ELEVATOR CAR ARRANGEMENT FOR A DOUBLE-DECK ELEVATOR, AND DOUBLE-DECK ELEVATOR

Abstract

An elevator car arrangement for a double-deck elevator has a car frame; a first car coupled to the car frame; a second car arranged on the car frame above or below the first car and coupled to the car frame so as to be movable in a vertical direction relative to the car frame and relative to the first car; a push chain coupled, with a first end of a force absorption section of the push chain, to the first car or to the car frame, and with an opposite, second end of the force absorption section to the second car, and is arranged such that the second car exerts a pressure load on the force absorption section due to gravity; and a drive device coupled to the push chain to displace the second car in the vertical direction relative to the first car by the push chain.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. An elevator car arrangement for a double-deck elevator, the car arrangement comprising: an elevator car frame; a first car coupled to the car frame; a second car arranged on the car frame above or below the first car and coupled to the car frame, the second car being movable in a vertical direction relative to the car frame and relative to the first car; a push chain having a force absorption section with a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being coupled to the first car or to the car frame and the second end being coupled to the second car, wherein the second car exerts a pressure load on the force absorption section due to gravity; and a drive device coupled to the push chain, the drive device displacing the second car in the vertical direction relative to the first car through the push chain.

14. The elevator car arrangement according to claim 13 wherein the push chain includes chain links that engage in one another under the pressure load such that the force absorption section is stable under the pressure load in a direction in which chain links of the push chain are pivotable relative to one another when no pressure load exerted on the force absorption section.

15. The elevator car arrangement according to claim 13 wherein the drive device is driven as a generator by the push chain when the second car is displaced by gravity.

16. The elevator car arrangement according to claim 13 wherein the drive device includes a motor and an output arranged on a shaft of the motor and in engagement with the push chain.

17. The elevator car arrangement according to claim 13 wherein the drive device is arranged on the second car, or the drive device is arranged on the first car and the push chain is coupled to the first car, or the drive device is arranged on the elevator car frame and the push chain is coupled to the elevator car frame.

18. The elevator car arrangement according to claim 13 wherein the push chain includes a residual section that is not part of the force absorption section and is arranged between the first car and the second car.

19. The elevator car arrangement according to claim 18 wherein the residual section extends at least partially in a horizontal direction transverse to the vertical direction.

20. The elevator car arrangement according to claim 13 wherein: the first car has a first force absorption area when the push chain is coupled to the first car, and the car frame has the first force absorption area when the push chain is coupled to the car frame; the second car has a second force absorption area; the push chain is coupled by the first end of the force absorption section to the first force absorption area and is coupled by the second end of the force absorption section to the second force absorption area, whereby the force absorption section extends from the first force absorption area to the second force absorption area; a maximum vertical distance between the first car and the second car is determined by a length of the force absorption section; and the drive device displaces the second car in the vertical direction by moving the push chain such that the length of the force absorption section changes.

21. The elevator car arrangement according to claim 13 wherein: the first cabin is movable, relative to the car frame, in the vertical direction; a further push chain coupled to the first car and to the car frame; a further drive device coupled to the further push chain; and the further drive device displacing the first car in the vertical direction relative to the elevator car frame through the further push chain.

22. The elevator car arrangement according to claim 13 wherein the push chain is a single push chain for the displacement of the second car in the vertical direction.

23. The elevator car arrangement according to claim 22 wherein the push chain is fastened to the second car in alignment with a center of gravity of the second car.

24. A double-deck elevator comprising: the elevator car arrangement according to claim 13; and a control device adapted to control the drive device based on a floor distance between a first floor and a second floor such that, in a stop position of the elevator car arrangement, the first car is accessible via the first floor and the second car is accessible via the second floor.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an elevator car arrangement for a double-deck elevator.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of an elevator car arrangement for a double-deck elevator.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of an elevator car arrangement for a double-deck elevator.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of an elevator car arrangement for a double-deck elevator.

[0040] The drawings are merely schematic, and not to scale. In the different figures, identical reference signs denote identical or similar features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an elevator car arrangement 20 for a double-deck elevator 10. The car arrangement 20 has a car frame 22, a first car 24, a second car 26, a push chain 30, and a drive device 40. The cars 24, 26 are arranged one above the other in the elevator car frame 22 in the vertical direction. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first car 24 is arranged below the second car 26.

[0042] When the elevator car arrangement 20 is used as intended in an elevator shaft of a building, the first car 24 is accessible via a first access in a first floor 72, and the second car 26 is accessible via a second access in a second floor 74. A vertical distance between the cars 24, 26 can be set by means of a control device 70. Further components of the double-deck elevator 10, such as a drive device for vertical displacement of the entire car arrangement 20, a counterweight, floor doors, or the like, are not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0043] The push chain 30 has a force absorption section 32, a first end 34 of the force absorption section 32 and a second end 36 of the force absorption section 32 opposite the first end 34, and a residual section 38. The push chain 30 can also be referred to as first push chain 30. The force absorption section 32 can also be referred to as first force absorption section 32.

[0044] The push chain 30 has several connected chain links. In the case of a pressure load, the chain links engage with one another in a positive manner in such a way that the force absorption section 32 is stable under the pressure load in a direction in which chain links of the push chain 30 can be pivoted against one another when there is no pressure load. Thus, the chain links in the unloaded state are pivotable relative to one another in a first lateral direction and are stable in directions perpendicular to the first lateral directionin particular, in a second lateral direction and a longitudinal direction of the push chain 30. By contrast, under the pressure load of the push chain 30, the chain links engage positively with one another, so that the push chain 30 in the region of the force absorption section 32 is also stable in the first lateral direction.

[0045] The residual section 38 of the push chain 30 is arranged between the two cars 24, 26. In particular, the residual section 38 is arranged to be substantially horizontal. The residual section 38 can rest, for example, on an upper side of the first car 24. The residual section 38 is not loaded with pressure.

[0046] The drive device 40 is coupled to the first car 24 and the push chain 32. The drive device 40 can also be referred to as first drive device 40. The drive device 40 has a motor and an output which is coupled to the push chain. The output is, for example, a gear wheel which engages in the chain links of the push chain 30. The motor can be an electric motor, for example. Optionally, the drive device 40 has a housing. If necessary, the motor and/or the output can be arranged in or on the housing. Furthermore, a part of the force absorption section 32 and/or the residual section 38 can be arranged in the housing and/or be guided in the housing. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drive device 40 is arranged on the first car 24. Alternatively, the drive device 40 can be arranged on the second car 26.

[0047] The first car 24 has several fastening structures 41, via which it is fixedly coupled to the elevator car frame 22. In other words, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first car 24 is fixed relative to the elevator car frame 22 by means of the fastening structures 41. The second car 26 has first holders 42, which are fixedly connected to the rest of the second car 26. The second car 26 is coupled, via the first holders 42, with a first guide structure 44, which is arranged on the elevator car frame 22, in such a way that the second car 26 and in particular the first holders 42 can be moved in the vertical direction relative to the elevator car frame 22.

[0048] The weight of the second car 26 acts upon the push chain 30. In other words, the second car 26 is situated on the push chain 30. Due to the weight force of the second car 26, the second car 26 exerts a pressure load on the push chain 30, and in particular on the force absorption section 32. Due to this pressure load, the force absorption section 32 is stable in all directions, and in particular in the first lateral direction. The pressure load is transmitted from the force absorption section 32 at the first end 34 to a first force absorption area 46. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drive device 40, and in particular the output of the drive device 40, has the first force absorption area 46. The weight of the second car 26 is transmitted to the push chain 30 at the second end 36 of the push chain 30 in a second force absorption area 48. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a floor of the second car 26 has the second force absorption area 48.

[0049] If a vertical distance between the first car 24 and the second car 26 does not match the vertical distance between the first access in the first floor and the second access in the second floor, the second car 26 can be displaced in the vertical direction relative to the first car 24 by means of the drive device 40 and the push chain 30. In this case, the drive device 40 can drive the push chain 30 such that the length of the force absorption section 32 changes, as a result of which the vertical position of the second car 26 relative to the first car 24 changes. For example, the second car 26 can be pushed upwards or lowered downwards relative to the elevator car frame 22 by means of the push chain 30. For this purpose, the drive device 40 can have a control device or be coupled thereto, wherein the control device is configured to control the drive device 40 as a function of the vertical distance between the accesses of the corresponding floors. The control can here take place by means of corresponding actuating signals.

[0050] Optionally, the drive device 40 can be designed such that, when the second car 26 is lowered relative to the elevator car frame 22, the drive device 40 is driven in the manner of a generator by the push chain 30 and generates electrical energy. In other words, when the second car 26 is displaced from top to bottom, the potential energy released during this can be converted into electrical energy by means of the push chain 30 and the drive device 40 in the generator mode. The electrical energy can be temporarily stored in an energy storage device (not shown in the figures) and can be reused at a later point in timefor example, for lifting the second car 26.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, exactly one single push chain 30 is arranged. This single push chain 30 can, for example, be fastened to the second car 26 in alignment with the center of gravity of the second car 26. Alternatively, two or more push chains, e.g., four push chains, can be arranged for displacing the second car 26. In the case of several push chains, the push chains can act on two, diametrically-opposite corner sections of the floor of the second car 26. For example, corresponding second force absorption areas 48 can be arranged on the diametrically-opposite corner sections of the second car 26.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a car arrangement 20 which corresponds largely to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, in order to avoid repetitions, only the differences between the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be discussed below.

[0053] The elevator car arrangement 20 has two push chains 30 and two drive devices 40. Alternatively, the car arrangement 20 can have more than two push chains 30 and corresponding drive devices 40. The push chains 30 are coupled, at their respective first end 34, to the first force absorption area 46 and, at their respective second end 36, to the second force absorption area 48for example, via the first holders 42. The first force absorption area 46 is arranged on the elevator car frame 22, and the second force absorption area 48 is arranged on the second car 26, and in particular on the first holders 42. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the drive devices 40 are arranged on the elevator car frame 22. In this case, the drive devices 40 have the corresponding first force absorption areas 46. Alternatively, the drive devices 40 can be arranged on the second car 26for example, on the first holders 42. In this case, the drive devices 40 have the corresponding second force absorption areas 48.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a car arrangement 20, which largely corresponds to one of the embodiments explained above. Therefore, in order to avoid repetitions, only the differences between the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and the embodiments explained above will be discussed below.

[0055] The first car 24, which is fixed with respect to the car frame 22, is arranged above the second car 26. The push chain 30 and the drive device 40 are arranged, in the vertical direction, between the elevator car frame 22 and the second car 26. The first force absorption area 46 is arranged on the elevator car frame 22, and the second force absorption area 48 is arranged on the second car 26. The drive device 40 is arranged on the second car 26 and has the second force absorption area 48. Alternatively, the drive device 40 can be arranged on the elevator car frame 22 and have the first force absorption area 46. The residual section 38 is guided in the horizontal direction along the second car 26for example, in the housing of the drive device 40 (not shown in the figures).

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, only a single push chain 30 with a corresponding drive device 40 is arranged. Alternatively, two or more push chains 30 and corresponding drive devices 40 can be arranged in the vertical direction between the second car 26 and the elevator car frame 22. In addition, the second force absorption area 48 is arranged on an underside of the second car 26. Alternatively, the second force absorption area or areas 48 can be arranged on the first holders 42.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an elevator car arrangement 20 that largely corresponds to one of the embodiments explained above. Therefore, in order to avoid repetitions, only the differences between the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and the embodiments explained above will be discussed below.

[0058] The first car 24 is arranged above the second car 26 and is coupled to the elevator car frame 22 in such a way that the first car 24 can be displaced in the vertical direction relative to the second car 26 and relative to the elevator car frame 22. The first car 24 has second holders 52 which are fixedly connected to the rest of the first car 24. The first car 24 is coupled via the second holders 52 to a second guide structure 54, which is arranged on the elevator car frame 22, in such a way that the first car 24 can be moved in the vertical direction relative to the elevator car frame 22.

[0059] Two further push chains and two corresponding further drive devices are arranged for the vertical displacement of the first car 24. In this context, the push chains 30 and drive devices 40 for vertically displacing the second car 26 can be referred to as first push chains 30 or first drive devices 40, and the further push chains and further drive devices for vertical displacement of the first car 24 can be referred to as second push chains 60 or second drive devices 50.

[0060] The second push chains 60 each include a second force absorption section 62 that engages a respective third force absorption area 56 at a respective first end 64 of the corresponding second force absorption section 62, and engages a respective fourth force absorption area 58 at a respective second end 66 of the corresponding second force absorption section 62. The fourth force absorption areas 58 are arranged on the first car 24in particular, on the second holders 52. Alternatively, the fourth force absorption areas 58 can each be arranged on an underside of the first car 24. Furthermore, the third force absorption areas 56 can be arranged on the second car 26, e.g., on an upper side of the second car 26for example, such that the second push chains 60 and/or the second drive devices 50 are arranged, in the vertical direction, between the first car 24 and the second car 26.

[0061] The second drive devices 50 are arranged on the elevator car frame 22 and have the third force absorption areas 56. Alternatively, the second drive devices 50 can be arranged on the first car 24 and have the fourth force absorption areas 58.

[0062] As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, only one second push chain 60 and only one second drive device 50, or more than two second push chains 60 and, correspondingly, more second drive devices 50, can be arranged for the vertical displacement of the first car 24.

[0063] The weight of the first car 24 acts upon the second push chains 60. In other words, the first car 26 is situated on the second push chains 60. Due to the weight of the first car 24, the first car 24 exerts a pressure load on the second push chains 60, and in particular on the second force absorption sections 62. Due to the pressure load, the second force absorption sections 62 are stable in all directions, and in particular in the first lateral direction. The pressure load is transmitted from the second force absorption sections 62 on the first ends 64 of the second force absorption sections 62 onto the third force absorption areas 56.

[0064] The invention is not limited to the described exemplary embodiments. For example, the exemplary embodiments indicated can be combined with one another. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, two or more push chains 30 and drive devices 40 can be arranged between the first car 24 and the second car 26. Alternatively or additionally, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drive device 40 can be arranged on the underside of the second car.

[0065] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as comprising, having, 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 which have been 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.

[0066] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.