mounting carriage

Abstract

A mounting carriage (30) for mounting components in an elevator shaft comprises a frame (32) configured to be movable in a vertical direction in the elevator shaft and at least one tool (3) configured to perform at least one process step related to mounting a component in the elevator shaft, the tool (3) being movable relative to the frame (32) of the mounting carriage (30), wherein the mounting carriage (30) comprises at least one balancing mass (40, 41) movable relative to the frame (32) of the mounting carriage (30) and relative to the tool (3) to compensate for an imbalance caused by the movement of the tool (3) relative to the frame (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a mounting carriage for installing components in an elevator shaft, as described in claim 1. This utility model also relates to the use of such a mounting carriage and a method for mounting components to the wall of an elevator shaft, as defined in the other independent claims. Background Technology

[0002] Most elevators are equipped with vertical guide rails for guiding the elevator car and counterweight. Typically, elevators have their own guide rails for both the elevator car and counterweight. The guide rails extend vertically from the bottom to the top of the elevator shaft. Each guide rail typically consists of several vertical segments. The guide rails are assembled by connecting these segments together 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 guide rail brackets. The stalks of the profile form a nose, which serves as a support surface for the elevator car or counterweight. Typically, each of the elevator car and counterweight is supported between a pair of opposing guide rails.

[0003] Guide rail brackets can be attached to the wall of the elevator shaft using threaded fasteners. Wedge anchors are commonly used to secure guide rail brackets. Alternatively, the elevator shaft wall can be provided with inserts that allow the brackets to be bolted to the wall.

[0004] The installation of guide rails typically requires a significant amount of manual work. If wedge anchors are used to secure the guide rail brackets, holes need to be drilled for the wedge anchors. Regardless of whether wedge anchors or fastening inserts are used, bolts or other fastening elements are required, and conventionally, the tightening of these elements is done manually using wrenches or impact screwdrivers. Especially in high-rise buildings, manual tightening of bolts is laborious and time-consuming.

[0005] Many other components, such as landing doors, also need to be installed in the elevator shaft. Installing these components into the elevator shaft is a one-time task, therefore a simple and cost-effective solution is needed to automate each stage of the installation process. Utility Model Content

[0006] One object of this invention is to provide a mounting carriage for installing components in an elevator shaft. Features of the mounting carriage are presented in claim 1. Another object of this invention is to provide uses for such a mounting carriage and a method for mounting components to the wall of an elevator shaft. Characteristic features of the uses and methods are presented in the other independent claims.

[0007] The mounting carriage according to the present invention includes a frame, at least one tool, and at least one counterweight. The frame is configured to move vertically in an elevator shaft. The tool is configured to perform at least one process step related to installing a component in the elevator shaft. The tool is movable relative to the frame of the mounting carriage. The counterweight is movable relative to the frame of the mounting carriage and relative to the tool to compensate for imbalance caused by the movement of the tool relative to the frame.

[0008] The moving counterweight helps keep the mounting carriage level. This facilitates various operations performed by the tools used to install the carriage, such as measurement and bolt tightening. Therefore, the need to support the mounting carriage against the elevator shaft wall during operation and the need for compensation functions in the control system of the mounting carriage due to tilting can be reduced. The mounting carriage according to this invention facilitates partial or full automation of the installation of elevator guide rails and / or other components, or at least facilitates partial or full automation of certain stages of the installation.

[0009] According to this utility model, the mounting carriage defined above can be used to tighten threaded fasteners to attach components to the wall of the elevator shaft.

[0010] According to this utility model, the method for installing a component onto the wall of an elevator shaft using the mounting carriage defined above includes the following steps:

[0011] - Move the carriage within the elevator shaft to a height that allows at least one process step related to component installation to be performed using the tools for installing the carriage.

[0012] - Move the tool in at least one horizontal direction to allow the process steps to be performed by the tool, and

[0013] - To move the balance mass block of the carriage relative to the frame of the carriage and relative to the tool to compensate for the imbalance caused by the movement of the tool.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tool can move linearly relative to the frame on which the carriage is mounted.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one balancing mass block is linearly movable relative to the frame on which the carriage is mounted and relative to the tool. By making both the tool and the balancing mass block linearly movable, compensation for imbalance is easily achieved.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one balancing mass is configured to move automatically in response to movement of the tool. The automatic movement of the balancing mass can be achieved through a mechanical or electrical connection.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting carriage is configured such that the position of the center of gravity of the mounting carriage in the horizontal plane remains substantially unchanged when the tool moves relative to the frame of the carriage.

[0018] According to an embodiment of this invention, the tool and at least one balancing mass are mechanically connected, such that movement of the tool causes the balancing mass to move in the opposite direction. This mechanical connection ensures reliable operation of the balancing function and eliminates the need for a separate motor for the balancing mass.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tool and at least one counterweight are connected to each other via a flexible element, such that movement of the tool pulls the counterweight in the opposite direction. The flexible element can be, for example, a line, cable, rope, belt, or chain. The flexible element allows for a light force transmission connection between the tool and the counterweight.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the carriage includes at least one electric motor for moving the tool relative to the frame. The carriage may include two or more electric motors for moving the tool in different directions.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting carriage includes at least one linear guide for allowing the tool to move relative to the frame. The linear guide allows the carriage to be configured for a wide range of tool movement.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting carriage includes at least one linear guide for allowing the balancing mass block to move relative to the frame and the tool.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tool is linearly movable at least in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the at least one balancing mass block includes at least one balancing mass block linearly movable relative to the frame and the tool in the first direction and at least one balancing mass block linearly movable relative to the frame and the tool in the second direction. This allows the carriage to be kept horizontal in both directions.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one balancing mass block includes a first balancing mass block capable of linear movement along a first direction and a second balancing mass block capable of linear movement along a second direction. The two separate balancing mass blocks allow for a simple mechanical connection between the tool and each of the balancing mass blocks.

[0025] According to an embodiment of this invention, the control cabinet for mounting the carriage is configured to form part of at least one balancing mass block. By using the control cabinet as part of the balancing mass block, the weight of the carriage can be kept low.

[0026] According to an embodiment of this utility model, the tool is a bolting tool. This tool can be used, for example, to fasten bolts or other threaded fasteners for attaching elevator guide rails to the wall of the elevator shaft. The bolting tool can also be used to attach other components (such as components of landing doors) to the wall. The tool can also be a drilling tool or a measuring tool.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tool is configured to rotate about a vertical axis to allow operation on at least two different walls of an elevator shaft. Therefore, the tool can be used, for example, to attach guide rails to opposite walls of an elevator shaft.

[0028] In the method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the balancing mass block moves simultaneously with the tool. Therefore, the mounting carriage always remains balanced.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the process steps are tightening threaded fasteners for securing components to the wall of the elevator shaft, drilling, inspecting specific components in the elevator shaft, or measuring. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates an elevator shaft with two guide rails.

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view of a mounting carriage according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 Another perspective view showing the installation of the carriage is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 A partial side view showing the mounting of the carriage is shown.

[0035] Figure 5 A perspective front view showing the mounting of the carriage is shown.

[0036] Figure 6 A top view showing the installation of the carriage is shown, and

[0037] Figure 7 A flowchart of the method according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1An elevator shaft is schematically shown. The elevator shaft is provided with guide rails 20. The guide rails 20 are configured to guide an elevator car (not shown) moving vertically within the elevator shaft. Similar guide rails can be provided for the elevator's counterweight. Each guide rail 20 includes multiple guide rail segments 20a. The guide rails 20 are attached to the wall of the elevator shaft via guide rail brackets 23. Thus, the brackets 23 are attached to the wall, and the guide rails 20 are attached to the brackets 23. Each bracket 23 is attached to the wall by means of two or more threaded fastening elements. The threaded fastening elements can be, for example, bolts. The guide rails 20 can be attached to the brackets 23 by means of threaded fastening elements (such as bolts and nuts).

[0039] The process of installing the guide rail 20 can be fully or partially automated. This invention facilitates the automation of the guide rail 20 installation process. However, this invention can also be used to facilitate the installation of other components installed in the elevator shaft. As an example, this invention can be used for the installation of elevator landing doors.

[0040] To secure the guide rail 20 to the wall of the elevator shaft using threaded fastening elements, the wall needs to be configured to mate with the threaded fastening elements. A typical method of securing the guide rail 20 involves drilling a hole in the wall and using wedge anchors to secure the guide rail bracket 23. This invention can be used in the process of securing wedge anchors. However, the installation of wedge anchors is difficult to automate, and therefore the wall can be provided with threaded mating parts for the threaded fastening elements. For example, the wall can be provided with an insert including a hole with internal threads. The threaded fastening element can be a bolt that engages with the thread of the insert. Alternatively, the wall can be provided with an insert having a C-shaped groove and a T-bolt arranged in the groove. Therefore, the threaded fastening element can be a nut that mates with the T-bolt. The wall can also be provided with a threaded rod protruding from the wall, and the threaded fastening element can be a nut that mates with the threaded rod.

[0041] Figure 2-6Different views of the mounting carriage 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the mounting carriage 30 is a bolting carriage provided with a bolting tool 3. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the bolting tool 3 is arranged in a bolting unit 1. The bolting tool 3 is, for example, an electrically driven tool that tightens threaded fastening elements, such as bolts. The bolting tool 3 and the mounting carriage 30 can be used to tighten threaded fastening elements for securing the elevator guide rail 20 to the wall of the elevator shaft. However, instead of the bolting tool 3, or in addition to the bolting tool 3, the mounting carriage 30 can also be configured to carry one or more other tools to perform at least one process step related to installing components in the elevator shaft. For example, the tool can be a drill for drilling holes in the wall of the elevator shaft to allow subsequent attachment of components. The tool can also be a measuring tool. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the bolting carriage 30 includes a measuring device 52 as an additional tool. The measuring device 52 may include one or more sensors. The measuring device 52 can be configured, for example, to detect bolts or other threaded fasteners to be tightened by the bolting tool 3. Therefore, the measuring device 52 can be used to facilitate the tightening of bolts or other fasteners. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the measuring device 52 is configured to move together with the bolting tool 3. Alternatively, or in addition to facilitating bolt tightening, the measuring device 52 can provide information about the location of the mounting carriage 30 and / or measure the elevator shaft or components arranged in the shaft. The measuring device 52 can form the sole tool for mounting the carriage 30.

[0042] The mounting carriage 30 is configured to move vertically within an elevator shaft. The mounting carriage 30 includes a frame 32. The mounting carriage 30 is supported by one or more lifting members 31 (such as ropes or cables). A drive mechanism, such as an electric motor or elevator, is provided at the upper end of the elevator shaft for lifting the mounting carriage 30. The mounting carriage 30 includes wheels 33 that support the mounting carriage 30 against at least one wall of the elevator shaft. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the wheels 33 are configured to support the mounting carriage 30 against the rear wall of the elevator shaft. The mounting carriage 30 may be supported against two or more walls of the elevator shaft. The walls may be opposing or adjacent walls. The wheels 33 are not essential, but the mounting carriage 30 may be alternatively supported against one or more walls. For example, if the mounting carriage 30 is used after the elevator car or counterweight guide rails have been at least partially installed, the mounting carriage 30 may be supported by the guide rails.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the bolting unit 1 and therefore the bolting tool 3 are configured to be movable relative to the frame 32 of the carriage 30 along a first direction A, which is a horizontal direction in the usage position of the carriage 30. In the usage position of the carriage 30, the first direction A is parallel to the directions of the two walls of the elevator shaft. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first direction A is parallel to the side walls of the elevator shaft, i.e., the walls without landing doors. The bolting unit 1 and the bolting tool 3 can also be moved along a second direction B. The second direction B is a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the first direction A. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the second direction B is parallel to the rear and front walls of the elevator shaft. The bolting unit 1 and the bolting tool 3 are further configured to be movable relative to the frame 32 of the carriage 30 along a third direction C, which is a vertical direction.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the mounting carriage 30 includes linear guides 34, 35, 36, and 37 for allowing the bolted unit 1 to move along a first direction A and a second direction B. The mounting carriage 30 includes a first pair of linear guides 34 and 35. The first pair of linear guides 34 and 35 allows the bolted unit 1 to move along the first direction A. The mounting carriage 30 also includes a second pair of linear guides 36 and 37. The second pair of linear guides 36 and 37 allows the bolted unit 1 to move along the second direction B. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the first pair of linear guides 34 and 35 are fixedly attached to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30. The second pair of linear guides 36 and 37 are arranged to be movable along the first pair of linear guides 34 and 35. However, the second pair of linear guides 36 and 37 can be fixed to the frame 32, and the first pair of linear guides 34 and 35 can be movable along the second pair of linear guides 36 and 37. The bolted unit 1 is capable of moving along a single linear guide in each direction A and B.

[0045] The mounting carriage 30 includes a drive mechanism for moving the bolted unit 1 on linear guides 34, 35, 36, and 37. The drive mechanism may include, for example, an electric motor and a force transmission device. The force transmission device may include, for example, a ball screw, chain, or belt. Alternatively, the drive mechanism may include a pneumatic cylinder. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the mounting carriage 30 includes a first electric motor 39 for moving the bolted unit 1 along a first direction A and a second electric motor 44 for moving the bolted unit 1 along a second direction B.

[0046] The mounting carriage 30 is used to at least roughly position the bolting tool 3 in the vertical direction of the elevator shaft. The mounting carriage 30 is thus used to move the bolting unit 1 to a vertical position, where the bolting tool 3 can be brought into a position where it can engage with the threaded fastening element. Fine positioning of the bolting tool 3 in the vertical direction is achieved by moving the bolting unit 1 relative to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30 in the vertical direction C. The mounting carriage 30 is provided with a linear guide 38 for allowing the bolting unit 1 to move in the vertical direction C. The mounting carriage 30 is also provided with a third electric motor 45 for moving the bolting unit 1 in the vertical direction C. The linear guide 38 is supported by a second pair of linear guides 36, 37, and thus moves in both the first direction A and the second direction B. The means for fine positioning of the bolting tool 1 can also be implemented in many other ways besides the linear guide 38 and the third electric motor 45. For example, movement in the vertical direction can be achieved, for example, by means of a lever mechanism and an electric motor and gears or pneumatic cylinders. Moreover, the bolting tool 3 can be vertically positioned simply by moving the mounting carriage 30.

[0047] Instead of the linear guides 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38 of the mounting carriage 30, the bolting unit 1 can be supported, for example, by an industrial robot attached to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30. Therefore, the mounting carriage 30 can be used to coarsely position the bolting unit 1 in the vertical direction, and the robot can be used to move the bolting unit 1 in three dimensions to align the bolting tool 3 with the threaded fastening element. The robot can be in the form of a robotic arm. The mounting carriage 30 can be equipped with both a robotic arm and linear guides. For example, the linear guides can be used to move the robotic arm to different sides of the elevator shaft, while the robotic arm can position the bolting unit 1 more precisely relative to the threaded fastening element.

[0048] The movement of the mounting carriage 30 can be automatic. The mounting carriage 30 may be equipped with means for providing spatial data relating to its position in the elevator shaft, and this data can be used to control the drive mechanism for moving the mounting carriage 30. The spatial data can indicate the absolute position of the mounting carriage 30. Alternatively, data relating to the relative position of the mounting carriage 30 can be used to control its movement. For example, the distance to previously tightened bolts or other threaded fasteners can be used to control the movement of the mounting carriage 30. The mounting carriage 30 may also include one or more sensors for positioning the threaded fasteners, and data from the sensors can be used to control the movement of the mounting carriage 30. The sensors may be arranged in a measuring device 52. The measuring device 52 may also be configured to provide spatial data relating to the position of the mounting carriage 30. The movement of the mounting carriage 30 does not need to be automated, but the mounting carriage 30 can be remotely controlled by an operator.

[0049] The bolted unit 1 is configured to rotate about a vertical axis C to allow operation on different walls of the elevator shaft. The mounting carriage 30 is equipped with a fourth electric motor 46 for allowing the bolted unit 1 to rotate.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the mounting carriage 30 is supported only by wheels 33 against the rear wall of the elevator shaft. As the bolting unit 1 moves in the horizontal plane, the center of gravity of the mounting carriage 30 shifts. If the movement of the bolting unit 1 is not compensated, the mounting carriage 30 is tilted. To ensure proper operation of the tools used to mount the carriage 30, the tilt of the mounting carriage 30 may require compensation functionality from the control system of the carriage 30.

[0051] To prevent or at least reduce tilting of the mounting carriage, the mounting carriage 30 is provided with at least one balancing mass block 40, 41. The balancing mass blocks 40, 41 are movable relative to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30 and relative to the tool 3 to compensate for imbalances caused by movement of the tool 3 relative to the frame 32. Preferably, the balancing mass blocks 40, 41 are movable to keep the center of gravity of the mounting carriage substantially stationary in the horizontal plane. Therefore, the balancing mass blocks 40, 41 can move synchronously with the bolting unit 1, such that the center of gravity of the mounting carriage 30 does not move during movement of the bolting tool 3 or other tools. However, the tool 3 and the balancing mass blocks 40, 41 do not need to move simultaneously; rather, the balancing mass blocks 40, 41 can move after or before the tool 3 moves, such that the position of the center of gravity of the mounting carriage 30 in the horizontal plane is substantially the same in each operating position of the tool 3 (i.e., in the position where the tool 3 is used to perform tasks related to the installation process of the component).

[0052] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the mounting carriage 30 includes a first balancing mass block 40 and a second balancing mass block 41. The first balancing mass block 40 is movable relative to the frame 32 and the tool 3 along a first direction A, and the second balancing mass block 41 is movable relative to the frame 32 and the tool 3 along a second direction B. This allows compensation for imbalances caused by the movement of the tool 3 in both the first direction A and the second direction B. However, depending on the application, it may be sufficient to compensate for the imbalance in only one direction, in which case the mounting carriage 30 may be provided with a single balancing mass block 40, 41. Furthermore, the single balancing mass block 40, 41 may be configured to move relative to the frame 32 and the tool 3 along both the first direction A and the second direction B, which would allow the same balancing mass block 40, 41 to compensate for imbalances in both directions A and B.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, each balancing mass block 40, 41 is linearly movable relative to the tool 3 in one direction along the horizontal plane. The first balancing mass block 40 is configured to move along a third pair of linear guides 47, 48 in a first direction A. The second balancing mass block 41 is configured to move along a fourth pair of linear guides 49, 50 in a second direction B. Each of the balancing mass blocks 40, 41 may also be configured to move along a single linear guide, or the balancing mass blocks 40, 41 may be supported in some other manner.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the third pair of linear guides 47, 48 are fixedly attached to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30. The fourth pair of linear guides 49, 50 are configured to move together with the second pair of linear guides 36, 37. Therefore, the second counterweight 41 also moves along the first direction A with the bolted unit 1. Thus, the first counterweight 40 is configured to also compensate for the imbalance caused by the movement of the second counterweight 41 along the first direction A. However, the fourth pair of linear guides 49, 50 may also be fixedly attached to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30.

[0055] Preferably, each balancing mass block 40, 41 is configured to move automatically in response to movement of the tool 3. In the embodiment shown in the figures, this is achieved by mechanically coupling each of the balancing mass blocks 40, 41 to the tool 3, such that movement of the tool 3 causes the corresponding balancing mass block 40, 41 to move in the opposite direction. For example, when the bolting unit 1 and the bolting tool 3 move to the left along the first direction A, the first balancing mass block 40 moves to the right along the first direction A.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the first balancing mass 40 is connected to the bolted unit 1 by means of a first line 42 forming a continuous loop. The line 42 is arranged around the pulley 53. When the bolted unit 1 is moved, the first line 42 pulls the first balancing mass 40 in the opposite direction. Instead of the line, a cable, chain, belt, or other flexible element can be used to transmit the movement of the bolted unit 1 along the first direction A to the first balancing mass 40.

[0057] Similarly, the second counterweight 41 is connected to the bolted unit 1 by means of a second line 43 forming a continuous loop. The line 43 is arranged around the pulley 54. When the bolted unit 1 is moved, the second line 43 pulls the second counterweight 41 in the opposite direction. Instead of the line, a cable, chain, belt, or other flexible element can be used to transmit the movement of the bolted unit 1 in the second direction B to the second counterweight 41.

[0058] By using flexible elements 42 and 43 to transmit the movement of the bolted unit 1 to the counterweights 40 and 41, the counterweights 40 and 41 are ensured to move synchronously with the bolted unit 1, thereby maintaining the balance of the mounting carriage 30. Furthermore, the number of motors required in the mounting carriage 30 can be minimized. However, the movement of the counterweights 40 and 41 can also be achieved in many other ways. For example, each counterweight 40 and 41 can be equipped with a dedicated motor for moving the counterweights 40 and 41.

[0059] The first counterweight 40 and the component that moves together with the first counterweight 40 relative to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30 along the first direction A are hereinafter referred to as the first counterweight assembly. The tool 3 and the component that moves together with the tool 3 along the first direction A relative to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30 are hereinafter referred to as the first tool assembly. The mounting carriage 30 is preferably configured such that the weight of the first counterweight assembly is substantially equal to the weight of the first tool assembly. Furthermore, the distance of the center of gravity of the first counterweight assembly from such a centerline of the mounting carriage 30 parallel to the second direction B is configured to be equal to the distance of the center of gravity of the first tool assembly from such a centerline of the mounting carriage 30 parallel to the second direction B. However, the first counterweight assembly and the first tool assembly are located on opposite sides of said centerline. This keeps the position of the center of gravity of the mounting carriage 30 unchanged as the tool 3 moves along the first direction A.

[0060] The second counterweight 41 and the component that moves together with the second counterweight 41 relative to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30 along the second direction B are hereinafter referred to as the second counterweight assembly. The tool 3 and the component that moves together with the tool 3 in the second direction B relative to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30 are hereinafter referred to as the second tool assembly. The mounting carriage 30 is preferably configured such that the weight of the second counterweight assembly is substantially equal to the weight of the second tool assembly. Furthermore, the distance of the center of gravity of the second counterweight assembly from the center line of the mounting carriage 30 parallel to the first direction A is configured to be equal to the distance of the center of gravity of the second tool assembly from the center line of the mounting carriage 30 parallel to the first direction A. However, the second counterweight assembly and the second tool assembly are located on opposite sides of said center line. This keeps the position of the center of gravity of the mounting carriage 30 unchanged when the tool 3 moves along the second direction B.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the second pair of linear guides 36, 37 move together with the tool 3 along a first direction A. Therefore, the first tool assembly includes the second pair of linear guides 36, 37, while the second tool assembly does not.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the control cabinet 51 for mounting the carriage 30 is configured to form part of the second counterweight block 41. By utilizing the control cabinet 51 as part of the second counterweight block 41, the weight of the mounting carriage 30 can be minimized. The control cabinet 51 may include a control unit for controlling the operation of the mounting carriage 30 and / or the tool 3 for mounting the carriage 30.

[0063] The method according to this invention includes the following steps: The mounting carriage 30 is moved in the elevator shaft to a height that allows at least one process step related to the installation of a component to be performed by a tool 3 of the mounting carriage 30 (step 101). The tool 3 may be a bolting tool 3, and the process step may be tightening a bolt or other threaded fastening element for attaching the component directly or via another component to the wall of the elevator shaft. The tool 3 is moved relative to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30 in at least one horizontal direction A, B to allow the process step to be performed by the tool 3 (step 102). If the process step is tightening a bolt or other fastening element, the tool 3 is moved to a position where the tool head can engage with the fastening element. The method further includes the step of moving the balancing mass blocks 40, 41 of the carriage 30 relative to the frame 32 of the mounting carriage 30 and relative to the tool 3 to compensate for any imbalance caused by the movement of the tool 3 (step 103).

[0064] The steps of this method can be performed in different orders. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the balancing mass blocks 40 and 41 move simultaneously with the tool 3. However, the balancing mass blocks 40 and 41 can also move after the tool 3 moves, or vice versa. Furthermore, the vertical movement of the mounting carriage 30 can be performed after the tool 3 moves relative to the frame 32, or both movements can be performed simultaneously.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the bolting unit 1 includes a body 2 to which a bolting tool 3 is attached. The bolting unit 1 also includes support devices 4, 8 connected to the body 2. The bolting tool 3 is configured to engage with a threaded fastening element for tightening the threaded fastening element. The support devices 4, 8 are configured to engage with a fixed structure arranged in the elevator shaft to prevent the bolting unit 1 from rotating during the tightening of the threaded fastening element.

[0066] The support devices 4 and 8 of the bolting unit 1 prevent rotation of the bolting unit 1 during tightening of the fastening elements. The support devices 4 and 8 provide partial support for the bolting tool 3, allowing the mounting carriage 30 to be lighter because the supports of the mounting carriage 30 do not need to provide counter-torque for the bolting tool 3. The force applied to the linear guides 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, or other structures supporting the bolting unit 1 is reduced. Furthermore, the required tightening torque can be provided, for example, using a servo motor and gears. Therefore, an impact actuator is not required to tighten the bolts. Vibration caused by the use of an impact actuator can thus be avoided, which can increase the lifespan of the components of the mounting carriage 30. For example, the lifespan of various sensors used in the mounting carriage 30 can be increased.

[0067] The mounting carriage 30 according to this invention helps ensure that the support devices 4 and 8 of the bolted unit 1 are correctly aligned with the fixing structure. The fixing structure that engages with the support devices 4 and 8 can be a guide rail 23 or a guide rail bracket.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the support device includes a first support unit 4 and a second support unit 8. The bolting unit 1 therefore includes two support units 4 and 8. Each of the support units 4 and 8 includes slots 7 and 11 configured to engage with a plate-like fixing structure. As described above, the plate-like fixing structure can be, for example, a guide rail 23 or part of a guide rail bracket. The guide rail 23 can be a guide rail attached to the wall of the elevator shaft or another guide rail. Instead of providing two support units 4 and 8, the bolting unit 1 can include a single support unit.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be varied within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mounting carriage (30) for installing components in an elevator shaft, characterized in that, The mounting carriage (30) includes a frame (32) and at least one tool (3), the frame (32) being configured to move vertically within the elevator shaft, the at least one tool (3) being configured to perform at least one process step related to installing a component in the elevator shaft, the tool (3) being movable relative to the frame (32) of the mounting carriage (30), wherein the mounting carriage (30) includes at least one balancing mass (40, 41) being movable relative to the frame (32) of the mounting carriage (30) and relative to the tool (3) to compensate for imbalance caused by the movement of the tool (3) relative to the frame (32).

2. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool (3) is capable of linear movement relative to the frame (32) of the mounting carriage (30).

3. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one balancing mass block (40, 41) is capable of linear movement relative to the frame (32) of the mounting carriage (30) and relative to the tool (3).

4. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one balancing mass block (40, 41) is configured to move automatically in response to the movement of the tool (3).

5. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting carriage (30) is configured such that the position of the center of gravity of the mounting carriage (30) in the horizontal plane remains substantially unchanged when the tool (3) moves relative to the frame (32) of the carriage (30).

6. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The tool (3) and the at least one balancing mass block (40, 41) are mechanically connected such that movement of the tool (3) causes the balancing mass block (40, 41) to move in the opposite direction.

7. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tool (3) and the at least one balancing mass block (40, 41) are connected to each other by flexible elements (42, 43), such that the movement of the tool (3) pulls the balancing mass block (40, 41) in the opposite direction.

8. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The carriage (30) includes at least one electric motor (39, 44, 45, 46) for moving the tool (3) relative to the frame (32).

9. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mounting carriage (30) includes at least one linear guide (34, 35, 36, 37, 38) for allowing the tool (3) to move relative to the frame (32).

10. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting carriage (30) includes at least one linear guide (47, 48, 49, 50) for allowing the balancing mass blocks (40, 41) to move relative to the frame (32) and the tool (3).

11. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The tool (3) is capable of linear movement at least along a first direction (A) and a second direction (B) perpendicular to the first direction (A), and the at least one balancing mass block (40, 41) includes at least one balancing mass block (40) capable of linear movement relative to the frame (32) and the tool (3) along the first direction (A) and at least one balancing mass block (41) capable of linear movement relative to the frame (32) and the tool (3) along the second direction (B).

12. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one balancing mass block (40, 41) includes a first balancing mass block (40) capable of linear movement along the first direction (A) and a second balancing mass block (41) capable of linear movement along the second direction (B).

13. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The control cabinet (51) for mounting the carriage (30) is configured to form part of the at least one balancing mass block (40, 41).

14. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The tool (3) is a bolting tool, a drilling tool, or a measuring tool.

15. The mounting carriage (30) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The tool (3) is configured to rotate about a vertical axis to allow operation on at least two different walls of the elevator shaft.

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