INSTALLATION OF A HOLLOW RAIL IN AN ELEVATOR SHAFT OF AN ELEVATOR SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for mounting a hollow rail for guiding an elevator car and / or a counterweight of an elevator system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a clamping tool for use in such a method.

[0002] An elevator system can be used to transport people and / or objects between floors of a building. To guide an elevator car and / or a counterweight of the elevator system along an elevator shaft, hollow rails with appropriate running surfaces and / or guide contours can be used, for example. These rails are anchored in the elevator shaft using appropriate clamps and can run vertically within it. Depending on the length of the elevator shaft, such hollow rails can be assembled from several shorter hollow rail sections. To avoid disruptive noise and / or excessive wear during operation of the elevator system, the hollow rail sections should be aligned as precisely as possible, especially in such a way that the transition at the hollow rail joints where adjacent hollow rail sections meet is as flat and gap-free as possible.

[0003] EP 3 898 483 A1 describes an example of a hollow guide rail of an elevator system.

[0004] There may therefore be a need for a method that can improve the installation of a hollow rail in an elevator shaft. Furthermore, there may be a need for an easily assembled and disassembled clamping tool suitable for use in such a method.

[0005] This need can be met by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying figures.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for mounting a hollow rail for guiding an elevator car and / or a counterweight of an elevator installation. The method comprises at least the following steps, which can preferably be carried out in the order specified below: (i) arranging a first hollow rail part and a second hollow rail part at different heights in an elevator shaft of the elevator installation; (ii) aligning the first hollow rail part relative to the second hollow rail part using an alignment piece such that the first hollow rail part and the second hollow rail part extend along a common longitudinal axis, wherein the alignment piece is arranged between the first hollow rail part and the second hollow rail part such that the alignment piece protrudes partially into an open end of the first hollow rail part and partially into an open end of the second hollow rail part;(iii) attaching a clamping element to each of the first hollow rail part and the second hollow rail part; and (iv) applying a force to the clamping elements in mutually opposite directions parallel to the common longitudinal axis to join the first hollow rail part and the second hollow rail part to form the hollow rail, wherein the alignment piece is pressed into the open end of the first hollow rail part and / or into the open end of the second hollow rail part.

[0007] The respective inner and / or outer contours of the hollow rail components can vary in their dimensions due to manufacturing processes. Such manufacturing-related deviations can complicate the assembly of the hollow rail. To solve this problem, we propose aligning the hollow rail components using a suitable alignment piece and pressing them together. This makes the assembly of the hollow rail significantly easier and more precise. The use of a special clamping tool for the controlled application of the required assembly forces also makes assembly more reliable.

[0008] As indicated above, the first hollow rail section and the second hollow rail section can be brought together using the clamping elements until they abut one another to form a hollow rail joint. Because the alignment piece is at least partially pressed into the open end of the first and / or second hollow rail section, i.e. sits in the respective open end with no play, the hollow rail sections are aligned very precisely. This creates a particularly smooth, seamless transition between the hollow rail sections, so that in the best case scenario, no additional post-processing is required. For example, the alignment can be so precise that the hollow rail joint in the area of the running surfaces and / or guide contours does not need to be additionally ground, which significantly reduces the assembly effort.

[0009] A "hollow rail section" can be understood as an elongated, straight hollow profile that is open at its ends. For example, each hollow rail section can be formed from a correspondingly long piece of sheet metal or assembled from several correspondingly shaped pieces of sheet metal.

[0010] Each hollow rail section can have one or more guide contours, which can serve, for example, to guide one or more guide and / or brake shoes. Additionally or alternatively, each hollow rail section can have one or more running surfaces for rollers. The guide contours or running surfaces of different hollow rail sections should be aligned as congruently as possible, i.e. with the smallest possible offset from one another, so that the fully assembled hollow rail does not have excessive steps, gaps, or other unevenness at its hollow rail joints, which could cause disturbing noises or vibrations when the elevator car and / or counterweight move or when the elevator brake is applied, or could increase wear on the rollers.

[0011] It is possible for the first hollow rail part to be pre-assembled. In this case, a first longitudinal section of the alignment piece can be inserted, for example pressed, into the open end of the first hollow rail part before the hollow rail is installed. During alignment, a second longitudinal section of the alignment piece, which projects beyond the open end of the first hollow rail part, can be arranged in a specific orientation relative to the open end of the second hollow rail part and partially inserted there in this orientation. Finally, when the two hollow rail parts are brought together, the second longitudinal section of the alignment piece can be pressed into the open end of the second hollow rail part by applying an appropriate (pressing) force using the clamping elements, for example until it stops. Thus, at the end of the assembly process, the alignment piece is pressed onto the hollow rail on both sides.

[0012] It is also conceivable that the first longitudinal section of the alignment piece is only partially inserted, for example pressed, into the open end of the first hollow rail part during pre-assembly and is only completely pressed, for example up to the stop, into the open end of the first hollow rail part when the two hollow rail parts are brought together.

[0013] It is advisable to attach the clamping elements to the hollow rail sections in pairs, facing each other vertically. However, it is also conceivable for the attached clamping elements to be mounted offset horizontally. To prevent the hollow rail sections from tilting, it is advantageous to attach several clamping elements to different sides of the hollow rail sections, preferably on opposite sides of the hollow rail sections, and apply the force simultaneously or alternately.

[0014] The force can be applied manually, using a suitable tool such as a wrench, and / or by motor.

[0015] A second aspect of the invention relates to a clamping tool for use in a method as described above and below. The clamping tool comprises at least the following components: at least two clamping elements, wherein at least a first of the clamping elements can be fastened to a first hollow rail part and at least a second of the clamping elements can be fastened to a second hollow rail part; and a means for applying a force to the first clamping element fastened to the first hollow rail part and the second clamping element fastened to the second hollow rail part in mutually opposite directions parallel to a common longitudinal axis of the first hollow rail part and the second hollow rail part, such that the first hollow rail part and the second hollow rail part are moved towards one another.

[0016] Due to the limited space in the elevator shaft, the clamping elements can be designed to be particularly compact, such as particularly slim or flat. Nevertheless, the clamping elements should be sufficiently stable to transfer enough force to the hollow rail sections to fully join them, i.e., to press them together.

[0017] The clamping elements can be releasably attached to the respective hollow rail part, for example by screwing and / or hooking them together.

[0018] For example, the clamping tool may be designed so that it can be carried, installed and / or operated by a single person.

[0019] In the simplest case, the means for applying the force can be formed by a threaded rod passing through both clamping elements. The clamping elements can, for example, be clamped between two nuts mounted on the threaded rod, whereby the distance between the clamping elements can be reduced by tightening one or both nuts accordingly.

[0020] However, other means of applying the force are also possible, such as a pneumatic or electric actuator or a combination of different means.

[0021] Such a clamping tool enables controlled joining of the hollow rail sections, even when high forces are required, which can be the case when the alignment piece is to be pressed into one or both hollow rail sections. This reduces the risk of damage to the hollow rail sections and also the risk of injury during assembly.

[0022] Without limiting the scope of the invention in any way, embodiments of the invention may be considered to be based, among other things, on the ideas and findings described below.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the clamping element can be hooked into the respective hollow rail part in order to fasten the clamping element to the respective hollow rail part. Accordingly, the clamping elements can also be unhooked again after the first hollow rail part and the second hollow rail part have been joined to form the hollow rail, in particular after the hollow rail parts joined to form the hollow rail have been secured, for example, using a fixing piece (see below). This enables tool-free assembly of the clamping elements in just a few simple steps. This further simplifies the assembly of the hollow rail.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the alignment piece can engage positively with each of the open ends to prevent the first hollow rail part from unintentionally rotating relative to the second hollow rail part about the common longitudinal axis. The alignment piece can enable the two hollow rail parts to be displaced relative to one another along their common longitudinal axis. In other words, the hollow rail parts can be brought together above the alignment piece along their common longitudinal axis, with the alignment piece acting as a guide for the hollow rail parts. For example, the hollow rail parts can be brought together above the alignment piece in such a way that the alignment piece disappears completely into the hollow rail. This embodiment enables very precise alignment of the two hollow rail parts without additional aids.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the alignment piece can have a base body and at least one rib protruding from the base body. The rib can engage positively in a groove of the first hollow rail part and in a groove of the second hollow rail part. The base body and the rib(s) can, for example, be made in one piece from the same material. However, a two-part or multi-part design of the alignment piece is also possible, whereby the parts of the alignment piece can be made from the same material or from different materials. In particular, the rib(s) can, for example, be made from a softer material than the base body and / or the hollow rail parts. In this case, aluminum (alloy) can be a suitable material for the rib(s).It is also possible, however, for the rib(s) and the base body to be made of aluminum (alloy) and / or another suitable softer material than the hollow rail parts. This design makes it possible to create a positive connection between the alignment piece and the respective hollow rail part that can withstand even higher torsional forces, and with relatively little design effort.

[0026] According to one embodiment, at least three ribs can protrude from the base body in different directions. Accordingly, the first hollow rail part and the second hollow rail part can each have a groove for each rib. The ribs can engage in a form-fitting manner in the respective grooves of the first hollow rail part and in the respective grooves of the second hollow rail part. This further improves the stability of the form-fitting connection between the alignment piece and the respective hollow rail part.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the method may further comprise the following steps: arranging an elongated fixing piece between the first hollow rail part and the second hollow rail part, such that a first longitudinal section of the fixing piece projects into the open end of the first hollow rail part and a second longitudinal section of the fixing piece projects into the open end of the second hollow rail part; fixing the hollow rail parts joined to form the hollow rail using the fixing piece, wherein the first hollow rail part is fixed to the first longitudinal section and the second hollow rail part is fixed to the second longitudinal section. The fixing piece may be designed as a tab, English fishplate, which, in the simplest case, can be designed in the form of a plate or an angle. The fixing piece should be sufficiently strong to be able to absorb the bending forces acting on the hollow rail joint during operation of the elevator system without being subjected to excessive stress and / or deformation. The fixing piece can, for example, be made of steel or another metal alloy to meet this requirement. It is possible for the fixing piece to be fixed to different long sides of the first and / or second hollow rail part, for example by screwing it to them. It is also possible for the fixing piece, like the alignment piece, to be arranged completely within the hollow rail after the two hollow rail parts have been brought together. This design enables permanent and stable fixing of the correctly aligned hollow rail parts.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first hollow rail part can be fixed to the first longitudinal section by screwing it to the first longitudinal section. Additionally or alternatively, the second hollow rail part can be fixed to the second longitudinal section by screwing it to the second longitudinal section. Thus, the hollow rail parts combined to form the hollow rail can be fixed in a simple manner without requiring additional fixing steps, such as a welding step. Furthermore, disassembly of the hollow rail is simplified.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the method may further comprise removing the clamping elements after fixing. In other words, the clamping elements may be auxiliary tools that are used only temporarily during the installation of the elevator system and are removed from the hollow rail during operation of the elevator system.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the fixing piece can be held by the alignment piece. In other words, the fixing piece can be attached to the first hollow rail part and / or the second hollow rail part via the alignment piece. For example, the fixing piece can be held in the hollow rail exclusively by the alignment piece, as long as the fixing piece has not yet been fixed to the first and / or second hollow rail part. This can significantly simplify the fixing of the hollow rail parts combined to form the hollow rail.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the fixing piece can be held between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal section by the alignment piece. In other words, the alignment piece can be attached centrally to the fixing piece, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the fixing piece. This simplifies the insertion of the longitudinal sections into the respective hollow rail part.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the fixing piece can be interlocked with the alignment piece. In other words, the fixing piece and the alignment piece can be combined by positive locking to form a single, manageable assembly. This enables uncomplicated pre-assembly. During pre-assembly, the fixing piece can be firmly connected to the hollow rail part. This allows the alignment piece to be held in place, ensuring that the alignment piece reliably reaches a central position at the hollow rail joint.

[0033] As mentioned above, according to one embodiment, the alignment piece can be made of a softer material, in particular a softer metal or a softer metal alloy, than the first hollow rail part and / or the second hollow rail part. Thus, excessive stress and / or deformation of the first and / or second hollow rail part during press-fitting of the alignment piece can be avoided.

[0034] In addition, the alignment piece can be made of a softer material than the fixation piece.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the alignment piece can be an aluminum part. This enables cost-effective and precise manufacturing of the alignment piece. Furthermore, excessive stress and / or deformation of the first and / or second hollow rail part due to inaccurate fit during press-in of the alignment piece can be avoided, especially since the hollow rail parts are usually made of steel (sheet steel). Thus, the deformation of the first and / or second hollow rail part during assembly can be reduced to such an extent that a virtually seamless transition is achieved at the hollow rail joint, requiring no further post-processing.

[0036] However, the fixing piece should be made of a material with significantly higher strength than aluminum, such as steel or another metal alloy. This allows the fixing piece to largely absorb the forces exerted on the hollow rail joint during elevator operation, without causing excessive stress and / or deformation.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first clamping element can be hooked into the first hollow rail part in order to fasten the first clamping element to the first hollow rail part. Additionally or alternatively, the second clamping element can be hooked into the second hollow rail part in order to fasten the second clamping element to the second hollow rail part. For this purpose, the respective hollow rail part can, for example, have a plurality of openings distributed in the longitudinal direction of the hollow rail part for receiving a hook-shaped projection of the clamping element, for example in the form of slots or elongated holes. Thus, the clamping element can be attached to the respective hollow rail part in a simple manner, practically even without the aid of any tools, in a plurality of defined longitudinal positions.

[0038] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein neither the drawings nor the explanations are to be interpreted as limiting the invention in any way. Fig. 1 shows the assembly of hollow rail parts in an elevator shaft in a method according to an embodiment of the invention using a clamping tool according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 shows a hollow rail, which consists of the hollow rail parts from Fig. 1 was mounted. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the hollow notes from Fig. 2 along a section line III-III.

[0039] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. The same reference numerals designate the same or equivalent features in the various drawings.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a section of an elevator system 1 comprising an elevator shaft 2 in which, when the elevator system 1 is in operation, one or more elevator cars (not shown) are to be moved between different floors of a building. To guide the elevator car(s), or an associated counterweight, along the elevator shaft 2, one or more hollow rails 3 are mounted in the elevator shaft 2 using a method described in more detail below. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a section of such a hollow rail 3 after assembly.

[0041] In a first step, a first hollow rail part 4 and a second hollow rail part 5 are arranged at different heights in the elevator shaft 2, for example, using a crane. The hollow rail parts 4, 5 can, for example, be elongated hollow profiles with one or more guide contours and / or running surfaces.

[0042] The hollow rail parts 4, 5 can be arranged such that an open end 6 of the first hollow rail part 4 is opposite an open end 7 of the second hollow rail part 5.

[0043] An alignment piece 8 can be inserted into the open end 6 of the first hollow rail part 4 such that the alignment piece 8 partially projects beyond the open end 6.

[0044] For example, the alignment piece 8 can be partially pressed into the first hollow rail part 4.

[0045] In addition, an elongated, for example plate- or angle-shaped, fixing piece 9 can be pre-assembled on the first hollow rail part 4. The fixing piece 9 can, for example, be attached exclusively via the alignment piece 8 to the open end 6 of the first hollow rail part 4, in particular such that a first longitudinal section 10 of the fixing piece 9 protrudes into the open end 6, while a second longitudinal section 11 of the fixing piece 9 protrudes beyond the open end 6.

[0046] In order to enable easy (pre-)assembly, the alignment piece 8 can hold the fixing piece 9 centrally between the first longitudinal section 10 and the second longitudinal section 11.

[0047] In a second step, the two hollow rail parts 4, 5 are aligned with each other using the alignment piece 8 so that the two longitudinal axes of the hollow rail parts 4, 5 lie approximately on a common line, which thus approximately corresponds to a common longitudinal axis 12 of the two hollow rail parts 4, 5.

[0048] This can be achieved, for example, by lowering the second hollow rail part 5, here the upper hollow rail part, so far in the direction of the (lower) first hollow rail part 4 that a section of the alignment piece 8 projecting beyond the open end 6 of the first hollow rail part 4 in the direction of the second hollow rail part 5 is partially inserted into the open end 7 of the second hollow rail part 5.

[0049] Together with the alignment piece 8, the second longitudinal section 11 of the fixing piece 9 can additionally be partially inserted into the open end 7 of the second hollow rail part 5 in this step.

[0050] In order to prevent an unwanted rotation of the two hollow rail parts 4, 5 relative to each other about their common longitudinal axis 12, the alignment piece 8 can engage in a suitable manner in a form-fitting manner in each of the open ends 6, 7.

[0051] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 As can be seen, such a positive connection can be achieved, for example, by designing the alignment piece 8 with several, here four, ribs 13, which can protrude from a base body 14 of the alignment piece 8 in different directions transverse to the common longitudinal axis 12. The hollow rail parts 4, 5 can have a groove 15 for each rib 13, which can extend at least in the region of the open ends 6, 7 parallel to the respective longitudinal axis of the hollow rail parts 4, 5. Each rib 13 engages on the one hand in the groove 15 of the first hollow rail part 4 assigned to it, and on the other hand in the groove 15 of the second hollow rail part 5 assigned to it.

[0052] For example, the alignment piece 8 can be pressed into the first hollow rail part 4 for the purpose of pre-assembly (see above) in that the ribs 13 are pressed into the corresponding grooves 15 of the first hollow rail part 4.

[0053] In principle, the positive connection can be achieved with a single rib 13. However, for stability reasons, it is advantageous if several ribs 13, i.e. at least two, preferably at least three ribs 13, protrude in different directions from the base body 14.

[0054] As in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the alignment piece 8 and the fixing piece 9 can be combined to form an easy-to-handle alignment and connection unit, for example, by hooking both pieces 8, 9 together in a suitable manner. This can further simplify (pre-)assembly or disassembly.

[0055] In a third step, a clamping tool 16 is attached to the hollow rail parts 4, 5 (see Fig. 1 ). In this example, the clamping tool 16 comprises two first clamping elements 17a and two second clamping elements 17b, wherein each first clamping element 17a is fastened to the first hollow rail part 4 and each second clamping element 17b is fastened to the second hollow rail part 5.

[0056] The clamping elements 17a, 17b can expediently be positioned on the respective hollow rail part 4 or 5 such that, after the alignment of the hollow rail parts 4, 5, they lie opposite one another in pairs on different sides of the hollow rail parts 4, 5, ie such that each first clamping element 17a is opposite exactly one second clamping element 17b.

[0057] Examples are in the Fig. 1 In the view shown, two clamping elements 17a, 17b are attached to a left side of the hollow rail parts 4, 5 and two clamping elements 17a, 17b are attached to a right side of the hollow rail parts 4, 5. This prevents the hollow rail parts 4, 5 from tilting when subsequently joined to form the hollow rail 3.

[0058] As in Fig. 1 As indicated by the example of the (upper) second clamping elements 17b, each clamping element 17a, 17b can be positively hooked into the respective hollow rail part 4 or 5, for example into corresponding slots in the respective hollow rail part 4 or 5. This enables tool-free and thus particularly simple (dis)assembly of the clamping elements 17a, 17b.

[0059] Please note that the third step can be performed before or after the second step.

[0060] In a fourth step, the clamping elements 17a, 17b of each pair are subjected to forces in opposite directions parallel to the common longitudinal axis 12.

[0061] In the simplest case, this can be achieved by inserting a threaded rod 18 through corresponding receptacles of two opposing clamping elements 17a, 17b, and shortening the vertical distance between the respective clamping elements 17a, 17b using two nuts 19, which are moved toward each other on the threaded rod 18 by appropriate rotation. However, other means for applying the forces are also possible, for example, a pneumatic or electric actuator.

[0062] By applying the forces, the hollow rail parts 4, 5 are moved towards each other in opposite directions and thus joined to form the hollow rail 3, for example until they abut each other to form a hollow rail joint (see Fig. 2 ).

[0063] The alignment piece 8 is pressed into the open end 7 of the second hollow rail part 5. More precisely, the ribs 13 of the alignment piece 8 are partially pressed into the corresponding grooves 15 in the open end 7 of the second hollow rail part 5.

[0064] At the end of the assembly process, the ribs 13 of the alignment piece 8 are pressed into the corresponding grooves 15 of the first hollow rail part 4 as well as into the corresponding grooves 15 of the second hollow rail part 5. This ensures a precise transition at the hollow rail joint.

[0065] A very smooth, straight hollow rail joint is achieved in particular when the alignment piece 8, or at least its ribs 13, is made of a less solid, i.e. softer material than the two hollow rail parts 4, 5 and / or the fixing piece 9, in particular of a less solid metallic material than steel.

[0066] In tests, particularly good results were achieved with an aluminum alignment piece 8. A flatness of plus / minus 0.1 mm at the hollow rail joint was achieved without additional post-processing.

[0067] When the two hollow rail parts 4, 5 are brought together, the second longitudinal section 11 of the fixing piece 9 can also be completely inserted into the second hollow rail part 5.

[0068] In a fifth step, the hollow rail parts 4, 5 aligned and brought together in this way can be fixed by fixing the first hollow rail part 4 to the first longitudinal section 10 of the fixing piece 9 and the second hollow rail part 5 to the second longitudinal section 11 of the fixing piece 9, for example with a plurality of screws 20 in each case.

[0069] After fixing, the clamping tool 16 can be removed from the hollow rail 3 again in a sixth step. For this purpose, the clamping elements 17a, 17b can simply be unhooked from the respective hollow rail part 4 or 5.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having," "comprising," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and indefinite articles 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 features or steps described with reference to other of the above embodiments. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a hollow rail (3) for guiding a lift car and / or a counterweight of a lift installation (1), wherein the method comprises: arranging a first hollow rail part (4) and a second hollow rail part (5) at different heights in a lift shaft (2) of the lift installation (1); aligning the first hollow rail part (4) relative to the second hollow rail part (5) by means of an alignment piece (8) so that the first hollow rail part (4) and the second hollow rail part (5) extend along a common longitudinal axis (12), wherein the alignment piece (8) is arranged between the first hollow rail part (4) and the second hollow rail part (5) such that the alignment piece (8) protrudes partially into an open end (6) of the first hollow rail part (4) and partially into an open end (7) of the second hollow rail part (5); fastening one clamping element (17a, 17b) to the first hollow rail part (4) and one to the second hollow rail part (5); and applying a force to the clamping elements (17a, 17b) in opposite directions parallel to the common longitudinal axis (12) to bring together the first hollow rail part (4) and the second hollow rail part (5) to form the hollow rail (3), wherein the alignment piece (8) is pressed into the open end (6) of the first hollow rail part (4) and / or into the open end (7) of the second hollow rail part (5).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element (17a, 17b) is hooked into the corresponding hollow rail part (4, 5) to fasten the clamping element (17a, 17b) to the corresponding hollow rail part (4, 5); wherein the clamping element (17a, 17b) is unhooked again after the first hollow rail part (4) and the second hollow rail part (5) have been brought together to form the hollow rail (3).

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment piece (8) positively engages in each of the open ends (6, 7) to prevent the first hollow rail part (4) from rotating about the common longitudinal axis (12) relative to the second hollow rail part (5).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the alignment piece (8) has a main body (14) and at least one rib (13) extending from the main body (14); wherein the rib (13) positively engages in a groove (15) of the first hollow rail part (4) and in a groove (15) of the second hollow rail part (5).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein at least three ribs (13) extend from the main body (14) in different directions and the first hollow rail part (4) and the second hollow rail part (5) each have a groove (15) for each rib (13); wherein the ribs (13) positively engage in the corresponding grooves (15) of the first hollow rail part (4) and in the corresponding grooves (15) of the second hollow rail part (5).

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: arranging an elongated fixing piece (9) between the first hollow rail part (4) and the second hollow rail part (5) so that a first longitudinal portion (10) of the fixing piece (9) protrudes into the open end (6) of the first hollow rail part (4) and a second longitudinal portion (11) of the fixing piece (9) protrudes into the open end (7) of the second hollow rail part (5); fixing the hollow rail parts (4, 5) brought together to form the hollow rail (3) by means of the fixing piece (9), wherein the first hollow rail part (4) is fixed to the first longitudinal portion (10) and the second hollow rail part (5) is fixed to the second longitudinal portion (11).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first hollow rail part (4) is fixed to the first longitudinal portion (10) by bolting it to the first longitudinal portion (10); and / or wherein the second hollow rail part (5) is fixed to the second longitudinal portion (11) by bolting it to the second longitudinal portion (11).

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: removing the clamping elements (17a, 17b) after fixing.

9. The method according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the fixing piece (9) is held by the alignment piece (8).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the fixing piece (9) is held between the first longitudinal portion (10) and the second longitudinal portion (11) by the alignment piece (8).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the fixing piece (9) is interlocked with the alignment piece (8).

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment piece (8) is made of a softer material than the first hollow rail part (4) and / or the second hollow rail part (5).

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment piece (8) is an aluminum part.

14. A clamping tool (16) for use in a method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping tool (16) comprises: at least two clamping elements (17a, 17b), wherein at least one first one (17a) of the clamping elements (17a, 17b) can be fastened to a first hollow rail part (4), and at least one second one (17b) of the clamping elements (17a, 17b) can be fastened to a second hollow rail part (5); and a means (18, 19) for applying a force to the first clamping element (17a) fastened to the first hollow rail part (4) and the second clamping element (17b) fastened to the second hollow rail part (5) in opposite directions parallel to a common longitudinal axis (12) of the first hollow rail part (4) and the second hollow rail part (5) so that the first hollow rail part (4) and the second hollow rail part (5) are moved toward one another.

15. The clamping tool (16) according to claim 14, wherein the first clamping element (17a) can be hooked into the first hollow rail part (4) to fasten the first clamping element (17a) to the first hollow rail part (4); and / or wherein the second clamping element (17b) can be hooked into the second hollow rail part (5) to fasten the second clamping element (17b) to the second hollow rail part (5).