Lift system and cableway

Abstract

The invention relates to a lift system (20) for vertically displacing a load receiving unit (14) of a cableway (10). The load receiving unit (14) is used to receive one or more loads and has a hanger (16) that is used to suspend the load receiving unit (14) from a cable of the cableway (10). The lift system (20) has: a receiving rail (24) for receiving the hanger (16) of the load receiving unit (14); at least one guide rail (27) that extends in the vertical direction and is arranged and mechanically coupled to the receiving rail (24) in such a way that the receiving rail (24) can be displaced in the vertical direction and is thereby guided by the guide rail (27); a support means (28) that is mechanically coupled to the receiving rail (24); and a first drive machine (30) that is mechanically coupled to the support means (28) and is designed to vertically displace the receiving rail (24) by means of the support means (28).

Description

[0001] Elevator and cable car

[0002] The present invention relates to an elevator system and a cable car. In particular, the present invention relates to an elevator system and a cable car comprising the elevator system.

[0003] In an elevator system, an elevator car can be moved within a building's elevator shaft between different floors. The elevator car can be held by a rope- or belt-like suspension element. Moving the rope-like suspension element allows the elevator car to be moved within the elevator shaft, particularly vertically. For this purpose, the suspension element can be coupled, for example, to a traction sheave, which can be driven by a drive motor of the elevator system to move the suspension element.

[0004] In a cable car, several load suspension devices can be suspended from a cable car rope via a hanger each. The load suspension devices are each used to support one or more loads. The loads can be one or more people and / or goods. In the case of a gondola system as a cable car, a corresponding load suspension device can be a cable car cabin, in particular a gondola. In the case of a chairlift as a cable car, a corresponding load suspension device can be a chair, for example. The hanger device can have one or more tubes and / or struts, for example, so that the load suspension device can be suspended safely and stably from the rope. A coupling arrangement for mechanically coupling the hanger device and the load suspension device to the rope or to the support rail can be arranged on the hanger device. The coupling arrangement can have a roller arrangement.The roller arrangement can have one or more rollers which are arranged on the rope when the load suspension device moves along the rope and roll on the rope in the direction of movement of the load suspension device.

[0005] Cable cars can generally be very simply constructed and used effectively when they run uphill or downhill over a slight incline. Furthermore, cable cars can easily and simply overcome horizontal surfaces and / or distances. However, a major challenge lies in moving a cable car's load-bearing mechanism vertically.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a system that enables the vertical relocation of a cable car's load-bearing system in a simple and / or efficient manner. Furthermore, there is a need for a cable car with the corresponding system.

[0007] Such a need can be met by the subject matter according to one of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, an elevator system for vertically displacing a load-carrying device of a cable car is described. The load-carrying device serves to receive one or more loads and has a suspension device that serves to suspend the load-carrying device from a cable of the cable car. The elevator system comprises: a support rail for receiving the suspension device of the load-carrying device; at least one guide rail that extends in the vertical direction and is arranged and mechanically coupled to the support rail such that the support rail can be displaced in the vertical direction and is guided by the guide rail; a support means that is mechanically coupled to the support rail; and a first drive machine that is mechanically coupled to the support means and that is designed to vertically displace the support rail by means of the support means.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the cable car for transporting a load is described. The cable car comprises: a cable suspended between at least two suspension points; a second drive machine mechanically coupled to the cable such that the cable can be moved by means of the second drive machine; and an elevator system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension of the load suspension device can be mechanically coupled to the cable of the cable car, and wherein the elevator system is arranged and designed such that, in a transfer position of the load suspension device, the load suspension device can be transferred from the cable to the elevator system or from the elevator system to the cable. The elevator system enables a simple and / or efficient vertical displacement of the load suspension device of the cable car, in particular by means of the vertically displaceable suspension rail guided by the guide rail.The cable car with the elevator system enables the load handling device and thus the load, i.e. the people and / or goods, to be transported not only horizontally and on inclines, but also vertically in a simple and / or efficient manner. For example, the cable car can extend into a building in which the elevator system is located, so that the load handling devices of the cable car can be transported not only to the building, but can also be moved vertically within the building, without the people being transported by the load handling device having to leave the corresponding load handling device or without the goods being transported by the load handling device having to be removed from the corresponding load handling device. Conversely, thanks to the elevator system, the load handling devices can be provided on different floors of the building, so that the people and / or goods can be transported from different floors.Goods can be picked up directly by the load handling devices on the relevant floors.

[0010] The load can comprise one or more people and / or goods. The load suspension device can be, for example, a cable car cabin, such as a gondola, or a chair, whereby in the latter case the cable car can be a chairlift. The suspension device can, for example, comprise one or more tubes and / or struts. The suspension device and the support rail are designed in such a way that the suspension device can be received by the support rail and can be guided by the support rail, for example in a horizontal direction or at least approximately in a horizontal direction. For example, the suspension device can have, at its end facing away from the load suspension device, a roller arrangement with one or more rollers, via which the load suspension device is coupled to the support rail and can be moved along the support rail. The rollers can be the same rollers by means of which the load suspension device is guided on the cable of the cable car.

[0011] The elevator system can have an elevator control that is coupled to the drive machine and serves to control the vertical displacement of the support rail. The elevator system can have a counterweight that is mechanically coupled to the load suspension via the support means. The support means can have, for example, one or more ropes, belts or straps. When the load suspension is in the transfer position, the load suspension can be transferred from the transfer rail to the support rail or from the support rail to the transfer rail. The transfer position can be essentially characterized by a vertical position of the load suspension. For example, the transfer position can be characterized in that the support rail faces a transfer rail of the cable car and at least mutually facing end sections of the support rail and the transfer rail are aligned with one another.

[0012] In addition to the transfer position, one, two or more stopping positions can be defined for the load pickup, whereby the stopping positions can be selected so that the load to be transported can be picked up or dropped off by the load pickup at the stopping positions. For example, if one or more people are carrying the load, these people can get on or off the load pickup at the stopping positions. If one or more goods are carrying the load, the goods can be placed in or removed from the load pickup at the stopping positions. If the elevator system has an elevator shaft, the stopping positions can be selected so that the load pickup is accessible in the stopping positions via corresponding shaft openings in the elevator shaft. Optionally, the transfer position can be located below the stopping positions.

[0013] The suspension points can be arranged, for example, on two or more masts of the cable car, on or in a building in which the elevator shaft is located, or on or in a building in which the second drive machine is located. The second drive machine can be located in the same or a different building as the elevator shaft. Thus, the building and the second drive machine can represent the suspension points, although in reality, at least one of the suspension points is normally located on one of the masts.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the elevator system comprises a vertically displaceable elevator frame that is mechanically coupled to the guide rail in such a way that the elevator frame, during its vertical movement, is guided by the guide rail in which the receiving rail is arranged, and by means of which the receiving rail is mechanically coupled to the support means and the guide rail. The elevator frame can contribute to the precise and safe vertical displacement of the receiving rail. The elevator frame can, for example, be a catch frame of the elevator system.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the elevator system comprises an elevator car for accommodating the load suspension. The elevator car comprises the elevator frame and at least one wall that is fastened to the elevator frame. The wall comprises at least one wall element from a group of wall elements. The group comprises one or more side walls, a floor plate, and a ceiling plate. For example, the side walls, in particular three side walls, can be fastened to the elevator frame in such a way that they laterally delimit an interior space of the elevator car in three directions. The elevator car can have, at least on one side in a fourth lateral direction, a car opening and a car door for closing or opening the car opening instead of a side wall. The floor plate and the ceiling plate can be arranged in such a way that they delimit the interior space in the vertical direction.If the elevator frame is arranged as intended, the lateral direction can correspond to a horizontal direction. The elevator car can help protect the load-carrying device and thus the load transported by the load-carrying device. This can be advantageous, for example, if the load-carrying device is a chair and the cable car is a chairlift. Furthermore, the elevator car can help block the view of persons transported by the load-carrying device of an elevator shaft of the elevator system, wherein the interior can comprise one or more shaft walls of the elevator shaft, one or more guide rails, a counterweight of the elevator system, and / or various fastening elements of the elevator system.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the receiving rail has a receiving section that is arranged at a first longitudinal end of the receiving rail and that is designed to correspond to a transfer section of a transfer rail of the cable car. The receiving rail can have a second longitudinal end facing away from the first longitudinal end of the receiving rail. A longitudinal direction of the receiving rail extends from the first longitudinal end of the receiving rail to the second longitudinal end of the receiving rail. The transfer rail can have a first longitudinal end of the transfer rail facing away from the receiving rail. The transfer rail can have a second longitudinal end facing away from the first longitudinal end of the transfer rail. The second longitudinal end of the transfer rail can face the first longitudinal end of the receiving rail. A longitudinal direction of the transfer rail extends from the first longitudinal end of the transfer rail to the second longitudinal end of the transfer rail.In the transfer position of the load suspension device, the longitudinal direction of the transfer rail and the longitudinal direction of the receiving rail can be parallel to one another, in particular congruent with one another. The transfer section can have an end face of the transfer rail facing the receiving rail. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving section can have an end face of the receiving rail facing the transfer rail. The fact that the receiving section is designed to correspond to the transfer section can mean, for example, that the receiving section and the transfer section fit together. In particular, the receiving section and the transfer section can be coordinated with one another in such a way that they enable a smooth and / or uniform transfer of the load suspension device from the transfer rail to the receiving rail and vice versa.

[0017] The transfer rail can be arranged relative to the cable of the cable car in such a way that the load can be transferred from the cable to the transfer rail. For example, the suspension device can be transferred from the cable to the transfer rail or vice versa. Such transfer rails are known from the prior art and can be used in a conventional manner. For example, it is known to decouple cable car load suspension devices from the cable for boarding or loading and / or for disembarking or unloading, in order to be able to move the load suspension devices at a different speed during these operations than during the transport of the corresponding persons or goods.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the receiving rail has an end stop for the load suspension, which is arranged at a second longitudinal end of the receiving rail and which is designed such that it limits movement of the load suspension in the direction towards the second longitudinal end of the receiving rail. The end stop can, for example, form an end stop for the suspension device. The end stop serves to prevent the load suspension from being moved beyond its intended arrangement on the receiving rail after transfer from the transfer rail to the receiving rail. The end stop can thus help ensure that the load suspension can be arranged on the receiving rail as intended. This can contribute to a high level of safety during transport using the load suspension and the elevator system. The end stop can therefore contribute to the safe operation of the elevator system.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the receiving rail is inclined relative to a horizontal at an angle of inclination, for example, between 0° and 10°, for example, between 1° and 7°, for example, between 2° and 5°. This slight inclination of the receiving rail can contribute to a smooth and even transition of the load from the transfer rail to the receiving rail, especially if the transfer rail has the same or at least a similar angle of inclination. In particular, the inclination(s) can ensure a smooth transition between the static transfer rail and the receiving rail, which is movable at least in the vertical direction. In the case of the elevator car, the horizontal distance between the elevator car and the shaft wall of the elevator shaft can be relatively small. This makes it possible to select a relatively small angle of inclination.If the load bearing device is moved vertically without an elevator car, the distance between the load bearing device and the shaft wall may be greater than the distance between the elevator car and the shaft wall in the case of an elevator car. This allows for a relatively large angle of inclination, with the relatively large angle being larger than the relatively small angle.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the elevator system has a sensor for detecting the weight of the load-bearing device. The sensor can be a load sensor, for example. The load sensor can be mechanically coupled to the support rail, for example. The load sensor can serve as an integrated load-measuring device. The load sensor can be used to detect the correct arrangement of the load-bearing device on the support rail.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the elevator system has a safety device designed to detect a correct arrangement of the load suspension on the support rail and, following detection of the correct arrangement of the load suspension on the support rail, to enable the vertical displacement of the load suspension and otherwise prevent it. The safety device can, for example, have one or more sensors designed and arranged such that the correct arrangement of the load suspension on the support rail can be detected by means of the sensors. For example, the sensors can have one or more haptic, optical and / or electromagnetic sensors. The sensors can, for example, be arranged such that they detect when the load suspension is suspended from the support rail and is resting against or striking the end stop of the support rail.The safety device can, for example, include the load sensor.

[0022] Furthermore, the elevator control system can be part of the safety device, whereby this part receives one or more sensor signals from the sensor(s), evaluates them, and initiates a safety measure if necessary. Alternatively, the safety device can be communicatively coupled to the elevator control system. The safety device can detect the intended arrangement of the load suspension on the support rail and signal this to the elevator control system. The elevator control system can then vertically shift the support rail with the load suspension. Otherwise, the vertical shift of the support rail and the load suspension can be prevented.

[0023] The safety device can, for example, comprise one or more locking devices designed to secure the load suspension to the support rail when the load suspension is positioned correctly on the support rail. This can help prevent the load suspension from moving unintentionally along the support rail when the support rail with the load suspension is displaced vertically. For example, one or more of the locking devices can be activated when the sensors detect the correct positioning of the load suspension on the support rail.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the elevator system comprises the elevator shaft, which extends vertically, in which the guide rail is arranged and in which the receiving rail is arranged so as to be vertically displaceable. The elevator shaft can serve to protect the receiving rail and, if applicable, the elevator frame and / or the elevator car. Alternatively or additionally, the elevator shaft can serve to attach one or more other components of the elevator system, for example, the guide rail and / or one or more deflection pulleys for deflecting the support means. The elevator shaft can, for example, extend over two or more floors of the building in which the elevator system is arranged. On each of the floors from which the elevator system is to be accessible, the elevator shaft can have a shaft opening that can be opened or closed by means of a corresponding shaft door.In the case of the elevator car, the shaft openings may overlap with the car opening, for example, be congruent when the elevator car stops at the corresponding floor and the car door and the corresponding shaft door are open.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the cable car has a transfer rail, which, on the one hand, is arranged relative to the cable such that the suspension device can be moved from the cable to the transfer rail, or such that the suspension device can be moved from the transfer rail to the cable, and, on the other hand, has a transfer section which, in the transfer position of the cable receptacle, faces the receiving rail of the elevator system and is configured to correspond to the receiving section of the receiving rail. The transfer rail enables the transfer of the cable receptacle from the cable to the receiving rail.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the transfer section and the receiving section are configured to correspond to one another, in that, in the transfer position of the branch receptacle, the transfer section and the receiving section overlap one another in the longitudinal direction along which the receiving rail extends, so that an overlap region is formed between the transfer section and the receiving section. For example, the receiving section and the transfer section can overlap one another in such a way that, in a side view, i.e., from a lateral direction, the transfer section is at least partially concealed by the receiving section in the overlap region, or that the receiving section is at least partially concealed by the transfer section in the overlap region.The overlapping region can contribute to the smooth and even transfer of the load from the transfer rail to the receiving rail, particularly if the overlapping region is designed such that the load is supported in the overlapping region by both the transfer rail and the receiving rail.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the transfer rail and the receiving rail are formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction in the overlap region. For example, the transfer section and the receiving section are formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction. This makes it easy to design the transfer section and the receiving section to correspond to one another. The fact that the transfer rail and the receiving rail are formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction in the overlap region can mean, for example, that the mutually facing end faces of the transfer rail and the receiving rail in the overlap region are not formed at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the transfer rail and / or the receiving rail. The end faces can, for example, be formed and arranged parallel to one another.The end faces can, for example, be arranged in a diagonal butt joint, as is known in the field of wood joints, whereby at least a small gap can remain between the end faces. Alternatively, the end faces can, for example, be designed in a straight blade with a straight butt joint, as is known in the field of wood joints, whereby at least a small gap can remain between the end faces.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a gap is formed in the transfer position between the transfer rail and the receiving rail. Due to the overlapping area, this gap is only partially visible from a horizontal direction and completely visible from a vertical direction. The gap can be formed, in particular, between the mutually facing end surfaces of the transfer rail and the receiving rail.

[0029] It should be noted that some features, technical effects, and / or advantages of the invention are described herein with reference to the elevator system, on the one hand, and to the elevator system, on the other. However, these features, effects, and / or advantages can easily be transferred from the elevator system to the cable car, or from the cable car to the elevator system. A person skilled in the art will also recognize that the features can be combined, adapted, or exchanged in a suitable manner to achieve further embodiments of the invention.

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein neither the drawings nor the description are to be interpreted as limiting the invention.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view through a cable car with an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a transition from a shaft opening of an elevator shaft of the elevator system to an elevator car of the elevator system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. The same reference numerals designate the same or equivalent features in the various figures.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view through a cable car 10 with an elevator system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cable car 10 serves to transport one or more loads (not shown), in particular across different height levels. The elevator system 20 serves to vertically displace one or more load receptacles 14 of the cable car 10. The load receptacles 14 each serve to pick up the loads. The loads can be one or more people and / or goods.

[0035] The elevator system 20 comprises a support rail 24, at least one guide rail 27, a support means 28, and a first drive machine 30. Optionally, the elevator system 20 may comprise a counterweight 32, an elevator shaft 26, an elevator frame 44, and / or an elevator car 25. The cable car 10 comprises the cable 12, a second drive machine 31, and the elevator system 20. The load suspension devices 14 each comprise a suspension device 16, which serves to suspend the corresponding load suspension device 14 from a cable 12 of the cable car 10 or from the support rail 24.

[0036] The receiving rail 24 serves to receive the suspension device 16 of the load receiving device 14. In the embodiment described with reference to Figure 1, the cable car 10 is a gondola lift and the load receiving device 14 is a gondola of the gondola lift. Alternatively, the cable car 10 can be a chairlift and the load receiving device 14 can be a chair. The cable car 10 preferably has two or more load receiving devices 14.

[0037] If necessary, the elevator frame 44 can be arranged so that it can be displaced vertically. The elevator frame 44 can be mechanically coupled to the guide rail 27 such that the elevator frame 44 is guided by the guide rail 27 during its vertical movement. The receiving rail 24 can be arranged in the elevator frame 44. The receiving rail 24 can be mechanically coupled to the support means 28 and the guide rail 27 by means of the elevator frame 44. The elevator frame 44 can, for example, be a catch frame of the elevator system 20.

[0038] Optionally, the elevator system 20 has the elevator car 25 for receiving the load suspension device 14. The elevator car 25 can have the elevator frame 44 and at least one wall. The wall can be fastened to the elevator frame 44. The wall can have or be a wall element from a group of wall elements. The group can have one or more side walls 45, a floor plate 36, and a ceiling plate 48. For example, the side walls 45, in particular three side walls 45, can be fastened to the elevator frame 44 such that they laterally delimit an interior of the elevator car 25 in three horizontally oriented directions. The elevator car 25 can have, at least on one side in a fourth lateral direction, a car opening and a car door (not shown) for closing or opening the car opening instead of one of the side walls 45.The floor plate 46 and the ceiling plate 48 can be arranged so that they delimit the interior space in the vertical direction.

[0039] The suspension device 16 of the load suspension 14 can be mechanically coupled to the cable 12 of the cable car 10 or to the suspension rail 24. For example, the load suspensions 14 that are mechanically coupled to the cable 12 can each be suspended from the cable 12 via one of the suspension devices 16. The suspension devices 16 can each comprise, for example, one or more tubes and / or struts or be formed thereof, so that the load suspensions 14 can be securely and stably suspended from the cable 12. The suspension device 16 can have, at its end facing away from the rest of the load suspension 14, a coupling arrangement 18 for mechanically coupling the suspension device 16 and the load suspension 14 to the cable 12 or to the suspension rail 24. The coupling arrangement 18 can have a roller arrangement (not shown). The roller arrangement can have one or more rollers via which the load suspension 14 can be coupled to the rope 12 or the support rail 24.The rollers can be the same rollers by means of which the load suspension 14 is guided on the cable 12. The rollers can be arranged on the cable 12 when the corresponding load suspension 14 moves along the cable 12 and roll on the cable 12 in the direction of movement of the corresponding load suspension 14. The rollers can be arranged on the support rail 24 when the corresponding load suspension 14 moves along the support rail 24 and roll on the support rail 24 in the direction of movement of the corresponding load suspension 14.

[0040] The elevator system 20 is arranged and designed such that, in a transfer position of the load receptacle 14, the load receptacle 14 can be transferred from the rope 12 to the elevator system 20 or from the elevator system 20 to the rope 12. In particular, the suspension device 16 and the receiving rail 24 are designed relative to one another such that the suspension device 16 can be received by the receiving rail 24 and can be guided by the receiving rail 24, for example in a horizontal direction or at least approximately in a horizontal direction. The transfer rail 22 can be arranged relative to the rope 12 of the cable car 10 such that the load receptacles 14 can be transferred from the rope 12 to the transfer rail 22. For example, the suspension devices 16 can be transferred from the rope 12 to the transfer rail 22 or vice versa. Such transfer rails 22 are known from the prior art and can be used in a conventional manner.

[0041] The elevator shaft 26 can, for example, extend over two or more floors of the building in which the elevator system 20 is arranged. The elevator shaft 26 extends, for example, in the vertical direction. On each of the floors from which the elevator system 20 is to be accessible, the elevator shaft 26 can have a shaft opening 36 that can be opened or closed by means of a corresponding shaft door 38. In the case of the elevator car 25, the shaft openings 36 can overlap with a car opening (not shown) of the elevator car 25, for example, be congruent, when the elevator car 25 stops at the corresponding floor and a car door (not shown) of the elevator car 25 and the corresponding shaft door 38 are open.

[0042] The guide rail 27 can be arranged in the elevator shaft 26. The guide rail 27 extends vertically and is arranged and mechanically coupled to the receiving rail 24 such that the receiving rail 24 can be displaced vertically and is guided by the guide rail 27.

[0043] The support rail 24 is arranged vertically displaceably in the elevator shaft 26. The elevator shaft 26 can serve to protect the support rail 24 and, if applicable, an elevator frame 44 and / or the elevator car 25. Alternatively or additionally, the elevator shaft 26 can serve to attach one or more other components of the elevator system 20. For example, the elevator system 20 can have one or more deflection pulleys 34 for deflecting the support means 28, which can be arranged in the elevator shaft 26.

[0044] The support rail 24 can be inclined relative to a horizontal plane at an angle of inclination, for example, between 0° and 10°, for example, between 1° and 7°, for example, between 2° and 5°. In the case of the elevator car 25, the horizontal distance between the elevator car 25 and a shaft wall of the elevator shaft 26 may be relatively small. If the branch support 14 is displaced vertically without the elevator car 25, the distance between the branch support 14 and the shaft wall may be greater than the distance between the elevator car 25 and the shaft wall in the case of the elevator car 25.

[0045] The support rail 24 can have an end stop 50 for the load supports 14. The end stop 50 can be arranged at a second longitudinal end 57 of the support rail 24. The end stop 50 can be configured to limit movement of the load support 14 toward the second longitudinal end 57 of the support rail 24. The end stop 50 can, for example, form an end stop for the suspension device 16.

[0046] The support means 28 is mechanically coupled to the receiving rail 24. Furthermore, the counterweight 32 can be mechanically coupled to the receiving rail 24 via the support means 28. The support means 24 can, for example, comprise one or more cables, straps, or belts. The first drive machine 30 is mechanically coupled to the support means 28. The first drive machine 30 is configured to vertically displace the receiving rail 24 by means of the support means 28. The elevator system 20 can comprise an elevator control system 40, which is coupled to the first drive machine 30 and serves to control the vertical displacement of the receiving rail 24.

[0047] The cable car 10 with the elevator system 20 serves to transport the load not only horizontally and over inclines by means of the cable 12, but also in a vertical direction by means of the elevator system 20, using one or more of the load receptacles 14. For example, the cable car 10 can extend into a building (not shown) in which the elevator system 20 is arranged, so that the load receptacles 14 of the cable car 10 can not only be transported to the building, but can also be relocated vertically within the building, without people being transported by the load receptacles 14 having to leave the corresponding load receptacle 14 or without goods being transported by the load receptacles 14 having to be removed from the corresponding load receptacle 14. Conversely, thanks to the elevator system 20, the load receptacles 14 can be provided on different floors of the building, so that the people orGoods can be picked up directly on the corresponding floors by the load handling devices 14.

[0048] The cable 12 is suspended between at least two suspension points. The second drive machine 31 is mechanically coupled to the cable 12, so that the cable 12 can be moved by means of the second drive machine 31. The cableway 10 has the transfer rail 22, which is arranged relative to the cable 12 in such a way that the suspension device 16 can be moved from the cable 12 to the transfer rail 22 and / or that the suspension device 16 can be moved from the transfer rail 22 to the cable 12.

[0049] When one of the load receptacles 14 is in its transfer position, the corresponding load receptacle 14 can be transferred from the transfer rail 22 to the receiving rail 24 or from the receiving rail 24 to the transfer rail 22. The transfer position can be characterized essentially by a vertical position of the receiving rail 24. For example, the transfer position can be characterized in that the receiving rail 24 faces the transfer rail 22 and at least mutually facing end sections of the receiving rail 24 and the transfer rail 22 are aligned with one another.

[0050] In addition to the transfer position, one, two or more stopping positions can be defined for the load receptacles 14 within the building. The stopping positions can be selected such that the load to be transported can be picked up or dropped off by the load receptacles 14 at the stopping positions. For example, if one or more people are carrying the load, these people can board or disembark from the load receptacles 14 at the stopping positions. If one or more goods are carrying the load, the goods can be placed in or removed from the load receptacles 14 at the stopping positions. If the elevator system 20 has the elevator shaft 26, the stopping positions can be selected such that the load receptacles 14 are accessible in the stopping positions via the corresponding shaft openings 36 of the elevator shaft 26. Optionally, the transfer position can be arranged below the stopping positions, as shown by way of example in Figure 1.

[0051] The suspension points from which the cable 12 is suspended can be arranged, for example, on two or more masts (not shown) of the cable car 10, on or in the building in which the elevator shaft 20 is located, or on or in a building in which the second drive machine 31 is located. The second drive machine 31 can be located in the same or in a different building as the elevator shaft 26. Thus, the elevator shaft 26 and the second drive machine 31 can represent the suspension points, although in reality, at least one of the suspension points is normally located on one of the masts of the cable car 10.

[0052] The elevator system 20 can have a sensor 52 for detecting the weight of the load support 14 currently being moved. The sensor 52 can be, for example, a load sensor. The load sensor can be mechanically coupled to the support rail 24, for example. The load sensor can serve as an integrated load measuring device. The load sensor can serve to ensure the intended arrangement of the

[0053] Load bearing 14 can be seen on the support rail 24.

[0054] Optionally, the elevator system 20 comprises a safety device configured to detect a proper arrangement of the load suspension 14 on the support rail 24. The safety device may be configured to permit vertical displacement of the load suspension 14 upon detection of the proper arrangement of the load suspension 14 on the support rail 24 and otherwise prevent such displacement. The safety device may, for example, comprise one or more sensors 52 configured and arranged such that the proper arrangement of the load suspension 14 on the support rail 24 can be detected by means of the sensors. For example, the sensors may comprise one or more haptic, optical, and / or electromagnetic sensors.The sensors can, for example, be arranged so that they detect when the load suspension 14 is suspended from the support rail 24 and rests against or strikes the end stop 50 of the support rail 24. The safety device can, for example, comprise the load sensor.

[0055] Furthermore, the elevator control 40 can be part of the safety device, wherein this part receives one or more sensor signals from the sensor(s) 52, evaluates them, and initiates a safety measure if necessary. Thus, the safety device can comprise at least the sensor 52 and the elevator control 40. Alternatively, the safety device can be communicatively coupled to the elevator control 40, wherein the safety device can optionally detect the intended arrangement of the load suspension 14 on the support rail 24 and signal this to the elevator control 40, and wherein the elevator control 40 can then vertically displace the support rail 24 with the load suspension 14. Otherwise, the vertical displacement of the support rail 24 and the load suspension 14 can be prevented.

[0056] The safety device can, for example, comprise one or more locking devices (not shown) which serve to fix the load receiver 14 to the receiving rail 24 when the load receiver 14 is arranged as intended on the receiving rail 24. One or more of the locking devices can, for example, be activated when the intended arrangement of the load receiver 14 on the

[0057] Receiving rail 24 is detected by means of the sensor(s) 52.

[0058] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a transition from one of the shaft openings 36 of the elevator shaft 26 of the elevator system 20 to the elevator car 25 of the elevator system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows that the receiving rail 24 has a receiving section 62 and the transfer rail 22 has a transfer section 64. In the transfer position of the load receiver 14, the transfer section 64 faces the receiving rail 24. The transfer section 64 is configured to correspond to the receiving section 62. This may mean, for example, that the receiving section 62 and the transfer section 64 fit together. In particular, the receiving section 62 and the transfer section 64 can be coordinated with one another in such a way that they enable a smooth and / or uniform transfer of the load receiving device 14 from the transfer rail 22 to the receiving rail 24 and vice versa.

[0059] The receiving section 62 is arranged at a first longitudinal end 56 of the receiving rail 24. The receiving section 62 is configured to correspond to a transfer section 64 of the transfer rail 22. The receiving rail 24 can have a second longitudinal end 58 of the receiving rail 24 facing away from the first longitudinal end 56 of the receiving rail 24. A longitudinal direction of the receiving rail 24 extends from the first longitudinal end 56 of the receiving rail 24 to the second longitudinal end 57 of the receiving rail 24.

[0060] The transfer rail 22 can have a first longitudinal end 58 (see Figure 1) of the transfer rail 22 facing away from the receiving rail 24. The transfer rail 22 can have a second longitudinal end 59 of the transfer rail 22 facing away from the first longitudinal end 58 of the transfer rail 22. The second longitudinal end 59 of the transfer rail 22 can face the first longitudinal end 56 of the receiving rail 24. A longitudinal direction of the transfer rail 22 extends from the first longitudinal end 58 of the transfer rail 22 to the second longitudinal end 59 of the transfer rail 22. In the transfer position of the load suspension device 14, the longitudinal direction of the transfer rail 22 and the longitudinal direction of the receiving rail 24 can be parallel to one another, in particular congruent with one another. The transfer section 64 can have an end face of the transfer rail 22 facing the receiving rail 24, which is formed at the second longitudinal end 59 of the transfer rail 22.Alternatively or additionally, the receiving section 24 can have an end face of the receiving rail 24 facing the transfer rail 22, which is formed at the first longitudinal end 56 of the receiving rail 24.

[0061] The transfer section 64 and the receiving section 62 can be designed to correspond to one another in that, in the transfer position of the load receiver 14, the transfer section 64 and the receiving section 62 overlap one another in the longitudinal direction along which the receiving rail 24 and / or the transfer rail 22 extend, so that an overlap region 60 is formed between the transfer section 64 and the receiving section 62. For example, the receiving section 62 and the transfer section 64 can overlap one another in such a way that in a side view, i.e. from a lateral direction, in Figure 2 parallel to the plane of the drawing, in the overlapping region 60 the transfer section 64 is at least partially covered by the receiving section 62 (seen from the upper edge of the image in Figure 2) or that in the overlapping region 60 the receiving section 62 is at least partially covered by the transfer section 64 (seen from the lower edge of the image in Figure 2).The overlapping area can, for example, be designed such that the load support 14 is supported in the overlapping area 60 by both the transfer rail 22 and the support rail 24.

[0062] Optionally, the transfer rail 22 and the receiving rail 24 can be formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction in the overlap region 60. For example, the transfer section 64 and the receiving section 62 can be formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction. This makes it easy to design the transfer section 64 and the receiving section 62 to correspond to one another. The fact that the transfer rail 22 and the receiving rail 24 are formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction in the overlap region 60 can mean, for example, that the mutually facing end faces of the transfer rail 22 and the receiving rail 24 in the overlap region 60 are not formed at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the transfer rail 22 and / or the receiving rail 24. The end faces can, for example, be formed and arranged parallel to one another.The end faces can be arranged, for example, according to an oblique butt joint, as is known in the field of wood joints, whereby at least a small gap 54 can remain between the end faces. Alternatively, the end faces can be formed, for example, according to a straight blade with a straight butt joint, as is known in the field of wood joints, whereby at least the small gap 54 can remain between the end faces.

[0063] The gap 54 can be formed, in particular, in the transfer position between the transfer rail 22 and the receiving rail 24. Due to the overlap region 60, the gap 54 may be only partially visible from a horizontal direction and completely visible from a vertical direction. The gap 54 can be formed, in particular, between the mutually facing end surfaces of the transfer rail 22 and the receiving rail 24.

[0064] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having," "comprising," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Elevator system (20) for vertically displacing a load-receiving device (14) of a cable car (10), wherein the load-receiving device (14) serves to receive one or more loads and has a suspension device (16) which serves to suspend the load-receiving device (14) from a cable of the cable car (10), the elevator system (20) comprising: a receiving rail (24) for receiving the suspension device (16) of the load-receiving device (14); a guide rail (27) which extends in the vertical direction and which is arranged and mechanically coupled to the receiving rail (24) such that the receiving rail (24) can be displaced in the vertical direction and is guided by the guide rail (27); a support means (28) which is mechanically coupled to the receiving rail (24); and a first drive machine (30) which is mechanically coupled to the support means (28) and which is designed to vertically displace the receiving rail (24) by means of the support means (28).

2. Elevator system (20) according to claim 1, comprising a vertically displaceable elevator frame (44) which is mechanically coupled to the guide rail (27) in such a way that the elevator frame (44) is guided during its vertical movement by the guide rail (27), in which the receiving rail (24) is arranged, and by means of which the receiving rail (24) is mechanically coupled to the support means (28) and the guide rail (27).

3. Elevator installation (20) according to claim 2, comprising an elevator car (25) for receiving the load suspension (14), wherein the elevator car (25) comprises the elevator frame (44) and at least one wall which is fastened to the elevator frame (44), and wherein the wall comprises at least one wall element from a group of wall elements, the group comprising: - TI - one or more side walls (45), a base plate (46) and a ceiling plate (48).

4. Elevator installation (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving rail (24) has a receiving section (62) which is arranged at a first longitudinal end (56) of the receiving rail (24) and which is designed to correspond to a transfer section (64) of a transfer rail (22) of the cable car (10).

5. Elevator installation (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving rail (24) has an end stop (50) for the load receiver (14), which is arranged at a second longitudinal end (57) of the receiving rail (24) and which is designed such that it limits a movement of the load receiver (14) in the direction towards the second longitudinal end (57) of the receiving rail (24).

6. Elevator installation (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving rail (24) is inclined with respect to a horizontal with an angle of inclination, for example between 0° and 10°.

7. Elevator installation (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a sensor (52) for detecting a weight of the load receiving device (14).

8. Elevator system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a safety device which is designed to detect a correct arrangement of the load suspension (14) on the support rail (24) and, as a result of detecting the correct arrangement of the load suspension (14) on the support rail (24), to release the vertical displacement of the load suspension (14) and otherwise to prevent it.

9. Elevator system (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a lift shaft (26) extending in the vertical direction, in which the guide rail (27) is arranged and in which the receiving rail (24) is arranged so as to be vertically displaceable.

10. A cable car (10) for transporting a load, the cable car (10) comprising: a cable (12) suspended between at least two suspension points; a second drive machine (31) mechanically coupled to the cable (12) such that the cable (12) can be moved by means of the second drive machine; and an elevator installation (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension device (16) of the load suspension device (14) can be mechanically coupled to the cable (12) of the cable car (10), and wherein the elevator installation (20) is arranged and designed such that, in a transfer position of the load suspension device (14), the load suspension device (14) can be transferred from the cable (12) to the elevator installation (20) or from the elevator installation (20) to the cable (12).

11. Cable car (10) according to claim 10, comprising: a transfer rail (22) which, on the one hand, is arranged relative to the cable (12) in such a way that the hanger (16) can be moved from the cable (12) to the transfer rail (22) or that the hanger (16) can be moved from the transfer rail (22) to the cable (12), and which, on the other hand, has the transfer section (64) which, in the transfer position of the load receiver (14), faces the receiving rail (24) of the elevator system (20) and which is designed to correspond to the receiving section (62) of the receiving rail (24).

12. Cable car (10) according to claim 11, wherein the transfer section (64) and the receiving section (62) are designed to correspond to one another in that, in the transfer position of the load receiving device (14), the transfer section (64) and the receiving section (62) overlap one another in a longitudinal direction along which the receiving rail (24) extends, so that an overlap region (60) is formed between the transfer section (64) and the receiving section (62).

13. Cable car (10) according to claim 12, wherein the transfer rail (22) and the receiving rail (24) are formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction in the overlapping region (60).

14. Cable car (10) according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein in the transfer position a gap (54) is formed between the transfer rail (22) and the receiving rail (24), which gap is only partially visible from the horizontal direction and completely visible from the vertical direction due to the overlapping region (60).

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