Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a hydraulic elevator, the device comprising an actuator (1) whose pressure chamber (1a) is connected to a pump (11) via a down duct (15) and via an up duct (16). A pressure accumulator (4) is connected to the down and up ducts (15, 16) via parallel ducts (15a, 16a), each duct having an electrically controlled valve (2, 2a; 6, 6a). While the elevator is moving downwards, hydraulic fluid is transferred from the pressure chamber (1a) to the accumulator (4) via the down duct (15) and the parallel duct (16a). While the elevator is moving upwards, hydraulic fluid is transferred from the accumulator (4) to the pressure chamber (1a).

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for an elevator of the type comprising a cage secured to a frame (16, 18) co-operating with vertical guide means (12, 14). The device comprises: a moving horizontal cross-member (20) that is independent of the frame and that co-operates with the vertical guide means (12, 14); an actuator comprising a cylinder (24) and a vertically movable rod (26), the actuator cylinder being secured to the frame (16, 18) and the end (26a) of the actuator rod being secured to the moving cross-member; first and second sets of pulley wheels (32, 34) mounted to rotate freely about first and second horizontal axes (56, 60) respectively secured to the moving cross-member and to the frame; and a cable (36) passing over said sets of pulley wheels to constitute a pulley block system, a first end (40) of said cable being secured to the top end of the elevator shaft and the other end (38) thereof being secured to one of said two elements.