Elevator guide rail and method of handling an elevator guide rail

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator guide rail (1) comprising an attachment bracket (2) having a first end with a first fitting part (4) for attaching the first end to the elevator guide rail (1), a second end with a second fitting part (5) for attaching the second end to an elevator shaft (3), and an intermediate part (6, 6') connecting the first fitting part (4) to the second fitting part (5). In order to simplify the attachment work of the guide rail in the shaft, the attachment bracket (2) is provided with a joint (7) pivotably connecting the intermediate part (6) to the first fitting part (4), which joint allows the intermediate part (6) to be rotated about the joint (7) between a transport position and an installation position, wherein the second fitting part (5) is closer to the elevator guide rail (1) in the transport position than in the installation position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to assembling elevators on-site in a building. Background Technology

[0002] One challenge in assembling elevators on-site at a building is the need to install numerous parts within the elevator shaft. This is problematic because, depending on the building's height, the elevator shaft can be quite high. Therefore, all parts that need to connect to the elevator shaft must be transported to the correct location, which may be above the building's ground level.

[0003] Special care must be taken when operating elevator guide rails because a large number of elevator guide rails are required, and the size and weight of the guide rails need to be carefully considered.

[0004] One previously known solution involves using a work platform suspended by a first lift in the elevator shaft to transport personnel to the correct height within the shaft, and then using a second lift to raise the elevator guide rails one by one to the correct position. Once in the correct position within the shaft, the first end of a bracket is attached to the elevator guide rail, and holes are drilled at the correct locations in the shaft to facilitate the attachment of the second end of the bracket. Finally, the length of the bracket is adjusted to ensure proper alignment of the elevator guide rails with the previously attached ones.

[0005] One problem with the above solution is the significant amount of assembly work required within the elevator shaft. This makes installation slow and cumbersome because the work is done in difficult locations within the elevator shaft. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings and to provide an elevator guide rail and method that simplifies and accelerates the installation process.

[0007] The use of an elevator guide rail with an attachment bracket that is attached to the elevator guide rail via a first fitting portion and a joint that pivotally connects the middle portion of the bracket to the first fitting allows the attachment bracket to be pre-installed onto the guide rail and positioned in transport location before the guide rail is put into use in the elevator shaft. This greatly simplifies assembly work at the installation site. Attached Figure Description

[0008] In the following description, the invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 A guide rail with an attachment bracket in the transport position is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 It shows the device in the installation position. Figure 1 The guide rail of the attached bracket is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the guide rail with an attachment bracket is shown, and

[0012] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the method of manipulating elevator guide rails. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Figure 1 The guide rail 1 with the attachment bracket 2 in the transport position is shown. Figure 2 A guide rail 1 with an attachment bracket 2 in an installation position, ready to be attached to an elevator shaft 3, is shown. The guide rail 1 may be, for example, a guide rail for an elevator car, extending along the height of the elevator shaft.

[0014] The attachment bracket 2 has a first end, and a first fitting portion 4 attaches the first end to the elevator guide rail 1. The second end of the attachment bracket 2 is provided with a second fitting portion 5 for attaching the second end to the elevator shaft 3, for example, to a building wall. The middle portion 6 of the attachment bracket 2 connects the first fitting portion 4 to the second fitting portion 5.

[0015] Connector 7 pivotally connects the intermediate portion 6 to the first fitting portion 4. Connector 7 allows the intermediate portion 6 to rotate around the connector. Figure 1 The transportation location shown and Figure 2 The mounting positions are rotated as shown. As illustrated, in the transport position, the second accessory portion 5 is closer to the elevator guide rail 1 than in the installation position. The advantage of this solution is that the attachment bracket 2 can already be attached to the elevator guide rail 1 during manufacturing, for example, via the first accessory portion 4. At this stage, the attachment bracket 2 can be positioned in the transport position such that it protrudes as little as possible from the elevator guide rail. This makes packaging and transport to the installation site very easy, where it can be lifted into the elevator shaft with the attachment bracket in the transport position. At that stage, the attachment bracket can be transferred to the installation position by rotating the intermediate portion 6 around the connector 7.

[0016] Depending on the implementation, the attachment bracket 2 can be implemented in such a way that the middle portion 6 cannot rotate beyond its position extending substantially perpendicularly from the guide rail 1, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In this embodiment, a locking element may not be necessary because the weight of the guide rail 1 will hold the mounting bracket in the correct mounting position. However, in other embodiments, a locking element may be necessary. In the example shown, it is assumed that the attachment bracket 2 is provided with a locking element that locks the connector 7 to prevent rotation when the intermediate portion 6 is in the mounting position.

[0017] exist Figure 1 and 2In this embodiment, the connector includes a shaft 8 disposed to the intermediate portion 6 and a ring 9 disposed around the shaft 8 to the first fitting portion. However, this is merely exemplary; in other embodiments, another type of connector may be used, or the shaft may be disposed, for example, to the first fitting portion, while the ring is disposed to the intermediate portion. In the illustrated example, a bolt is used as a locking element 10. In this case, an alternative is that the bolt may be used to tighten the ring 9 around the shaft 8 to lock the connector.

[0018] exist Figure 1 and 2 In this design, the first fitting portion 4 is implemented with a first clamp for attaching to the flange 11 of the elevator guide rail 1. The clamp has a first section 12 and a second section 13 located on opposite sides of the flange 11. In this example, a ring 9 attaches the first section 12 and the second section 13 of the first clamp to each other, such that the shaft portion 8 is rotatably received in the ring 9. Thus, once the locking element consisting of bolts 10 is tightened, the connector 7 is locked simultaneously with the first clamp being tightened to the flange 11. This solution simplifies the assembly work that needs to be performed on-site during elevator installation.

[0019] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The bracket is implemented by an intermediate portion 6 having a first elongated portion 14 and a second elongated portion 15, which can be attached to each other at one of a plurality of available reciprocal positions. This provides length adjustment for the attachment bracket 2. In the figures, length adjustment is achieved, for example, by the engagement of elongated slots 16 in elongated portions 14 and 15 with bolts 17 and nuts 18. Using this solution, the distance between the attachment points of the elevator guide rail 1 and the shaft 3 can be adjusted during installation. However, preferably, each attachment bracket is pre-adjusted to a predetermined length after manufacturing and before being transported to the installation site. In this way, length adjustment at the installation site in the elevator shaft should only be needed in exceptional circumstances.

[0020] Typical elevator guide rail installation begins with shaft surveying to check the impact of building tolerances on the planned elevator layout.

[0021] During the survey, the main dimensions and verticality of the elevator shaft, as well as the location of the landing door openings, are measured. Several existing measurement methods exist for shaft surveying. In more traditional methods, a vertical reference is generated using a plumb line or a horizontal laser beam, and the required dimensions are measured from these references using special rulers, tape measures, or laser distance sensors. More advanced methods exist for measuring elevator shafts. These methods include laser scanning using a static robotic total station from a platform or the pit bottom, and a mobile scanning system. The mobile scanning system typically operates within the elevator shaft, recording its own position and generating a 3D representation of the shaft. Mobile scanning systems often combine different sensor technologies, such as time-of-flight cameras, lidar, laser distance sensors, and inertial measurement units.

[0022] Record and analyze the results of the shaft survey to determine the optimal possible location of the elevator car guide rails. Typically, the optimal location of the car guide rails is a trade-off between door line, sill clearance, shaft straightness, and the dimensions and adjustability of different fasteners. For this rather complex analysis, there are well-established methods and available software tools. However, once the car guide rail position is set, all mechanical components in the equipment can be referenced to the car guide rails.

[0023] In all cases, fairly detailed data on the shaft dimensions are already available before guide rail installation begins. In the proposed invention, the idea is to attach the bracket to the guide rail before the bracket and guide rail are lifted together into the elevator shaft. Since the shaft dimensions and the required guide rail position are known, the bracket can be pre-set to the correct values ​​outside the shaft. Depending on the logistical arrangements at the installation site, this pre-setting can be done close to the shaft before installation, or pre-setting can be done at a dedicated pre-assembly station, either on-site or elsewhere.

[0024] In the example shown, the second fitting portion 5 includes a first protrusion 19 and a second protrusion 20 projecting outward from the middle portion. As can be seen from the figure, the protrusions can project substantially perpendicularly from the middle portion 6. The first and second protrusions are arranged at a distance from each other to receive the elevator guide rail 1 in the space between them. Therefore, in Figure 1 The transport position shown indicates that the guide rail is received in the space between the first protrusion 19 and the second protrusion 20. In this solution, the middle portion 6 is as close as possible to the guide rail, and the elevator guide rail with the attached bracket has an optimal shape that requires the least amount of space during transport and operation.

[0025] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the guide rail with an attachment bracket is shown. Figure 3 The embodiments are very similar to those of combining Figure 1 and 2The embodiments explained herein. Therefore, in the following explanation, the differences between these embodiments will be mainly pointed out. Figure 3 Examples of implementations.

[0026] exist Figure 3 In this design, the elevator guide rail 1 is provided with an attachment bracket 2' having a middle portion 6', which further includes a third accessory portion 21' located between a first accessory portion 4 and a second accessory portion 5. This third accessory portion 21' has a side-facing surface away from the middle portion for receiving and attaching CWT (counterweight) guide rails to the middle portion. Therefore, the same attachment bracket 2' can be used to attach both the elevator car guide rails and the CWT guide rails for attaching elevator counterweights. This reduces the number of components and installation work required in the elevator shaft at the installation site.

[0027] Figure 3 From and Figure 1 The bracket 2' is shown from a slightly different perspective. Therefore, from... Figure 3 As can be seen, the first fitting portion 4 of the bracket 2' includes a second clamp having first and second sections 12' and 13' located on opposite sides of the second flange of the guide rail 1. Accordingly, the connector also includes a second ring 9' connecting the first and second sections 12' and 13' to each other, and a second shaft portion 8' connected to the intermediate portion 6' and rotatably accommodated within the ring 9'. Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a similar solution would naturally be advantageous.

[0028] Accordingly, the connector also includes a second ring 9' that attaches the first and second sections 12' and 13' to each other, and a second shaft portion 8' that is attached to the intermediate portion 6' and rotatably received in the ring 9'. Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a similar solution would naturally be advantageous.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the method of manipulating elevator guide rails.

[0030] In step A, the elevator guide rail with its attachment bracket is transported into the elevator shaft. The guide rail is provided with an attachment bracket having a first end that has a first fitting portion attached to the guide rail before being transported into the shaft. The attachment of the attachment bracket can be performed during manufacturing or near the elevator shaft before the guide rail is transported into the shaft. In either case, after attachment, the attachment bracket is preferably rotated to the transport position.

[0031] In step B, the middle portion of the attachment bracket is rotated around the joint to the installation position. This places the second accessory portion further away from the elevator guide rail than it would have in the transport position.

[0032] In step C, the elevator guide rail is attached to the shaft via a second fitting portion. This may include drilling holes in the elevator shaft at the locations of the holes in the second fitting portion, after which the guide rail can be attached in place using one or more bolts.

[0033] In some implementations, it may be advantageous to have an additional step before or associated with step A, in which the length of the attachment bracket is adjusted to a predetermined length before being transported into the elevator shaft. This minimizes the workload within the elevator shaft.

[0034] In some implementations, it may be advantageous to lock the joint to prevent relative rotation associated with or after step B, and to prevent rotation when the intermediate portion has already been rotated to the installation position.

[0035] In some implementations, before bolting, and before drilling the attachment holes in the second fitting section into the elevator shaft, step C can be combined to position the guide rail in its final position in the shaft.

[0036] In some implementations, it may be advantageous to initially attach one end of the elevator guide rail to one end of a previously attached elevator guide rail before or in conjunction with step C. This allows the guide rail to be suspended from the previously attached rail, ensuring that the guide rail is in the correct position before attachment is performed via the second fitting portion of the second mounting bracket.

[0037] It should be understood that the above description and accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the present invention only. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. An elevator guide rail (1), comprising: The attachment bracket has a first end, the first end having a first fitting portion (4) for attaching the first end to the elevator guide rail (1). The second end has a second fitting part (5) for attaching the second end to the elevator shaft (3), and The first accessory part (4) is connected to the middle part of the second accessory part (5), characterized in that... The attachment bracket is provided with a joint (7) that pivotally connects the intermediate portion to the first fitting portion (4), the joint allowing the intermediate portion to rotate about the joint (7) between a transport position and an installation position, wherein the second fitting portion (5) is closer to the elevator guide rail (1) in the transport position than in the installation position. in, The second accessory part (5) includes first and second protrusions (19, 20) protruding outward from the middle part. The first and second protrusions (19, 20) are arranged at a distance from each other so that when the middle part is in the transport position, the elevator rail (1) is received in the space between the first and second protrusions (19, 20).

2. The elevator guide rail according to claim 1, wherein, The attachment bracket is provided with a locking element (10) that locks the connector (7) to prevent rotation when the middle part is in the installation position.

3. The elevator guide rail according to claim 2, wherein, The connector includes a shaft (8) disposed between one of the intermediate portion and the first fitting portion (4), and a ring disposed around the shaft (8) between the other of the intermediate portion and the first fitting portion (4). The locking element (10) includes bolts for fastening a ring around the shaft (8) to lock the joint (7).

4. The elevator guide rail according to claim 2, wherein, The first component (4) includes a first clamp for attaching to a flange (11) on an elevator guide rail (1), the first clamp including first and second sections located on opposite sides of the flange (11). The connector (7) includes a ring for attaching the first and second sections to each other and a shaft (8) attached to the intermediate portion, the shaft (8) being rotatably received in the ring, and The locking element (10) includes bolts for fastening the first clamp to a ring around the shaft (8) of the flange (11) to lock the joint (7).

5. The elevator guide rail according to claim 4, wherein, The first accessory part (4) includes a second clamp for attaching to a second flange on the elevator guide rail (1), the second clamp including first and second sections located on opposite sides of the second flange. The connector (7) includes a second ring for attaching the first and second sections to each other and a second shaft (8') for attaching to the intermediate portion (6'), the second shaft (8') being rotatably received in the ring, and The locking element (10) includes a second bolt for fastening the second clamp to the second flange and a second ring surrounding the second shaft portion (8') to lock the joint (7).

6. The elevator guide rail according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The middle portion of the support includes first and second elongated portions that are attached to each other at one of a plurality of available reciprocal positions to provide length adjustment for the attached support.

7. The elevator guide rail according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The middle part (6') is provided with a third accessory part (21') located between the first accessory part (4) and the second accessory part (5) for receiving the CWT guide rail and attaching the CWT guide rail to the middle part (6').

8. A method for manipulating elevator guide rails, characterized in that, The method includes: An elevator guide rail with an attachment bracket is transported into the elevator shaft. The attachment bracket has a first end with a first accessory portion that attaches to the elevator guide rail. Rotate the middle portion of the attachment bracket from the transport position to the installation position around the joint that connects the middle portion to the first fitting portion, such that the second fitting portion located at the second end of the attachment bracket is further away from the elevator guide rail than in the transport position. The elevator guide rails are attached to the elevator shaft via the second component.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the method comprises: Before transporting it to the elevator shaft, adjust the length of the attachment bracket to the predetermined length.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The method includes locking the connector to prevent rotation when the intermediate portion has been rotated to the mounting position.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The method includes attaching elevator guide rails to the elevator shaft in the following manner: Drill an attachment hole into the elevator shaft at the location where the attachment hole is provided to the second accessory part, and The elevator guide rail is attached by bolts passing through holes provided in the second fitting section and attachment holes drilled out.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The method includes: By attaching one end of the elevator guide rail to one end of a previously attached elevator guide rail, the elevator guide rail is initially attached to the elevator shaft, and After the initial attachment, the elevator guide rails are attached to the elevator shaft via a second mating section.

Images