Drilling device for drilling wall of elevator hoistway for fastening guide rail to wall, use of drilling device and method for drilling wall of elevator hoistway using such drilling device

Abstract

A drilling device for drilling a wall of an elevator shaft to secure a guide rail to the wall comprises a drilling unit (1) configured to be supported by and rigidly attached to a movable bracket (20). The drilling unit (1) comprises a main body (2), first and second drilling tools (3, 4) attached to the main body (2) at a distance from each other in a first horizontal direction, configured to allow the drilling tools (3, 4) to move such that the drilling tools (3, 4) move in a second horizontal direction. The drilling tool (3, 4) comprises lateral guide means (5a, 5b) capable of moving in a first direction relative to the bracket (20), locking means (6a, 6b, 7, 8a, 8b) configured to allow the drilling tool (3, 4) to be locked in the first direction to a specific position relative to the bracket (20), and axial guide means (9a, 9b, 10a, 10b) configured to allow the drilling tool (3, 4) to move in a second direction, the second direction is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the wall to be drilled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a drilling device for drilling holes into the wall of an elevator shaft for fastening a guide rail to the wall as defined in claim 1. The invention also relates to the use of the drilling device and a method for drilling holes into the wall of an elevator shaft as defined in the other independent claims. Background Art

[0002] Most elevators are provided with vertical guide rails, which are used to guide the elevator car and the counterweight. Typically, the elevator is provided with its own guide rails for the elevator car and the counterweight. The guide rails extend in the vertical direction from the bottom to the top of the elevator shaft. Typically, each guide rail consists of several vertical segments. The guide rails are assembled by connecting these segments to each other on site. A typical guide rail has a T-shaped cross-sectional profile. The arms of the profile are used to attach the guide rail to the elevator shaft, usually via a guide rail bracket. The stem of the profile forms a nose, which serves as a support surface for the elevator car or the counterweight. Typically, each of the elevator car and the counterweight is supported between a pair of opposing guide rails.

[0003] There are two basic alternatives for fastening the guide rail bracket to the wall of the elevator shaft: The wall can be provided with an insert, such as a C-channel, to which the guide rail bracket is attached. Alternatively, holes can be drilled in the wall to allow the use of wedge anchors or similar fastening elements. The use of inserts offers some benefits, such as reduced occupational safety risks associated with noise and dust caused by drilling. However, it is not always possible to use inserts, for example because this would require close collaboration between the builder and the elevator supplier, which is not possible if the elevator supplier has not been selected at an early stage of the construction work of the building.

[0004] Occupational safety risks can be effectively reduced by fully automating drilling. However, because most buildings are unique, full automation of the drilling process is challenging and not necessarily economically feasible.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved apparatus and method for facilitating drilling holes for guide rails in an elevator hoistway. Summary of the invention

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide an improved device for drilling holes in the wall of an elevator shaft for fastening a guide rail to the wall. Characterizing features of the arrangement are defined in claim 1. Other objects of the invention are to provide a use of such a drilling device and a method for drilling holes in the wall of an elevator shaft. Features of the use and the method are defined in the other independent claims.

[0007] The drilling device according to the present invention comprises a drilling unit, which is configured to be supported by a bracket and rigidly attached to the bracket, and the bracket is movable in a vertical direction in the elevator hoistway. The drilling unit comprises:

[0008] -main body,

[0009] - a first drilling tool, attached to the body

[0010] - a second drilling tool, attached to the body and having the same drilling direction as the first drilling tool, the second drilling tool being located at a distance from the first drilling tool along a first direction, the first direction being, in the use position of the drilling unit, a horizontal direction parallel to the wall to be drilled,

[0011] - lateral guiding means configured to allow movement of the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool so that when the drilling unit is in use, both the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool are movable in the first direction relative to the carriage,

[0012] a locking device configured to allow the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool to be locked to a specific position relative to the bracket in the first direction, and

[0013] Axial guiding means are configured to allow the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool to be moved in a second direction, which in the use position of the drilling unit is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the wall to be drilled.

[0014] Since the drilling unit can be rigidly attached to the carriage and the position of the drilling tool in the lateral direction can be locked, the drilling unit does not need to be supported or guided by the operator during drilling. This significantly improves the ergonomics of the drilling device. The two drilling tools make drilling efficient, since two holes can be drilled simultaneously. Since the drilling tool can also be moved in the lateral direction, the position of the hole can be adjusted, for example to avoid hitting the reinforcing elements of the wall. The drilling unit can be moved as a unit. For example, it can be moved to different positions on the carriage, for example for drilling a hole into another wall of the elevator shaft. The drilling device can be used to facilitate the manual drilling of the hole. Thus, it allows the use of human senses and adaptability, while assisting the operator of the drilling device and reducing strain.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the invention, the mutual distance between the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool is adjustable. Since the mutual distance between the drilling tools can be adjusted, the drilling unit can be easily adapted, for example, for drilling different guide rail brackets.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the invention, the drilling unit is configured to allow a mutual distance between the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool to be selected from a limited number of predetermined values.

[0017] The mutual distance between the two drilling tools may need to be adjusted for different guide rail supports. The risk of error is reduced when the mutual distance can be selected from predetermined options.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking device includes a first locking device and a second locking device, the first locking device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in which at least one of the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool is prevented from moving in the first direction, and in the unlocked state, both the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool can move in the first direction, the second locking device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the mutual distance between the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool is fixed, and in the unlocked state, the mutual distance between the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool can be adjusted.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking means is configured to allow a locking function wherein a mutual distance between the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool is fixed but synchronous movement of the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool in the first direction is allowed.

[0020] In a typical fastening arrangement for guide rails, each guide rail bracket is fastened to the wall of the elevator shaft with two wedge-shaped anchors or similar fastening elements. Therefore, the spacing between the fastening elements in the horizontal direction is fixed. In principle, the fastening elements of consecutive guide rail brackets should be arranged on the same vertical line. However, due to the reinforcing elements of the wall, it may be necessary to slightly adjust the horizontal position of the fastening elements. With the device according to an embodiment of the invention, the horizontal position of the holes can be easily adjusted while keeping the mutual distance between the holes constant. This reduces the risk of errors made by the operator of the drilling device.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the drilling unit comprises fastening means for rigidly attaching the drilling unit to the bracket.

[0022] If the fastening means forms part of the drilling unit, the drilling unit can be easily fastened to different positions of the bracket. However, the fastening means can also be separate from the drilling unit. The fastening means can be integrated into the bracket.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lateral guiding means comprises at least one guide rail.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the axial guiding means comprises at least one guide rail.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drilling unit is configured to allow synchronous movement of the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool in the second direction to allow drilling of two holes at a time, and to allow disabling of the synchronous movement to allow drilling of a single hole.

[0026] Drilling two holes at a time makes the drilling process more efficient. However, it may be necessary to drill one hole at a time. For example, the drilling device can be used to drill holes for guide rail brackets whose fastening elements are not arranged in a horizontal line. Moreover, the drilling device can be used to drill holes for other elements than guide rail brackets.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a human-operable actuator element for moving the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool in a second direction, and an actuating mechanism for converting the movement of the actuator element into movement of the first drilling tool and / or the second drilling tool for drilling.

[0028] By means of the actuator element, the need for the operator of the drilling device to directly move the drilling tool is eliminated. This reduces the operator's exposure to vibrations, dust and noise caused by the drilling tool.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuator element is configured to be arranged at a distance from the drilling unit.This further reduces the above-mentioned problems related to vibrations, dust and noise.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuator element is a pedal. The pedal allows the drilling tool to be operated using the body weight and helps to avoid strain.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuation mechanism comprises a cable.The cable allows positioning the actuator element at a distance from the drilling unit.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuation mechanism comprises a Bowden cable. With the Bowden cable, the need for a complex mechanism between the actuator element and the drilling tool is avoided. The drilling unit can be easily moved to another position on the carriage.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a carriage which is configured to be movable in a vertical direction in the elevator hoistway, and the drilling unit is rigidly attached to the carriage.

[0034] In the method according to the invention, a hole is drilled in the wall of an elevator shaft using a drilling device as defined above and comprising a bracket. The method comprises the following steps:

[0035] - moving the carriage to a height at which the drill bits of the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool are at the height of the hole to be drilled, and

[0036] - drilling a hole by synchronously moving the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool in the second direction.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the following steps before the step of drilling:

[0038] - determining whether the wall comprises a reinforcing element in the intended location of the hole, and

[0039] - In case a reinforcing element is detected, the first drilling tool and the second drilling tool are moved synchronously in the first direction, so that drilling into the reinforcing element is avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a drilling unit according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0042] Figure 2 A drilling device is shown, comprising a drilling unit and a carriage movable in an elevator shaft,

[0043] Figure 3 A drilling device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Rear view of the drilling unit,

[0045] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A top view of the drilling unit, and

[0046] Figure 6 The method according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown in a flow chart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 A drilling unit 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drilling unit 1 can be used to drill holes in the wall of an elevator shaft to fasten a guide rail to the wall. The drilled holes can be matched with suitable fastening elements, such as wedge anchors, which are used to fasten the guide rail to the wall of the elevator shaft. The guide rail can be fixed to the wall directly or by suitable brackets. The guide rail can guide the elevator car or the counterweight. One guide rail bracket can be used to attach one or more guide rails to the wall. For example, a single guide rail bracket can support one guide rail of the elevator car and two opposite guide rails of the counterweight. The drilling unit 1 according to the invention can also be used to drill holes other than holes for fastening the guide rails. The drilling unit 1 according to the invention can be part of a drilling device for drilling holes.

[0048] The drilling unit 1 is configured to be supported by a bracket 20 that is movable in a vertical direction in an elevator hoistway. Figure 2An example of such a carriage 20 is shown in FIG. The carriage 20 may be a platform configured to carry workers who perform various tasks associated with the installation of the elevator and / or preparations for installation. The carriage 20 may be suspended by one or more lifting members, such as ropes or cables. The carriage 20 may include a motor for moving the carriage 20 in a vertical direction. Alternatively, the motor for moving the carriage 20 may be mounted in or above the elevator shaft.

[0049] The bracket 20 may be supported against one or more walls of the elevator shaft. The bracket 20 may include guide wheels for supporting the bracket against the wall. Alternatively, the bracket 20 may be supported against an already installed guide rail. For example, if the guide rail is installed by drilling a section of the guide rail, attaching the section to the wall, and moving upward to drill the next section, the bracket 20 may be supported from its lower portion to the installed guide rail section while drilling the upper section of the guide rail.

[0050] In some cases, the bracket 20 may be an elevator car. Thus, the roof of the elevator car may be used as a drilling platform.

[0051] The drilling unit 1 comprises a first drilling tool 3 and a second drilling tool 4. The drilling tools 3, 4 are preferably identical. Each of the drilling tools 3, 4 is a device capable of drilling a hole into a concrete wall of an elevator shaft. The drilling tools 3, 4 are preferably electric tools. The drilling tools 3, 4 may be battery powered or mains powered. The drilling tools 3, 4 may be, for example, an SDS drill, a hammer drill or an impact drill. However, the drilling tools 3, 4 may also be pneumatic tools or hydraulic tools. The hole size depends on the application, but may be sized, for example, for an M16 wedge anchor. The drilling depth may be, for example, 130 mm. The hole diameter may vary, for example, in the range of 11-24 mm. The hole depth may vary, for example, in the range of 60-200 mm.

[0052] The drilling unit 1 further comprises a body 2. A first drilling tool 3 and a second drilling tool 4 are both attached to the body 2. The first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 have the same drilling direction. The expression "drilling direction" here refers to the axial direction of the drill bits 17a, 17b of the drilling tools 3, 4. The second drilling tool 4 is located at a distance from the first drilling tool 3 in the first direction. In the use position of the drilling unit 1, the first direction is a horizontal direction parallel to the wall to be drilled. Therefore, the first direction is perpendicular to the drilling direction, i.e. the axial direction of the drill bit.

[0053] The drilling unit 1 comprises lateral guide means 5a, 5b, which are configured to allow movement of the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4, so that when the drilling unit 1 is in use, both the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 can be moved in the first direction relative to the bracket 20. In the embodiment of the figures, the mutual distance between the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 in the first direction can also be adjusted. Thus, the distance between the holes can be adjusted and the position of the holes in the first direction can be selected.

[0054] The drilling unit 1 further comprises locking means 6a, 6b, 7, 8a, 8b configured to allow the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 to be locked into a specific position relative to the bracket 20 and relative to each other in the first direction when the drilling unit 1 is in use. After adjusting the mutual distance between the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 and correctly positioning the drilling tools 3, 4 in the first direction, the position of the drilling tools 3, 4 in the first direction can be locked. This allows drilling without the need to keep the drilling tools 3, 4 in place while drilling.

[0055] The drilling unit 1 comprises axial guide means 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b configured to allow the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 to move in a second direction, which is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the wall to be drilled in the use position of the drilling unit 1. The drilling tools 3, 4 can be moved in the drilling direction to drill a hole while preventing the movement of the drilling tools 3, 4 in other directions.

[0056] In the embodiment of the drawings, the drilling tools 3, 4 are configured to be movable relative to the body 2 of the drilling unit 1 in both the first direction and the second direction. However, several alternative embodiments are possible. The movement of the drilling tools 3, 4 relative to the body 2 in the second direction may be replaced by the movement of the body 2 relative to the bracket 20. The movement of the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 relative to the body 2 in the first direction may be replaced by making the body 2 of the drilling unit 1 movable relative to the bracket 30 in the first direction and additionally making one of the drilling tools 3, 4 movable relative to the body 2 in the first direction, so as to allow adjustment of the mutual distance between the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4. The body 2 of the drilling unit 1 may include fastening holes or other elements in different positions to allow the position of one or both of the drilling tools 3, 4 to be selected from predetermined options. Alternatively, the length of the body 2 may be adjustable to allow adjustment of the mutual distance between the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4.

[0057] In the embodiment of the figures, the locking means 6a, 6b, 7, 8a, 8b are configured to allow a locking function, wherein the mutual distance between the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 is fixed, but the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 are allowed to move synchronously in the first direction. With this function, it is ensured that the holes are positioned at the correct distance from each other. It may be necessary to adjust the position of the holes, for example due to the reinforcement elements of the wall being located at the expected hole position. Therefore, the locking means 6a, 6b, 7, 8a, 8b can be unlocked to allow the position of the holes to be adjusted, but keep the distance between the holes constant.

[0058] The locking means 6a, 6b, 7, 8a, 8b can be configured to allow the mutual distance between the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 to be set to two or more predetermined values. Thus, the adjustment is not stepless, but there is only a limited number of possible mutual distances. The predetermined distances can correspond to the distances between the fastening holes of different guide rail brackets. Thus, the adjustment of the distances becomes easier and the risk of errors in the adjustment can be reduced.

[0059] In the embodiments of the accompanying drawings, the locking devices 6a, 6b, 7, 8a, 8b include first locking devices 6a, 6b and second locking devices 7, 8a, 8b. The first locking devices 6a, 6b have a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, at least one of the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 is prevented from moving in the first direction. In the unlocked state, both the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 can move in the first direction. The second locking devices 7, 8a, 8b have a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the mutual distance between the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 is fixed. In the unlocked state, the mutual distance between the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 can be adjusted.

[0060] In the embodiment of the accompanying drawings, the first locking means 6a, 6b comprises a first locking element 6a for locking and unlocking the first drilling tool 3 in the first direction and a second locking element 6b for locking and unlocking the second drilling tool 4 in the first direction. Both locking elements 6a, 6b need to be in an unlocked state to allow the two drilling tools 3, 4 to move synchronously in the first direction. When the second locking means 7a, 8a, 8b are in the locked state, in order to prevent both the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 from moving in the first direction, it is sufficient to put one of the locking elements 6a, 6b of the first locking means in the locked state. It is sufficient to provide the drilling unit 1 with only one of the first locking element 6a and the second locking element 6b of the first locking means.

[0061] In the embodiment of the accompanying drawings, the second locking device comprises a locking rod 7. The locking rod comprises a plurality of slots 7a, 7b. At least one slot 7a, 7b is configured to engage with one of the drilling tools 3, 4, and at least two of the slots 7a, 7b are configured to engage with another drilling tool 3, 4. This allows the distance between the drilling tools 3, 4 to be set to at least two predetermined values. The second locking device also comprises knobs 8a, 8b, which can be used to clamp the locking rod 7 to a selected position. The knobs 8a, 8b can be provided with threads or biased by springs to provide a clamping force. Instead of slots 7a, 7b, the locking rod 7 can be provided with a hole, or the locking rod 7 can include, for example, a pin, which can engage with a hole or slot of the drilling tool 3, 4, or engage with a component for fastening the drilling tool 3, 4 to the body 2.

[0062] In the embodiment of the figures, the drilling unit 1 comprises fastening means 11a, 11b, 11c for rigidly attaching the drilling unit 1 to the carriage 20. The expression "rigidly" here means that the drilling unit 20 does not need to be supported by the operator of the drilling unit 1 during drilling, but the fastening means 11a, 11b, 11c can keep the drilling unit 1 in a desired position. In the embodiment of the figures, the fastening means 11a, 11b, 11c attach the body 2 of the drilling unit 1 to the carriage 20. The body 2 of the drilling unit 1 thus remains stationary relative to the carriage 20 when the drilling tools 3, 4 are moved. However, as mentioned above, the body 2 may be movable. Thus, fastening means may be attached to the carriage 20, for example rails allowing the body 2 to move relative to the carriage 20.

[0063] In the embodiment of the figures, the fastening means 11a, 11b, 11c are configured to attach the drilling unit 1 to the guardrail 21 of the carriage 20. However, the carriage 20 may also include some other structure to which the drilling unit 1 can be fastened. Instead of providing the drilling unit 1 with fastening means, the carriage 20 may include fastening means to allow the drilling unit 1 to be rigidly attached to the carriage 20, or a separate fastening means may be used.

[0064] In the embodiment of the drawings, the lateral guiding means comprises two guide rails 5a, 5b. However, the drilling unit 1 may comprise more than two guide rails or a single guide rail. Instead of the guide rails, the body 2 of the drilling unit 1 may comprise, for example, one or more grooves for guiding the movement of the drilling tools 3, 4 in the first direction. In the embodiment of the drawings, the two drilling tools 3, 4 are supported by the same guide rails 5a, 5c, but there may also be a separate guide rail for each drilling tool 3, 4. If the body 2 of the drilling unit 1 is movable relative to the bracket 20, there may be a guide rail or other guiding means only for one of the drilling tools 3, 4 to allow the mutual distance between the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 to be adjusted, or the body 2 may be provided with, for example, fastening holes to allow one of the drilling tools 3, 4 to be arranged in at least two different positions.

[0065] In the embodiment of the accompanying drawings, the axial guiding means comprises two guide rails 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b for each drilling tool 3, 4. Instead of two axial guide rails, there may be a single guide rail or more than two guide rails for each drilling tool 3, 4. In addition, the axial guide rails may be replaced by grooves or other guiding means. The first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 may be arranged to move on a common platform or similar structure. The lateral guiding means 5a, 5b may be arranged on a common platform.

[0066] In the embodiment of the drawings, the drilling unit 1 comprises third locking means 14a, 14b for locking and unlocking the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 in the second direction. The third locking means comprises a first locking element 14a for the first drilling tool 3 and a second locking element 14b for the second drilling tool 4. The first locking element 14a and the second locking element 14b allow the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 to be individually set in a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the drilling tools 3 and 4 are prevented from moving in the second direction, and in which the drilling tools 3 and 4 are allowed to move in the second direction.

[0067] The drilling unit 1 comprises a stop element 15 for stopping the movement of the drilling tools 3, 4 in the second direction when a predetermined hole depth has been reached. The stop element 15 is adjustable to allow setting a desired hole depth. The stop element 15 is configured to contact the wall when the predetermined hole depth is reached.

[0068] The drilling unit 1 further comprises a marking 18 for positioning the drilling tools 3, 4 in a first direction. The marking 18 can be aligned, for example, with a plumb line arranged in the elevator hoistway to correctly position the drilling tools 3, 4.

[0069] Figure 3 A drilling device according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 3The drilling device comprises a human-operable actuator element 12a for moving the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 in the second direction, and an actuating mechanism 13a, 13b for converting the movement of the actuator element 13a into the movement of the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 for drilling. Therefore, drilling is performed manually by the operator of the drilling device.

[0070] In the embodiment of the figures, the actuator element 12a is arranged at a distance from the drilling unit 1. This improves the safety of the drilling arrangement, since the operator does not need to be close to the drilling tools 3, 4 when drilling. The operator's exposure to vibrations, dust and noise caused by drilling is thus reduced.

[0071] In the embodiment of the accompanying drawings, the actuator element 12a is a pedal. The pedal 12a is arranged in the pedal unit 12, and the pedal unit 12 can be located on the bottom plate of the carriage 20. The actuating mechanism includes Bowden cables 13a, 13b. The Bowden cable is a flexible cable including an outer cable housing and an inner cable. The inner cable can move in the cable housing. When the pedal 12a is pressed, the inner cable is pulled. The inner cable is configured to pull the drilling tool 3, 4 toward the wall to be drilled. In the embodiment of the accompanying drawings, there is a cable 13a, 13b for each drilling tool 3, 4. However, the drilling tool 3, 4 can be configured to be pulled by a common cable. The Bowden cable provides a convenient way to transfer force from the pedal 12a to the drilling tool 3, 4. This allows the drilling unit 1 to be easily moved to the other side of the carriage 20, for example, for drilling another wall of the elevator shaft.

[0072] Two drilling units 1 can be connected to the same actuator element 12a. This would allow using two drilling units 1 simultaneously, for example for drilling holes into two different walls of an elevator shaft.

[0073] In the embodiment of the drawings, the drilling device is provided with means 16a, 16b for inhibiting the movement of the drilling tools 3, 4 in the second direction by operation of the actuator element 12a. Thus, one of the drilling tools 3, 4 can be disconnected from the actuator element 12a to allow movement of a single drilling tool 3, 4. This allows the use of one of the drilling tools 3, 4 for tasks that require only a single hole. In the embodiment of the drawings, the locking lever 7 also needs to be disconnected from at least one of the drilling tools 3, 4 to prevent the drilling tool 3, 4 disconnected from the actuator element 12a from moving together with the other drilling tool 3, 4.

[0074] Many modifications of the actuation system are possible. For example, instead of a Bowden cable, the carriage 20 and / or the drilling unit 1 may be provided with a pulley or other means for arranging a cable between the pedal unit 12 and the drilling unit 1. Instead of the pedal 12a, some other type of actuator element (such as a hand lever) may be used in connection with the Bowden cable or other cables. The actuator element does not need to be remotely positioned, but it may also form an integral part of the drilling unit 1. Instead of a pedal or lever and cable, some other type of actuator element and actuation mechanism may be used. For example, the actuator element may be a rotatable crank or wheel, and the actuation mechanism may include a screw shaft.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drilling device can be used to drill holes for guide rails of an elevator, as described below and as shown in Figure 6 The flowchart is shown in FIG.

[0076] The drilling of the hole starts from the lower part of the elevator shaft. The carriage 20 is first moved to a position where the operator can check whether the wall has the height of the reinforcement element in the expected position of the hole (step 101). In this position of the carriage 20, the drill bits 17a, 17b of the drilling tools 3, 4 can be slightly below the expected height of the hole, for example 100-300mm. By not moving the carriage 20 directly to the drilling height, the drilling tools 3, 4 will not interfere with the detection of the reinforcement element.

[0077] Next, the position of the first drilling tool 3 and the second drilling tool 4 in the first direction is checked (step 102). This can be done, for example, by using a plumb line arranged in the elevator shaft. The drilling unit 1 may include a mark 18, which is intended to be aligned with the plumb line at the correct position of the drilling tools 3, 4. If the drilling tools 3, 4 are not correctly positioned in the first direction, the position is adjusted (step 103).

[0078] In the next step, the operator of the drilling device determines whether a reinforcing element is present in the wall in the intended location of the hole (step 104). This can be done, for example, by a handheld scanner 19, which is configured to detect reinforcing elements.

[0079] If a reinforcing element is detected, the position of the drilling tools 3, 4 in the first direction is adjusted (step 105). The drilling tools 3, 4 can be moved synchronously when the mutual distance between the drilling tools 3, 4 is locked. This ensures that the holes are positioned at the correct distance from each other.

[0080] The carriage 20 is then moved to the drilling height (step 106). This step may be preceded by a step of marking the intended position of the hole. The drilling unit 1 may include means for displaying the position of the hole while the carriage 20 is still at the height at which the possible reinforcement element is detected. The drilling unit 1 may include, for example, a laser pointer.

[0081] The hole is drilled by synchronously moving the drilling tools 3, 4 in the second direction (step 107).

[0082] Many modifications of the method are possible. For example, the carriage 20 can be moved directly to the drilling height. If the drilling tools 3, 4 can be moved a sufficient distance in the second direction, the wall can be scanned to detect possible reinforcement elements even if the drilling tools 3, 4 are already at the correct drilling height. Moreover, the drilling device can be provided with means for adjusting the vertical position of the drilling tools 3, 4 relative to the carriage 20. The drilling tools 3, 4 can be arranged in a lower position to allow scanning of the wall and, after scanning, the drilling tools 3, 4 can be moved upwards to the drilling position.

[0083] Adjustment of the position of the drilling tools 3, 4 relative to the plumb line may be performed after the carriage 20 has been moved to the drilling height. If the carriage 20 can position the drilling unit 1 accurately enough in the first direction, the adjustment step may be unnecessary.

[0084] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but may be varied within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drilling device for drilling a hole in a wall of an elevator shaft to fasten a guide rail to the wall, the drilling device comprising a drilling unit (1), the drilling unit (1) being configured to be supported by a bracket (20), the bracket (20) being movable in a vertical direction in the elevator shaft, the drilling unit (1) being configured to be rigidly attached to the bracket (20), the drilling unit (1) comprising: - a subject (2), - a first drilling tool (3), attached to said body (2), a second drilling tool (4) attached to the body (2) and having the same drilling direction as the first drilling tool (3), the second drilling tool (4) being positioned at a distance from the first drilling tool (3) along a first direction, the first direction being a horizontal direction parallel to the wall to be drilled in the use position of the drilling unit (1), - lateral guiding means (5a, 5b) configured to allow movement of the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) so ​​that when the drilling unit (1) is in use, both the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) are movable in the first direction relative to the carriage (20), - locking means (6a, 6b, 7, 8a, 8b) configured to allow locking of the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) in a specific position relative to the bracket (20), and - axial guiding means (9a, 9b, 10a, 10b) configured to allow the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) to move in a second direction which, in the use position of the drilling unit (1), is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the wall to be drilled.

2. The drilling device according to claim 1, wherein: The mutual distance between the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) is adjustable.

3. The drilling device according to claim 2, wherein: The drilling unit (1) is configured to allow the mutual distance between the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) to be selected from a limited number of predetermined values.

4. The drilling device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The locking device (6a, 6b, 7, 8a, 8b) comprises a first locking device (6a, 6b) and a second locking device (7, 8a, 8b), wherein the first locking device (6a, 6b) has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, at least one of the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) is prevented from moving in the first direction, and in the unlocked state, both the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) can move in the first direction, and the second locking device (7, 8a, 8b) has a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the unlocked state, the mutual distance between the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) is fixed, and in the unlocked state, the mutual distance between the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) can be adjusted.

5. A drilling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The locking means (6a, 6b, 7, 8a, 8b) are configured to allow a locking function, wherein the mutual distance between the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) is fixed, but allowing the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) to move synchronously in the first direction.

6. A drilling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The drilling unit (1) comprises fastening means (11a, 11b, 11c) for rigidly attaching the drilling unit (1) to the bracket (20).

7. Drilling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral guiding means comprises at least one guide rail (5a, 5b).

8. Drilling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the axial guiding means comprises at least one guide rail (9a, 9b, 10a, 10b).

9. A drilling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The drilling unit (1) is configured to allow synchronous movement of the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) in the second direction to allow drilling of two holes at a time, and to allow disabling of the synchronous movement to allow drilling of a single hole.

10. A drilling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The drilling device comprises a human-operable actuator element (12a) for moving the first drilling tool (3) and / or the second drilling tool (4) in the second direction, and an actuating mechanism (12a, 12b) for converting the movement of the actuator element (12a) into the movement of the first drilling tool (3) and / or the second drilling tool (4) for drilling.

11. The drilling device according to claim 10, wherein: The actuator element (12a) is configured to be arranged at a distance from the drilling unit (1).

12. The drilling device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The actuator element (12a) is a pedal.

13. The drilling device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The actuation mechanism comprises cables (13a, 13b).

14. The drilling device according to claim 13, wherein: The actuation mechanism comprises Bowden cables (13a, 13b).

15. A drilling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The drilling device comprises a bracket (20) which is configured to be movable in a vertical direction in an elevator hoistway, and the drilling unit (1) is rigidly attached to the bracket (20).

16. Use of a drilling device according to any one of the preceding claims for drilling a hole in a wall of an elevator hoistway.

17. A method for drilling a hole into a wall of an elevator shaft using the drilling device according to claim 15, the method comprising the following steps: - moving the carriage (20) to a height at which the drill bits (17a, 17b) of the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) are at the height of the hole (106) to be drilled, and - drilling by synchronously moving the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) in the second direction (107).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The method comprises the following steps before the step (107) of drilling the hole: - determining whether the wall comprises a reinforcing element in the intended location of the hole (104), and - upon detection of a reinforcing element, causing the first drilling tool (3) and the second drilling tool (4) to move synchronously in the first direction, such that drilling into the reinforcing element (105) is avoided.

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