The invention refers to an elevator system, in particular to a ropeless elevator system comprising one or multiple elevator cabins.

A car arrangement for an elevator system is disclosed in WO 2018/153650. The car arrangement comprises a car support with at least one horizontal leg and at least one vertical leg, the elevator car resting on the at least one horizontal leg and the horizontal leg being at least indirectly connected to a bearing via the vertical leg. When the elevator car rests on the car carrier, the weight of the elevator car, including the payloads, is largely passed through the car floor as compressive forces. Such an arrangement however reguires a substantial amount of space about the exterior of the elevator car within the elevator shaft and therefore restricts the size of the elevator car that can be used.

WO 2018/046406 Al, which may be considered as closest prior art, shows an elevator having a cabin. The cabin is supported on a carrier in a forklift manner. A level of the cabin floor can be lifted or lowered to the cabin floor level matches to a floor level of a floor level in the building.

That is reguired due to load changes during unloading and loading at a stop of the cabin at a floor. Due to the forklift like structure the amount of space reguired below the elevator cabin floor is high, which is of minor advantage if the elevator cabin is traveling in a horizontal shaft. In contrast to a vertical shaft the space below the cabin a may be limited in a horizontal shaft.

It is an object of the invention to provide an elevator car in particular wherein the car

- is adapted to allow for a more efficient use of space within an in particular horizontal elevator shaft and

- has an improved safety function.

This object is solved by the subject of the main claims; embodiments are subject of the subclaims and the description.

Embodiments

The invention relates to a, in particular ropeless, elevator system having at least one elevator shaft and at least one elevator car. Preferably the elevator system can comprise a plurality of said elevator cars. The elevator car preferably comprises:

- an elevator cabin adapted to transport passengers between floors of a building;

- an elevator support adapted to support the weight of the elevator cabin.

- at least one further mechanism wherein the at least one further mechanism is hereinafter referred to as a sledge. The elevator support is adapted to connect to both the elevator cabin and the sledge.

The sledge is a mechanism that connects to both

- the elevator support and

- one or more vertically, or vertically and/or horizontally extending rail comprised in an elevator shaft such that the elevator cabin is moveable along said rails. As well as guiding the cabin along the rails, the sledge can also advantageously be adapted to comprise braking elements and one or more auxiliary mechanism, e.g., a damping system. For more information on the sledge, the German patent application DE 10 2019 200 235.8 is herein incorporated by reference.

In an embodiment of the invention, the elevator car is adapted to switch between a first elevator shaft and at least one further elevator shaft, wherein the car can travel in both directions, in particular in upwards and downwards direction in each vertical shaft and or sidewards in a horizontal shaft.

In an embodiment the elevator support is comprised in a suspension system, preferably a rucksack suspension system, such that it is positioned in parallel with a vertical wall in particular a single side of the elevator cabin, preferably the rear side of the elevator cabin. The the rear side may be opposite the front side of the elevator cabin where passengers enter and exit. This type of elevator support is preferably as streamlined as possible with the rear wall of the elevator cabin, thus space can be saved or even redistributed within the elevator shaft. This can accommodate for example:

- larger cabins to be used, thereby increasing passenger capacity and reducing passenger waiting times, thus improving passenger comfort and satisfaction;

- a reduction in the amount of space reguired in an elevator shaft, thereby leaving more usable floor space in the building itself, which appeals to owners and customers alike. The Integration of the cabin and the elevator support as one system according to the invention also advantageously provides a weight reduction without compromising safety and increases the stiffness. In an embodiment of the invention, the elevator cabin comprises a reinforced rear wall and a reinforced floor structure. This advantageously provides for the connection of the elevator support to the elevator cabin.

In an embodiment of the invention, the elevator support comprises a plurality of panels which intersect at a point Pi, each panel preferably comprising a plurality of connection means.

In an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of connection means are adapted to connect to one or both of:

- the reinforced rear wall of the elevator cabin;

- the reinforced floor structure of the elevator cabin. This advantageously ensures that the elevator support is positioned in parallel with a single side of the elevator cabin. This type of elevator support is preferably as streamlined as possible with the rear wall of the elevator cabin, thus space can be saved or even redistributed within the elevator shaft.

In an embodiment of the invention, the elevator support, is adapted to extend at least partially across the height of the elevator cabin, more preferably, extend across at least two thirds of the height of the elevator cabin. This advantageously provides support to a larger surface area of the cabin thereby increasing safety.

In an embodiment of the invention, the elevator support is adapted to extend substantially across the total height of the elevator cabin. This advantageously provides support to a larger surface area of the cabin thereby increasing safety.

In an embodiment of the invention, the elevator support further comprises a bearing housing located around the point of intersection Pi wherein the bearing housing comprises a plurality of working elements adapted to facilitate the travelling direction of the elevator car along one or more vertically, or vertically and/or horizontally extending rail comprised within the elevator shaft.

In an embodiment of the invention, the elevator system comprises one or more auxiliary mechanism, this advantageously provides a means that allows the cabin to move relative to the sledge and the shaft in order to compensate for e.g.;

- any construction tolerances;

- installation inaccuracies;

- movement of the building due to temperature or wind; - subsidence;

- natural environmental factors, e.g. vegetation growth, proximity to a flood plane;

- man-made environmental changes, e.g. other buildings being constructed in close proximity, construction or maintenance on underground travel networks. It is advantageous to have an elevator system that is adaptable and can continue to function should such events occur.

In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more auxiliary mechanism is selected from the group comprising:

- a levelling system - preferably to aid in the control of the positioning of a sill of the elevator cabin with respect to a sill of a landing area;

- a damping system;

- a locking system;

- a brake system.

It is advantageous to have one or more auxiliary mechanism because it facilitates and improves the mobility quality of the elevator system. One or more auxiliary mechanism can also advantageously function as a safety mechanism whilst simultaneously improving passenger comfort.

A levelling system can help ensure that the sill of the elevator cabin is at the same level as the sill of the landing.

A damping system can help absorb any unpleasant effects of unexpected movements of the cabin thereby preventing discomfort to passengers.

A locking system can for example function as a supporting device to the elevator cabin when it stops at each landing area, thereby helping to mitigate any risk that the drive motor of the elevator car overheats.

A brake system for example can facilitate weight distribution and help relieve the weight on the car for a given time period.

Any one or combination of the above-described auxiliary mechanisms advantageously improves passenger comfort as well as the operational lifetime of the elevator system. In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more auxiliary mechanism, preferably the levelling system comprises a camshaft system.

In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more auxiliary mechanism, preferably the damping system, and/or the locking system and/or the brake system comprises a linear actuator arrangement. In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more auxiliary mechanism is comprised within one or more of:

- the elevator support, preferably, at the connection means;

- the bearing housing;

- the elevator cabin, preferably, at the reinforced rear wall;

- the reinforced floor;

- the elevator shaft.

In an embodiment of the invention, the connection means comprises

- a bolt, and/or

- a load bearing bolt; and/or

- one or more auxiliary mechanism;

- a combination of any of the above.

In an embodiment of the invention, the elevator support is comprised of a light-weight composite material wherein the composite material comprises at least one from the group including:

- aluminum;

- titanium;

- nickel;

- tungsten;

- carbon;

- magnesium;

- one or more thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer;

- an alloy comprising one or more of the above.

In comparison with a traditional bucket that supports an elevator cabin, the elevator support according to any embodiment of the invention is preferably made out of a light-weight resilient material, for example, aluminum casting and extrusion profile. Therefore, the overall weight of the elevator cabin is reduced, improving its performance and operational lifetime.

The invention also relates to the use of an elevator system according to any of the preceding embodiments in a high rise building. Figure description

The invention is described in more detail with the help of the figures wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a typical elevator cabin having a reinforced rear wall and floor structure;

Fig. 2 shows an elevator cabin support according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of a section of the elevator cabin support shown in fig. 2; Fig. 4 shows an elevator cabin support according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4a shows an exploded view of a section of the elevator cabin support shown in

Fig. 4;

Fig. 5 shows an elevator cabin comprising an elevator cabin support according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 6 to 8 show an elevator cabin comprising an elevator cabin support according to a first, second and third embodiment of the invention respectively;

Figs. 9a to 9c show a schematic representation of an elevator cabin and an auxiliary mechanism; Figs. 10a, 10b show a schematic representation of an auxiliary mechanism;

Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of an elevator car in an elevator shaft comprising an auxiliary mechanism

Fig. 12 the overall structure of an inventive elevator system. Fig. 12 shows parts of an inventive elevator system. Several, here exemplarily two, vertical travel tracks 2VL, 2VR are aligned in a first direction z, along which the cars 5 can be moved between different floors. Between the two vertical travel tracks 2VL, 2VR, horizontal travel tracks 2H are arranged in a second direction y, along which the cars 1 are each movable within one floor. Furthermore, the horizontal travel track 2H connects the two vertical travel tracks 2VL, 2VR with each other. Thus, the horizontal track 2H also serves to transfer the cars 1 between the two vertical tracks 2VL, 2VR between the two vertical tracks 2VL, 2VR. Additional horizontal travel tracks may be provided in the elevator system, which connect the two vertical travel tracks with each other. Further vertical tracks may also be provided, not shown, may be provided. Rails 22V, 22H, 22B are provided along the tracks to guide the cars 1. The cars 1 have guide rollers for this purpose that are not shown. Along transfer units the car 1 can transfer from one track to another track. In this embodiment the transfer unit comprises a movable rail 22B.

The elevator car has a sledge 11 with rollers 13, wherein the rollers 13 provides guidance of the sledge at the rails 22. The sledge 11 has a support bearing 12, to which a support 10 of the car 1 is attached in a rotatably manner. The elevator 1 car has a cabin 100 for accommodation of passengers. The support 10 connects the cabin 100 with the sledge of the car 1. During travel the orientation of the sledge 11 can change from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. The orientation of the cabin stays always constant. For illustration purposes the sledge 11 is shown in figure 12 without an attached support and cabin.

An elevator having such a structure is in principle disclosed in DE WO 2015/144781 Al, DE 10 2016 211 997A1 and DE 102015 218 025 Al.

In fig. 1 an elevator cabin 100 is shown having a reinforced vertical wall 101 (with reinforcements 101R) and a reinforced floor structure 102. Here the vertical wall is a rear wall. The cabin 100 is adapted such that an elevator support 10 (not shown) according to an embodiment of the invention can be attached thereto. The elevator support 10 is described in further detail in figures 2 to 8.

The support 10 is connected to the cabin 100 at a lower area 101L of the vertical wall 101 and at a upper area 101U of the vertical wall. In particular the connection has not be immediate between the wall and the support itself. Compared the solution of the prior art less space is reguired below the elevator floor.

Fig. 2 shows an elevator support 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The elevator support 10 comprises two elongated panels 20 which intersect at their respective centers at point P, to form in particular an “X” shape. Surrounding the point of intersection P, is a bearing housing 30 which comprises a plurality of working elements 31 for example a locking device between a sledge (not shown), and the support 10. The plurality of working elements 31 are adapted to facilitate the travelling direction of the elevator car 1 along the one or more vertically extending rail. These working elements 31 also provide for example a rotative function that enables an elevator cabin e.g., the elevator cabin 100 to switch between elevator shafts and thereby travel in both vertical and horizontal directions. The bearing housing 30 can also optionally act as a point of connection between the elevator cabin 100 and the support 10, however it is not shown in this particular example. Further information regarding how an elevator cabin moves between elevator shafts can be found in the applicant’s patent EP 3122680 Bl.

The support 10 comprises at the end of each panel 20 a connection means 201, this is shown more clearly in fig. 3. The elevator cabin 100 is connected to the support 10 at each connection means 201. The connection means 201 is adapted to be attached to the reinforced wall 101 and/or the reinforced floor structure 102 of the elevator cabin 100 in each case in the lower area 101 L of the rear wall 101. This is shown more clearly in figure 6.

In fig. 3 an exploded view of the connection means 201 is shown. Each of the connection means 201 comprise a first connecting elements 201aand second connecting elements 201b. Examples of a first connecting element 201a, include one or more of screws, nuts and bolts however any suitable connecting element. The first connecting element 201a is attached to the cabin 100, the second connecting element201b is attached to the support 10 and/or the panel 20 of the support. In particular the connecting elements allow a vertical relative movement of the second connecting element 201b relative to the first connecting element 201a, so that the position vertical orientation between the cabin (and consequently to the cabin floor) relative to the support can be adjusted. The connection means 201 can be a linear bearing which supports vertical movement. So as an example a connecting element 201a, b can be a vertical oriented bolt, which is at least partially surrounded by the respective other connecting element.

The cabin 100 is held relative to the support in a cantilever like manner, resulting horizontal in heavy horizontal forces Fh. A main function of the connecting means 201 in the upper and lower 101 U, 101 L area is to transmit at least theses horizontal forces Fh from the cabin to the support 10. Cantilevered means, that the support is not located below the center of gravity of the cabin, so that the cabin weight can not be transferred by merely vertically forces, but also by bending stress.

The elevator support 10 can optionally comprise one or more auxiliary mechanism to facilitate and improve the mobility quality of the elevator cabin 100. For example a damping system can be introduced, wherein said system comprises a spring, or a pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism. A levelling system could also be introduced whereby the elevator cabin 100 can be rotated or tilted any number of degrees to ensure that the sill of the elevator cabin and the sill at the landing side are at the same level. This is described in further detail in figs. 4, 5, 7 and 8. Fig. 4 shows a support 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention. As in the previous embodiment The support 10 comprises two elongated panels 20 which intersect at their respective centers at point P, to form an “X” shape. Surrounding the point of intersection P, is a bearing housing 30 which comprises a plurality of working elements 31 for example a locking device between a sledge (not shown) and the support. The plurality of working elements 31 are adapted to facilitate the travelling direction of the elevator car 1 along the one or more vertically extending rail. These working elements 31 also provide for example a rotative function that enables an elevator cabin e.g., the elevator cabin 100 to switch between elevator shafts and thereby travel in both vertical and horizontal directions.

A connection means 201 is comprised at the bottom end of each of the intersecting panels 20. This connection means 201 provides a rotation axle 2021 and is preferably comprised of a bolt or a load measuring bolt or other similar means. The bearing housing 30 comprises a connection means 203. The connection means 203 provides a middle fixation means 2031 and is preferably comprised of a bolt or other similar means and curved long hole which helps to enable rotation.

At the top of the intersecting panels 20 of the x-carrier in this particular example, the connection means 202 is adapted to comprise an auxiliary mechanism 40, wherein said mechanism 40 is a camshaft system 40. The camshaft system 40 functions as a levelling system, whereby the elevator cabin 100 can be tilted any number of degrees to ensure that the sill on the cabin side is at the same level as the sill of the landing side. The camshaft system 40 comprises a motor 41 for camshaft rotation. The camshaft system 40 is secured to the reinforced rear wall 101 of the elevator cabin 100 allowing for the cabin 100 to be tilted as shown by the arrow A in fig. 4a.

Fig. 5 shows an elevator support 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention. As in the previously described embodiments, the support 10 comprises two elongated panels 20 which intersect at their respective centers at point P, to form an “X” shape. Surrounding the point of intersection P, is a bearing housing 30 which comprises a plurality of working elements 31 for example a locking device between a sledge (not shown) and the support 10. The plurality of working elements 31 are adapted to facilitate the travelling direction of the elevator car 1 along the one or more vertically extending rail. These working elements 31 also provide for example a rotative function which enables an elevator cabin e.g., the elevator cabin 100 to switch between elevator shafts and thereby travel in both vertical and horizontal directions. The support 10 according to the third embodiment comprises a connection means 204 at each end of the intersecting panels 20, wherein said connection means 204 is preferably comprised of a bolt or a load measuring bolt or other similar means. The connection means 204 is connected to the reinforced rear wall 101 of the elevator cabin 100.

An auxiliary mechanism 50 is provided which can be optionally connected to the elevator cabin 100 at the reinforced rear wall 101. The auxiliary mechanism 50 is comprised of a linear actuator arrangement e.g., a linear motor, hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder. This linear actuator arrangement 50 functions as a damping system to aid in vibration absorption. The linear actuator arrangement 50 can also facilitate cabin levelling.

Fig. 6, fig. 7 and fig. 8 show a schematic representation of how the supportlO according to each embodiment of the invention looks when attached to an elevator cabin 100, at the reinforced rear wall 101 and reinforced floor structure 102. In fig. 7, the structural outline of a cabin 100 is shown. At the point of connection between the cabin 100 and the support 10 as described in any of the embodiments, a rubber bushing can optionally be added to aid in vibration absorption.

Figs. 9a to 9c show a side view schematic representation of an auxiliary mechanism 60 which is located in the elevator shaft 2. In this particular example, the auxiliary mechanism is a locking system 60 which also facilitates in the re-leveling of the elevator cabin 100. The locking system 60 offers the opportunity to transfer the weight and electrical power necessary for re-leveling from the cabin 100 side to the shaft 2 side. At the shaft 2 side, considerations such as weight and electrical power are less of an issue. The cabin 100 is mounted to a support 10 according to any embodiment of the invention (shown more clearly in fig. 11). The locking system 60 is attached to the shaft 2, in particular to the shaft wall. In fig. 9a, the locking system 60 is at rest. With reference to fig. 10a, fig. 9b shows the locking system 60 in operation when partially extended. The locking system 60 comprises a base body 61 which is attached to the shaft wall of shaft 2. An extendable arm 611 is comprised within the base body 61 which is extended when the locking system 60 is in operation (see figs. 9b and 9c). The base body 61 comprises a piston assembly 62 comprising a set of extendable pistons 621 which also extend when the locking system 60 is in operation (see figs. 9b and 9c). The piston assembly 62 is rotatably connected to the base body 61 at point connection 622. The extendable arm 611 and the extendable pistons 621 converge at a ledge 63. The ledge 63 is rotatable about connection point 631 which connects the extendable pistons 621 with the ledge 63. When the ledge 63 contacts the reinforced floor 102 of the cabin 100, the locking system 60 is fully extended and can move the cabin 100 in a vertical or horizontal direction, as shown by the arrows X, Y in fig. 9c. The operation of the locking system 60 is achieved by a motor or additional cylinder system (not shown). Fig. 10b shows an alternative locking system 60 wherein the base body 61 comprises a set of extendable arms 611 which converge to a ledge 63. This alternative system 60 operates in the same way as the system 60 described previously.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of an elevator car 1 comprising an elevator cabin 100 and an elevator support 10 in an elevator shaft (not shown) having a locking system 60. The locking system 60 is in its fully extended position with ledge 63 contacting the reinforced floor 102 of the elevator cabin 100 at both rear corners.

Whilst not included in the figures due to their coloured nature, stress tests performed on an elevator cabin 100 connected to an support 10 according to an embodiment of this invention show significantly reduced element stresses. These results are supplied as an appendix to this application document.

It is to be understood that any suitable: - connecting element 201, 203, 203, 204

- bearing housing 30 and/or

- working elements 31 herein described can be used in any particular embodiment. It is also to be understood that any one or more part of any embodiment can be combined with any one or more part of another embodiment and still fall under the scope of this invention.

Reference signs list

2H horizontal driving track

2VL first vertical driving track

2VR second horizontal driving track

1 elevator car

11 sledge

12 support bearing

13 rollers

10 elevator support

20 panel 22 Rails

30 bearing housing

31 working elements

40 levelling system

41 motor 50 damping system 60 locking system 61 base body 611 extendable arm 62 piston assembly 621 extendable pistons 622 connection point 63 ledge 631 connection point 70 brake system 100 elevator cabin 101 reinforced rear wall / side wall 102 reinforced floor structure 201 connection means 202 connection means 2021 rotation axle

203 connection means 2031 fixation means

204 connection means 201a, b connecting element Pi intersection

A rotation direction

X, Y movement direction