TOP MODULE AND METHOD FOR CLOSING AN ELEVATOR SHAFT OF AN ELEVATOR SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a top module for closing a lift shaft of an elevator system according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for closing a lift shaft of an elevator system according to the preamble of claim 11.

[0002] The construction of an elevator shaft for an elevator system, for example, during the construction of a building and the subsequent installation of the elevator system, is complex and therefore associated with considerable costs. Typically, the elevator shaft is constructed first, and then the elevator system, including its components such as the cabin, counterweight, drive motor, and guide rails, is installed in the shaft. It has previously been proposed to construct the elevator shaft from several prefabricated modules in which the necessary components, such as guide rail sections, are already pre-assembled. Prefabrication and pre-assembly are not carried out on site, but in a factory. This approach requires less time on site. It also has a positive impact on the quality of the installation and the occupational safety of the installation personnel.When assembling the modules, the individual guide rail sections must be joined together to form continuous guide rails, with the individual guide rail sections touching at their end faces to ensure that the upper guide rail section is supported by the lower guide rail section. This is particularly important if the elevator system's drive motor is arranged in a top module that closes off the elevator shaft at the top so that it rests on a guide rail, i.e., is at least partially supported by the guide rail.

[0003] WO 2020 / 245373 A1 describes a top module and a method for closing off an elevator shaft of an elevator system. The top module has a first top module side wall and a top module ceiling, a first guide rail section fixed to the first top module side wall by means of a rail bracket, and a drive unit connected to the first guide rail section. WO 2020 / 245373 A1 does not address how the first guide rail section can be positioned relative to, or placed on, a guide rail section arranged below it.

[0004] In contrast, the object of the invention is, in particular, to propose a top module and a method for closing off an elevator shaft of an elevator system, which allow for the most extensive preparatory work possible on the top module and, in particular, a simple installation of the elevator system. According to the invention, this object is achieved with a top module having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 11.

[0005] The top module according to the invention for closing off an elevator shaft of an elevator system has a first top module side wall and a top module ceiling, a first guide rail section fixed to the first top module side wall by means of a rail bracket, and a drive unit connected to the first guide rail section. According to the invention, the top module is designed such that it can assume an operating state and a transport state. In the operating state, the first guide rail section and the drive unit assume operating positions, and a car of the elevator system can be moved in an elevator shaft closed off by the top module. In the transport state, the first guide rail section and the drive unit assume transport positions that differ from the operating positions. In the transport position, the first guide rail section is, in particular, at a smaller distance from the top module ceiling than in the transport position.When the top module closes the elevator shaft, it is positioned higher in the transport position than in the operating position. Because the first guide rail section has an elongated shape, the transport position and the operating position differ in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail section, which is primarily vertical during elevator operation. In the transverse direction of the guide rail section, i.e., primarily horizontal during elevator operation, the transport position differs little or not at all from the operating position. Slight differences in the transverse direction may arise depending on the alignment of the first guide rail section.

[0006] The top module according to the invention can thus be manufactured in a factory and brought into transport condition. The first guide rail section is secured in the transport position by means of at least one rail bracket to the first top module side wall. The drive unit, which comprises at least one drive motor for moving the car of the elevator system, is connected to the first guide rail section and thus brought into its transport position. The drive unit is connected to the first guide rail section in such a way that their relative positions cannot be changed. In addition, further parts of the elevator system can be mounted on the top module. The top module can then be transported to the construction site in transport condition with an elevator shaft that is not yet completed and open at the top.At least one first remaining guide rail, onto which the first guide rail section is placed, is mounted in this elevator shaft. The unfinished elevator shaft is composed, in particular, of several prefabricated modules, which can also be equipped with the necessary components before the top module is installed. It is also possible for the elevator components to be installed in these modules only after the elevator shaft has been assembled. After the top module is installed, the first guide rail section and the drive unit can be moved from their transport positions to their operating positions. In its operating position, the first guide rail section rests on the first remaining guide rail section and is thus supported on the first remaining guide rail section and thus ultimately on a foundation of the elevator shaft.Through the connection of the first guide rail section with the drive unit, the drive unit is also supported on the first remaining guide rail section and thus on the aforementioned foundation.

[0007] Due to the existing tolerances and uncertainties during the construction of the unfinished elevator shaft, it is practically impossible to determine the operating positions of the first guide rail section and the drive unit before the top module is installed, and thus to bring the first guide rail section and the drive unit into their operating positions before installation. Providing a transport state that differs from the operating state advantageously makes it possible to fix the first guide rail section and the drive unit to the top module before installation. This allows for as much preparatory work as possible to be carried out on the top module. Since the first guide rail section and the drive unit only need to be moved from their transport positions to their operating positions after installation, this also enables simple installation of the elevator system.

[0008] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for installing an elevator system, in which an elevator shaft is closed off at the top with a top module. The top module has a first top module side wall and a top module ceiling, a first guide rail section fixed to the first top module side wall by means of a rail bracket, and a drive unit connected to the first guide rail section. To close off the elevator shaft, the top module is placed on top of an as yet unfinished part of the elevator shaft. The top module can assume an operating state and a transport state. In the operating state, the first guide rail section and the drive unit assume operating positions, and a car of the elevator system can be moved in an elevator shaft closed off with the top module.During transport, the first guide rail section and the drive unit assume transport positions that differ from their operating positions. The top module is first placed in the transport position before installation, and then placed in the operating position after the guide rail sections have been installed and installed in the lower part of the elevator shaft.

[0009] Closing an elevator shaft here refers to the installation of a shaft ceiling on a previously open-top elevator shaft. In this case, the shaft ceiling is designed as the top module ceiling of the top module. The top module is thus designed so that it can be placed from above on an unfinished and open-top elevator shaft, for example, with the help of a crane.

[0010] When the top module is in operation, the top module ceiling runs primarily horizontally, and the first top module side wall runs primarily vertically. The top module has, in particular, a cuboid-shaped basic shape with a total of four top module side walls, with at least one top module side wall having an opening for a shaft door. The top module can also have a different basic shape, for example, with a circular or oval cross-section.

[0011] The first guide rail section serves, in particular, to guide the car during movement in the elevator shaft. It can also serve to guide a counterweight of the elevator system connected to the car via a support element, for example, in the form of a rope or a belt. The elevator system has, in particular, two guide rails each for guiding the car and the counterweight.

[0012] In the operating state of the top module, i.e., when the first guide rail section is in its operating position and rests on the first remaining guide rail section, the first guide rail section and the first remaining guide rail form a single guide rail extending over the entire travel path of the car. This allows the car to be moved within the elevator shaft enclosed by the top module.

[0013] The guide rail sections are fixed to the side walls with at least one, in particular at least two so-called rail brackets or brackets. The rail brackets are in particular designed in several parts, with a first rail bracket part being fixed to a side wall, for example screwed, and a second rail bracket part being connected to the guide rail section by means of so-called rail clamps or rail clips. The guide rail section is in particular clamped between rail clamps and the second rail bracket part. The first and second rail bracket parts are screwed together, and the alignment of the two rail bracket parts to one another can be changed to align the guide rail section. Different rail brackets can be used. For example, so-called Z-brackets, L-brackets or omega brackets can be used.An Omega bracket is designed in such a way that a travel path of the counterweight of the elevator system runs between an inner side of the Omega bracket and the side wall to which the Omega bracket is fixed.

[0014] The drive unit comprises a drive unit, in particular in the form of an electric motor, and in particular a drive mount, via which it is connected, in particular screwed, to the first guide rail section. The drive unit is thus supported downwards primarily on the first guide rail section. In the operating state of the top module, it is thus supported, as described above, via the first guide rail section on the associated remaining guide rail. The drive unit, in particular the drive mount, can be connected to other elevator components, such as additional guide rail sections for guiding the counterweight.

[0015] The transport positions and the operating positions are, for example, within a range of a few centimeters, in particular between 1 and 5 cm, with the transport positions and the operating positions of the first guide rail section and the drive unit being, in particular, equidistant. However, it is also possible for them to be at different distances.

[0016] The drive unit can be arranged in the top module in such a way that the car can move next to or past it. The elevator system can thus be designed as a so-called low-head or no-head elevator. However, the top module can also be designed so that the car can be arranged only below the drive unit.

[0017] The top module can be made primarily of wood, concrete, especially reinforced concrete, or metal. It is not mandatory for the top module to have a door opening.

[0018] When the top module is in transport mode, additional elevator components may be located directly or indirectly on the first guide rail section, on one of the top module side walls, and / or on the top module ceiling. Examples include so-called fixed points for securing the elevator system's support element, a so-called speed limiter for monitoring the car's speed, or an elevator control system for controlling the elevator system.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the position of the rail bracket on the first top module side wall in the operating state of the top module is identical to the position of the rail bracket in the transport state. Thus, the position of the first guide rail section relative to the rail bracket changes when the guide rail section is moved from the transport position to the operating position.

[0020] The position of the rail bracket(s) on the first top module side wall does not need to be changed when the top module is moved from the transport mode to the operating mode. This allows the top module to be moved from the transport mode to the operating mode with particular ease, enabling particularly simple installation of the elevator system. In particular, the positions of all rail brackets on the top module are identical in both the transport and operating modes.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, when the top module is in its transport state, the drive unit is held by a transport bracket attached to the first side wall of the top module and / or the top module ceiling. This enables particularly safe transport of the top module from the factory to the construction site by bringing it into its transport state. The drive unit bracket is particularly useful because, as already described, the drive unit rests on the associated remaining guide rail in its operating state, which is not possible when the top module is in its transport state.

[0022] The aforementioned transport bracket for the drive unit can be designed in a variety of ways; in particular, several measures can be used simultaneously. For example, a particularly predominantly L-shaped retaining bracket can be attached to the first top module side wall or the top module ceiling in such a way that the drive unit can rest on the retaining bracket when the top module is in transport state and can be secured with a tensioning belt if necessary. Alternatively or additionally, eyelets can be arranged on the top module ceiling, for example, screwed into corresponding openings, to which tensioning belts can be attached to brace the drive unit against the top module ceiling. In addition, the top module can have further transport securing devices for the drive unit or for other elevator components when in transport state.In particular, wooden boards can be attached or clamped at different points to prevent movement of the drive unit and thus damage, for example by hitting the first top module side wall or the top module ceiling.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the top module, in the transport state, has a displacement device for, in particular, jointly displacing the drive unit and the first guide rail section. This allows the drive unit and the first guide rail section to be moved particularly easily from their transport positions to their operating positions. Displacement preferably occurs in the longitudinal direction defined by the first guide rail section, which corresponds to the travel direction of the cabin in the operating state.

[0024] The relocation device can be designed in different ways. To form the relocation device, the drive unit can be suspended from the top module ceiling, for example, by means of one or more length-adjustable threaded rods. By increasing the length of said threaded rods, the drive unit can be lowered and thus moved from the transport position to the operating position. Alternatively, it is also possible for the drive unit, as described above, to rest on a support bracket serving as a transport holder in the transport state, and for the distance between the drive unit and the support bracket to be changed, in particular reduced. For this purpose, the drive unit can rest on the support bracket, for example, via one or more length-adjustable threaded rods.

[0025] It is also possible for the relocation device not to be part of the top module in transport mode, but rather to be mounted on the top module or temporarily connected to it only when it is to be transferred from the transport mode to the operating mode. In this case, the relocation device can be designed, for example, as a chain hoist, which can be suspended from one or more eyelets in the top module ceiling. The eyelets can be the same ones used for bracing the drive unit against the top module ceiling as described above. However, additional eyelets can also be provided.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the top module, in the transport state, has an alignment element holder for an alignment element provided and used during the installation of the elevator system. This allows the alignment element, for example in the form of a guide line, to be installed in the elevator shaft without additional effort. In particular, the correct position of the alignment element holder does not have to be determined in the elevator shaft by measurements. This enables particularly simple installation of the elevator system. The alignment element holder is arranged in particular on the top module ceiling or the drive device. The alignment element holder can be designed in particular as an eyelet, an angle plate, a hook, or as an opening with an internal thread. It is also possible for more than one such alignment element holder to be provided.

[0027] The provision of such an alignment element holder can also be regarded as an independent invention that can be implemented without a top module with such an alignment element holder having to be able to assume the described transport state and the described operating state.

[0028] This would then result in a top module for closing off an elevator shaft of an elevator system, comprising a first top module side wall and a top module ceiling. The top module includes an alignment element holder for an alignment element used during the installation of the elevator system. Said alignment element holder can be removed after the installation of the elevator system is completed.

[0029] In an embodiment of the invention, the top module has a second top module side wall opposite the first top module side wall, to which a second guide rail section is fixed by means of at least one rail bracket. In the operating state, the second guide rail section assumes an operating position in which the car of the elevator system can be moved in an elevator shaft enclosed by the top module. In the transport state, the second guide rail section assumes a transport position that differs from the operating position.

[0030] The same applies to the second guide rail section as to the first guide rail section. This design advantageously allows for as many elevator components as possible to be arranged on the top module during transport.

[0031] The displacement required to adjust the operating position from the transport position of the second guide rail section can be the same or different from the displacement of the first guide rail section and / or the drive unit. It is possible for additional elevator components to be arranged on the second top module side wall during transport. For example, a so-called end flag, which indicates a safety switch when the car reaches its maximum end position, can be arranged on the second top module side wall. The additional elevator components can be arranged in a corresponding transport position or already in a corresponding operating position.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, when the top module is in transport state, all guide rail sections are arranged completely within the top module, each spaced apart from a lower edge of the top module. In other words, no guide rail section protrudes from the top module. This advantageously reduces the risk of a guide rail section being damaged during transport of the top module to the construction site. Furthermore, the top module can be placed on the unfinished part of the elevator shaft without being obstructed by protruding guide rail sections.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, a hanging cable for the elevator car is arranged within the top module when the top module is in transport mode. The hanging cable connects the elevator car to the elevator control system during operation, so that operation of the elevator system is not possible without the hanging cable. Arranging the hanging cable in the top module enables particularly simple and effective installation of the elevator system and also minimizes the effort required to transport the necessary elevator components.

[0034] The hanging cable can be correctly connected to the elevator control system during transport, minimizing installation effort on site. It is possible to secure the hanging cable to a top module side wall or the top module ceiling using a suitable temporary bracket.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, a mounting platform is arranged within the top module when the top module is in its transport state, running primarily parallel to the top module ceiling. This enables particularly simple and effective installation of the elevator system. The mounting platform can be used, in particular, by an installer when moving the guide rail sections and the drive unit from their transport positions to their operating positions. Temporary brackets for the mounting platform can be arranged on the top module side walls.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, a transport box for accommodating installation materials for the elevator system is arranged inside the top module when the top module is in transport mode. Arranging a transport box in the top module enables particularly simple and effective installation of the elevator system and also minimizes the effort required to transport the necessary elevator components. The installation material can be implemented, for example, as necessary screws, special tools, or small parts.

[0037] The provision of such a transport box can also be considered an independent invention that can be implemented without requiring a top module with such a mount to be capable of assuming the described transport and operating states. It is also not necessary for the transport box to be located in a top module; it can also be located in another module from which an elevator shaft is assembled.

[0038] This would then result in a module for the elevator shaft of an elevator system, with a transport box for storing installation materials for the elevator system located within the top module. The transport box is removed after the elevator system installation is complete.

[0039] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in order to move the first guide rail piece and the drive unit from their transport positions to their operating positions, the first guide rail piece and the drive unit are moved along the first top module side wall.

[0040] Before the aforementioned relocation, the transport brackets holding the drive unit and the transport locks securing the drive unit are removed.

[0041] In particular, during the aforementioned movement of the first guide rail section and the drive unit, the first guide rail section is guided by the corresponding rail bracket(s). This enables particularly simple installation of the elevator system.

[0042] To enable the first guide rail section and the drive unit to be moved, the rail clamps of the rail brackets are first loosened enough to allow the first guide rail section to be moved relative to the rail bracket. However, the rail clamps are not completely removed, so that the first guide rail section is guided during movement so that it can move primarily in a vertical direction. The rail bracket and the rail clamps prevent horizontal movement. The rail clamps can be considered part of a rail bracket.

[0043] The same procedure is followed when moving additional guide rail sections.

[0044] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the drive unit is secured against tipping by an anti-tilt device when the first guide rail section and the drive unit are moved. This ensures safe and controlled movement of the drive unit.

[0045] The drive unit is very heavy and is held below its center of gravity when moved. This means there is a risk that the drive unit will tip over during movement, which could lead to damage to the drive unit and other components. Tipping here is defined as rotation around a primarily horizontal tilt axis. The anti-tilt device comprises, for example, an L-bracket fixed to the top module ceiling with a vertically extending slot. A threaded rod connected to the drive unit protrudes through the slot, with a nut on each side of the L-bracket. These nuts limit any displacement of the threaded rod and thus of the drive unit relative to the L-bracket. The drive unit is thus secured against tipping during the aforementioned displacement. In this case, the L-bracket and the threaded rod with the nuts form the anti-tilt device.The anti-tilt device can also be designed in another way that appears appropriate to the expert.

[0046] It is also possible that a corresponding anti-tilt device is arranged in the area of ​​the second guide piece and the components connected to it.

[0047] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the top module ceiling is installed only after the first guide rail section and the drive unit have been fixed to the first top module side wall. This enables particularly simple production of the top module. This procedure is particularly advantageous when the top module side walls and the top module ceiling are made of wood. In this case, the attachment and thus installation of the top module ceiling to the top module side walls is possible without the risk of damage or excessive contamination of the already installed components.

[0048] The described embodiments relate equally to the top module and the method. In other words, features mentioned, for example, with reference to the top module can also be implemented as method steps, and vice versa. The top module is thus designed in particular so that it can be used in the described method.

[0049] The described concept, whereby a guide rail section is arranged on a module of an elevator shaft in an operating position during operation of an elevator system and in a transport position deviating from the operating position for transport, can also be applied to shaft modules arranged below the top module in the finished elevator shaft. Such shaft modules can also be referred to as base modules. The base modules are thus designed in such a way that they can assume an operating state and a transport state.

[0050] The above statements regarding the implementation of the concept in a top module apply accordingly to a basic module.

[0051] To create the elevator shaft, two or more base modules are first stacked on top of each other, before the elevator shaft is topped off with a top module. As with the top module, elevator components can be pre-assembled in the base modules before the elevator shaft is constructed, especially in a factory. This brings the base modules into their transport condition.

[0052] Preferably, guide rail sections for the cabin and / or the counterweight are pre-assembled. This also presents the problem described above, namely that the operating position of a guide rail section cannot be determined in advance (at least for the base modules above a lowest base module). Therefore, the guide rail sections in the base modules are arranged in a transport position that differs from the operating position. In the transport position, a guide rail section in a base module is arranged slightly higher than in the operating position. To move the guide rail section from its transport position to the operating position, it is moved downwards after being placed on the base module below it.

[0053] The proposal of such a basic module can be considered an independent invention. This would then result in a basic module for an elevator shaft of an elevator system with a basic module side wall and a guide rail section, which is fixed to the basic module side wall by means of a rail bracket. The basic module would be designed such that it can assume an operating state and a transport state. In the operating state, the guide rail section assumes an operating position and in which a car of the elevator system can be moved in an elevator shaft containing the basic module. In the transport state, the guide rail section assumes a transport position deviating from the operating position.

[0054] The procedure for arranging a guide rail section in a base module is essentially the same as for arranging the second guide rail section on the second top module shaft wall of the top module. The above explanations therefore also apply to the base module.

[0055] In the transport state of the base module, the guide rail section can be secured to the base module side wall, particularly with a single rail bracket, which is also used in the operating state of the base module. Additionally, in the transport state of the base module, the guide rail section can be secured to the base module side wall with another, temporary fixing device, for example, a sheet metal bracket or a wooden block. This temporary fixing device is removed when the base module is moved from the transport state to the operating state.

[0056] The length of a guide rail section can correspond to the height of a base module. In this case, the deviations between the transport position and the operating position of the guide rail sections of the individual base modules vary considerably. In particular, the difference becomes increasingly greater the higher up the elevator shaft a base module is to be positioned. This advantageously allows the base modules to be stacked on top of each other in the transport position to create the elevator shaft without the guide rail sections touching each other.

[0057] The length of a guide rail section can also be less than the height of a base module. In this case, the guide rail sections are also moved downwards to reach their respective transport positions. The higher a base module is located in the elevator shaft, the further the corresponding guide rail section must be moved. After the guide rail sections of the base modules and the top module have been moved, another guide rail section is inserted, particularly above the moved guide rail section of the top module. This additional guide rail section was not previously located in the top module, or at least not as an extension of the individual guide rail sections of the top module in their transport positions.

[0058] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the drawings, in which identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals. The drawings are merely schematic and not to scale.

[0059] Showing: Fig. 1: an elevator system with a cabin in an elevator shaft composed of three modules, Fig. 2: a snapshot when placing a top module on an unfinished elevator shaft of an elevator system, Fig. 3: a first top module side wall of a top module in a transport state, Fig. 4: the first top module side wall made of Fig. 3 of the top module in an operating state, Fig. 5a second top module side wall of a top module in the transport state, Fig. 6the second top module side wall of Fig. 5 of the top module in the operating state, Fig. 7 a rail bracket with a section of a guide rail, Fig. 8 a first variant of a displacement device for displacing a drive unit of the elevator system, Fig. 9 a second variant of a displacement device for displacing a drive unit of the elevator system, Fig. 10 a basic module side wall of a basic module in the transport state and Fig. 11 the basic module side wall of Fig. 10 in the operating state of the basic module.

[0060] According to Fig. 1 An elevator system 10 has an elevator shaft 12 for a three-story building, which in the present embodiment is composed of a first base module 14, a second base module 16, and a top module 18. Depending on the number of floors, the elevator shaft 12 can comprise additional second base modules 16. The aforementioned shaft modules 14, 16, 18 are prefabricated in a factory and equipped with elevator components. They are then transported to the construction site and stacked on top of one another.

[0061] In Fig. 2 It shows how the top module 18 is placed from above onto the second base module 16 by means of a crane 20. The second base module 16 was previously placed onto the first base module 14 in the same way. The base module 14 stands on a foundation of the elevator shaft 12 (not shown in more detail). The base modules 14, 16 form an upwardly open, not yet finished elevator shaft, which is closed off at the top by the placement of the top module 18.

[0062] The elevator system 10 of the Fig. 1 also has a cabin 22 which is arranged along Fig. 1 guide rails not shown (see 52 in Fig. 3 ) can be moved vertically in the elevator shaft 12. For this purpose, the elevator system 10 has a suspension means 24, the first end 26 of which is fixed in the top module 18. It then runs around the bottom of the car 22 and is guided via a drive machine 28 arranged opposite the first end 26 of the suspension means 24 in the top module 18. From there, it runs through a suspension of a counterweight 30 to its second end 32, which is fixed in the area of ​​the drive machine 28. The drive machine 28 can move the suspension means 24 and thus the car 22 in the elevator shaft 12. The car 22 is connected via a hanging cable 34 to an elevator control 36 arranged in the top module 18. The hanging cable 34 enables a power supply and communication with the car 22.

[0063] The Topmodul 18, for example, which is mainly made of wood, has a total of four Topmodul side walls, which are assembled into a cuboid-shaped base. Fig. 3 und 4 a first top module side wall 38 is shown in a plan view. Fig. 3 shows the first top module side wall 38 in a transport state and Fig. 4 the first top module side wall 38 in an operating state of the top module 18. The top module 18 is produced in a factory and brought into the transport state in which it is transported to the construction site and as in Fig. 2 shown, is placed on a not yet completed elevator shaft that is open at the top. During the further installation of the elevator system 10, the top module 18 is brought into the operating state in which the elevator system 10 can be operated, i.e. the car 22 can be moved in the elevator shaft 12. This is shown, for example, in Fig. 1 shown.

[0064] As in Fig. 3 und 4 As shown, the first top module side wall 38 borders on its left side with a third top module side wall 40, which has an opening 42. The opening 42 is closed with a shaft door 44, which is also used during later operation of the elevator system 10. At the top, the first top module side wall 38 borders on a top module ceiling 46, which closes off the top module 18 and thus the elevator shaft 12 at the top.

[0065] A first guide rail section 52 is fixed to the first top module side wall 38 by means of two rail brackets in the form of omega brackets 48 and rail clamps 50. The fixing with the rail clamps 50 is referred to in connection with Fig. 7 The omega brackets 48 are screwed to the first top module side wall 38 with screws (not shown). The omega brackets 48 are designed such that a travel path of the counterweight 30 runs between an inner side of the omega brackets 48 and the first top module side wall 38. The first guide rail section 52 serves, during operation of the elevator system 10, to guide the car 22 as it travels in the elevator shaft 12. The first guide rail section 52 is designed, in particular, in two parts.

[0066] The first guide rail section 52 is connected in the upper area to a drive bracket 54 of a drive unit 56 by means of a screw connection (not shown). The drive bracket 54 has a mainly elongated shape running horizontally along the first top module side wall 38. The drive bracket 54 carries the drive 28. Also arranged on the drive bracket 54 are two fixed points 58 to which the second end 32 of the support means 24 can be fixed (see Fig. 1 ). A speed limiter 60 is also arranged on the first guide rail section 52 between the two omega brackets 48.

[0067] Third guide rail pieces 62 are fixed to the parts of the omega brackets 48 that protrude from the first top module side wall 38 by means of rail clamps (not shown). During operation of the elevator system 10, the third guide rail pieces 62 serve to guide the counterweight 30 during movement in the elevator shaft 12. The third guide rail pieces 62 are connected to the drive bracket 54 via a screw connection (not shown). It is possible for the third guide rail pieces to be fixed to the first top module side wall by means of an additional rail bracket positioned between the upper omega bracket and the drive bracket.

[0068] According to Fig. 3 In the transport state of the top module 18, the first guide rail section 52 and the drive unit 56 assume their transport positions or are arranged in their transport positions on the first top module side wall 38. In the transport position of the first guide rail section 52, this ends like the two third guide rail sections 62 downwards with a distance to a lower edge 64 of the top module 18. In comparison to Fig. 4 In the position in which the first guide rail section 52 and the drive unit 56 assume their operating positions in the operating state of the top module 18, the first guide rail section 52 and the two third guide rail sections 62 are arranged a few centimeters higher in their transport positions, i.e., in the direction of the top module ceiling 46. The drive unit 56, which is immovably connected to the first guide rail section 52, is thus arranged the same distance higher in its transport position than in its operating position.

[0069] In addition, in the transport state of the top module 18 according to Fig. 3 Below the drive motor 28, a transport bracket in the form of a retaining bracket 66 is screwed to the first top module side wall 38 such that the drive motor rests on the retaining bracket 66. Additionally, a wooden board 68 is arranged between the drive motor 28 and the top module ceiling 46, against which the drive motor 28 is pressed by means of two tensioning straps 70. The tensioning straps 70 are routed beneath the drive motor 28 and each fastened to an eyelet 72 on the top module ceiling 46. In addition, additional wooden boards (not shown) can be used as transport securing devices.

[0070] A tilt lock 69 is also attached to the top module ceiling 46. The tilt lock 69 comprises an L-shaped bracket screwed to the top module ceiling 46 with a vertically extending slot. A threaded rod connected to the drive unit 28 extends through the slot, with a nut on each side of the L-shaped bracket. These nuts thus limit the displacement of the threaded rod and thus of the drive unit 28 relative to the L-shaped bracket. In this case, the L-shaped bracket and the threaded rod with the nuts form the tilt lock 69.

[0071] In addition, in the transport state of the top module 18 according to Fig. 3 A mounting platform 74 running parallel to the top module ceiling 46 is arranged in the top module 18. The mounting platform 74 is attached to the top module side walls by means of fasteners (not shown). The mounting platform can be used by an installer during the installation of the elevator system 10. Additionally, a transport box 76 for holding installation material and the hanging cable 34 are arranged on the first top module side wall 38 by means of fasteners (not shown).

[0072] During the manufacture of the top module 18, the top module cover 46 is installed in particular only after the first guide rail piece 52 and the drive unit 56 have been fixed to the first top module side wall 38.

[0073] To enable alignment of the individual guide rails or individual guide rail sections during further installation of the elevator system 10, two alignment elements in the form of guide cords 78 are fixed to designated alignment element holders in the form of eyelets 80 on the top module ceiling 46. The guide cords 78 can also be fixed after the top module 18 has been placed on the second base module 16.

[0074] In order to bring the top module 18 from the transport state into the operating state after placing it on the second base module 16, i.e. from Fig. 3 shown condition in the Fig. 4 In the state shown, two chain hoists (not shown) are arranged parallel to the tensioning belts 70 in such a way that after the tensioning belts 70 are removed, the drive machine 28 and thus all components connected to it remain in their respective transport position. The retaining bracket 66 and any other transport securing devices are then removed. All rail clamps 50 holding the guide rail pieces 52, 62 are then loosened far enough that the guide rail pieces 52, 62 can be moved vertically downwards relative to the omega brackets 48. By releasing the chain hoists, the drive machine 28 and thus the drive unit 56, the first guide rail piece 52, the fixed points 58, the two third guide rail pieces 62 and the speed limiter 60 are slowly moved downwards along the first top module side wall 38 towards the lower edge 64 of the top module 18.Since the rail clamps 50 were not removed but only loosened, the first rail bracket section 52 and the two third guide rail sections 62 are guided during this displacement by the corresponding rail brackets in the form of omega brackets 48. The positions of the rail brackets in the form of omega brackets 48 on the first top module side wall 38 remain unchanged. The anti-tilt device 69 prevents the drive motor 28 from tilting during the displacement.

[0075] The displacement is continued until the first guide rail piece 52 rests on a Fig. 4 rests on the first remaining guide rail section 82, shown in dashed lines, and is thus supported thereon. The first guide rail section 52 is connected in particular to the remaining guide rail section 82. This applies in particular to all guide rail sections and associated remaining guide rail sections of the elevator system 10. The first remaining guide rail section 82 runs through the second base module 16 and the first base module 14. The two chain hoists can then be removed, and the first guide rail section can be secured by tightening the rail clamps 50.

[0076] According to the Fig. 5 und 6 In addition to the first top module side wall 38, elevator components are also arranged on an opposite second top module side wall 84, which in the transport state of the top module 18 transport positions (see Fig. 5 ) and in operating mode operating positions (see Fig. 6 ). One of the elevator components mentioned is a second guide rail section 86, which is the counterpart to the first guide rail section 52 for guiding the car 22 when moving in the elevator shaft 12. The second guide rail section 86 is fixed to the second top module side wall 84 by means of two rail brackets in the form of Z-brackets 88 and rail clamps 90. In the upper area of ​​the second guide rail section 86, two fixed points 94 are arranged via a bracket 92, to which the first end 26 of the support means 24 (see Fig. 1 ) can be fixed. In addition, an end flag 96 running parallel to the second guide rail section 86 is attached to the second guide rail section 86, which indicates a safety switch when a maximum end position of the cabin 22 is reached.

[0077] According to Fig. 5 In the transport state of the top module 18, the second guide rail section 86 assumes its transport position or is arranged in its transport position on the second top module side wall 84. In the transport position of the second guide rail section 86, this ends downwards at a distance from the lower edge 64 of the top module 18. In comparison to Fig. 6 In the position in which the second guide rail section 86 assumes its operating position in the operating state of the top module 18, the second guide rail section 86 is a few centimeters higher in its transport position, i.e., positioned toward the top module ceiling 46. The same applies to the fixed points 94 and the end lug 96.

[0078] It is possible that one of the Fig. 3 shown anti-tilt device 69 corresponding anti-tilt device is arranged in the area of ​​the second guide piece and the components connected thereto.

[0079] In order to move the second guide rail section 86 from its transport position to its operating position after it has been placed on the second base module 16, the rail clamps 90 of the Z-brackets 88 are loosened far enough that the second guide rail section 86, together with the fixed points and the end lug 96, can be moved downward relative to the Z-brackets 88. Since the components to be moved are not that heavy in this case, no chain hoist is necessary. The second guide rail section 86 is thus moved downward along the second top module side wall 84 towards the lower edge 64 of the top module 18 and guided by the two Z-brackets 88. The positions of the rail brackets in the form of the Z-brackets 88 on the second top module side wall 84 remain unchanged.

[0080] The displacement is continued until the second guide rail piece 86 rests on a Fig. 6 rests on the second remaining guide rail section 98, shown in dashed lines, and is thus supported on it. The second guide rail section 86 can then be secured by tightening the rail clamps 90.

[0081] During the installation of the elevator system 10, the mounting platform 74, the transport box 76 and the hanging cable 34 are removed from the top module 18.

[0082] Based on the illustration of a rail bracket in the form of a Z-Bracket 88 in Fig. 7 The described loosening of rail clamps 90 to enable displacement of the second guide rail section 86 relative to the Z-bracket 88 is described in more detail. The Z-bracket 88 has a lower, L-shaped bracket part 100, which is screwed to the second top module shaft wall 84. An upper, also L-shaped bracket part 102 rests on the lower bracket part 100, with the two bracket parts 100, 102 being screwed together. The two bracket parts 100, 102 can be displaced relative to one another within certain limits, thus aligning the second guide rail section 86. Two rail clamps 90 are screwed to the upper bracket part 102 in such a way that they press the second guide rail section 86 against the upper bracket part 102 and can thus clamp it in place.To fix the second guide rail section 86 to the Z-bracket, the rail clamps 90 are tightened so that no relative movement is possible between the second guide rail section 86 and the Z-bracket 88. To enable displacement of the second guide rail section 86 along the second top module side wall 84, the rail clamps 90 are loosened sufficiently to allow relative movement between the second guide rail section 86 and the Z-bracket 88. However, the rail clamps 90 are not removed, so that the second guide rail section 86 is guided by the Z-bracket 88 and the rail clamps 90 during displacement. The rail clamps 90 can be considered part of the Z-bracket.

[0083] In connection with the Fig. 1 und 2 It was described that chain hoists are used to move the first guide rail section and the drive unit. It is also possible for the top module 18 to have a displacement device for displacing the drive unit and the first guide rail section, at least in the transport state.

[0084] According to Fig. 8 A first variant of such a displacement device 104 has two retaining brackets 106 on which the drive bracket 54 rests. The retaining brackets 106 are each fastened to the top module ceiling 46 by two length-adjustable threaded rods 108. By increasing the length of the threaded rods 108, the drive bracket 54 and all components connected to it, including the drive bracket 54 and in Fig. 8 first guide rail piece 52, not shown, can be moved downwards.

[0085] According to Fig. 9 A second variant of such a displacement device 110 has two retaining brackets 112, which are fixed to the first top module side wall 38. A threaded rod 114, on which the drive bracket 54 rests, runs through each of the two retaining brackets 112. By unscrewing the threaded rods 114, the drive bracket 54 and all components connected to it can be moved downward. It is also possible to use a total of four threaded rods and / or to arrange supports between the threaded rods and the drive bracket.

[0086] According to Fig. 10 und 11 a guide rail piece 100 is also arranged on the second base module 16, which in the transport state of the base module 16 has a transport position (see Fig. 10 ) and in the operating state an operating position (see Fig. 11 ). The fifth guide rail section 100 is according to Fig. 10 In the transport state of the base module 16, it is fixed to a base module side wall 102 by means of a rail bracket 104 and a temporary fixing device in the form of a sheet metal bracket 106 in a transport position on the base module side wall 102. In the transport position of the fifth guide rail section 100, it is spaced from a lower edge 108 of the base module. Since the fifth rail bracket section 100 has a length corresponding to the height of the second base module 16, the fifth rail bracket section 100 protrudes beyond an upper edge 110 of the second base module 16.

[0087] In order to move the fifth guide rail section 100 from its transport position into its Fig. 11 To bring the guide rail into the operating position shown, the sheet metal bracket 106 is first removed. Subsequently, the rail clamps of the rail bracket 104 are loosened sufficiently so that the fifth guide rail section 100 can be moved downwards.

[0088] The said displacement is continued until the fifth guide rail piece 100 is on a Fig. 11 rests on the fifth remaining guide rail section 112, shown in dashed lines, and is thus supported on it. The fifth guide rail section 100 can then be secured by tightening the rail clamps of the rail bracket 104.

[0089] The second basic module 16 has, in particular, on a side wall opposite the aforementioned side wall, another, similarly arranged guide rail section. The various basic modules of an elevator shaft are, in particular, fundamentally identical in structure.

[0090] For the various base modules in an elevator shaft, the deviations between the transport position and the operating position of the guide rail sections of the individual base modules vary considerably. In particular, the difference becomes greater the higher a base module is located in the elevator shaft.

[0091] The length of the fifth guide rail section can also be less than the height of the second base module. In this case, the fifth guide rail section is also moved downward to reach its transport position. After the guide rail sections of all base modules and the top module have been moved, another guide rail section is inserted, particularly above the moved guide rail section of the top module. This additional guide rail section was not previously located in the top module. This additional guide rail section can, for example, be the upper part of the two-part first guide rail section.

[0092] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having," "comprising," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

1. Top module (18) for closing off an elevator shaft (12) of an elevator system (10), the top module comprising - a first top module side wall (38) and a top module ceiling (46), - a first guide rail piece (52) which is fixed to the first top module side wall (38) by means of a rail bracket (48), and - a drive unit (56) which is connected to the first guide rail piece (52), characterized in that the top module (18) is designed such that it can assume an operating state and a transport state, wherein - in the operating state, the first guide rail piece (52) and the drive unit (56) assume operating positions, and in which a car (22) of the elevator system (10) can be moved in an elevator shaft (12) which is closed off by the top module (18), and - in the transport state, the first guide rail piece (52) and the drive unit (56) assume transport positions that differ from the operating positions.

2. Top module according to claim 1, characterized in that a position of the rail bracket (48) on the first top module side wall (38) in the operating state of the top module (18) is identical to the position of the rail bracket (48) in the transport state.

3. Top module according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that in the transport state of the top module (18), the drive unit (56) is held by a transport holding means (66) fixed to the first top module side wall (38) and / or the top module ceiling (46).

4. Top module according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that in the transport state, the top module (18) has a displacement device (104, 110) for displacing the drive unit (56) and the first guide rail piece (52).

5. Top module according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the transport state, the top module (18) has an alignment element holder (80) for an alignment element (78) provided during the installation of the elevator system (10).

6. Top module according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the top module (18) has a second top module side wall (84) opposite the first top module side wall (38), on which second side wall a second guide rail piece (86) is fixed by means of a rail bracket (88), and - in the operating state, the second guide rail piece (86) assumes an operating position and in which the car (22) of the elevator system (10) can be moved in an elevator shaft (12) which is closed off by the top module (18), and - in the transport state, the second guide rail piece (86) assumes a transport position that differs from the operating position.

7. Top module according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the transport state of the top module (18), all of the guide rail pieces (52, 62, 86) are each arranged completely within the top module (18) at a distance from a lower edge (64) of the top module (18).

8. Top module according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the transport state of the top module (18), a suspension cable (34) of the elevator car (22) is arranged within the top module (18).

9. Top module according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in the transport state of the top module (18), a mounting platform (74) extending mainly in parallel with the top module ceiling (46) is arranged within the top module (18).

10. Top module according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in the transport state of the top module (18), a transport box (76) for accommodating installation material for the elevator system (10) is arranged within the top module (18).

11. Method for installing an elevator system (10), in which an elevator shaft (12) is closed off at the top by a top module (18), wherein the top module (18) has - a first top module side wall (38) and a top module ceiling (46), - a first guide rail piece (52) which is fixed to the first top module side wall (38) by means of a rail bracket (48), and - a drive unit (56) which is connected to the first guide rail piece (52), and the top module (18) for closing off the elevator shaft (12) is placed on top of a part (14, 16) of the elevator shaft (12) that has not yet been completed, characterized in that the top module (18) can assume an operating state and a transport state, wherein - in the operating state, the first guide rail piece (52) and the drive unit (56) assume operating positions, and in which a car (22) of the elevator system (10) can be moved in an elevator shaft (12) which is closed off by the top module (18), and - in the transport state, the first guide rail piece (52) and the drive unit (56) assume transport positions that differ from the operating positions, and the top module (18) is first brought into the transport state before placement and then into the operating state after placement.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the first guide rail piece (52) and the drive unit (56) are displaced along the first top module side wall (38) in order to displace the first guide rail piece (52) and the drive unit (56) from their transport positions into their operating positions.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that when the first guide rail piece (52) and the drive unit (56) are displaced as mentioned, the first guide rail piece (52) is guided by the associated rail bracket (48).

14. Method according to either claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that when the first guide rail piece (52) and the drive unit (56) are displaced as mentioned, the drive unit (56) is secured against tilting by a tilt protection means (69).

15. Method according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the top module ceiling (46) is installed only after the first guide rail piece (52) and the drive unit (56) have been fixed on the first top module side wall (38).