ELEVATOR HAVING A MOVABLE MACHINE ROOM

Abstract

An elevator system includes an elevator shaft, an elevator car arranged in the elevator shaft for movement, a drive unit for moving the elevator car, a machine platform that can be fastened in the elevator shaft and can be lifted along the elevator shaft, wherein the drive unit is fastened to the machine platform, and at least one lifting device for lifting the machine platform. The at least one lifting device includes a supporting element, a strand jack for moving along the supporting element, and an anchor for fastening the supporting element in the elevator shaft, wherein the supporting element is fastened in the elevator shaft by the anchor and the strand jack is arranged to move along the supporting element.

Claims

1-9. (canceled)

10. An elevator system including an elevator car movable in an elevator shaft and a drive unit for moving the elevator car, comprising: a machine platform arranged in the elevator shaft for lifting along the elevator shaft, wherein the drive unit is fixed on the machine platform and has at least one lifting device for lifting the machine platform; wherein the at least one lifting device includes a lifting supporting element, a strand jack and an anchor, the lifting supporting element being fixed in the elevator shaft by the anchor and the strand jack arranged to move along the lifting supporting element, wherein the strand jack is fixed on the machine platform; and wherein a section of the lifting supporting element is arranged underneath the strand jack, the section being outside a vertical projection of the elevator car or the machine platform having a deflector for guiding the section outside a travel path of the elevator car.

11. The elevator system according to claim 10 including two of the lifting device for lifting the machine platform.

12. The elevator system according to claim 10 wherein the anchor is fixed on the machine platform.

13. The elevator system according to claim 10 including a lifting platform arranged in the elevator shaft above the machine platform for lifting the machine platform, wherein the strand jack or the anchor is fixed on the lifting platform.

14. The elevator system according to claim 13 wherein the lifting platform is fixed by at least one platform supporting element on a side wall of the elevator shaft, wherein the lifting supporting element is spaced from a fixing point of the platform supporting element on the side wall by a horizontal distance of not more than 700 mm.

15. The elevator system according to claim 10 wherein the strand jack is based on a hydraulic functional principle.

16. The elevator system according to claim 10 including two guide rails fixed in the elevator shaft for guiding the elevator car and for guiding the machine platform, wherein the drive unit is fixed to the machine platform so that a center of gravity of the drive unit acting on the machine platform is spaced from a rail axis, the rail axis being a shortest possible rectilinear connection between the two guide rails, and wherein at least one of the strand jack and the anchor is spaced apart from the rail axis on the machine platform to balance out the machine platform.

17. The elevator system according to claim 10 wherein the lifting supporting element has a circular cross-section.

18. The elevator system according to claim 17 wherein the circular cross-section has a diameter in a range of 10 mm to 30 mm.

19. The elevator system according to claim 10 wherein the lifting supporting element is a wire cable.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention is explained in detail hereinafter with reference to the figures. In the figures:

[0028] FIG. 1: shows an elevator system according to a first embodiment with a movable machine platform in a lower temporary usage position;

[0029] FIG. 2: shows the elevator system from FIG. 1 after raising the movable machine platform to an upper usage position;

[0030] FIG. 3: shows a supporting element of a lifting device;

[0031] FIG. 4: shows a section of an elevator system according to a second embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 5: shows a section of an elevator system according to a third embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 6: shows a horizontal cross-section of an elevator shaft with a machine platform fixed in the elevator shaft; and

[0034] FIG. 7: shows another horizontal cross-section of the elevator shaft shown in FIG. 6 with a lifting platform fixed in the elevator shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an elevator system 1 installed in a building. The elevator system 1 comprises an elevator shaft 2, an elevator car 4 disposed in the elevator shaft 2, a machine platform 20 and at least one lifting device 50, 50′ for lifting the machine platform 20. A drive unit 8 for moving the elevator car 4 is fixed on the machine platform 20. The elevator car 4 is preferably movable along guide rails 10.1, 10.2 in the elevator shaft 2. Further elevator components required for operation of the elevator system 1 can be fixed to the machine platform 20. For example, the machine platform 20 can be fixed to the side walls of the elevator shaft 2 by means of a settling device not shown. Preferably this settling device is formed from extendable rests and/or supports.

[0036] The lifting device 50, 50′ comprises a lifting supporting element 51, 51′, a strand jack 53, 53′ and an anchor 52, 52′ for fixing the supporting element 51, 51′ in the elevator shaft 2. The anchor 52, 52′ shown according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and accordingly also the supporting element 51 of the lifting device 50 are fixed to the machine platform 20. The strand jack 53, 53′ of the lifting device 50, 50′ is fixed above the machine platform 20 in the elevator shaft. Between the anchor 52, 52′ and the strand jack 53, 53′ of the at least one lifting device 50, 50′, the supporting element 51, 51′ of this lifting device 50, 50′ can be loaded by tensile stressing since the machine platform 20 can be suspended in the elevator shaft 2 by means of this section of the supporting element 51, 51′. A section 51.1, 51.1′ of the supporting element 51, 51′ substantially unloaded by tensile stressing is located above the strand jack 53, 53′.

[0037] A lifting platform 30 can be arranged above the machine platform 2, on which lifting platform 30 the strand jack 53, 53′ can be fixed. This lifting platform 30 can be lifted, for example, inside the elevator shaft 2 when the machine platform 20 itself is fixed, i.e. fixed, in the elevator shaft 2. Underneath the machine platform 20 the elevator car 4 can be moved in a lower region 2u of the elevator shaft 2. Thus, the elevator car 4 which can be moved in the lower region 2u can be used for transporting elevator passengers.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows the machine platform 20 arranged in a lower temporary usage position P1, wherein the region 2u+ of the elevator shaft 2 arranged substantially above this lower temporary usage position P1 is already completed. This can be seen for example by means of the fixed and aligned guide rails 10.1, 10.2 arranged in this region 2u+.

[0039] By means of the at least one lifting device 50, 50′ which is suspended at an anchor of the machine platform 20 configured as suspension point 52, 52′, the machine platform 20 or the entire machine chamber can be raised together with the elevator car 4 and moved to the upper usage position P2. The upper usage position P2 is preferably determined in such a manner that a next higher travel region 2u+ can be serviced in the building. The section 51.1, 51.1′ of the supporting element 51, 51′ substantially unloaded by tensile stressing above the strand jack 53, 53′ is relatively short since the vertical distance between the machine platform 20 and the strand jack 53, 53′ is configured to be relatively large as a result of the arrangement of the machine platform 20 in the lower temporary usage position P1.

[0040] Before the machine platform 20 is moved into an upper usage position P2 arranged above the lower temperature usage position P1, the elevator car 4 can be suspended on the machine platform 20 by means of suspension means 45 depicted by means of dashed lines, for example by means of supporting rods, and for example can be decoupled from the drive unit 8.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows the elevator system 1 from FIG. 1 after raising the movable machine platform 20 to the upper usage position P2. As soon as this upper usage position P2 is reached, the settling device of the machine platform 20 is extended and the machine platform 20 is set down on the settling device and fixed by this in the elevator shaft 2. After a re-coupling of the drive unit 8 to the elevator car 4 has been completed, the suspension means 45 by means of which the elevator car 4 has been suspended on the machine platform 20 can be removed. The elevator system is thus available within a short time for the extended travel region 2u+.

[0042] The section of the supporting element 51, 51′ of the at least one lifting device 50, 50′ loaded by tensile stressing between the anchor 52, 52′ and the strand jack 53, 53′ is severely shortened in contrast to FIG. 1. Accordingly, the section 51.1, 51.1′ of the supporting element 51, 51′ substantially unloaded by tensile stressing above the strand jack 53, 53′ is lengthened due to the completed raising of the machine platform 20. This at least one unloaded section 51.1, 51.1′ is mounted above the lifting platform 30 in the selected exemplary embodiment. Since the supporting element 51, 51′ should be dimensioned according to the load of the machine platform 20 plus the components of the elevator system 1 fixed on the machine platform 20, the supporting element 51, 51′, which is optionally configured as steel cable or similar, has a bearing height H. This bearing height H corresponds to a vertical minimum distance between the lifting platform 30 and a temporary shaft ceiling of the elevator system 1 to be optionally arranged above the lifting platform 30.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a supporting element 51 of a lifting device 50. The supporting element 51 is preferably configured as steel cable, i.e. a twisting of individual wires, or as strand, i.e. a twisting of individual wires. The steel cable substantially has a circular cross-section, wherein the diameter D of the supporting element 51 is 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably 15 mm to 20 mm. When the unloaded supporting element section is optionally mounted above the lifting platform 30 shown in FIG. 2, the bearing height H shown there can certainly be more than one or two meters.

[0044] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a section of alternative elevator systems 1 according to further alternative embodiments. The elevator system 1 comprises an elevator shaft 2, an elevator car 4 which can be moved in the elevator shaft 2 and a lifting device 50. Both lifting devices 50 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 comprise a strand jack 53 fixed on a machine platform 20 and a supporting element 51. The supporting element 51 is fixed in the elevator shaft 2 by means of an anchor of the lifting device 50 not shown. During a lifting movement B to be performed by means of this lifting device 50, the strand jack 53 or the machine platform 20 fixed on the strand jack 53 is moved along the supporting element 51. Accordingly, the section 51.1 of the supporting element 51, substantially unloaded by tensile stressing underneath the machine platform 20 becomes longer. The elevator car 4 of the elevator system 1 is shown in its uppermost possible position 4′ with regard to the arrangement of the machine platform 20 inside the elevator shaft 2. A shaft interior space of the elevator shaft 2 is delimited by a side wall 1′ of the elevator shaft 2.

[0045] The machine platform 20 of the elevator system 1 shown in FIG. 4 has a deflector 55. This deflector 55 is largely arranged underneath the strand jack 53. The deflector 55 of the machine platform 20 is used to deflect the section 51.1 substantially unloaded by tensile stressing so that this section 51.1 of the supporting element 51 does not project into the travel path of the elevator car 4. Accordingly, the supporting element 51, in particular the section 51.1 of the supporting element 51 arranged underneath the machine platform 20 cannot collide with the elevator car 4 which can be located, for example, in its uppermost position 4′.

[0046] The strand jack 53 shown in FIG. 5 is fixed to the machine platform 20 in such a manner that the section 51.1 of the supporting element 51 arranged underneath the strand jack is arranged outside a vertical projection 4″ of the elevator car 4. Accordingly, no component of the section 51.1 of the supporting element arranged underneath the machine platform 20 is arranged vertically above the elevator car 4 preferably arranged in its uppermost possible position 4′.

[0047] FIGS. 6 and 7 show horizontal cross-sections of an elevator shaft 2. A shaft interior of the elevator shaft 2 is delimited by usually vertical side walls 1′. Guide rails 10.1, 10.2 are installed on two side walls 1′ opposite to these, wherein these guide walls 10.1, 10.2 are only shown in FIG. 6. The guide rails 10.1, 10.2 enable a guidance of the elevator car not shown along its travel path.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows a machine platform 20 fixed or installed in the elevator shaft 2. For example, guide shoes 11.1, 11.2 can be fixed on the machine platform 20. These guide shoes 11.1, 11.2 are located in engagement with the guide rails 10.1, 10.2 in order to enable a guidance of the machine platform 20 when the machine platform 20 has been raised to a changed usage position inside the elevator shaft 2. A rectilinear connection of these two guide rails 10.1, 10.2 is usually designated as rail axis SA.

[0049] A strand jack 53 or an anchor 52 of a first lifting device 50, a strand jack 53′ or an anchor 52′ of a second lifting device 50′ and a drive unit 8 for moving the elevator car are fixed on the machine platform 20. The arrangement of the drive unit 8 on the machine platform 20 can have the effect that the center of gravity SP of the machine platform 20 is spaced apart from the rail axis SA. Alternatively to this, a strand jack 53 or at least one anchor 52 of only one lifting device 50 can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the center of gravity SP. The components 52, 53, 52′, 53′ fixed on the machine platform 20 or the component 52, 53 fixed on the machine platform 20 of the first or second lifting device 50, 50′ is/are fixed on the machine platform 20 in such a manner that the machine platform is substantially balanced out.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows a lifting platform 30 fixed in the elevator shaft 2, which can be part of the elevator system shown in FIG. 6. The lifting platform 30 is arranged at the height of a door opening T in the elevator shaft 2. Depending on which of the components 52, 53, 52′, 53′ of the respective lifting device 50, 50′ to be fixed in the elevator shaft 2 is or are fixed on the machine platform 20 shown in FIG. 6, the other of these components to be fixed in the elevator shaft 2 is fixed on the lifting platform 30. If the strand jack 53 of the first lifting device 50 is fixed on the machine platform 20, the anchor 52 of the first lifting device 50 is fixed on the lifting platform 30 and vice versa. If the strand jack 53′ of the second lifting device 50′ is fixed on the machine platform 20, the anchor 52′ of the second lifting device 50′ is fixed on the lifting platform 30 and vice versa. Preferably the strand jacks 53, 53′ of the two lifting devices 50, 50′ are fixed on the machine platform 20 or the lifting platform 30, when the elevator system shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 comprises two lifting devices 50, 50′. The positioning of the strand jack(s) 53. 53′ or anchor(s) 52, 52′ fixed on the lifting platform 30 is dependent on the components of the corresponding lifting device 50, 50′ fixed on the machine platform 20. Preferably the supporting element of the corresponding lifting device(s) 50, 50′ runs vertically between the lifting platform 30 and the machine platform 20. That is that the strand jacks 53, 53′ and the anchor 52, 52′ of one of the lifting devices 50, 50′ are arranged vertically above one another.

[0051] The lifting platform 30 can be supported or fixed by means of at least one platform supporting element 60, 60′ on the side walls 1′ of the elevator shaft 2. Accordingly, the lifting platform 30 can also be supported at the floor in the region of the door opening T. Such supporting elements 60, 60′ can for example be formed from extendable rests or supports and be guided longitudinally displaceably in a hollow profile of the lifting platform 30. In a front region, that is in a region of the door opening T, these supporting elements 60 can be pulled so that they overlap with a floor, i.e. the sill of the door opening T. In the rear region of the lifting platform 30 these supporting 4elements 60′ can be pushed from front to back by means of control rods so that they project into niches or recesses of the rear side wall 1′. The supporting elements 60, 60′ can thus be actuated without stepping on the lifting platform 30. Naturally lateral niches, recesses, wall projections or supporting brackets can also be used, wherein the corresponding supporting elements not shown in FIG. 7 would then be extended or pivoted out laterally.

[0052] The supporting element of the lifting device 50, 50′ fixed by means of the strand jack 53, 53′ or by means of the anchor 52, 52′ on the lifting platform 30 has a horizontal distance A from the fixing point of a supporting element 60 on the side wall 1′. This horizontal distance A can be determined by means of that supporting element 60 which is located in the closest proximity to the anchor 52, 52′ being considered or to the strand jack 53, 53′ being considered. Preferably this horizontal distance A is a maximum of 700 mm. In an advantageous embodiment this horizontal distance A is a maximum of 500 mm.

[0053] 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.