WO2025045531A1

WO2025045531A1 - Movable platform module for adaptable elevator system

Info

Publication number: WO2025045531A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/072190
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Weber; Lukas Christen; Heinz Widmer
Original assignee: Inventio Ag
Priority date: 2023-08-31
Filing date: 2024-08-06
Publication date: 2025-03-06

Abstract

An elevator system (1) has two sub-elevator systems (1.1, 1.2) arranged in an elevator shaft (11) of a building, each sub-elevator system (1.1, 1.2) having an elevator car (10.1, 10.2), a drive machine (14.1, 14.2) and a counterweight (8.1, 8.2). The two sub-elevator systems (1.1, 1.2) share a common suspension rope system (22), and the drive machines (14.1, 14.2) move the elevator cars (10.1, 10.2) independent from each other. An intermediate platform module (12) is movably positioned at a selected height within the elevator shaft (11) between the sub-elevator systems (1.1, 1.2). A lower one of the sub-elevator systems (1.1, 1.2) is suspended from the intermediate platform module (12). The height of the intermediate platform module (12) can be changed if required by a changed use of the building.

Description

Movable platform module for adaptable elevator system

Description

The technology described herein generally relates to an elevator system. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the technology relate to an adaptable elevator system and a method for adapting the elevator system.

Buildings are usually designed and constructed for a single use or for a mixed use. A residential building is an example of a single-use building, as is an office building. A mixed type of use is when a building contains, for example, apartments and commercially used rooms and areas. An elevator system is planned (e. g., regarding transport capacity) and installed for the intended use of the building. Depending on the building, the elevator system can have a single elevator, e. g., moveable in an elevator shaft, a group of elevators (an elevator group), or several elevator groups; in addition, one or more specialpurpose elevators (e. g. goods or freight elevators) can be provided. An elevator car can have a single entrance on one of its side walls, or two entrances, e. g., on opposite side walls of an elevator car, as disclosed, e. g., in GB 2 315 567 B which refers to such a car as "through car" . On floors of the building, shaft doors close off the elevator shaft when no elevator car is present for boarding or deboarding.

Over time, the originally planned use of the building may change for a variety of reasons. The need for office space, or commercial space in general, can decrease, for example, due to changing living and working conditions. In an office building, for example, office space that has become vacant can be converted into apartments on one or more floors. In the event of such a changed use, the elevator system installed in the building essentially remains as it was designed for the originally planned type of use of the building.

Although the installed elevator system is still available for the transport of people and goods after the building's use has changed, such a change in use can result in changed requirements for the elevator system. There is therefore a need for a technology that fully or at least partially meets these requirements.

One aspect of the technology described here is an elevator system of a building having an elevator shaft and a plurality of floors. The elevator system has a first sub-elevator system having a first counterweight and a first elevator car suspended from an upper section of the elevator shaft by a suspension rope system. The first elevator car is movable by a first drive machine within the elevator shaft. Further, the elevator system has a second subelevator system having a second counterweight and a second elevator car suspended by the suspension rope system. The second elevator car is movable by a second drive machine of the second sub-elevator system within the elevator shaft. The suspension rope system is common to the first sub-elevator system and the second sub-elevator system. The first drive machine and the second drive machine are configured to move the first and second elevator cars, respectively, independent from each other. In addition, the elevator system has an intermediate platform module that is positionable within the elevator shaft between the first sub-elevator system and the second sub-elevator system. The second elevator car is suspended from the intermediate platform module by the suspension rope system, and the suspension rope system passes through a plane spanned by the intermediate platform module.

Another aspect of the technology described here is a method of positioning an intermediate platform module of such an elevator system. According to the method, the first sub-elevator system is caused to place the first elevator car of the first sub-elevator system on at least one car buffer of the first sub-elevator system, and the first elevator car is attached to the intermediate platform using at least one first load-bearing member. The second sub-elevator system is caused to place the second counterweight on at least one counterweight buffer of the second sub-elevator system, and the second elevator car is attached to the intermediate platform using at least one second load-bearing member. A traction hoist is attached to the first counterweight of the first sub-elevator system. A clamping mechanism arranged in connection with the intermediate platform module and configured to clamp a set of ropes of the suspension rope system in a closed position of the clamping mechanism is released, wherein the set of ropes is released in an open position of the clamping mechanism. The traction hoist is activated to move the intermediate platform module to a new position, and the intermediate platform module is secured in the new position. Further, the clamping mechanism is secured by clamping the set of ropes in the closed position of the clamping mechanism. The first sub-elevator system and the second sub-elevator system are caused to suspend the first elevator car and the second elevator car, respectively, from the suspension rope system. According to the method, the elevator system is commissioned according to the new position of the intermediate platform module.

The technology described here provides that an existing elevator system can be converted to adapt to the new or changed use of the building. Rather than demolishing the existing building and constructing a new building with a new elevator system suitable for the new or changed use, the building and the elevator system are modified to adapt to the new or changed use of the building. The adaptation includes increasing or reducing a range of floors one of the sub-elevator systems can serve, while the range of floors of the other sub-elevator system is reduced or increased, respectively. For example, the building may be used by several different user groups, such as residential tenants having their residences in the building, or commercial tenants (such as hotels, offices, retailers). The building floors and, hence, the sub-elevator systems that serve these floors may be allocated according to these user groups, e. g., to separate the user groups. Over time, one or more additional floors may be needed for one of the user groups. In that case, the intermediate platform module can be moved to increase the floor range of the subelevator system that is assigned to the user group that has the need for one or more additional floors.

Moving the intermediate platform module is achieved in a manner that requires only limited modifications of the building. The shaft space required for the intermediate platform module may be considered as a machine room which can be accessed from a floor. After the intermediate platform module has been moved to a new position, an elevator hall on the floor from which it can then be accessed is modified by securing the existing shaft door and disabling any call entry terminals on that floor. Correspondingly, the elevator hall of the "previous" floor is modified to be served by the elevator system.

Further, the intermediate platform module is configured to be supported on one side by the floor, e. g., on or around the shaft door sill, and on an opposite side by one or more support structures inside the elevator shaft. The one or more support structures may be recesses, e. g., provided at the time of construction of the elevator shaft, or other support elements bolted to the elevator shaft. The first sub-elevator system and the second sub-elevator system are suspended by the same suspension rope system. This facilitates moving the intermediate platform module, because no change of the suspension rope system is necessary, e. g., no exchange of one rope for a longer or shorter rope is necessary. Furthermore, if the intermediate platform module is moved, e. g., lifted, the first sub-elevator system, which is above the second sub-elevator system, provides additional rope length to the (lower) second sub-elevator system. For the second sub-elevator system, it is not necessary to keep additional rope length on stock. Any surplus of rope length can be stored, for example, at the intermediate platform module, e. g., by winding it up on a storage drum.

In one embodiment, a clamping mechanism is provided that fixes the set of ropes of the suspension rope system. The clamping mechanism can be arranged in connection with the intermediate platform module and configured to clamp the set of ropes of the suspension rope system in a closed position of the clamping mechanism. In an open position of the clamping mechanism, the set of ropes is released.

As to the arrangement of the second drive machine there is flexibility. In one embodiment, the first drive machine is arranged at an upper section of the elevator shaft and the second drive machine is arranged at and supported by the intermediate platform module. In another embodiment, the second drive machine is arranged at a bottom section of the elevator shaft, while the first drive machine is arranged at the upper section of the elevator shaft.

For moving the intermediate platform module, it can be coupled to both elevator cars so that they are moveable as a group. The intermediate platform module has at least one first hoist anchor for attaching one side of an upper load-bearing element, wherein the first elevator car is configured to attach another side of the upper load-bearing element. Further, the intermediate platform module has at least one second hoist anchor for attaching one side of a lower load-bearing element, wherein the second elevator car is configured to attach another side of the lower load-bearing element.

The elevator system has car guide rails that are mounted to a first shaft wall of the elevator shaft and along which the elevator cars are movable. Further, the elevator system has counterweight guide rails that are mounted to a second shaft wall and along which the counterweights are movable. These guide rails do not need to be changed or repositioned when the intermediate platform module is moved.

In one embodiment, at least one counterweight buffer for the first counterweight and at least one car buffer for the first elevator car are mounted on the intermediate platform module. The intermediate platform module, therefore, supports these components in addition to the second drive machine.

The elevator system provides flexibility as to the location of anchoring points for the suspension rope system. In one embodiment, the suspension rope system is fixed at a first anchoring point at the upper section of the elevator shaft above the elevator car of the first sub-elevator system, and at a second anchoring point at the moveable intermediate platform module. In another embodiment, the suspension rope system is fixed at the first anchoring point at the upper section of the elevator shaft, and at a second anchoring point at the counterweight of the second sub-elevator system.

In one embodiment, the elevator system a traction hoist arranged at the intermediate platform module. The traction hoist is configured to couple to the first counterweight to act upon it. According to one embodiment and for moving the intermediate platform module, the traction hoist is configured to pull the first counterweight down towards the intermediate platform module. With the first counterweight being pulled to the intermediate platform module, a lifting force is applied to the first elevator car and, hence, to the intermediate platform module and the second elevator car.

It is contemplated that any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined with any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

In the following, various aspects of the improved technology are explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments in connection with the figures. All figures are merely schematic illustrations of methods and devices or their components according to exemplary embodiments of the improved technology. In particular, distances and size relations are not reproduced to scale in the figures. In the figures, identical elements have identical reference signs. In the figures: Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of an exemplary elevator system having two sub-elevator systems separated by a vertically movable intermediate platform module;

Fig. 2 shows another schematic side view of the elevator system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a first schematic cross-sectional top view of the elevator system shown in

Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a second schematic cross-sectional bottom view of the elevator system shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of an exemplary elevator system having two sub-elevator systems separated by a vertically movable intermediate platform module;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of an exemplary elevator system having two sub-elevator systems separated by a vertically movable intermediate platform module;

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a method of moving the intermediate module of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 shows a schematic illustration of the elevator system with additional components for moving the intermediate platform module according to a first arrangement; and

Fig. 9 shows a schematic illustration of the elevator system with additional components for moving the intermediate platform module according to a second arrangement.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a schematic side view of a first embodiment of an exemplary elevator system 1 in a building having a plurality of floors SO, SI, S2, S3, S4. The elevator system 1 hast two sub-elevator systems 1.1, 1.2 separated by a vertically movable intermediate platform module 12. A double arrow is shown next to the intermediate platform module 12 to illustrate that it is moveable up and down an elevator shaft 11. Based on this elevator system 1, various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are described with reference to the following exemplary scenario: The elevator system 1 may have been installed at, or around, the time the building was constructed. It is, therefore, configured to meet the building's requirements existing at the time of construction. The building may have been constructed for a specified commercial use, e. g., as an office building with or without retail space. Over time, the building's use may change, e. g., due to employment and societal changes, which leads to changing requirements for the elevator system 1. The elevator system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is configured to allow its adaption to a changed use of the building.

The sub-elevator system 1.1 is configured to operate and serve floors above the intermediate platform module 12, e. g., floors S3, S4. These floors may be assigned to one user group, e. g., residents whose apartments are on these floors. Components of the sub-elevator system 1.1, such as an elevator car 10. 1, a counterweight 8. 1, a drive machine 14.1, buffers 16.1, 17.1, and others introduced below, may be referred to by using the term "upper". The sub-elevator system 1.2 is configured to operate and serve floors below the intermediate platform module 12, e. g., floors SO, SI. These floors may be assigned to another user group, e. g., commercial tenants whose offices are on these floors. Components of the sub-elevator system 1.2, such as an elevator car 10.2, a counterweight 8.2, a drive machine 14.2, buffers 16.2, 17.2, and others introduced below, may be referred to by using the term "lower".

The sub-elevator systems 1.1, 1.2 serve the respective floors SO - S4, e. g., a passenger can be transported from a boarding floor to a destination floor by one of the elevator cars

10.1, 10.2 after inputting an elevator call at a call input terminal 3 and boarding the respective elevator car 10.1, 10.2 via its car door 4.1, 4.2. Alternatively, or in addition, elevator calls may be entered using, e. g., a mobile phone equipped with a suitable software application for communicating with the elevator system 1. For illustrative purposes, only one call input terminal 3 arranged at the floor S 1 and coupled to an elevator control system 5 (ECS) is shown in, and only in, Fig. 1. It is contemplated, however, that each floor SO - S4 is provided with at least one call input terminal 3 and that other illustrations of the elevator system 1 in this disclosure, include such call input terminals 3 and the elevator control system 5, as well.

Further, it is contemplated that the illustrated elevator control system 5 is representative of the control functionality of the elevator system 1 ; it may contain a group controller and two separate elevator controllers, one for each of the sub-elevator systems 1.1, 1.2, wherein the group controller assigns an elevator call to one of the sub-elevator systems

1.1, 1.2 for service. The control functionality may be distributed in the elevator system 1, e. g., each sub-elevator system 1.1, 1.2 may include "its" elevator controller, e. g., in a machine room, e. g., at or near the drive machine 14.1, 14.2. It is contemplated, however, that each floor SO - S4 is provided with at least one call input terminal 3.

Within the elevator shaft 11, car guide rails 6 and counterweight guide rails 8 extend between the floors SO and S4 along which the elevator cars 10.1, 10.2 and the counterweights 8.1, 8.2 are moveable, respectively. The elevator cars 10.1, 10.2 and the counterweights 8.1, 8.2 are suspended by a suspension rope system 22 upon which the drive machines 14.1, 14.2 act, as depicted in Fig. 2. The elevator car 10.1 is suspended from an upper section of the elevator shaft 11, e. g., from a platform of a machine room or a ceiling of the elevator shaft 11, and the second elevator car 10.2 is suspended from the intermediate platform module 12. The suspension, for example, is configured so that a headroom or safety space is provided above each elevator car 10.1, 10.2 when it is at its uppermost travel position. For illustrative purposes, the headrooms are labelled as "HSK".

At or in proximity of a lowermost travel position of each elevator car 10.1, 10.2 at least one car buffer 17.1, 17.2 is arranged; the at least one car buffer 17. 1 is arranged on the intermediate platform module 12, and the at least one car buffer 17.2 is arranged at the bottom (pit) of the elevator shaft 11. At or in proximity of a lowermost travel position of each counterweight 8. 1, 8.2 at least one counterweight buffer 16. 1, 16.2 is arranged; the at least one counterweight buffer 16.1 is arranged on the intermediate platform module 12, and the at least one counterweight buffer 16.2 is arranged in the pit. Fig. 1 shows that the car guide rails 6 and counterweight guide rails 8 extend from the pit and passed the intermediate platform module 12 up to the headroom of the upper sub-elevator system 1.1.

In Fig. 1, the intermediate platform module 12 is positioned on floor S2. The intermediate platform module 12 extends across a width of the elevator shaft 11. As viewed from the floor S2, it extends from an opening of a shaft door 2 to an opposite shaft wall where it is supported by at least one support structure 18. In one embodiment, the support structure 18 is a recess in the shaft wall into which an end section of the intermediate platform module 12 is inserted. Within the shaft door opening, the intermediate platform module 12 can be supported by the shaft door's doorsill. Fig. 4 shows one embodiment of the intermediate platform module 12 and its arrangement and support within the elevator shaft 11. For example, to move the intermediate platform module 12 to a different vertical position within the elevator shaft 11, the intermediate platform module 12 can be pulled out of the recess 18 and then lifted or lowered to the new position, as described elsewhere in this description.

Fig. 2 shows another schematic side view of the elevator system of Fig. 1, wherein in particular the suspension of the elevator cars 10.1, 10.2 and the counterweights 8.1, 8.2 by means of the suspension rope system 22 is shown. The suspension system 22 includes, for example, a set of steel ropes. The various embodiments of the technology are described herein with reference to such a set of steel ropes (also "set of ropes"); it is, however, contemplated that in another embodiment, the suspension system 22 can include a set of flat belts, wherein each belt can have a width that is larger than its thickness. The suspension system 22 may include one or more pulleys to guide the set of steel ropes. The set of steel ropes of the suspension system 22 support the elevator cars 10.1, 10.2 and the counterweights 8.1, 8.2.

In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 2, the set of ropes are attached on one side at an anchoring point 21 in the upper section of the elevator shaft 11 and on another side at an anchoring point 36 at the intermediate platform module 12. Referring initially to the upper sub-elevator system 1. 1 and its anchoring point 21 , the set of ropes extends down to a sheave 30 attached to the elevator car 10.1 which sheave 30 deflects the set of ropes upwards to the drive machine 14.1. The set of ropes partially wraps around a drive sheave of the drive machine 14. 1 which deflects the set of ropes down to a set of sheaves 28 attached to the counterweight 8.1. From there, the set of ropes extends upwards to set of sheaves 39 that deflect the set of ropes towards a shaft comer and down towards the intermediate platform module 12 and the sub-elevator system 1.2. At the intermediate platform module 12 a set of sheaves 24, 26 is arranged to deflect the set of ropes so that it is properly positioned with respect to the lower counterweight 8.2.

In addition, a clamping mechanism 31 is arranged at the intermediate platform module 12. The clamping mechanism 31 has an open position and a closed position. In its closed position, it fixes the set of ropes so that it cannot move with respect to the clamping mechanism 31, which then serves as an anchoring point at the intermediate platform module 12 for both sub-elevator systems 1.1, 1.2. In its open position, the set of ropes slides through the clamping mechanism 31. In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism 31 includes one or more rope or wedge clamps that can be opened and closed manually.

Referring to the lower sub-elevator system 1.2, the set of ropes passes through a plane spanned by the intermediate platform module 12, and extends down towards a set of sheaves 34 attached to the counterweight 8.2 from where it is deflected upwards to a sheave 29 at the intermediate platform module 12. The sheave 29 deflects the set of rope to the drive machine 14.2. After it partially wraps around a traction sheave of the drive machine 14.2, the set of ropes extends down to a sheave 32 attached to the elevator car 10.2; the sheave 32 deflects the set of ropes up to the anchoring point 36.

Regarding the various sheaves shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2 (and those of the embodiment of Fig. 5) it is contemplated that the number of sheaves and their locations are exemplary and not intended to be limiting. For example, instead of a set of sheaves, a single sheave may be used, and vice versa. In another embodiment, the number of sheaves and their locations may be different.

Fig. 3 shows a first schematic cross-sectional top view of the elevator system 1 shown in Fig. 2. In this view, some components of the sub-elevator system 1.1 are shown to illustrate their principal arrangement above the elevator car 10.1, in particular in the elevator shaft's upper headroom (HSK). A pair of the car guide rails 6 is arranged about centered on opposite shaft walls, and a pair of counterweight guide rails 8 is arranged at or in proximity of a shaft wall that is opposite to the shaft door 2 and the car door 4.1. Between the counterweight guide rails 8, the upper counterweight 8.1 is shown. The drive machine 14.1 is arranged at an angle with respect to a plane of shaft door 2.

Fig. 4 shows a second schematic cross-sectional bottom view of the elevator system 1 shown in Fig. 2. In this view, the intermediate platform module 12 and some components of the sub-elevator system 1.2 are shown to illustrate their principal arrangement above the elevator car 10.2. The car guide rails 6 and the counterweight guide rails 8 are arranged as shown in Fig. 3. The drive machine 14.2 is also arranged at an angle with respect to a plane of shaft door 2, but differs from the angle of the drive machine 14.1. The angles are selected so that up/down sections of the set of ropes extend essentially vertical. As mentioned above, Fig. 4 shows further one embodiment of the intermediate platform module 12 and its arrangement and support within the elevator shaft 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate platform module 12 has two support beams 12.1, 12.2 and a platform 12.3 mounted to the support beams 12.1, 12.2. End sections of the support beams 12.1, 12.2 are inserted into the support structure 18, which includes here two separate recesses, and opposite end sections of the support beams 12.1, 12.2 rest on the floor S2, e. g., on the shaft door's door sill. In this position, the intermediate platform module 12 is secured against lateral and vertical movements. The intermediate platform module 12 and its support in the elevator shaft 11 are adapted to the weight and forces present during operation of the elevator system 1, including a safety factor that takes into account a potential exceptional situation of the elevator system 1.

The support structures 18 may be provided at the time the elevator shaft 11 is constructed If the elevator shaft 11 is made of concrete, the recesses may be provided before the concrete settles. However, it is possible to provide the recesses at a later time. Further, it is contemplated that the intermediate platform module 12 is not limited to the illustrated configuration of Fig. 4, e. g., with respect to the number of support beams 12.1, 12.2, and that other configurations are possible, e. g., instead of such individual beams 12.1, 12.2, the platform 12.3 may be inserted into a single trench-like recess 18 and rest on its other side on the door sill. Also, instead of recesses, the support structures 18 may include joist hangers.

In one embodiment, the support beams 12.1, 12.2, or at least some parts of it, may be moveable with respect to the platform 12.3. For example, the support beams 12.1, 12.2 may be configured to have an expanded position and a retracted position, wherein the support beams 12.1, 12.2 protrude on opposite sides of the platform 12.3 beyond the platform 12.3. In that expanded position, the intermediate platform module 12 is in use and the support beams 12. 1, 12.2 are according to one embodiment inserted in the recesses and rest on the shaft door sill. From the expanded position, the support beams 12.1, 12.2 can be pushed back, for example, to store them underneath the platform 12.3. In the retracted position, the support beams 12.1, 12.2 do not protrude; in one embodiment, this allows the intermediate platform module 12 to be moved, as described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. In another embodiment, in preparation for the movement of the intermediate platform module 12, the support beams 12.1, 12.2 may be removed from the platform 12.3 so that the platform 12.3 remains in the elevator shaft 11 and can be moved to a new position, while the support beams 12.1, 12.2 are transported separately to the new position, e. g., via a staircase.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the elevator system 1. The upper sub-elevator system 1.1 is as described above, e. g., with reference to Fig. 2. In the lower sub-elevator system 1.2, however, the drive machine 14.2 is arranged in the pit; it can be arranged, for example, in a lateral machine room, as shown in Fig. 5. Due to this arrangement of the drive machine 14.2, the roping of the set of ropes is adapted: from the set of sheaves 34 at the counterweight 8.2, the set of ropes extends upwards to a sheave 38 that deflects the set of ropes down towards a set of sheaves 40 in the pit. From there, the set of ropes extends to the drive machine 14.2. After it partially wraps around a traction sheave of the drive machine 14.2, the set of ropes extends to a sheave 41 in the pit that deflects the set of ropes up to a set of sheaves 42 at the intermediate platform module 12; from there, it is deflected down to the set of sheaves 32 at the elevator car

10.2, which deflects it up to the anchoring point 36.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the elevator system 1. The upper sub-elevator system 1.1 is as described above, e. g., with reference to Fig. 2. In the lower sub-elevator system 1.2, however, the anchoring point 36 is at the counterweight 8.2 and a pulley 27 (instead of the anchoring point) is arranged at the intermediate platform module 12. The pulley 27 deflects the set of ropes towards the counterweight

8.2.

With the understanding of the above-described elevator system 1 and its components, a description of an exemplary method for adapting the elevator system 1 is provided below with reference to Fig. 7. Reference is further made to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 which show simplified schematic illustrations of the elevator system 1 with additional components for moving the intermediate platform module 12. The additional components include a traction hoist 33 (e. g., a Tirak® traction hoist) and several load-bearing elements, such as load-bearing chains 35, 37. It is contemplated that instead of chains, other load-bearing elements may be used, such as ropes made of steel and/or plastic material. By the method illustrated in Fig. 7, the intermediate platform module 12 is being lifted, e. g., from the position shown in Fig. 2, to a higher position within the elevator shaft 11. The method begins with a step SI and ends with a step S14. The person skilled in the art will recognize that the division into these steps is by way of example, and that one or more of these steps may be divided into one or more sub-steps, or that several of the steps may be combined into one step.

In connection with the method, a technician (or a team of technicians) can take the elevator system 1 out of service, e. g., via a central control panel arranged on a floor. In one embodiment, the technician is equipped with an electronic service tool, e. g., a dedicated portable computer, the technician physically connects to the elevator system 1. For example, the technician may connect the service tool to each sub-elevator system 1.1, 1.2 individually to control one independent of the other, in particular when working in the respective machine room or on the intermediate platform module 12.

In a step S2, the upper elevator car 10.1 is placed on the car buffer 17.1. For that, the elevator controller of the sub-elevator system 1.1 controls the drive machine 14.1 to move the elevator car 10.1 down towards the intermediate platform module 12. In that situation, the counterweight 8.1 is at its uppermost position (in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 not shown to scale).

In a step S3, the upper elevator car 10. 1 is attached to the intermediate platform module 12. In one embodiment, one or more of the load-bearing chains 37 are connected to the elevator car 10. 1 and the intermediate platform module 12. In the embodiments of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, two load-bearing chains 37 are shown. The upper elevator car 10. 1 is, therefore, prepared to be suspended by the load-bearing chains 37.

In a step S4, the lower counterweight 8.2 is placed on the counterweight buffer 16.2. For that, the elevator controller of the sub-elevator system 1.2 controls the drive machine 14.2 to move the elevator car 10.2 up towards the intermediate platform module 12. In that situation, the elevator car 10.2 is at its uppermost position (in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 not shown to scale).

In a step S5, the lower elevator car 10.2 is attached to the intermediate platform module

12. In one embodiment, one or more of the load-bearing chains 35 are connected to the elevator car 10.2 and the intermediate platform module 12. In the embodiments of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, two load-bearing chains 35 are shown. The lower elevator car 10.2 is, therefore, prepared to be suspended by the load-bearing chains 35.

In a step S6, the traction hoist 33 is placed on the intermediate platform module 12, and its rope is attached to the upper counterweight 8.1. The traction hoist 33 may be permanently installed on the intermediate platform module 12, or the technician may bring and secure it to the intermediate platform module 12 when needed.

In a step S7, the clamping mechanism 31 is released. In one embodiment, any provided rope clamp is released by the technician.

In a step S8, the traction hoist 33 is activated to lift the intermediate platform module 12 to its new position. Once there, the intermediate platform module 12 is secured in the new position in a step S9. In one embodiment, securing the intermediate platform module 12 includes positioning the support beams 12.1, 12.2 shown in Fig. 4 in the support structures 18 and on the door sill and securing it in that position.

In a step S10, the clamping mechanism 31 is secured, and, in a step Sil, any activated machine brakes of the machine drives 14.1, 14.2 are released, as well.

In a step SI 2, the elevator cars 10.1, 10.2 are suspended by the suspension system 22. In one embodiment, this includes removing the load-bearing chains 35, 37.

In a step S13, the new set-up of the elevator system 1 is commissioned. This includes updating the control programs of the elevator system 1 and each of its sub-elevator systems 1.1, 1.2 to specify which floors each sub-elevator system 1.1, 1.2 serves. These floors may be entered by the technician, or one or more learning trips are performed for each sub-elevator system 1.1, 1.2. Once that commissioning is performed, the method ends in the step SI 4, and the elevator system 1 can be made available for service again.

For the sake of completeness, further details of the elevator system 1 are provided hereinafter. The use of the counterweight 8.1, 8.2 in the illustrated (traction) sub-elevator systems 1.1, 1.2 is generally known to the skilled person. Briefly, the counterweight 8.1, 8.2 gives balance to the elevator system and makes it simpler to raise and lower the elevator car 10.1, 10.2; it travels in opposite direction from the elevator car 10.1, 10.2. As a general rule, the weight of the elevator car 10.1, 10.2 plus part of a passenger load (about 40 to 50% of its rated load) determines the weight of the counterweight 8. 1, 8.2.

The buffers 16.1, 16.2 and 17.1, 17.2 used in the elevator system 1 are generally configured to support the weight of the counterweights 8.1, 8.2 and the elevator cars 10. 1, 10.2, respectively, during normal operation of the elevator system 1. The weight of a counterweight 8.2, 8.2 is determined according to the above-mentioned general rule.

The elevator system 1 is equipped with a call control system configured for a call control technology to process an elevator call entered by a passenger at one of the call input terminals 3. For illustrative purposes, the implemented call control system is represented by the elevator control system 5 shown in Fig. 1. The call control technology may be a destination call control technology that allows the passenger to enter a desired destination at a call input terminal 3 while standing on a floor; such a call is referred to as "destination call". The call input terminal 3 may have a keypad with a set number of keys assigned to the floors served by the elevator system 1, or a touchscreen that displays fields that represent the floors served by the elevator system 1. The call control system recognizes the call input terminal 3 the passenger uses to enter an elevator call. With the call input terminal 3 being recognized, the location of the passenger can be determined, and one of the elevator cars 10.1, 10.2 can be controlled to serve the elevator call.

Claims

Patent claims

1. An elevator system (1) of a building having an elevator shaft (11) and a plurality of floors (SO, Sn), comprising: a first sub-elevator system (1.1) having a first counterweight (8.1) and a first elevator car (10. 1) suspended from an upper section of the elevator shaft (11) by a suspension rope system (22) and movable by a first drive machine (14. 1) of the first subelevator system (1.1) within the elevator shaft (11); a second sub-elevator system (1.2) having a second counterweight (8.2) and a second elevator car (10.2) suspended by the suspension rope system (22) and movable by a second drive machine (14.2) of the second sub-elevator system (1.2) within the elevator shaft (11), wherein the suspension rope system (22) is common to the first sub-elevator system (1.1) and the second sub-elevator system (1.2) and wherein the first drive machine

(14.1) and the second drive machine (14.2) are configured to move the first and second elevator cars (10.1, 10.2), respectively, independent from each other; and an intermediate platform module (12) positionable within the elevator shaft (11) between the first sub-elevator system (1.1) and the second sub-elevator system (1.2), wherein the second elevator car (10.2) is suspended from the intermediate platform module (12) by the suspension rope system (22) and wherein the suspension rope system (22) passes through a plane spanned by the intermediate platform module (12).

2. The elevator system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first drive machine

(14. 1) is arranged at an upper section of the elevator shaft (11) and wherein the second drive machine (14.2) is arranged at and supported by the intermediate platform module (12).

3 The elevator system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first drive machine

(14. 1) is arranged at an upper section of the elevator shaft (11) and wherein the second drive machine (14.2) is at a bottom section of the elevator shaft (11).

4. The elevator system (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a clamping mechanism (31) arranged in connection with the intermediate platform module (12) and configured to clamp a set of ropes of the suspension rope system (22) in a closed position of the clamping mechanism (31), wherein the set of ropes is released in an open position of the clamping mechanism (31).

5. The elevator system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate platform module (12) is configured to rest on one side on a shaft door sill of a floor and on another side on a support structure (18) at the elevator shaft (11).

6. The elevator system (1) of claim 5, wherein the intermediate platform module (12) comprises at least one support beam (12.1, 12.2) and a platform (12.3) mounted to the support beam (12.1, 12.2), wherein one end section of the support beam (12.1, 12.2) is configured to rest on the shaft door sill and an opposite end section of the support beam (12.1, 12.2) is configured for insertion into a recess of the support structure (18).

7. The elevator system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate platform module (12) has at least one first hoist anchor (37.1) for attaching one side of an upper load-bearing element (37), wherein the first elevator car (10. 1) is configured to attach another side of the upper load-bearing element (37), and wherein the intermediate platform module (12) has at least one second hoist anchor (35.1) for attaching one side of a lower load-bearing element (35), wherein the second elevator car (10.2) is configured to attach another side of the lower load-bearing element (37).

8. The elevator system (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising car guide rails (18) mounted to a first shaft wall (1 la) of the elevator shaft (11) and along which the elevator cars (10.1, 10.2) are movable, and counterweight guide rails (8) mounted to a second shaft wall (1 lb) and along which the counterweights (8.1, 8.2) are movable.

9. The elevator system (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one counterweight buffer (16. 1) for the first counterweight (8.1) and at least one car buffer (17. 1) for the first elevator car (10.1), which are mounted on the intermediate platform module (12).

10. The elevator system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the suspension rope system (22) is fixed at a first anchoring point (21) at the upper section of the elevator shaft (11) above the elevator car (10. 1) of the first sub-elevator system (1.1), and at a second anchoring point (36) at the moveable intermediate platform module (12).

11. The elevator system (1) according to one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the suspension rope system (22) is fixed at a first anchoring point (21) at the upper section of the elevator shaft (11) above the elevator car (10.1) of the first sub-elevator system (1.1), and at a second anchoring point (36) at the counterweight (8.2) of the second sub-elevator system (1-2).

12. The elevator system (1) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a traction hoist (31) arranged at the intermediate platform module (12), wherein the traction hoist (31) is configured to couple to the first counterweight (8.1) to act upon it.

13. A method of positioning an intermediate platform module (12) of an elevator system according to any preceding claim, comprising: causing the first sub-elevator system (1.1) to place the first elevator car (10.1) of the first sub-elevator system (1. 1) on at least one car buffer (17. 1) of the first sub-elevator system (1.1); attaching the first elevator car (10. 1) to the intermediate platform (12) using at least one first load-bearing member (37); causing the second sub-elevator system (1.2) to place the second counterweight (8.2) on at least one counterweight buffer (16.2) of the second sub-elevator system (1.2); attaching the second elevator car (10.2) to the intermediate platform (12) using at least one second load-bearing member (35); attaching a traction hoist (33) to the first counterweight (8.2) of the first subelevator system (1.1); releasing a clamping mechanism (31) arranged in connection with the intermediate platform module (12) and configured to clamp a set of ropes of the suspension rope system (22) in a closed position of the clamping mechanism (31), wherein the set of ropes is released in an open position of the clamping mechanism (31); activating the traction hoist (33) to move the intermediate platform module (12) to a new position; securing the intermediate platform module (12) in the new position; securing the clamping mechanism (31) by clamping the set of ropes in the closed position of the clamping mechanism (31); causing the first sub-elevator system (1.1) and the second sub-elevator system (1.2) to suspend the first elevator car (10. 1) and the second elevator car (10.2), respectively, from the suspension rope system (22); and commissioning the elevator system (1) according to the new position of the intermediate platform module (12).