METHOD OF INSTALLING AN ELEVATOR IN AN ELEVATOR SHAFT

Abstract

 Method of installing an elevator, especially an elevator of the cantilever type, in an elevator shaft, comprising the following steps:
- mounting two first guide rail sections (200), which extend parallelly to one another in the vertical direction defining a constant horizontal distance there between, in a first section of the elevator shaft,
- providing a mounting device (100) comprising a working platform (110) adapted to engage the two first guide rail sections (200) for guided movement along the first two guide rail sections (200),
- providing a first horizontally extending bracket (410; 470) adapted to engage the two first guide rail sections (200) above the mounting device,
- providing a winch mechanism (430; 440) adapted to engage the bracket (410; 470) and the mounting device (100), and
actuating the winch mechanism (430; 440) for lifting the mounting device along the first guide rail sections in an upward direction towards the bracket (410; 470).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of installing an elevator, especially an elevator of the cantilever type, in an elevator shaft, a mounting device and a bracket for engaging two elevator guide rail sections.

[0002] When installing elevators in shafts, it is desireable to provide a safe and effective means for moving a temporary platform, on which construction workers can stand, through the shaft.

[0003] US 8,186,130 B2 discloses such a method for installing an elevator. Herein, after installation into position of the lowermost guide rail section at least one working platform is built between the guide rails of the lowermost guide rail section. The guide rails of a second guide rail section are then fixed as an extension of the guide rails of the lowermost guide rail section using the working platform as an aid. Herein, diverting pulleys are fixed to the top ends of the guide rails of the second guide rail section, a hoist and the rope suspension of the working platform are fitted to the working platform, in which rope suspension the hoisting rope is led at its first end from the hoist over the diverting pulleys and under the diverting pulleys that are in connection with the working platform to its fixing point of the second and of the working platform, and the working platform is lifted to the next working height by means of the hoist and is locked into position.

[0004] This method comprises a relatively complex mechanism for lifting the working platform between working positions. Furthermore, it is not suitable for guide rails provided for cantilever type elevators.

[0005] The object for the invention is therefore to further optimize installation methods for cantilever type elevators in a shaft, especially in shafts of high rise buildings.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method comprising the features of claim 1, a mounting device comprising the features of claim 6 and a braclcet comprising the features of claim 11.

[0007] The invention provides a method of installing an elevator of the cantilever type in an elevator shaft, comprising the following steps:

• mounting two first guide rail sections, which extend parallelly to one another in the vertical direction defining a constant horizontal distance therebetween, in a first section of the elevator shaft,
• providing a mounting device comprising a working platform adapted to engage the two first guide rail sections for guided movement along the first two guide rail sections,
• providing a first horizontally extending bracket adapted to engage the two first guide rail sections above the mounting device,
• providing a winch mechanism adapted to engage the bracket and the mounting device, and
• actuating the winch mechanism for lifting the mounting device along the first guide rail sections in an upward direction towards the bracket..

[0008] The invention further provides a mounting device for mounting between two parallelly extending guide rail sections of an elevator, especially an elevator of the cantilever type, comprising a working platform adapted to engage with the guide rail sections and a winch mechanism adapted to interact with a bracket extending horizontally between the two guide rail sections vertically above the working platform, and to lift the working platform along the guide rail sections, the winch mechanism comprising a rope or chain extending between the bracket and the working platform. Advantageously, the rope or chain is provided as a single rope or chain.

[0009] The invention also provides a bracket adapted to engage and to be moved along two parallelly extending guiderail sections of an elevator, especially an elevator of the cantilever type, adapted to temporarily prevent downward movement along the guide rail sections.

[0010] Advantageously, the bracket is adapted to prevent downward movement in case of a torque acting on the bracket generated by a downwardly acting force.

[0011] It is also possible to provide the bracket with a safety gear adapted to allow downward motion along the guide rail sections only in case of actuation of the safety gear by a user.

[0012] With the invention, a highly effective method of installing an elevator of the cantilever type in an elevator shaft is provided. Especially, no dedicated scaffolding must be provided, as the guide rails or guide rail sections are used for this purpose.

[0013] An especially advantageous aspect of the invention is the bracket adapted to engage two parallely extending guide rail sections. Such a bracket can be moved upwardly along a first and then successive subsequent quide rail sections. Especially by means of exerting a downwardly acting force on this bracket, a torque is generated by means of which the bracket is, as long as this torque is generated, fixed in a downwardly immovable position.

[0014] In this specification, the term guide rail section is used for a constituent of a guide rail. I.e., a number of vertically extending and aligned guide rail sections constitute a guide rail as a whole. Two parallel guide rails are provided. The term " first guide rail section" especially shall mean the lowermost guide rail section of a guide rail. Thus, the "two first guide rails sections" are especially the respective lowermost sections of two parallel extending guide rails.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, when the vertical distance between the mounting device and the bracket reaches a predetermined value, especially a minimum value, two further guide rail sections are provided, respectively aligned with one of the first two guide rail sections and mounted in a further section of the elevator shaft immediately above the first section of the elevator shaft, whereafter either

• a further horizontally extending bracket adapted to engage the further guide rail sections vertically above the mounting device is provided,
• whereafter the winch mechanism is provided to engage the further bracket and the mounting device, and the winch mechanism is actuated for further lifting the mounting device along the further guide rail sections in an upward direction,
• or
• whereafter the first bracket is moved upwards along the first guide rail sections to come into engagement with the further guide rail sections, and then moved further upwards along the further guide rail sections, whereafter the first bracket is brought into a downwardly immoveable engagement with the further guide rail sections, and the winch mechanism engaging the first bracket and the mounting device is actuated to further lift the mounting device upward along the further guide rail sections.

[0017] Accordingly, the invention especially provides two alternative methods for installing an elevator, one making use of various different mounting brackets provided along the length of the elevator shaft, the other utilising a bracket displaceable along the guide rail sections.

[0018] Obviously, the method of the invention can be utilised for any desired guide rail length, by providing further guide rail sections, mounting these in alignment with previously mounted guide rail sections, and repeating above steps.

[0019] Advantageously, the mounting device can be moved vertically downwards along guide rail sections or the guide rails as a whole only if a safety gear is specifically activated by a user. Providing such a safety gear assures safe handling of the mounting device. For example, even if the winch mechanism fails, the safety gear can ensure that the mounting device safely stays in place at its current position in the elevator shaft, and does not inadvertendly move downwards.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the mounting device of the invention, the safety gear is provided on or at the working platform and is adapted to engage the guide rail sections or guide rails such that in a first operating state, in which the safety gear is not actuated by a user, the working platform can only be moved in upward direction along the guide rails by means of the winch mechanism, and in a second operating state, in which the safety gear is actuated by a user, the working platform can be moved in downward direction along the guide rails. A downward movement of the working platform is only possible in case of simultaneously unwinding the rope of the winch mechanism and actuating the safety gear.

[0021] Advantageously, this safety gear comprises a blocking means, allowing motion of the working platform only in case of actuation of the positive blocking means. The blocking means advantageously comprise a compressed spring, which, unless it is decompressed by positive actuation by a user, interacts with a roll provided in a tapered opening of the safety gear.

[0022] Advantageously, the mounting device comprises an equalizer mechanism adjusted to simultaneously release two safety gears, each interacting with one of the two guide rail sections. For example, each safety gear can comprise a compressed spring and a Bowden cable. The equalizer mechanism connects the two Bowden cables in such a way, that pulling the equalizer mechanism by means of a pulling motion acting on the two Bowden cables, causes simultaneous decompression of the two compressed springs.

[0023] Advantageously the bracket adapted to engage and be moved along two parallelly extending guide rail sections and adapted to prevent downward movement along the guide rail sections in case of a torque acting on it created by a downwardly acting force comprises two openings or holes, the shape of which essentially corresponds to the profile of the engaged guide rail sections, and a further opening or hole adapted for engagement by a winch mechanism. As long as no downward force is exerted on such a bracket by the winch mechanism, it can be displaced along the guide rail sections. In this mode, the area of the openings is essentially perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide rails. When a downward force generating a torque acts on the bracket, it is pivoted in a forward direction, such that the area of the openings is oblique with respect to the extension direction of the guide rail sections. Hereby, a movement along the guide sections is effectively prevented.

[0024] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the appended figures.

[0025] It should be noted that the previously mentioned features and the features to be further described in the following are usable not only in the respectively indicated combination, but also in further combinations or taken alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mounting device according to the invention,

Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of the device according to claim 1 together with elevator guide rail sections, with which it interacts.

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a safety mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the mounting device according to the invention, and

Figure 4 shows various phases of an installation of an elevator according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of a bracket for use with the present invention, and

Figure 6 shows a further preferred embodiment of a bracket for use with the present invention.

[0026] In figure 1, the mounting device is generally designated 100. It comprises a working platform 110, on which at least one person can stand.

[0027] The mounting device is further provided with a railing 120, which is only partly shown. This railing 120 serves to protect people working on the mounting device from falling off.

[0028] At two opposing sides, the working platform 110 is attached to vertically extending carriers 130. On each carrier 130, there is mounted a safety gear 140. Each safety gear 140 comprises a U-shaped profile, which is adapted and arranged to interact with T-shaped guide rail sections 200 of an elevator system of the cantilever type. The U-shaped profile comprises a central passage 144, which is tapered in the upward direction, as can be seen especially in figure 3. This means, that the mounting device 100 is arranged between two parallel guide rail sections 200, as can especially be seen from figure 2, and can be displaced along these guide rail sections 200, as will be explained below.

[0029] As can especially be seen in figure 3, which shows a part of a T-shaped guide rail section 200 and the safety gear 140 in greater detail, safety gear 140 is provided with a blocking means, especially a positive blocking means 150. This positive blocking means 150 ensures that the mounting device, without a specific unblocking action by a user, can only move in upward direction along guide rail sections 200, the upward direction being indicated by arrow U in figure 2. The positive blocking means comprises a roll 142 arranged in tapered passage 144 provided on the safety gear 140. As can be seen from figure 3, roll 142 is positioned between one side 201a of the web 201 of guide rail 200 and the tapering wall 144a of tapered passage 144. By means of a guided and compressed spring 146, which is attached to a block 148 engaging roll 142, roll 142 is urged upwardly, i. e. in direction of arrow U, towards the narrow section of tapered passage 144. This means, that without specifically decompressing spring 146, safety gear 140 is moveable only in upward direction. A downward movement is blocked by the interaction of roll 142 with the narrow section of tapered passage 144.

[0030] In order to render possible a downward movement of safety gear 140 and thus the mounting device as a whole along guide rail sections200, there is provided a Bowden cable 160, attached to spring 146. In case Bowden cable 160 is pulled in direction of arrow P, spring 146 decompresses, so that roll 142 will move downwards within tapered passage 144. As long as a pull on Bowden cable 160 in direction of arrow P is maintained, a downward movement of the safety gear and thus the mounting device along guide rail 200 is possible.

[0031] Referring back to figure 1, the position of compressed spring 146 and Bowden cable 160 on the mounting device as a whole can be seen. As can be especially taken from figure 1, there are two Bowden cables 160 provided, one for each safety gear, each interacting with one of the two guide rail sections. The ends of the two Boden cables 160a are connected to one another by an equalizer device 170, which can easily be actuated by a person standing on platform 110. If, for example, a person standing on platform 110 pulls the equalizer device 170 vertically upwards, i. e. in direction of arrow Q, this motion leads to a simultaneous pulling of both Bowden cables, thus releasing the positive blocking means, i. e. springs 146, making a downward movement of the mounting device along guide rails 200 possible.

[0032] As can be seen from figure 3, the positive blocking means greatly enhances safety of a person on platform 110. If, for example, a Bowden cable 160 tears or breaks, spring 146 automatically takes its blocking position, i. e. blocking roll 142 in tapered passage 144.

[0033] A preferred method of installing an elevator of the cantilever type will now be described taking into account the various phases of installation shown in figure 4. The various phases are designated a) to e).

[0034] In phase a) at least one horizontally extending bracket 410 is mounted to a shaft wall 400. Advantageously, two horizontally extending brackets 410 are mounted with an expedient vertical spacing to one another.,

[0035] Also in phase a), two vertically extending guide rail sections 200 (two first guide rail sections in the language used above and in the claims) are mounted to brackets 410. These two first guide rail sections 200, mounted to the same shaft wall 400, thus serve as guide rail sections for an elevator of the cantilever type.

[0036] Thereafter, a mounting device 100 is mounted between the two first guide rail sectons 200, as explained above especially with a view to figures 1 and 2.

[0037] A bracket 470 is then brought into engagement with the two first guide rail sections 200. This bracket 470 is shown in detail in figure 5. It is provided with two openings 470a, the distance between which corresponds to the horizontal distance of the first guide rail sections 200. Also, the shape of openings 470a corresponds to the profile of the first guide rail sections 200. Thus, bracket 470 can be brought into engagement with the guide rail sections 200 wherein the guide rail sections extend through the openings 470a, and moved along the guide rail sections in the vertical direction. Herein, the area of openings 470a extends in a plane perpendicular to the vertical extension direction of the guide rail sections.

[0038] Bracket 470 is also provided with a second opening 470b for engagement with a winch mechanism, as will be explained in the following.

[0039] Returning to figure 4, phase a), winch mechanism 430 is brought into engagement with bracket 470 and mounting device 100. The winch mechanism 430 is provided with a single rope or chain 440, and adapted to engage bracket 470 as well as mounting device 100, for example utilizing a suitable attachment component on platform 110.

[0040] The force acting on bracket 470 by means of the winch mechanism 430 engaging opening 470b leads to a forward pivotal movement of bracket 470 relative to the first guide rail sections 200, as indicted by arrows P shown in figures 4a and 5. This leads to a blocking of any vertical movement of bracket 470 relative to the guide rail sections 200. In other words, as soon as a force is exerted in the downward direction in the vicinity of opening 470b, a torque is generated and bracket 470 is rendered temporarily immoveable along first guide rail sections 200.

[0041] By activating winch mechanism 430, the mounting device can then be pulled upwardly along the first two guide rail sections 200. This situation is depicted as phase b). In this situation, mounting device 100 arrives at the uppermost position on the two first guide rail sections 200. As explained above, without specific activation of safety gears 140 (i. e. by means of pulling equalizer device 170), only an upward movement of mounting device 100 along guide rail sections 200 by activation of winch 430 is possible.

[0042] When mounting device 100 arrives at the position depicted in phase b), and all necessary work has been completed along the two first guide rail sections 200, two further guide rail sections are mounted on the previously installed two first guide rail sections 200. Obviously, these two further guide rail sections 200 respectively are in vertical alignment with the previously mounted first guide rail sections 200. These guide rail sections 200, potentially together with further vertically aligned guide rail sections not shown in the figures, constitute the guide rails as a whole.

[0043] Phase c) shows the situation in which further guide rail sections have been vertically aligned with the first guide rail sections, and mounted to the elevator shaft wall, again using brackets 410.

[0044] Bracket 470 can now be moved upwardly along first guide rail sections 200 and further guide rail sections 200 mounted in alignment therewith, to reach a new position as shown in phase d). During this displacement of bracket 470, mounting device 100 is secured in its position (uppermost position on first guide rail sections 200) by means of safety gear 140, and the winch mechanism 430 is deactivated, so that no pivotal force acts on bracket 470.

[0045] Again, as soon as winch mechanism is activated to further lift mounting device 100 along the further guide rail sections 200, this pivotal force again acts on bracket 470, so that it again becomes temporarily immovable in the downward direction.

[0046] Upward movement of mounting device 100 can then be continued as described regarding phases a) and b) until mounting device 100 reaches the uppermost position on the further guide rail sections 200. In the embodiment shown in figure 4, this uppermost position corresponds to the uppermost position within the elevator shaft as can be seen in phase e). Obviously, in case of longer elevator shafts, it would be possible to provide further guide rail sections to further vertically extend the guide rails.

[0047] By pulling or actuating equalizer device 170 and simultaneously unwinding rope 440 of winch 430, the mounting device can be moved along the guide rail sections 200 in downward direction.

[0048] As an alternative to a bracket movable along the guide rails as shown in figure 5, it is also possible to utilize a bracket as shown in figure 6, which also engages guide rail sections and is movable along these. This bracket is designated with reference numeral 480. In the same way as described regarding the working platform referring to figure 3, bracket 480 is provided with two safety gears 490. Each safety gear 490 comprises a U-shaped profile, which is adapted and arranged to interact with T-shaped guide rail sections 200 of the elevator system. This U-shaped profile comprises a central passage, which, as described above in relation to the safety gear 140 of the working platform 110, is tapered in the upward direction. The functionality of this safety gear thus corresponds to that as already described above regarding safety gear 140.

[0049] Bracket 480 also comprises an opening 480d, which is adapted for engagement by winch mechanism 430.

[0050] Alternatively, instead of using a moveable bracket 470 or 480, the winch mechanism can be adapted to engage the mounting brackets 410. In this case, when mounting device 100 arrives at an uppermost position relative to a guide rail section 200, it is necessary to disengage the winch from an initial mounting bracket 410, to which it is attached, and engage it with a further mounting bracket 410 arranged vertically above the previous mounting bracket.

Claims

1. Method of installing an elevator, especially an elevator of the cantilever type, in an elevator shaft, comprising the following steps:

- mounting two first guide rail sections (200), which extend parallelly to one another in the vertical direction defining a constant horizontal distance therebetween, in a first section of the elevator shaft,

- providing a mounting device (100) comprising a working platform (110) adapted to engage the two first guide rail sections (200) for guided movement along the first two guide rail sections (200),

- providing a first horizontally extending bracket (410; 470) adapted to engage the two first guide rail sections (200) above the mounting device,

- providing a winch mechanism (430; 440) adapted to engage the bracket (410; 470) and the mounting device (100), and

- actuating the winch mechanism (430; 440) for lifting the mounting device along the first guide rail sections in an upward direction towards the bracket (410; 470).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein, when the vertical distance between the mounting device (100) and the bracket (410; 470) reaches a predetermined value, especially a minimum value, two further guide rail sections (200) are provided, respectively aligned with one of the first two guide rail sections (200) and mounted in a further section of the elevator shaft immediately above the first section of the elevator shaft, whereafter
either

- a further horizontally extending bracket (410) adapted to engage the further guide rail sections (200) vertically above the mounting device (100) is provided, whereafter the winch mechanism (430; 440) is provided to engage the further bracket (410) and the mounting device (100), and the winch mechanism is actuated for further lifting the mounting device along the further guide rail sections in an upward direction,

- or

- whereafter the first bracket (470) is moved upwards along the first guide rail sections to come into engagement with the further guide rail sections (200), and then moved further upwards along the further guide rail sections (200), whereafter the first bracket (470) is brought into a downwardly immoveable engagement with the further guide rail sections (200), and the winch mechanism (430; 440) engaging the first bracket (470) and the mounting device (100) is actuated to further lift the mounting device (100) upward along the further guide rail sections.

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting device (100) can be moved downwards along the first and/or further guide rail sections (200) by means of actuating a safety gear (140).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, wherein the first and the further bracket (410) are provided as mounting brackets for mounting guide rail sections to the elevator shaft wall.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first bracket (470) is provided as a bracket which is moveable along the first and the further guide rail sections (200), and adapted to be immoveable in a downward direction in case of a torque exerted thereon generated by a downwardly acting force, especially a force generated by winch mechanism (330; 340) and/or mounting device (100).

6. Mounting device for mounting between two parallelly extending guide rail sections (200) of an elevator, especially an elevator of the cantilever type, comprising a working platform (110) adapted to engage with the guide rail sections (200), and a winch mechanism (430) adapted to interact with a bracket (410; 470) extending horizontally between the two guide rail sections (200) vertically above the working platform (110), and to lift the working platform (110) along the guide rail sections, the winch mechanism (430) comprising a rope or chain (440) extending between the bracket (410; 470) and the working platform.

7. Mounting device according to claim 6, wherein the winch mechanism (430; 440) is adapted to interact with a mounting bracket (410) for mounting the guide rail sections to an elevator shaft wall, or to interact with a bracket (470) moveable along the guide rail sections.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a safety gear (140) provided on or at the working platform (110), adapted to engage the guide rail sections (200) such that in a first operating state, in which the safety gear (140) is not actuated, the working platform can only be moved in an upward direction along the guide rail sections by actuating the winch mechanism (430; 440), and in a second operating state, in which the safety gear (140) is actuated, the working platform can be moved downwards along the guide rail sections (200).

9. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the safety gear (140) comprises a blocking means adapted to allow downward motion of the working platform along the guide rail sections (200) only in case of actuation of the blocking means.

10. Device according to claim 8 or 9, comprising an equalizer mechanism (170) adjusted to simultaneously release two safety gears (140), each interacting with one of the two parallel extending guide rail sections in a controlled manner to allow movement of the working platform vertically downwards along the guide rail sections.

11. Bracket (470) adapted to engage and to be moved along two parallelly extending guide rail sections (200) of an elevator, especially an elevator of the cantilever type, adapted to temporally prevent downward movement along the guide rail sections (200).

12. Bracket according to claim 11, adapted to prevent downward movement in case of a torque acting on the bracket generated by a downwardly acting force.

13. Bracket according to claim 11 or 12 comprising two openings (470a), each one of which engages one of the two guide rail sections (200) the shape of which essentially corresponds to the profile of a guide rail section (200) it engages, and a further opening (470b) adapted for engagement by a winch mechanism (430; 440).

14. Bracket according to claim 11, 12 or 13, provided with a blocking means adapted to allow downward motion along the guide rail sections (200) only in case of actuation of the blocking means.

Drawing