elevator

Abstract

An elevator (10) is described comprising: - a support frame (15) for support on the ground (S) which extends along a vertical direction (A) and has a lower end (15A) adapted to be arranged resting on the ground and an opposite upper end adapted to be distal from the ground (S); a platform (35) movably associated with the support frame (15) along the vertical direction (A), the platform being adapted to receive and support a load; and a movement unit (80) connected to the platform (35) and adapted to be connected to the support frame (15) configured to allow the platform (35) to move relative to the support frame (15) along said vertical direction (A), wherein the movement unit (80) comprises: a flexible element (85) provided with opposite ends, an end (85A) therein being adapted to be fixed to the upper end (158) of the support frame 15 and the other end (85B) being adapted to be fixed to the lower end (15A) of the support frame (15) or to the ground (S); a pair of pulleys (90) associated with the platform (35) and movable therewith along the vertical direction (A), a section of the flexible element (85) comprised between the opposite ends thereof being wound on the pair of pulleys (90); and a motor (95) associated with the platform 35 and coupled to at least one of the pulleys (90) to drive it in rotation in order to allow alternatively the ascent or descent of the platform (35) along said vertical direction (A).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator, for example adapted to be used in industrial plants to verify the operation thereof from a position at height.PRIOR ART

[0002] As is known, elevating control stations, more simply referred to as industrial elevators or industrial lifts, are widely used in the industrial sector. They allow operators to reach a vertical height such that they can have a view capable of allowing better control and monitoring of machinery or more generally of the operations of a plant.

[0003] These elevating control stations generally consist of a platform that can move vertically along a support structure, allowing operators to access different heights as required for their work.

[0004] In order to enable platform or cabin movement, the conventional elevating control stations employ hydraulic systems for vertical movement.

[0005] In these hydraulic systems, in practice, a hydraulic piston is connected by its movable rod to the platform in order to move it vertically.

[0006] Although widely adopted, the known hydraulic systems are not without drawbacks.

[0007] In fact, hydraulic pistons have inherent limitations in terms of maximum vertical stroke, limiting the reachable height of the elevating control station.

[0008] Therefore, a need felt in the industry is for elevating control stations whose structure can be adapted to various heights.

[0009] In light of the above, an object of the present invention is to meet this need.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to achieve the mentioned object within the scope of a simple and rational solution.

[0011] These and other objects are reached by the characteristics of the invention as set forth in the independent claims.

[0012] The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In particular, the invention provides an elevator comprising: a ground-supporting frame which extends along a vertical direction and has a lower end adapted to be arranged resting on (and possibly fixed to) the ground (and thus adapted to be proximal to the ground) and an opposite upper end adapted to be distal from the ground; a platform (adapted to be) movably associated with the support frame along the vertical direction; and a movement unit connected to the platform and adapted to be connected (e.g. attached) to the support frame, configured to allow the platform to move relative to the support frame along said vertical direction, said movement unit comprising: ∘ a flexible element, e.g. of the chain or rope or belt type, provided with opposite ends, of which one end adapted to be fixed (e.g. screwed or bolted or welded or otherwise fixed, e.g. rigidly fixed) to the upper end of the support frame, and the other end of which is adapted to be fixed (e.g. screwed or bolted or welded or otherwise fixed, e.g. rigidly fixed) to the lower end of the support frame or to the ground; ∘ a pair of pulleys associated with the platform and movable therewith along the vertical direction, a section of the flexible element comprised between the opposite ends of the platform being wound on the pair of pulleys; and ∘ a motor associated with the platform and coupled to at least one of the pulleys to drive it in rotation (in order to allow the movement of the platform along the vertical direction, i.e. Alternatively the ascent or descent of the platform along said vertical direction).

[0014] Thanks to this solution, the invention provides an elevator whose structure is simple, rational and generally adaptable to any height required.

[0015] By keeping the same generic structure and simply adapting the vertical height of the support frame and the length of the flexible element to needs, the elevator structure can be adapted to any height.

[0016] Furthermore, as only a few adjustments are necessary to adapt the elevator to a desired height, most components can be standardised in size and shape, making the construction of the elevator particularly easy.

[0017] In particular, an aspect of the invention can envisage that one end of the flexible element is fixed (e.g. screwed or bolted or welded or otherwise fixed, e.g. rigidly fixed) to the upper end of the support frame and that the other end of the flexible element is fixed (e.g. screwed or bolted or welded or otherwise fixed, e.g. rigidly fixed) to the lower end of the support frame (or alternatively to the ground).

[0018] Another aspect of the invention is that the elevator can be free of platform counterweights. Another aspect of the invention envisages that the motor can be equipped with a brake which can be driven to lock the position of the platform along the vertical direction and a control lever connected to the mechanical brake and operable (e.g. manually) between an engagement position where it drives the brake (to prevent and / or lock the movement of the platform) and a disengagement position where it releases the mechanical brake (to allow the movement of the platform along the vertical direction A).

[0019] Thanks to this solution, i.e. the inclusion of a brake with a control lever, the elevator is even safer in use, in fact it allows the operator to lower the platform manually, using the lever, in the event of a power failure or motor malfunction.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention is that the motor can be mounted under, i.e. below, the platform.

[0021] Thanks to this solution, the motor can be arranged in an area where it is protected.

[0022] A further aspect of the invention envisages that the support frame can comprise a pair of mutually parallel and vertical uprights (i.e. each of which extends along said vertical direction), each of which has a lower end proximal to, and possibly arranged resting (possibly fixed) on the ground and an opposite upper end distal from the ground, and a crossbeam connecting the uprights to each other at their respective upper ends.

[0023] Thanks to this solution, the structure of the support frame is optimised in terms of footprint-mechanical strength balance.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention is that the flexible element wound around the pulleys can define a serpentine.

[0025] This serpentine arrangement of the flexible element, e.g. the chain or rope, around the pulleys ensures and improves mutual adherence, allowing a smoother movement of the platform along the vertical direction while reducing the motor effort and thus its power consumption.

[0026] In other words, the flexible element (i.e. said section thereof) may be adapted to embrace one pulley below and embrace the other pulley above, so as to essentially define an S around them.

[0027] Still another aspect of the invention envisages that said pulleys associated with the platform can be arranged at a non-zero distance from each other along the vertical direction, such that one is proximal to the lower end of the support frame and one is proximal to the upper end of the support frame.

[0028] Thanks to this arrangement of the pulleys, the adherence between them and the flexible element is optimised in order to avoid slipping.

[0029] A further aspect of the invention envisages that said pulleys can be positioned below the platform.

[0030] Thanks to this solution, the elevator is more compact overall.

[0031] A further aspect of the invention envisages that a loading station can be mounted on the platform, defining a housing space for a load to be moved along said vertical direction. Furthermore, a further aspect of the invention envisages that said loading station can be a cabin and that the cabin can be at least partially defined by one or more optically transparent panels.

[0032] Thanks to this solution, the elevator is particularly safe in use.

[0033] The inclusion of a cabin with transparent panels improves safety for the operator(s) who are prevented from accidentally falling from the platform, and at the same time, thanks to the optically transparent panels, allows visibility of the surrounding environment during elevator operation, for example by allowing the operator to inspect and / or check the operation of the system or machine without leaving the cabin.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention envisages that the loading station can be mounted on the platform, movable relative to the platform itself along a transversal movement direction, for example orthogonal to the vertical direction A, for example with respect to a horizontal movement direction.

[0035] Thanks to this solution, the loading station is able to project laterally relative to the platform, for example so as to project relative thereto towards a work area to be inspected, allowing a better view thereof and facilitating inspection operations.

[0036] Still another aspect of the invention envisages that the platform can comprise a support base, e.g. horizontal or substantially horizontal or orthogonal to said vertical direction, and at least one spar, e.g. vertical or substantially vertical or parallel to the vertical direction, fixed (e.g. without residual degrees of freedom) to the support base in a right angle therewith (e.g. at a perimeter edge of the support base).

[0037] Thanks to this solution, the structure of the platform is solid and at the same time is shaped so as to smoothly couple with the support frame.

[0038] A further aspect of the invention envisages that the platform can comprise a pair of said spars (fixed to the support frame in a right angle therewith), e.g. vertical or substantially vertical or parallel to the vertical direction, and that said spars may be (arranged) axially interposed between the uprights of the support frame (i.e. interposed between the uprights with respect to a mutual flanking direction of the uprights).

[0039] Thanks to this solution, the overall footprint of the elevator is minimised.

[0040] Furthermore, a further aspect of the invention envisages that the elevator can comprise a pair of sliding guides, each of which is fixed to a respective upright of the support frame and adapted to slidingly guide a capable of guiding a sliding block associated with the platform.

[0041] Thanks to this solution, the movement of the platform in the vertical direction is precise and reliable.

[0042] Another aspect of the invention envisages that said control lever can be arranged in the cargo area, for example, that it can be arranged inside the cabin.

[0043] Thanks to this solution, the control lever is arranged in a safe and immediate position for operators to control the movement of the elevator and engage the safety brake as required.

[0044] Another aspect of the invention envisages that the elevator can comprise a braking system configured to selectively prevent or block the movement of the platform (relative to the support frame) along the vertical direction, and an electronic control unit operatively connected to said braking system and configured to drive it to block the movement of the platform if the platform is moving in a downward verse (i.e., approaching the ground) along the vertical direction and a speed of movement thereof is greater than a threshold value.

[0045] Thanks to this solution the elevator is particularly safe.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of a non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a partially schematic perspective view of an elevator according to the invention. Figure 2 is a partially schematic rear front view of the elevator of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a sectional view along the line III-III of Figure 2, in which a displacement unit and a movement unit of the elevator are better visible. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the portion IV of Figure 3, in which a movement unit is better visible. Figure 5 is a partial perspective view from below of the elevator of Figure 1, in which an elevator support frame is only partially illustrated and an elevator platform and a loading station movably associated with the platform by means of a displacement unit is better visible. Figure 6 is a schematic view of a braking system of the elevator of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a partial view according to the line VII-VII of Figure 2, in which sliding guides and sliding blocks of the elevator are better visible. Figure 8 is a schematic view of a plant and of the elevator of Figure 1 associated with the plant. BEST MODE TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0047] With reference to these figures, the numerical reference 10 generally refers to an elevator (or lift), specifically an industrial elevator 10 (or lift).

[0048] Such an elevator 10, for example as schematically illustrated in Figure 8, can be adapted to be used in combination with a plant or operating machine W, to allow one or more operators to move vertically so as to reach a position at a height where the operation of the plant or machine W can be easily verified.

[0049] By way of non-limiting example, the elevator 10 can be adapted to be used in combination with plants or operating machines such as boring machines, vertical lathes or machine tools in general.

[0050] In other words, such an elevator 10 can essentially be adapted to provide an elevating control station.

[0051] The elevator 10 comprises, firstly, a support frame 15 resting on the ground S, which is (e.g. mainly) along a vertical direction A and has a lower end 15A (adapted to be) arranged against (and possibly fixed to) the ground S and an opposite upper end 15B (adapted to be) distal from the ground S.

[0052] It should be noted that vertical direction A is intended as a direction that has at least one non-zero vertical component (i.e. that is inclined relative to the horizontal).

[0053] The support frame 15 is rigid, i.e. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended, e.g. made (at least mainly) of metal material.

[0054] The support frame 15 can comprise, firstly, a pair of uprights 20, mutually parallel (and e.g. homologous in shape and dimensions to each other), each extending vertically, i.e. along said vertical direction A.

[0055] Therefore, each upright 20 has a lower end proximal to and / or resting on, and possibly fixed to, the ground S, and an opposite upper end distal from the ground S.

[0056] The uprights 20 of the pair are also mutually flanked at a non-zero distance from each other with respect to a horizontal flanking direction.

[0057] As can be seen in Figure 1, the support frame 15 can further comprise a crossbeam 25 connecting the uprights 20, which is in particular adapted to connect the uprights 20 at the upper ends thereof.

[0058] For example, the crossbeam 25 can be connected to the uprights 20 above them, or superimposed in plan view thereon.

[0059] The crossbeam 25 has a substantially horizontal longitudinal extension (e.g. parallel to said flanking direction of the uprights), and has a first longitudinal end fixed (e.g. screwed or welded) to one of said uprights 20, for example at the upper end thereof, and a second longitudinal end, opposite the first one, fixed (e.g. screwed or welded) to the other of said uprights 20, for example at the upper end thereof.

[0060] In essence, for example, it is possible to envisage that the support frame 15 is substantially shaped like a portal or frame.

[0061] For example, said upper end 15B of the support frame 15 can be made available by said upper ends of the uprights 20 and / or by said crossbeam 25.

[0062] Possibly, the support frame 15 can comprise a base crossbeam 30, which is adapted to connect the uprights 20 at the lower ends thereof.

[0063] For example, the base crossbeam 30 can be adapted to be arranged resting on the ground S and eventually fixed thereto.

[0064] The base crossbeam 30, where present, can have a substantially horizontal longitudinal extension (i.e. parallel to the flanking direction of the uprights 20), and have a first longitudinal end fixed (e.g. screwed or welded) to one of said uprights 20, for example at the lower end thereof, and a second longitudinal end, opposite the first, fixed (e.g. screwed or welded) to the other of said uprights 20, for example at the lower end thereof.

[0065] For example, said lower end 15A of the support frame 15 can be made available by said lower ends of the uprights 20 and / or, where present, by said base crossbeam 30.

[0066] The elevator 10 further comprises a platform 35 which is movably associated with the support frame 15 along the vertical direction A, i.e., associated with the support frame 15 so as to be able to descend or ascend along the vertical direction A, i.e., to move in an upward or downward verse along the vertical direction A.

[0067] The platform 35, as will become clear in the following, is adapted to move a load, e.g. one or more operators, along said vertical direction.

[0068] The platform 35 is rigid, i.e. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended, e.g. metal.

[0069] For example, such a platform 35 can be substantially defined by a rigid framework, i.e., not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended, which defines, i.e., makes available, a support base 40 e.g. horizontal or substantially horizontal (i.e. orthogonal to the vertical direction A).

[0070] In particular, such a platform 35, as better visible in Figure 3, can be substantially "L"-shaped, i.e. comprising a horizontal section or substantially horizontal section (i.e. orthogonal to the vertical direction A), for example made available by said support base 40, and a vertical section (i.e. parallel to the vertical direction A) or extending in a right angle to the horizontal section (i.e. to the support base 40), e.g. defined by one or more spars 45 (rigid, i.e. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which they are envisaged, e.g. metal) which are vertical (or substantially vertical, i.e. parallel to the vertical direction A) and fixed, e.g. welded or screwed, to the support base 40 (thus being substantially in a right angle therewith).

[0071] In other words, the platform 35 can comprise said support base 40 and at least one spar fixed to the support base 40 in a right angle therewith, or at least one spar 45 fixed to the base and parallel to the vertical direction A, e.g. a pair of spars fixed to the support base 40 in a right angle therewith or parallel to the vertical direction A.

[0072] For example, each spar 45 can be fixed (rigidly, i.e. without residual degrees of freedom) to the support base 40 at a perimeter edge thereof.

[0073] For example, as visible in Figure 2, the spars 45 of the platform 35 can be arranged axially interposed between the uprights 20 of support frame 15 (relative to said flanking direction of the uprights 20).

[0074] In practice, the spars 45 of the pair can be mutually flanked at a non-zero distance from each other relative to the flanking direction of the uprights 20 and placed at a mutual distance less than the distance between the uprights 20 with respect to said flanking direction so as to be axially interposed therebetween.

[0075] In particular, said support base 40 is designed to directly or indirectly support (i.e. inferiorly support) a load, e.g. one or more operators.

[0076] For example, said support base 40 can be provided with a horizontal or substantially horizontal support platform adapted to receive and support said load.

[0077] Alternatively, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, the elevator 10 can optionally comprise a loading station 50, which is mounted on the platform 35, and movable therewith along the vertical direction A.

[0078] Such a loading station 50, for example, is mounted on the platform 35 above the support base 40 so as to be supported below it.

[0079] Such a loading station 50, in particular, provides a support platform 55 (horizontal or substantially horizontal) adapted to receive and support said load, e.g. one or more users. Such a loading station 50, for example, can further comprise a railing or bulkhead, which delimits the perimeter of a housing space for said load placed resting on the support surface 55.

[0080] For example, as better visible in Figure 1, such a loading station 50 can comprise a cabin 60 mounted on the platform 35 and movable therewith (i.e. integral) along the vertical direction A, which cabin 60 delimits a housing space for the load.

[0081] The cabin 60, in particular, comprises a body defined by said support surface 55, by one or more side walls 65, which are contiguous to each other to peripherally close the housing space and extend vertically from the support surface 55, and, optionally, by a roof wall 70 connected to the side walls 65, above them, to close said housing space above.

[0082] On the body of the cabin 60, e.g. on at least one of said side walls 65, a door may be provided for access to the housing space.

[0083] The cabin 60, i.e. its body, can be at least partially defined by one or more optically transparent panels 75.

[0084] For example, at least one side wall can be defined (partially or entirely) by a panel 75 (or several panels, each of which is) optically transparent, e.g. glass or plexiglass. Preferably, each side wall of the cabin 60 is at least partially defined by (at least) one optically transparent panel 75.

[0085] It cannot be excluded that, in alternative embodiments not illustrated, the loading platform 50 can comprise only said support surface 55.

[0086] The loading station 50 can optionally be mounted on the platform 35 which is movable relative to the platform itself relative to a movement direction B.

[0087] In particular, the loading station 50 can be movably connected to the support base 40 relative to a movement direction B, for example horizontal or substantially horizontal, for example with respect to a movement direction B which is horizontal and orthogonal to the uprights 20 of the support frame 15 of the elevator 10, or with respect to a movement direction B parallel to the flanking direction of the uprights 20.

[0088] In particular, the elevator 10 can comprise a displacement unit configured to allow the movement of the loading station 50 relative to the platform 35, i.e., relative to the support base 40 along said movement direction B.

[0089] Such a displacement unit can comprise, for example, at least one worm screw G1, connected to the support base 40, and arranged with a longitudinal axis thereof parallel to the movement direction B.

[0090] The displacement unit then comprises at least one nut G2 nut (or nut screw), screwed onto the worm screw, and an electric motor G1, e.g. of the brushless type, connected to the worm screw G1 and configured to drive the worm screw in rotation (thereon), around a rotation axis parallel to the movement direction B, selectively in one direction or in the opposite direction.

[0091] The nut G2 (or nut screw) is fixed to the loading station 50.

[0092] The displacement unit then comprises at least one mechanism for guiding the loading station 50 along the movement direction B.

[0093] Such a guiding mechanism can comprise at least one guide G4, e.g. a pair of guides G4 extending longitudinally along the movement direction B and which are, for example, arranged opposite each other relative to a vertical median plane of the loading station 50 parallel to the movement direction B.

[0094] Each of said guides G4 is fixed, preferably without any residual degrees of freedom, to one of the loading station 50 and the platform 35 (i.e. the support base), e.g. to the loading station as visible in Figure 5.

[0095] For example, each of said guides G4 can be substantially defined by a metal sheet folded substantially in the shape of a C, i.e. with two mutually parallel sidewalls, and a joining wall of said sidewalls substantially orthogonal thereto.

[0096] Each of said guides G4 defines a sliding channel extending along said movement direction B.

[0097] Such a guiding mechanism then comprises at least one wheel (not visible in the accompanying figures), rotating idle thereon relative to a (horizontal or substantially horizontal) rotation axis orthogonal to the movement direction B, which is coupled to the sliding guide G4, i.e. inserted within the channel defined by the sliding guide G4 and moving along the same.

[0098] For example, such a guiding mechanism can comprise at least one wheel for each of said sliding guides.

[0099] Such a wheel, i.e. each of said wheels, is rotatably connected to the other of the platform 35 and the loading station 50, e.g. to the platform 35 (at the support base).

[0100] In practice, each wheel is inserted within the respective guide G4 where it slides along the movement direction B and at the same time is prevented from moving laterally (i.e. orthogonal to the movement direction) by the opposite sidewalls of the guide.

[0101] Thanks to such a guiding mechanism, the nut G2 being fixed to the loading station 50, the driving in rotation of the worm screw in one direction causes the nut G2 (which is prevented from rotating) to move in a verse along the movement direction B and therewith the loading station, while the driving in rotation of the worm screw in the opposite direction causes the driving of the nut along the movement direction B in the opposite verse and therewith the loading station 50.

[0102] The elevator 10 further comprises a movement unit 80 connected to the platform 35 and connected to the support frame 15 to allow the platform 35 (and thus the load carried thereon), and possibly the loading station 50 to be carried, to move relative to the support frame 15 along the vertical direction A, selectively in an upward or downward verse or to ascend or descend along said vertical direction A (i.e. to move along the extension of the support frame 15).

[0103] The movement unit 80 comprises, firstly, a flexible element 85 (i.e., windable), e.g., a chain or rope or belt, provided with two opposite ends (which flexible element 80 is illustrated schematically in the accompanying figures).

[0104] In particular, said flexible element 85, e.g. said chain or rope or belt, comprises an end 85A adapted to be fixed (e.g. rigidly fixed) to the upper end 15B (i.e. distal from the supporting ground S) of the support frame 15, e.g. to the crossbeam 25 or to one or both upper ends of the uprights 20, and the other end 85B adapted to be fixed (e.g. rigidly fixed) to the ground S or to the lower end (i.e. proximal to the supporting ground S) of the support frame 15, for example to one or both lower ends of the uprights 20 or to the base crossbeam 30.

[0105] For example, such a flexible element 85 has an end 85A fixed to the upper end 15B of the support frame and an opposite end 85B fixed to the lower end 15A of the support frame 15 (or alternatively to the ground S).

[0106] For example, as can be seen from Figure 2, the end 85A of the flexible element 85 can be fixed to the crossbeam 25 while the end 85B can be fixed to the base crossbeam 30. The movement unit 80 then comprises a pair of pulleys 90 associated (i.e. connected, directly or indirectly) to the platform 35 and movable therewith along the vertical direction A.

[0107] The pulleys 90 can preferably be mutually homologous (in shape and size).

[0108] For example, said pair of pulleys 90 can be fixed directly to the platform 35, e.g. below it, or below the support base 40, or they can, for example, be fixed to said vertical section of the platform 35, or they can be fixed to one or more of said (vertical) spars 45 of the platform 35.

[0109] For example, said pulleys 90 may be mounted rotating around respective (mutually parallel) rotation axes R on a support framework, and said support framework can be fixed, e.g. screwed or welded, to one or both of said spars 45 of the platform 35.

[0110] Each of said pulleys 90 is rotatably associated with (i.e. fixed to or mounted on) the platform 35 around a horizontal or substantially horizontal rotation axis R (so as to rotate thereon around said rotation axis R).

[0111] For example, such a rotation axis R can be substantially parallel to the movement direction B or substantially parallel to the mutual flanking direction of the uprights 20 of the support frame 15.

[0112] In particular, as better visible in Figure 3 or 4, the pulleys 90 can be associated with the platform 35 arranged so that one is proximal to the lower end 15A of the support frame 15 and distal from the upper end 15B and the other is distal from the lower end 15A and proximal to the upper end 15B.

[0113] In other words, for example as visible in Figure 4, the pulleys 90 can be associated with the platform 35 arranged so that their rotation axes R are arranged at a non-zero distance from each other along the vertical direction A.

[0114] Again, such pulleys 90 can be arranged (i.e., associated with the platform 35), arranged so that their rotation axes R are placed at a non-zero distance with respect to a direction orthogonal to the rotation axes R thereof (i.e., with respect to a direction orthogonal to the movement direction B and the vertical direction A, or, for example, a horizontal direction orthogonal to the mutual flanking direction of the uprights 20 of the support frame 15). Furthermore, as visible in Figure 4, the pulleys 90 can be arranged so that the pulley 90 proximal to the upper end 15B of the support frame 15 is partially (i.e. only partially) superimposed in plan view on the pulley 90 distal to the upper end 15B of the support frame 15, i.e. the pulleys 90 can be mutually only partially aligned along the vertical direction A. Such pulleys 90 can preferably be made of durable materials such as steel or high-strength polymers to withstand the loads and wear associated with repeated use.

[0115] The flexible element 85, i.e. said chain or rope or belt, e.g. in the manner which will become clearer in the following, is wound around the pulleys 90 so as to allow the platform 35 to move along the vertical direction A while the pulleys 90 rotate, i.e. basically to ascend or descend along the flexible element 85 so as to move along the vertical direction A (in an upward or downward verse).

[0116] In particular, a section of the flexible element 85, i.e. the chain or rope, comprised between its opposite ends 85A,85B is wound around said pulleys 90.

[0117] The pulleys 90 can preferably have shaped surfaces, e.g. grooved, i.e. designed (i.e. shaped) to securely engage with the flexible element 85, i.e. said chain or rope, wound around them, so as to prevent slippage during operation.

[0118] For example, each of said pulleys 90 can have an annular surface, around which the flexible element 85 is adapted to be wound (at least partially), which can be variously shaped, for example it can have grooves or ribs or reliefs of various geometric shapes or notches, in order to achieve a friction with the winding element such as to prevent slippage thereof.

[0119] Preferably, the pulleys 90 can be toothed and, for example, the flexible element 85 can be a chain.

[0120] In other words, each of said pulleys 90 can comprise a plurality of notches adapted to engage with the chain links.

[0121] In particular, as better visible in Figure 4, the flexible element 85 wound around said pulleys 90 can define a serpentine, i.e. an 'S'.

[0122] In other words, the flexible element 85 is wound around one of said pulleys 90 so as to embrace it below while it is wound around the other of said pulleys 90 so as to embrace it above.

[0123] In particular, the flexible element 85 can be wound around the pulley 90 distal to the upper end 15B of the support frame 15 so as to embrace it below and wound around the pulley 90 proximal to the upper end 15B of the support frame 15 so as to embrace it above. For example, as visible in Figure 3, starting from the end 85A, the flexible element 85 (fixed to the upper end of the support frame) embraces the pulley 90 distal to the upper end 15B of the support frame 15 below, then embraces the pulley 90 proximal to the upper end 15B of the support frame 15 above, and is then fixed at the opposite end 85B to the lower end 15A of the support frame 15 or to the ground S.

[0124] The movement unit 80 further comprises a motor 95 coupled to at least one of the pulleys 90 to rotate it around the respective rotation axis R, enabling the platform 35 (and possibly the loading station 50 therewith) to ascend or descend along the support frame 15 (i.e. to move selectively in an upward verse or in a downward verse along the vertical direction A).

[0125] The coupling between the motor 95 and the pulley 90 can be direct, i.e., a drive shaft of the motor 95 can be directly connected to the pulley 90 to rotate it, or take place by means of a transmission unit adapted to transmit the rotational motion of said drive shaft to the pulley 90.

[0126] For example, one of said pulleys 90 can be motorised, i.e. connected to said motor 95 so as to be rotated by it (around the respective rotation axis R), while the other pulley 90 can be driven.

[0127] However, it cannot be excluded that both pulleys 90 can be connected to said motor 95 to be driven (in concordance) in rotation (selectively in one verse or the other around the respective rotation axes R) by the same.

[0128] The motor 95 can be an electric motor 95.

[0129] For example, the motor 95 can comprise a gearbox in order to provide the necessary torque and speed to said pulley for efficient movement of the platform 35.

[0130] In practice, the motor 95 is adapted to rotate said at least one pulley 90 coupled thereto, which in turn, by engaging or otherwise gripping the flexible element 85, moves along the same, thereby allowing the movement of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A. By controlling the rotation direction of the motor 95, the platform 35 can therefore be moved up or down, i.e. be moved in an upward or downward verse along the vertical direction A.

[0131] The motor 95, as better visible in Figure 2, is associated with (i.e. directly or indirectly fixed to, or mounted on) the platform 35 and movable therewith along the vertical direction A.

[0132] For example, it is possible to envisage that the motor 95 can be mounted on the platform 35, e.g. below it, or below the support base 40.

[0133] Alternatively, as better visible in such Figure 2, it is possible to envisage that said motor 95 can be fixed to the vertical section of the platform 35, i.e. to one or both of said (vertical) spars 45 of the platform 35.

[0134] For example, the motor 95 can also be mounted on said framework on which the pulleys 90 are mounted, with said framework, as mentioned above, being fixed to one or both of said spars 45 of the platform 35

[0135] The motor 95 can be provided with a brake F (schematically illustrated in Figure 2) that can be driven to lock the position of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A.

[0136] Such a brake F can be (selectively) driven to lock (i.e. prevent) the movement of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A or released to allow the movement of the platform along the vertical direction A.

[0137] Such a brake F can be incorporated in the motor 95, or be inserted into the same containment casing as the motor 95 (thus being invisible from the outside).

[0138] In particular, such a brake F can be adapted, when driven, to act on the drive shaft 95, preventing an idle rotation of the drive shaft of the motor 95 when said motor 95 is not rotating the same, thereby allowing the position reached by the platform 35 along the vertical direction A to be maintained. Such a brake F, in practice, can be driven allowing the platform 35 to be maintained in a position along the vertical direction A, when the motor 95 is not driven to vary the position of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A.

[0139] Such a brake F of the motor 95, for example, can be mechanical or electro-mechanical (i.e. driven electrically, i.e. electrically and / or electronically controllable).

[0140] For example, it is possible to envisage that such a brake F of the motor 95 can be controlled, i.e. selectively driven or released, either mechanically (i.e. manually) or electrically (i.e. electrically and / or electronically).

[0141] In practice, it is possible to envisage that such a brake of the motor 95 can be controlled, i.e. selectively driven or released, either mechanically (e.g. by means of a mechanical driving member, e.g. a lever, which allows to drive or release it), or electrically (i.e. electrically and / or electronically) e.g. automatically (e.g. by means of control, e.g. automated or electronic, of an electrical power supply thereof in order to drive or release it).

[0142] The movement unit 80 can also comprise a control lever L (only schematically illustrated in the section of Figure 3) connected to the brake F and operable, e.g. manually, between an engagement position in which it drives the brake F and a disengagement position in which it releases the brake F.

[0143] Said control lever L, can preferably be arranged at the loading station 50, e.g. within the housing space.

[0144] For example, said control lever L can be arranged inside the cabin 60.

[0145] In particular, it can be envisaged that such a control lever L can be arranged at the loading station 50, for example housed within said cabin 60, and preferably at least partially covered by a selectively removable protective casing (adapted, when present, to prevent a user from reaching the control lever L).

[0146] The elevator 10 can, further, comprise at least one sliding guide 105, which is adapted to guide the platform 35 along the vertical direction A during movement relative to the support frame 15 along the same, made available by the support frame 15.

[0147] For example, the elevator 10 can comprise a pair of sliding guides 105, made available by the support frame 15.

[0148] For example, as better visible in Figure 7, each of said sliding guides 105 can be defined by a bar or sheet fixed to a respective upright 20 of the support frame 15 and extending along said vertical direction A.

[0149] In particular, said sliding guides 105 can be axially interposed between the uprights 20 relative to the (horizontal) mutual flanking direction thereof.

[0150] The platform 35 can, therefore, comprise at least one sliding block 110, e.g. one sliding block 110 for each sliding guide 105.

[0151] Each sliding block 110 can, for example, be fixed to a respective spar of the platform 35 and, as better visible in Figure 75, be substantially fork-shaped so as to define a sliding channel within which a respective sliding guide 105 is received.

[0152] In practice, each sliding block 110 peripherally embraces a respective sliding guide 105 so that it can slide along the vertical direction A with respect to the sliding guide 105 and at the same time be prevented by it from moving with respect to a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction A.

[0153] The elevator 10 can further comprise a braking system configured to selectively prevent the movement of the platform 35 (relative to the support frame 15) along the vertical direction A.

[0154] Such a braking system comprises at least one braking device 115, e.g., a pair of braking devices 115, each of which is selectively drivable in a braking configuration, in which it blocks or prevents the movement of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A, or in a resting configuration in which it allows the movement of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A.

[0155] Each braking device 115 can for example be provided with a pair of jaws, which are selectively drivable between a braking position, corresponding to the braking configuration, in which they are mutually approached, or a resting position, corresponding to the resting configuration, in which they are mutually distanced.

[0156] Each braking device 115 is further provided with a control lever 120 for driving the braking device 115 between the braking configuration and the resting configuration.

[0157] In particular, such a control lever 120 is selectively available (i.e. drivable) in a first position, corresponding to the braking configuration, or in a second position, corresponding to the resting configuration.

[0158] For example, such a control lever 120 can be connected to a mechanism for driving the jaws between the resting position and the braking position (known per se and therefore not described in detail), which control lever 120 is selectively available (i.e. drivable) in a first position, corresponding to the braking position of the jaws, or in a second position, corresponding to the resting position of the jaws.

[0159] Each braking device 115 is fixed to the platform 35, e.g. fixed to a spar 45 of the platform, and adapted to clamp onto the support frame 15 in the braking configuration.

[0160] For example, each braking device 115 is fixed to the platform 35 and is arranged so that the jaws in the respective braking position are adapted to clamp and hold the support frame 15, i.e. to clamp onto the support frame 15, so as to prevent the platform 35 from moving along the vertical direction A relative thereto.

[0161] For example, each braking device 115 in the braking position can be adapted to clamp and hold a respective one of said sliding guides 105.

[0162] Such a braking system may, then, comprise a driving mechanism of the control lever 120, for example schematically illustrated in Figure 6, for example one driving mechanism for each braking device 115.

[0163] Each driving mechanism comprises a first bracket 125 and a second bracket 130 mutually connected to each other.

[0164] In particular, the first bracket 125 is fixed to platform 35, while the second bracket 130 is fixed to the movement lever of the respective braking device.

[0165] The second bracket 130 is movably connected to the first bracket 120 along between a reference position, corresponding to the first position of the control lever 120, and an active position corresponding to the second position of the control lever 120.

[0166] In particular, the second bracket 130 is connected to the first bracket 125 by one or more elastic means 135, e.g. one or more traction springs, and is movable from the reference position to the active position against the elastic force of said elastic means 135, e.g. of said traction springs.

[0167] Each driving mechanism then comprises an actuator 140, e.g. of the pneumatic actuator type.

[0168] The actuator 140 is provided with a body fixed to the platform 35, e.g. by means of a further bracket S which is fixed to the platform 35, and a stem which is movable relative to the body between a retracted and an extracted position.

[0169] The stem of the actuator 140 is connected to the second bracket 130 so that it moves relative to the body between the retracted position and the extended position, moving the same between the reference position and the active position.

[0170] The elevator 10 can optionally comprise a sensor 145 (illustrated only schematically in Figures 1 and 2) configured to detect a movement speed value of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A.

[0171] Preferably, such a sensor 145 can also be configured to detect a movement direction along the vertical direction A, i.e. whether the platform 35 is moving along the vertical direction A in an upward or downward verse.

[0172] For example, such a sensor 145 can be of the inductive type.

[0173] The elevator can further comprise an electronic control unit 150 configured to manage the operation thereof.

[0174] The electronic control unit 150 (which is only schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2) can, for example, comprise at least one of a microcontroller, a microprocessor, an FPGA, an ASIC, etc., and, optionally, a storage unit (comprising, for example, non-volatile memory elements and, preferably, volatile memory elements) interconnected with each other and adapted to process and store, respectively, information.

[0175] Specifically, the electronic control unit 150 is operatively connected to the movement unit to selectively drive the same to move the platform 35, and for example the loading station 50 therewith, selectively in a downward verse or in a upward verse along the vertical direction A.

[0176] In particular, the electronic control unit 150 can be operatively connected to the motor 95 so as to selectively drive or deactivate the same, and also selectively activate it in one verse or the other so as to allow the movement of the platform 35, and optionally the loading station 50 therewith, selectively in the upward verse or in the downward verse along the vertical direction A.

[0177] The electronic control unit 150 can be operatively connected to the brake F of the motor 95 so as to (automatically) drive the same whenever the motor 95 is deactivated (e.g. by the electronic control unit itself), i.e. whenever the rotation of the drive shaft by the motor 95 is interrupted, and deactivate (automatically) the same whenever the motor is driven. For example, in order to drive or release said brake F, the electronic control unit 150 can be operatively configured to selectively electrically power it or not, or to selectively connect to or disconnect it from an electrical power source.

[0178] The electronic control unit 150 can, then, be operatively connected to the displacement unit to selectively drive the same, so as to move the loading station 50 relative to the platform 35 selectively in one verse or the other along the movement direction B.

[0179] In other words, the electronic control unit 150 can be operatively connected to the motor G3 of the displacement unit and configured to selectively activate it (alternately in one verse or the other) so as to rotate the worm screw G2 and allow the translation (alternately in one verse or the other) of the loading station 50 along the movement direction B.

[0180] For example, the electronic control unit 150 can be operatively connected to a control device (not illustrated), for example of the push-button panel type, provided (i.e. positioned) on the platform 35, for example at the loading station 50 or for example inside the cabin 60, and can be configured to control the operation of the movement unit and the displacement unit based on control signals received from the control device.

[0181] The electronic control unit 150 can, again, be operatively connected to the braking system, e.g., to each braking system, and configured to selectively drive the same to prevent and / or block the movement of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A or deactivate the same to allow the movement of the platform 35 (e.g., by controlling the actuator 140). In particular, the electronic control unit 150 can be operatively connected to said sensor 145 to receive therefrom the movement speed value of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A (and possibly also the verse of movement along the vertical direction A). Furthermore, the electronic control unit 150 can be configured to detect a verse of movement of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A, i.e. whether the platform 35 is moving in an upward verse or a downward verse, for example by means of the same sensor 145.

[0182] The electronic control unit 150 can, then, be configured to compare said movement speed value with a threshold value (e.g. set or settable in the memory unit of the electronic control unit 150).

[0183] If the movement speed value is greater than the threshold value, and for example if the movement verse of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A is the downward verse, then the electronic control unit 150 can be configured to drive each braking system to block the movement of the platform 35 along the vertical direction A.

[0184] In light of the above, the operation of the elevator 10 can essentially be as follows, starting from a condition in which the platform 45 is stationary.

[0185] In such a condition, each braking device 115 is in the braking position and the brake F of the motor 95 is driven.

[0186] Upon the request to move the platform 35, e.g. by means of the control device provided on the platform itself, e.g. inside the cabin 60, the electronic control unit 150, by means of the respective driving mechanism, drives each braking device 115 in the resting position.

[0187] The electronic control unit 150 successively or simultaneously drives the motor 95 and deactivates the brake F thereof, thereby allowing the movement of the platform 35, and e.g. the loading station 50, along the vertical direction A,

[0188] Once a desired position is reached along the vertical direction A, the electronic control unit 150 terminates the drive of the motor 90 and drives the brake F in order to maintain the desired position reached.

[0189] Eventually, e.g. by means of a command received from the control device, the electronic control unit 150 can drive the displacement unit, e.g. substantially drive the motor G3 in one verse or the other (depending on the command received), so as to move the loading station 50 relative to the platform 35 along the movement direction B.

[0190] In the event of a malfunction or failure, if the platform 35, and e.g. with it the loading station 50, is in free fall in the downward verse along the vertical direction A, the electronic control unit 150 detects by means of the sensor a movement speed of the platform 35 greater than the threshold value and can then drive the braking system, by means of the driving mechanism, so as to drive each braking device 145 in the braking position so as to stop the free fall of the platform 35.

[0191] Further, if the platform 35 is placed at a non-zero vertical height from the ground S, in the event of a malfunction or failure, a user who is on the platform 35, i.e. on the loading station 50, and is therefore blocked at a height, can (for example, after having removed the protective casing) by means of the driving lever L alternately deactivate and drive the brake F at a suitable frequency, so as to allow the platform 35 to descend along the vertical direction A.

[0192] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to many modifications and variants, all falling within the same inventive concept.

[0193] Moreover, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0194] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. An elevator (10) comprising: - a support frame (15) which extends along a vertical direction (A) and has a lower end (15A) adapted to be arranged resting on the ground and an opposite upper end adapted to be distal from the ground (S); - a platform (35) movably associated with the support frame (15) along the vertical direction (A), the platform (35) being adapted to receive and support a load; and - a movement unit (80), connected to the platform (35) and connected to the support frame (15), configured to allow the platform (35) to move relative to the support frame (15) along said vertical direction (A), wherein the movement unit (80) comprises: ∘ a flexible element (85) provided with opposite ends, an end (85A) therein being adapted to be fixed to the upper end (15B) of the support frame (15) and the other end (85B) being adapted to be fixed to the lower end (15A) of the support frame (15) or to the ground (S); ∘ a pair of pulleys (90) associated with the platform (35) and movable therewith along the vertical direction (A), a section of the flexible element (85) comprised between the opposite ends (85A,85B) thereof being wound on the pair of pulleys (90); and ∘ a motor (95) associated with the platform (35) and coupled to at least one of the pulleys (90) to drive it in rotation.

2. The elevator (10) according to claim 1, wherein the motor (95) is provided with a brake (F) drivable to lock the position of the platform (35) along the vertical direction (A) and with a control lever (L) connected to the brake and operable between an engagement position wherein it drives the mechanical brake and a disengagement position wherein it releases the brake.

3. The elevator (10) according to claim 1, wherein the support frame (15) comprises a pair of mutually parallel and vertical uprights (20), each of which has a lower end proximal to the ground (S) and an opposite upper end distal from the ground, and a crossbeam (25) connecting the uprights (20) to each other at their respective upper ends.

4. The elevator (10) according to claim 1, wherein said pulleys (90) associated with the platform (35) are arranged at a non-zero distance from each other along the vertical direction (A), so that one is proximal to the lower end (15A) and one is proximal to the upper end (15B) of the support frame (15).

5. The elevator (10) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible element (85) wound around the pulleys (90) defines a serpentine.

6. The elevator (10) according to claim 1, wherein a loading station (50) is mounted on the platform (35) defining a housing space for the load to be moved along said vertical direction (A).

7. The elevator (10) according to claim 6, wherein said loading station (50) is a cabin (60), the cabin (60) being preferably at least partially defined by one or more optically transparent panels (75).

8. The elevator (10) according to claims 2 and 6, wherein said control lever (L) is arranged in the loading station (50).

9. The elevator (10) according to claim 6, wherein the loading station (50) is mounted on the platform (35) movable relative to the platform (35) itself along a horizontal movement direction (B).

10. The elevator (10) according to claim 1, wherein the platform (35) comprises a support base (40) and at least one spar (45) fixed to the support base (40) in a right angle therewith.

11. The elevator (10) according to claim 1, wherein the platform (35) comprises a pair of spars (45), the spars (45) being axially interposed between the uprights (20) of the support frame (15).

12. The elevator (10) according to claim 1, comprising a braking system configured to selectively prevent or block the movement of the platform (45) along the vertical direction (A), and an electronic control unit (150) operatively connected to said braking system and configured to drive it to block the movement of the platform (35) if the platform (35) is moving in a downward verse along the vertical direction (A) and a speed of movement thereof is greater than a threshold value.

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