiple first intermediate supports (46) spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction (11) and running in a depth direction running perpendicular to the width direction (32). Between the first movement path (14) and the second movement path (26), there are multiple second intermediate supports (48) that are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction (11). Between the first intermediate supports (46) and the second intermediate supports (48), there is a third movement path (42) for a first counterweight (20) and a fourth movement path (44) for a second counterweight (36) of the lift system (10). According to the invention, at least two guide rails (50) for the first lift car (16), the second lift car (30), the first counterweight (20) and the second counterweight (36) are connected to a connecting element (56) arranged in the vertical direction (11) between two first intermediate supports (46).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an elevator system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Elevator systems are used to transport people and / or goods between floors of buildings. For this purpose, at least one elevator car, carrying people and / or goods, travels vertically within an elevator shaft between floors. Depending on the transport capacity required in the building, an elevator system can have only one elevator car or several elevator cars that can be moved independently of each other in adjacent travel paths within the elevator shaft. An elevator system with multiple travel paths for elevator cars can be called a group elevator. The aforementioned travel paths for the elevator cars of a group elevator are typically not separated by walls, but by intermediate beams to which components of the elevator system, in particular guide rails for guiding the elevator cars, are attached.Guide rails are typically assembled from individual, joined guide rail sections. In the following, the term "guide rail" will refer to either a complete guide rail or a guide rail section, depending on the context.

[0003] EP 0397064 B1 describes a lift installation with a lift shaft comprising a first travel path for a first lift car and a second travel path for a second lift car. The first and second travel paths are arranged side by side in the width direction of the lift shaft. Between the first and second travel paths, several intermediate beams are arranged, spaced vertically apart and extending in a depth direction perpendicular to the width direction of the lift shaft. The first lift car is connected to a first counterweight via a first suspension element, and the second lift car is connected to a second counterweight via a second suspension element. The lift shaft has a third travel path for the first counterweight and a fourth travel path for the second counterweight.The third travel path for the first counterweight is located between the first travel path for the first elevator car and a shaft wall of the elevator shaft adjacent to the first travel path for the first elevator car in the direction of depth. The fourth travel path for the second counterweight is located between the second travel path for the second elevator car and the first intermediate supports.

[0004] JPS60178177A and CN107804767A also describe elevator installations, each with one elevator shaft, a first travel path for a first elevator car, a second travel path for a second elevator car, a third travel path for a first counterweight, and a fourth travel path for a second counterweight. JPS6481782A describes an elevator installation of this type.

[0005] In contrast, the object of the invention is, in particular, to propose an alternative elevator system with an elevator shaft having two adjacent travel paths for elevator cars. According to the invention, this object is achieved with an elevator system having the features of claim 1.

[0006] The elevator system according to the invention has an elevator shaft with a first travel path for a first elevator car and a second travel path for a second elevator car. The first and second travel paths are arranged side by side in the width direction of the elevator shaft. Between the first and second travel paths, several first intermediate beams are arranged, spaced apart vertically and extending in a depth direction perpendicular to the width direction of the elevator shaft. Between the first and second travel paths, several second intermediate beams are arranged, spaced apart vertically and extending in the depth direction of the elevator shaft. The second intermediate beams are spaced apart from the first intermediate beams in the width direction.Between the first intermediate beams and the second intermediate beams, a third travel path for a first counterweight of the elevator system connected to the first elevator car via a first support element and a fourth travel path for a second counterweight of the elevator system connected to the second elevator car via a second support element are arranged.

[0007] According to the invention, the elevator system has guide rails for the first elevator car, the second elevator car, the first counterweight, and the second counterweight, and a connecting element arranged vertically between two first intermediate supports arranged directly above one another and connected to all four guide rails. The connecting element is, in particular, arranged centrally in the vertical direction between the two first intermediate supports.

[0008] The connecting element increases the rigidity of the guide rails to which it is attached. This allows for the use of particularly small guide rails in terms of their cross-section, which would not possess the necessary rigidity without the connection to the connecting element. The use of these small guide rails results in particularly lightweight guide rails requiring minimal material. This enables a particularly cost-effective and resource-efficient implementation of the guide rails and thus the elevator system. Additionally, lightweight guide rails can be transported and installed in the elevator shaft more easily and therefore more cost-effectively.

[0009] The connecting element has a particularly elongated shape in the width direction of the elevator shaft and is designed, for example, as a rod or tube with optional attachments. It can, for instance, be screwed to the guide rails. It is also possible for the guide rails to be attached to the connecting element using so-called rail clamps, which are also used with rail brackets to fasten guide rails to shaft walls or intermediate supports. The connecting element can have corresponding contact surfaces with threaded studs or threaded holes for this purpose.

[0010] The arrangement of the travel paths for the counterweights between the first and second intermediate beams requires very little space in the cross-section of the elevator shaft. This allows an elevator system with such a shaft to have elevator cars with particularly large cross-sections and thus floor areas, or, given a fixed cross-section and thus floor area for the elevator cars, the elevator shaft can have a particularly small cross-section.

[0011] Guide rails for guiding the first and second counterweights, as well as the first and second elevator cars, during relocation within the elevator shaft can be attached, at least indirectly, to the first and second intermediate supports. The first and second intermediate supports thus fulfill multiple functions, eliminating the need for additional components. This allows the elevator shaft to be constructed with minimal material, particularly metal. This enables a cost-effective and resource-efficient elevator shaft design.

[0012] To attach guide rails for the second counterweight and the second elevator car to the first intermediate beams, plates, rods, and bolts are mounted to the first intermediate beams using nuts in the elevator shaft according to EP 0397064 B1. This assembly is time-consuming and costly. In the elevator shaft according to the invention, guide rails can be attached directly to the intermediate beams. Installing guide rails in the elevator shaft is therefore simple, quick, and cost-effective.

[0013] The elevator shaft is typically bounded by solid shaft walls, which can be made of materials such as concrete or wood. However, it is also possible that the elevator shaft is bounded by a supporting structure, particularly one made of metal.

[0014] The elevator shaft, and thus also the travel paths for the independently movable elevator cars and the counterweights connected to the elevator cars, run primarily vertically, although minor deviations from the vertical are possible. The individual travel paths are therefore each designed as mainly cuboid, non-overlapping spaces in which an elevator car or a counterweight can be moved vertically.

[0015] The vertical extent of the elevator shaft can be referred to as its height. A vertical position within the elevator shaft can be referred to as its height within the elevator shaft. The elevator shaft has a predominantly cuboid shape. It therefore has a height extending vertically, a width extending laterally, and a depth extending vertically.

[0016] The elevator shaft has openings at various heights, with each opening typically corresponding to a floor of the building containing the shaft. When the elevator stops at a floor, the cabin door and the shaft door located in the opening are aligned so that entry and exit are possible via both the cabin door and the shaft door.

[0017] Shaft openings assigned to a floor are arranged side by side, particularly in the width of the elevator shaft. It is also possible for an elevator car to have two opposing cabin doors, so that at least on one floor the elevator shaft also has opposing shaft openings.

[0018] The elevator shaft can also have more than two travel paths for elevator cars and more than two travel paths for counterweights.

[0019] The first and second intermediate beams run in the direction of depth, although this direction need not be exactly perpendicular to the direction of width; a slight deviation is possible. The first and second intermediate beams also run horizontally. In the elevator shaft, a first intermediate beam and a corresponding second intermediate beam are arranged in pairs at different heights. For example, a first intermediate beam and a corresponding second intermediate beam are spaced between 70 and 100 cm apart. Two first or second intermediate beams arranged vertically, one above the other, are spaced between 200 and 400 cm apart.

[0020] The first and second intermediate supports have an elongated shape and are primarily supported by opposing shaft walls. With concrete shaft walls, they can, for example, be cast in place during the casting of the shaft walls. It is also possible for the shaft walls to be cast first and the intermediate supports subsequently attached to them, for example, by bolting. The shaft walls may also have ledges or recesses on which the intermediate supports can rest from above. It is also possible that, of a first and a corresponding second intermediate support, only one of the two supports rests against opposing shaft walls, while the other is attached to the support that rests against the shaft walls.

[0021] The first and second intermediate beams are designed as metal beams, for example as hollow profiles with a rectangular cross-section, T-beams, or I-beams, with optional attachments. The intermediate beams feature, in particular, fastening points for attaching the elevator guide rails. These fastening points can be, for example, slotted holes or threaded studs.

[0022] The arrangement of the third travel path for the first counterweight and the fourth travel path between the first and second intermediate beams results in the first and second intermediate beams being designed and arranged in such a way that the first and second counterweights can be moved vertically between them.

[0023] In this embodiment of the invention, a first intermediate support and a corresponding second intermediate support of the elevator shaft run parallel to each other and at the same level within the elevator shaft. Guide rails for the elevator system are attached to these intermediate supports. This arrangement of the intermediate supports allows an installer, positioned on an installation platform, to attach guide rails to the first and second intermediate supports without having to change the platform's position vertically. This enables a particularly simple, quick, and therefore cost-effective installation of the elevator system.

[0024] In this embodiment of the invention, the first intermediate beam and the corresponding second intermediate beam of the elevator shaft are connected by a crossbeam. Components of the elevator system, in particular guide rails, can also be attached to the crossbeam. The crossbeam can, like the intermediate beams, have corresponding fastening options for this purpose. The crossbeam thus enables a particularly simple, quick, and therefore cost-effective installation of the elevator system. In addition, the crossbeam can contribute to the high stability of a combination of a first intermediate beam and a corresponding second intermediate beam.

[0025] The crossbeam runs horizontally, particularly in the width direction of the elevator shaft, and when the intermediate beams are parallel and at the same height, it runs horizontally. More than one crossbeam, for example, two or three, can be arranged between a first intermediate beam and a corresponding second intermediate beam. A crossbeam can, for instance, be positioned between the third travel path for the first counterweight and the fourth travel path for the second counterweight. Alternatively or additionally, crossbeams can be arranged between the third and / or fourth travel path and a wall bordering the elevator shaft. This allows guide rails for the first and / or second counterweight to be attached to a crossbeam rather than to the aforementioned wall of the elevator shaft.Attaching to a crossbeam is usually easier, faster and therefore more cost-effective than attaching to a wall of the elevator shaft, especially if it is made of concrete.

[0026] In this embodiment of the invention, a first intermediate beam and a corresponding second intermediate beam of the elevator shaft run at the same level within the elevator shaft. The first intermediate beam and the corresponding second intermediate beam are connected by a crossbeam, and a guide rail for the first counterweight and / or the second counterweight is attached to the crossbeam. The above descriptions regarding one or more crossbeams of an elevator shaft apply accordingly to this embodiment of the elevator system.

[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, the third travel path for the first counterweight and the fourth travel path for the second counterweight are arranged side by side in the depth direction of the elevator shaft.

[0028] In this arrangement of the third and fourth counterweights, the third travel path for the first counterweight, connected to the first elevator car, is located next to the second travel path for the second elevator car, and the fourth travel path for the second counterweight, connected to the second elevator car, is located next to the first travel path for the first elevator car. This means that the second counterweight can pass a stationary first elevator car, and the first counterweight can pass a stationary second elevator car. A first protective element, extending upwards from the roof of the first elevator car, is arranged on the first elevator car. This protective element can be, for example, a protective wall made of sheet metal or plexiglass, a grid, or a net stretched within a frame, such as a textile net or a wire mesh.The first protective element extends in the direction of depth along the fourth travel path for the second counterweight. This protects a technician or service worker located on the roof of the first elevator car from a collision with the second counterweight. In particular, the first protective element prevents the technician or service worker from leaning over the edge of the first elevator car and thus from the first travel path of the first elevator car into the fourth travel path of the second counterweight.

[0029] The first safety element extends at least over the entire fourth travel path. It has a height of, for example, 150–220 cm from the roof of the first elevator car. It can be designed to be foldable, so that it is only folded up when a technician or service engineer is on the first elevator car. The position of the first safety element can be monitored, for example, by means of suitable sensors.

[0030] The elevator system also features a second protective element on the second elevator car, extending upwards from the roof of the second car and running in the direction of travel along the third path for the first counterweight. The descriptions of the first protective element apply accordingly to the second protective element.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is connected to a first intermediate support and / or to a second intermediate support by means of a strut. This enables high stability and rigidity of the system consisting of the connecting element and two or four guide rails. The described effects and advantages of the connecting element are thus particularly pronounced.

[0032] The brace can be, for example, a simple, elongated metal rod, which may have receptacles at its ends for bolting it to the connecting element or an intermediate support. The brace can also be a cable, particularly a steel cable with corresponding receptacles. The cable can be tensioned to achieve the desired stability or stiffness.

[0033] The connecting element is connected, in particular, by means of a strut to a first intermediate support arranged above the connecting element, a second intermediate support arranged above the connecting element, a first intermediate support arranged below the connecting element, and a second intermediate support arranged below the connecting element. This enables particularly high stability and rigidity of the system consisting of the connecting element and two or four guide rails.

[0034] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the drawings, in which identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals. The drawings are schematic only and not to scale.

[0035] This shows: Fig. 1 shows a side view of an elevator system with two elevator cars that can be moved independently of each other in an elevator shaft; Fig. 2 shows the elevator system made of Fig. 1 In a top view, Fig. 3 shows a connecting element connecting the guide rails of an elevator system, and in a top view, Fig. 4 shows the connecting element made of Fig. 3 with struts to intermediate supports of an elevator shaft in a side view.

[0036] According to Fig. 1 and 2An elevator system 10 has an elevator shaft 12 extending vertically, and thus in a vertical direction 11, with a first travel path 14 for a first elevator car 16. The first elevator car 16 is connected to a first counterweight 20 via a first suspension element 18 in the form of a rope or belt. The first suspension element 18 runs over a first drive pulley 22 located above the first elevator car 16 and a first deflection pulley 24 located above the first counterweight 20. The first drive pulley 22 can be driven by a first drive motor (not shown), which allows the first suspension element 18, and thus the first elevator car 16 and the first counterweight 20, to be moved vertically in the elevator shaft 12.

[0037] The elevator shaft 12 has a second travel path 26 for a second elevator car 30, which is arranged in a lateral direction 32 of the elevator shaft 12 next to the first travel path 14 for the first elevator car 16. The second elevator car 30 is connected to a second counterweight 36 via a second suspension element 34 in the form of a rope or belt. The second suspension element 34 runs over a second drive pulley 38 located above the second elevator car 30 and a second deflection pulley 40 located above the second counterweight 36. The second drive pulley 38 can be driven by a second drive motor (not shown), which allows the second suspension element 34, and thus the second elevator car 30 and the second counterweight 36, to be moved vertically in the elevator shaft 12.The two drive motors can be controlled independently of each other by an elevator control system (not shown), so that the first elevator car 16 and the second elevator car 30 can be moved independently of each other in the elevator shaft 12.

[0038] Between the first travel path 14 for the first elevator car 16 and the second travel path 26 for the second elevator car 30, a third travel path 42 for the first counterweight 20 and a fourth travel path 44 for the second counterweight 36 are arranged, wherein in the Fig. 1 The third travel path 42 is arranged in front of the fourth travel path 44. The third travel path 42 and the fourth travel path 44 are thus arranged side by side in a depth direction 45 that runs perpendicular to the vertical direction 11 and perpendicular to the width direction 32. A total of three first intermediate supports 46 run between the third travel path 42 or fourth travel path 44 and the first travel path 14. They run horizontally and in a depth direction 45 that runs perpendicular to the vertical direction 11 and perpendicular to the width direction 32, and are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction 11. Between the third travel path 42 or fourth travel path 44 and the second travel path 26, a total of three second intermediate beams 48 also run. They are spaced apart horizontally and in the depth direction 45 and in the vertical direction 11, with two corresponding first and second intermediate beams 46, 48 running parallel and at the same level in the elevator shaft 12.

[0039] The elevator cars 16, 30 and the counterweights 20, 36 are each guided by a pair of guide rails 50, wherein the guide rails 50 of the two elevator cars 16, 20 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction 32 and the guide rails 50 of the two counterweights 20, 36 are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction 45. With respect to the elevator shaft 12, the outer guide rails 50 of the two elevator cars 16, 30 are fastened to shaft walls 52 of the elevator shaft 12 by means of rail brackets and rail clamps (not shown). The second, inner guide rail 50 of the first elevator car 16 is fastened to the first intermediate beams 46 by means of rail brackets and rail clamps (not shown). The second, inner guide rail 50 of the second elevator car 30 is fastened to the second intermediate beams 48 by means of rail brackets and rail clamps (not shown).

[0040] The guide rails 50 of the two counterweights 20, 36 are attached to crossbeams 54 connecting a first intermediate beam 46 and a corresponding second intermediate beam 48 by means of rail brackets and rail clamps (not shown). The elevator system 10 has a total of three crossbeams 54 per pair consisting of a first intermediate beam 46 and a second intermediate beam 48, with a central crossbeam 54 located between the third travel path 14 and the fourth travel path 26, and an outer crossbeam 54 on each of the two travel paths 14, 26 opposite the central crossbeam 54.

[0041] It is also possible that the elevator system has only one central crossbeam per pair of corresponding first and second intermediate brackets, and that the outer guide rails of the two counterweights are attached to opposite walls of the elevator shaft.

[0042] In the vertical direction 11, between two superimposed first intermediate beams 46 and corresponding second intermediate beams 48, a connecting element 56 is arranged in each case. The connecting elements 56 are arranged approximately midway between two superimposed first intermediate beams 46. The connecting elements 56 have a cuboid shape and are connected to the respective inner guide rails 50 of the first and second elevator cars 16, 30 and the first and second counterweights 20, 36 – for example, by means of rail clamps. This is shown in Fig. 3 Shown in an enlarged view from above.

[0043] The connecting elements 56 can be arranged according to Fig. 4 The elements are connected by means of a strut 58 to a first intermediate support 46 arranged above the connecting element 56, a second intermediate support 48 arranged above the connecting element 56, a first intermediate support 46 arranged below the connecting element 56, and a second intermediate support 48 arranged below the connecting element 56. However, these connections by means of struts are not strictly necessary.

[0044] According to Fig. 1 and 2A first protective element 62, in the form of a protective wall, is arranged on the first elevator car 16, extending upwards from a roof 60 of the first elevator car 16, i.e., in the vertical direction 11. The first protective element 62 extends in the depth direction 45 along the fourth travel path 44 for the second counterweight 36. A corresponding second protective element 66 is arranged on a roof 64 of the second elevator car 30, extending along the third travel path 42 for the second counterweight 30.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising," "encompassing," 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 within the scope of protection of the appended claims. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

1. Elevator system, comprising - an elevator shaft (12) - a first elevator car (16), - a second elevator car (30), - a first counterweight (20) connected to the first elevator car (16) via a first suspension means (18), - a second counterweight (36) connected to the second elevator car (30) via a second suspension means (34), and - Guide rails (50) for the first elevator car (16), the second elevator car (30), the first counterweight (20), and the second counterweight (36), wherein the elevator shaft (12) comprises: - a first movement path (114) for the first elevator car (116), and - a second movement path (126) for the second elevator car (130), wherein - the first movement path (14) and the second movement path (26) are arranged next to each other in a width direction (32) of the elevator shaft (12), - a plurality of first intermediate supports (46) are arranged between the first movement path (14) and the second movement path (26), and are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction (11), and extend in a depth direction (45) of the elevator shaft (12) perpendicular to the width direction (32), - a plurality of second intermediate supports (48) are arranged between the first movement path (14) and the second movement path (26), and are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction (11), and extend in a depth direction (45) of the elevator shaft (12), - the second intermediate supports (48) are arranged at a distance from the first intermediate supports (46) in the width direction (32), and - a third movement path (42) for the first counterweight (20) of the elevator system (10) connected to the first elevator car (16) via the first suspension means (18) and a fourth movement path (44) for a second counterweight (36) of the elevator system (10) connected to the second elevator car (30) via the second suspension means (34) are arranged between the first intermediate supports (46) and the second intermediate supports (48), characterized by - a connecting element (56) arranged in the vertical direction (11) between two first intermediate supports (46) and connected to four of the aforementioned guide rails (50).

2. Elevator system according to claim 1, characterized in that a first intermediate support (46) and a corresponding second intermediate support (48) of the elevator shaft (12) run parallel to each other and at the same height in the elevator shaft (12).

3. Elevator system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first intermediate support (46) and the corresponding second intermediate support (48) of the elevator shaft (12) are connected by a cross-beam (54).

4. Elevator system according to claim 3, characterized in that a guide rail (50) for the first counterweight (20) and / or the second counterweight (36) is attached to the cross-beam (54).

5. Elevator system according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the third movement path (42) for the first counterweight (20) and the fourth movement path (44) for the second counterweight (36) are arranged next to one another in the depth direction (45) of the elevator shaft (12).

6. Elevator system according to claim 5, characterized in that a first protective element (62) extending upwards from a roof (60) of the first elevator car (16) is arranged on the first elevator car (16), which extends in the depth direction (45) along the fourth movement path (44) for the second counterweight (36).

7. Elevator system according to claim 6, characterized in that a second protective element (66) which extends upwards from a roof (64) of the second elevator car (30) and which extends in the depth direction (45) along the third movement path (42) for the first counterweight (20) is arranged on the second elevator car (30).

8. Elevator system according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting element (56) is connected to four guide rails (50).

9. Elevator system according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting element (56) is connected to a first intermediate support (46) and / or to a second intermediate support (48) by means of a strut (58).

10. Elevator system according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting element (56) is connected, in each case by means of a strut (58), to - a first intermediate support (46) arranged above the connecting element (56), - a second intermediate support (48) arranged above the connecting element (56), - a first intermediate support (46) arranged below the connecting element (56), and - a second intermediate support (48) arranged below the connecting element (56).

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