Guide device, carriage for moving objects, use of carriage, and method for constructing elevator guide rails

Abstract

A guide device for guiding a carriage (1) along a guide rail (11) of an elevator comprises a frame (3), a pair of guide wheels (4) connected to the frame (3) and configured to roll on opposing support surfaces (12a, 12b) of the guide rail (11) and configured to be able to pivot a limited angle about a pivot axis (5), and first and second limiting elements (6, 7) connected to the frame (3) below and above the pair of guide wheels and configured to cooperate with a guide surface (12c) of the guide rail (11) to limit the movement of the guide device towards the guide rail (11). The guide device is configured to apply a force to the support surfaces (12a, 12b) of the guide rail (11) via the guide wheels (4a, 4b).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a guiding device for guiding a movable carriage along a vertical guide rail of an elevator, as defined in the independent claims 1 and 4. The invention further relates to a carriage for moving objects along a vertical guide rail of an elevator. The invention also relates to the use of such a carriage and to a method for constructing a guide rail of an elevator, as defined in the further independent claims. Background

[0002] Most elevators are equipped with vertical guide rails to guide the elevator car and the counterweight. In many cases, elevators are equipped with separate guide rails for the elevator car and the counterweight. The guide rails run vertically from the bottom to the top of the elevator shaft. Each guide rail is typically made up of multiple vertical sections. The guide rails are assembled at the installation site by connecting these sections together. A standard guide rail has a T-shaped cross section. The arms of the cross section are used to attach the guide rail to the elevator shaft, often by using a guide rail bracket. The shaft of the cross section forms a protrusion that serves as a support surface to support the elevator car or counterweight. Typically, the elevator car and the counterweight are each supported between a pair of opposing guide rails.

[0003] Guide rails can also be used during the construction phase of an elevator. For example, they can guide movable scaffolding or lifting devices used to lift components required for the elevator. Guide rails can also guide lifting devices used to lift and assemble guide rail components, for example, by starting assembly at the bottom of the elevator shaft and using the sections where the guide rails are already assembled. Such lifting devices can be supported between a pair of guide rails, although this requires that both guide rails be assembled simultaneously.

[0004] It is difficult to support a lifting device with a single guide rail, because the guide rail is attached to the wall of the elevator shaft and therefore no guide means are available to engage the back of the guide rail. Therefore, the guide means can only engage with the shaft part of the T-shaped cross-section of the guide rail. The forces exerted on the lifting device by the lifting rope and gravity tend to cause the lifting device to rotate on the guide rail, which may cause the lifting device to come off the rail. Overview

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved guiding device for guiding a movable carriage along a vertical guide rail of an elevator, the carriage being configured to be movable by at least one hoisting member, the guide rail including a first support surface extending vertically and a second support surface parallel to the first support surface and facing in the opposite direction, the vertical direction being defined as a first direction, a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first and second support surfaces being defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first and second directions being defined as a third direction. Characteristic features of the guiding device according to the present invention are defined in patent claims 1 and 4. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for constructing an elevator guide rail. Characteristic features of the method are defined in another independent claim. The present invention also aims to provide an improved carriage for moving an object along a vertical guide rail of an elevator, and to use such a carriage to lift the object in an elevator shaft.

[0006] The guide device according to the present invention includes a frame, a first guide wheel connected to the frame and configured to roll on a first support surface of the guide rail, and a second guide wheel opposite to the first guide wheel and configured to roll on a second support surface of the guide rail, the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel being configured to be able to rotate about a pivot axis that is located at a position away from an imaginary central plane of the guide wheel in a third direction when in a use position of the guide device parallel to the second direction, and the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel are configured to be able to rotate about a pivot axis that is located at a position away from an imaginary central plane of the guide wheel in a third direction, and the first guide wheel and the second guide wheel are configured to rotate about a pivot axis that is located at a position away from an imaginary central plane of the guide wheel in a third direction by a limited angle in each direction from a direction in which the imaginary central plane of the guide wheel is parallel to the first direction. the first and second limiting elements are each configured to cooperate with a surface of the guide rail to limit movement of the guide device toward the guide rail in a third direction, and the guide device is configured to apply a force acting in the second direction to the first and second support surfaces via the first and second guide wheels.

[0007] In another configuration, the guide device includes, in addition to the above-mentioned frame and the above-mentioned first pair of guide wheels, a third guide wheel coupled to the frame and configured to roll on a first support surface of the guide rail, and a fourth guide wheel opposite the third guide wheel and configured to roll on a second support surface of the guide rail, the third guide wheel and the fourth guide wheel being configured to be able to pivot about a pivot axis that is located away from an imaginary central plane of the guide wheels in the third direction when in a use position of the guide device parallel to the second direction, and the imaginary central plane of the guide wheels is parallel to the first direction. the guide device includes a second pair of guide wheels configuring the guide device to rotate the third guide wheel and the fourth guide wheel by a limited angle in each direction around the pivot axis from a direction in which the third guide wheel and the fourth guide wheel are in a row, and a first limiting element connected to the frame and disposed between the first pair of guide wheels and the second pair of guide wheels, the first limiting element being configured to cooperate with a guide surface of the guide rail to limit movement of the guide device toward the guide rail in the third direction, and the guide device being configured to apply a force acting in the second direction to the first and second support surfaces via the third guide wheel and the fourth guide wheel.

[0008] Thus, the guiding device according to the invention comprises at least a first pair of guiding wheels and at least one limiting element, and also comprises at least a second pair of guiding wheels or a second limiting element.

[0009] Thus, in the guiding device according to the invention, the guiding device can rotate within a limited range. The guide wheels are pressed against the support surface of the guide rail, so that friction between each guide wheel and the corresponding support surface of the guide rail generates a force counteracting gravity or lifting force acting on the guiding device. The pivot axis of the guide wheel is located away from the center plane of the guide wheel, and the above-mentioned force causes the guide wheel to rotate about the pivot axis. When the guiding device moves upwards, the upper edge of the guide wheel faces towards the guide rail, i.e. towards the wall of the elevator shaft to which the guide rail is attached in a typical device. When the guiding device moves downwards, the lower edge of the guide wheel rotates towards the guide rail. The guiding device is guided towards the guide rail in both directions of movement, so that derailment of the guiding device can be effectively prevented. The limiting element prevents the guiding device from moving in the third direction beyond a certain limit. The guiding device is thereby kept in a constant position in the third direction. By limiting the rotation angle of the guide wheel, the guide wheel can be smoothly rolled.

[0010] The guide device allows the support of a carriage for lifting an object on one guide rail in an elevator shaft, which allows, for example, two carriages to be used independently of each other in one elevator shaft.

[0011] A carrier according to the present invention comprises a guide device as defined above.

[0012] The method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: - attaching at least one guide rail element to a wall of the elevator shaft at a lower end thereof to form an installed guide rail section; - placing the carriage as defined above on the installed guide rail section, - Use the carriage to lift one guide rail element to the top edge of the installed guide rail section; - The raised guide rail element is attached to the elevator shaft wall above the installed guide rail section.

[0013] The method according to the invention makes it possible to take advantage of an already installed guide rail section and to install a guide rail element on top of the already installed guide rail section. The two guide rails can be installed independently of each other.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide device comprises a second guide wheel pair connected to the frame, including a third guide wheel configured to roll on a first support surface of the guide rail, and a fourth guide wheel opposite the third guide wheel and configured to roll on a second support surface of the guide rail, the third guide wheel and the fourth guide wheel are each configured to pivot about a pivot axis arranged away from an imaginary central plane of the guide wheels in the third direction in a use position of the guide device parallel to the second direction, the guide device is configured to allow the third guide wheel and the fourth guide wheel to rotate about the pivot axis by a limited angle in each direction from a direction in which the imaginary central plane of the guide wheels is parallel to the first direction, the second guide wheel pair is located below the first limiting element in the use position of the guide device, and the guide device is configured to apply a force acting in the second direction to the first and second support surfaces via the third guide wheel and the fourth guide wheel. The second guide wheel pair increases the force that maintains the contact of the guide device with the guide rail.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device is configured to allow the first and second guide wheels to rotate about the pivot axis by up to 5 degrees, preferably up to 2 degrees, in each direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device is configured to allow the third and fourth guide wheels to rotate about the pivot axis by up to 5 degrees, preferably up to 2 degrees, in each direction.

[0017] By limiting the rotation of the guide wheel to 5 degrees or 2 degrees, the guide wheel rolls smoothly on the support surface. It would also be possible to limit the rotation to a smaller angle, for example ±1 degree from the first direction.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guiding device further comprises a second limiting element connected to the frame and arranged above an upper pair of the two pairs of guide wheels in the use position of the guiding device, the second limiting element being configured to cooperate with a guide surface of the guide rail to limit movement of the guiding device towards the guide rail in a third direction.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guiding device comprises a third limiting element connected to the frame and arranged below the second guide wheel in the use position of the guiding device, the third limiting element being configured to cooperate with a guide surface of the guide rail to limit movement of the guiding device towards the guide rail in a third direction.

[0020] The present invention having two pairs of guide wheels cooperates with a single limiting element between the pair of guide wheels, however limiting elements disposed below and / or above the guide wheels improve the functionality of the guide arrangement.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a fourth limiting element arranged between the second pair of guide wheels and the first limiting element, the fourth limiting element being configured to cooperate with a guide surface of the guide rail to limit movement of the guiding device towards the guide rail in a third direction.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first guide wheel pair, the first limiting element and the second limiting element are arranged on a first wheel assembly, the pivot axis of the first guide wheel pair constituting a common pivot axis about which the first wheel assembly can pivot. By arranging the guide wheels and the limiting element on the same wheel assembly, the components can be accurately positioned relative to each other. Less strict tolerances can be applied to the other parts of the guiding device.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first wheel assembly includes a counterweight disposed on the opposite side of the pivot axis from the first pair of guide wheels in the third direction, the counterweight urging the first wheel assembly to rotate when the movement direction of the guide device changes from upward movement to downward movement.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second guide wheel pair, the third limiting element and the fourth limiting element are disposed on a second wheel assembly, and the pivot axes of the second guide wheel pair form a common pivot axis about which the second wheel assembly can pivot. The second wheel assembly provides similar advantages as the first wheel assembly.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second wheel assembly includes a counterweight disposed on an opposite side of the pivot axis from the second pair of guide wheels in the third direction, the counterweight facilitating the rotation of the second wheel assembly in a manner similar to that of the first wheel assembly.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the limiting element is configured to cooperate with a guide surface connecting the first support surface to the second support surface, so that the limiting element can roll or slide on the tip surface of the T-section shaped shaft of the guide rail.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guiding device comprises means for adjusting the force acting on the support surface via the guide wheel. The greater the force acting on the support surface, the better the contact between the guiding device and the support surface can be maintained. On the other hand, the rolling resistance of the guide wheel increases. By using the force adjustment means, the force can be optimized.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the limiting element comprises a limiting wheel, which minimizes the movement resistance offered by the limiting element.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coefficient of friction between the guide wheel and the guide rail is set to be at least 0.15, which is sufficient to effectively maintain contact between the guide device and the guide rail.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a carriage for moving objects along a vertical guide rail of an elevator is configured to lift guide rail elements that make up the guide rail of the elevator.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guiding device is configured to apply a force to the guide rail via the guide wheel, the force being 0.5-3 times the force of gravity acting on the carriage when the carriage is subjected to its maximum design load, thereby maintaining contact between the guiding device and the guide rail and pivoting the guide wheel when the carriage changes direction of travel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates diagrammatically an elevator shaft and a carriage according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the carrier in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a partial view showing the upward movement of the carriage in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a partial view showing the downward movement of the carrier in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a wheel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a wheel assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a guide device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a flow chart of a method according to the invention. [Figure 10] 1 shows details of a carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13 shows details of a carrier according to another embodiment of the present invention; Detailed Description of the Invention Embodiments

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an elevator shaft 10. The elevator shaft 10 is provided with guide rails 11 for guiding the elevator car and / or counterweight of an elevator. The guide rails 11 extend vertically within the elevator shaft 10. Each guide rail 11 extends from the bottom to the top of the elevator shaft 10. Each guide rail 11 is attached to a wall of the elevator shaft 10. Although the guide rails 11 can be attached directly to the wall, in FIG. 1 the guide rails 11 are attached to the wall of the elevator shaft 10 via brackets. FIG. 1 shows two guide rails 11. Each guide rail 11 is formed of a number of guide rail elements 11a. One guide rail 11 is fully installed and the other guide rail 11 is under construction.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows two carriages 1. Each carriage 1 is arranged on one guide rail 11. The carriages 1 are arranged to be vertically movable along the guide rails 11. Each carriage 1 is arranged to be lifted by at least one hoisting member 20. The hoisting member 20 may be, for example, a wire, such as a steel wire, a belt, such as a toothed belt or a flat belt, or a coated rope. Each hoisting member 20 is actuated by a motor 21. The motor 21 is preferably an electric motor. The motor 21 can be actuated at least for the purpose of lifting the carriage 1. The carriage 1 may be arranged to move downwards by gravity when any brake acting on the motor 21, the hoisting member 20 and / or the carriage 1 is released. However, the motor 21 can also be actuated to lower the carriage 1.

[0035] Figures 2 to 8, 10 and 11 show various views of a guide device and a carrier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 to 5, 8, 10 and 11 show a portion of a guide rail 11 that can be accommodated with the guide device of the present invention.

[0036] The guide rail 11 has a first support surface 12a extending in a vertical direction. The guide rail 11 further has a second support surface 12b. The second support surface 12b is parallel to the first support surface 12a and faces in the opposite direction. Hereinafter, the vertical direction is also referred to as the first direction A. In the example shown in the figure, the guide rail 11 has a T-shaped cross section. Thus, the guide rail 11 has a shaft portion and two arm portions 13. The first and second support surfaces 12a, 12b are arranged on both sides of the shaft portion. The surface 12c connecting the first and second support surfaces 12a, 12b forms the guide surface of the guide device. The guide rail 11 is attached to the wall of the elevator shaft via the arm portion 13 having a cross-sectional shape. The guide rail 11 does not have to have a T-shaped cross-sectional shape. The first and second support surfaces 12a, 12b can also be, for example, both sides of an I-shaped or rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0037] Hereinafter, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first and second support surfaces 12a, 12b will be referred to as the second direction B. Hereinafter, the horizontal direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the second direction B will be referred to as the third direction C.

[0038] The guiding device according to the invention comprises a frame 3. The frame 3 may be formed, for example, from steel sheets and steel profiles, and thus comprises a number of parts which may be attached to one another, for example by welding and / or by means of fastening elements suitable for the application, such as screws, bolts and nuts.

[0039] The guide device further comprises a first guide wheel pair 4. The first guide wheel pair comprises a first guide wheel 4a and a second guide wheel 4b. The first guide wheel 4a is arranged to roll on a first support surface 12a of the guide rail 11, and the second guide wheel 4b is arranged to roll on a second support surface 12b of the guide rail 11, which is opposite to the first guide wheel 4a. Thus, in the case of a T-shaped guide rail 11, the guide wheels 4a, 4b are arranged on opposite sides of the shaft of the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail.

[0040] The first guide wheel 4a and the second guide wheel 4b are swivelable about a pivot axis 5. In the use position of the guiding device, the pivot axis 5 is parallel to the second direction B. The pivot axis 5 is arranged in a third direction C, away from an imaginary central plane D of the guide wheels 4a, 4b. The central plane D is a plane that crosses the outer periphery of the guide wheels 4a, 4b at the middle of the outer periphery in the direction of the rotation axis of the guide wheels 4a, 4b.

[0041] The guiding device further comprises a first limiting element 6 connected to the frame 3 and arranged below the first pair of guide wheels 4 in the use position of the guiding device, and a second limiting element 7 connected to the frame 3 and arranged above the first pair of guide wheels 4 in the use position of the guiding device. The first and second limiting elements 6, 7 are each configured to cooperate with a guide surface 12c of the guide rail 11 to limit the movement of the guiding device towards the guide rail 11 in the third direction C. In the example shown in the figure, the guide surface 12c is a surface connecting the first support surface 12a and the second support surface 12b. However, the guide surface could also be another surface.

[0042] The guide device is configured to apply a force acting in the second direction B to the first and second support surfaces 12a, 12b via the first guide wheel 4a and the second guide wheel 4b. This causes the guide wheels 4a, 4b to be pressed against the support surfaces 12a, 12b of the guide rail 11.

[0043] The guide wheels 4a, 4b are vertically rotatable along the guide rail 11. This allows the carriage 1 to move up and down. To move the carriage 1 in the third direction, the guide wheels 4a, 4b must overcome the frictional force caused by pressing the guide wheels 4a, 4b against the contact surfaces 12a, 12b. This allows the guide wheels 4a, 4b to maintain contact between the carriage 1 and the guide rail 11.

[0044] When the carriage 1 is lifted by the hoisting member 20, the rolling resistance of the guide wheels 4a, 4b prevents the carriage from moving. This generates a force that rotates the guide wheels 4a, 4b around the pivot 5. As a result, the guide wheels 4a, 4b rotate and their upper edges point towards the guide rail 11, i.e. towards the arm 13 of the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail 11. As the carriage 1 moves upwards, the guide wheels 4a, 4b direct the carriage 1 towards the guide rail 11. However, the movement of the carriage 1 towards the guide rail 11 is limited by the second limiting element 7 cooperating with the guide surface 12c of the guide rail 11. This keeps the position of the carriage 1 constant in the third direction C.

[0045] When the carriage 1 is lowered, the movement is hindered by the rolling resistance of the guide wheels 4a, 4b. This generates a force that rotates the guide wheels 4a, 4b around the pivot axis 5. As a result, the guide wheels 4a, 4b rotate so that their lower edges face towards the guide rail 11. As the carriage 1 moves downwards, the guide wheels 4a, 4b direct the carriage 1 towards the guide rail 11. However, the movement of the carriage 1 towards the guide rail 11 is limited by the first limiting element 6 cooperating with the guide surface 12c of the guide rail 11. This keeps the position of the carriage 1 constant in the third direction C.

[0046] The rotation of the guide wheels 4a, 4b about the pivot axis 5 is limited to a predetermined angle. For example, the guide device may be configured to allow the first guide wheel 4a and the second guide wheel 4b to rotate about the pivot axis 5 at a maximum of 5 degrees in each direction from a direction in which the imaginary central plane D of the guide wheels 4a, 4b is parallel to the first direction A.

[0047] By limiting the rotation of the guide wheels 4a, 4b, the rolling of the guide wheels 4a, 4b is made smoother. The rotation angle may be limited to a maximum of 2 degrees in each direction, or a maximum of 1 degree in each direction.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide device further comprises a second pair of guide wheels 14. The second guide wheels comprise a third guide wheel 14a and a fourth guide wheel (not shown). The third guide wheel 14a is configured to roll on a support surface 12a of the guide rail 11, and the fourth guide wheel is configured to roll on a support surface 12b of the guide rail 11 opposite to the third guide wheel 14a. The third and fourth guide wheels are thus arranged on opposite sides of the shaft of the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail.

[0049] The third guide wheel 14a and the fourth guide wheel are rotatable about a pivot axis 15. In the use position of the guiding device, the pivot axis 15 is parallel to the second direction B. The pivot axis 15 is disposed at a position away from an imaginary central plane E of the third and fourth guide wheels in the third direction C.

[0050] The guide device applies a force acting in the second direction B to the first and second support surfaces 12a, 12b via the third guide wheel 14a and the fourth guide wheel. This causes the guide wheels to be pressed against the support surfaces 12a, 12b of the guide rail 11.

[0051] The second guide wheel pair 14 is arranged below the first guide wheel pair 4 in the use position of the guiding device.

[0052] The second pair of guide wheels 14 functions in the same way as the first pair of guide wheels 4. When the carriage 1 moves upwards, the upper ends of the third and fourth guide wheels face towards the guide rail 11, and when the carriage 1 moves downwards, the lower ends of each guide wheel face towards the guide rail 11.

[0053] The pivot angle of the second guide wheel pair 14 is limited in the same way as the pivot angle of the first guide wheel pair 4 .

[0054] Two pairs of guide wheels may be used to increase the force maintaining contact between the carrier 1 and the guide rail 11. However, a second pair of guide wheels is not required and only one pair of guide wheels would be sufficient.

[0055] The guide arrangement may be provided with a third pair of guide wheels which functions in a similar manner to the first and second pairs of guide wheels. The guide arrangement may include even more pairs of guide wheels.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding device further comprises a third limiting element 16 connected to the frame 3 and arranged below the second guide wheel pair 14 in the use position of the guiding device, and a fourth limiting element 17 connected to the frame 3 and arranged between the first limiting element 6 and the second guide wheel pair 14 in the use position of the guiding device. The third and fourth limiting elements 16, 17 are each configured to cooperate with the guide surface 12c of the guide rail 11 to limit the movement of the guiding device towards the guide rail 11 in the third direction C. The fourth limiting element 17 is not mandatory and the guiding device could comprise only three limiting elements.

[0057] The second guide wheel pair 14 could also be disposed between the first guide wheel pair 4 and the first limiting element 6, in which case a third limiting element would also not be necessary. The guide device could therefore comprise two pairs of guide wheels and limiting elements below and above the guide wheels. An arrangement with two pairs of guide wheels could also function with only a single limiting element disposed between the two pairs of guide wheels 4, 14.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the limiting elements 6, 7, 16, 17 comprise limiting wheels. The limiting wheels are arranged to roll along a guide surface 12c connecting the first support surface 12a and the second support surface 12b of the guide rail 11. These wheels are used to reduce friction between the limiting elements and the guide surface 12c. However, the limiting elements may also be sliding elements. It would also be possible for the limiting elements to be integrated into a single sliding surface. The sliding surface could also be arranged between the first and second guide wheel pairs or could extend from above the first guide wheel pair 4 to below the second guide wheel pair 14. A longer limiting element between two pairs of guide wheels would be particularly suitable for a guiding device with only one limiting element.

[0059] The limiting elements 6, 7, 16, 17 could also be arranged to cooperate with another surface of the guide rail 11 than the surface 12c connecting the first and second support surfaces 12a, 12b. For example, the limiting elements could cooperate with the T-section shaped arm 13 of the guide rail 11. Although in the example shown, the bolts for attaching the guide rail 11 to the wall of the elevator shaft 10 protrude from the arm 13, making this impractical, it would also be possible to use other types of attachment means which leave at least a part of the surface of the arm unused.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first guide wheel pair 4 is arranged in a first wheel assembly. Two possible configurations are shown in Figures 6 and 7. The first wheel assembly comprises a first guide wheel 4a, a second guide wheel 4b, a first limiting element 6 and a second limiting element 7. The pivot axis 5 of the first guide wheel pair 4 constitutes a common pivot axis of the first wheel assembly. Thus, when the guide wheels 4a, 4b pivot about the pivot axis 5, the first limiting element 6 and the second limiting element 7 also pivot about the pivot axis 5.

[0061] In the embodiment shown, the second guide wheel pair 14 is arranged in a second wheel assembly. The second wheel assembly comprises a third guide wheel 14a, a fourth guide wheel, a third limiting element 16 and a fourth limiting element 17. The pivot axis 15 of the second guide wheel pair 14 constitutes a common pivot axis of the second wheel assembly. Thus, when the third and fourth guide wheels pivot about the pivot axis 15, the third limiting element 16 and the fourth limiting element 17 also rotate about the pivot axis 15.

[0062] Arranging the guide wheels and the limiting elements on a common wheel assembly helps to ensure that the guide wheels and the limiting elements can be positioned with sufficient accuracy relative to each other. It also allows the frame 3 of the guide device to be manufactured with less strict tolerances. However, the limiting elements 6, 7, 16, 17 do not have to be arranged to pivot about the pivots 5, 15. The limiting elements could also be rigidly attached to the frame 3.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the first wheel assembly comprises a counterweight 18. The counterweight 18 is arranged on the opposite side of the pivot axis 5 in the second direction B to the first guide wheel 4a and the second guide wheel 4b. The second wheel assembly may comprise a counterweight arranged in a similar manner. The counterweight 18 balances the wheel assembly and facilitates its rotation when the carriage 1 starts moving downwards.

[0064] When the carriage 1 is arranged on the guide rail 11, the guide arrangement is arranged so that there is a gap between the guide surface 12c and at least one limiting element of each wheel assembly, thereby allowing the wheel assemblies to swivel.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guiding device comprises means for adjusting the force acting on the support surfaces 12a, 12b via the guide wheels 4a, 4b, 14a. A sufficient force is required to prevent the carriage 1 from derailing. On the other hand, the greater the force, the more the carriage 1 resists vertical movement, and therefore the greater the force required to lift the carriage 1. The guiding device may be configured such that a force is applied to the guide rail 11 via the guide wheels 4a, 4b, 14a, the force being 0.5 to 3 times the force of gravity acting on the carriage 1 when the maximum design load of the carriage 1 is applied to the carriage 1. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment, in which the guiding device is provided with bolts 22, 23 for adjusting the force acting on the guide rail via the guide wheels 4a, 4b, 14a. The force acting on the guide rail 11 is increased by tightening the bolts 22, 23 to move the respective guide wheels towards the respective support surfaces 12a, 12b.

[0066] The force that needs to be exerted through the guide wheels on the guide rail 11 depends on the coefficient of friction between the guide wheels 4a, 4b, 14a and the guide rail 11. The coefficient of friction is preferably set to be at least 0.15, more preferably at least 0.25. The friction is influenced by the choice of guide wheel material or coating. The guide wheels may for example be made from polyurethane. The coefficient of friction between steel and polyurethane would be around 0.30. The guide wheels could be made from other materials and coated to obtain suitable properties.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows the state in which the carriage 1 is moving upwards. The upper edges of the guide wheels 4a, 4b, 14a are facing the guide rail 11. The second limiting element 7 and the fourth limiting element 17 are in contact with the guide surface 12c. The first limiting element 6 and the third limiting element 16 are away from the guide surface 12c. When the carriage 1 moves upwards, the guide wheels 4a, 4b, 14a direct the carriage 1 towards the guide rail 11. The second and fourth limiting elements 7, 17 limit the carriage 1 from moving in the third direction C. The limiting elements 7, 17 also limit the rotation of the guide wheels 4a, 4b, 14a. The angle between the central planes D, E of the guide wheels and the vertical direction A may be, for example, less than 1.0 degree. The permissible rotation angle of the guide wheels 4a, 14a is determined by the initial position of the carriage 1 on the guide rail 11.

[0068] When the direction of movement of the carriage 1 changes, the movement is impeded by the rolling resistance of the guide wheels 4a, 4b, 14a. This generates a force that rotates the guide wheels 4a, 4b, 14a about their respective pivot axes 5, 15. As a result, the guide wheels 4a, 4b, 14a rotate so that their lower edges face towards the guide rail 11. The first and third limiting elements 6, 16 come into contact with the guide surface 12c of the guide rail 11. The second and fourth limiting elements 7, 17 move away from the guide surface 12c.

[0069] Figures 10 and 11 show two different configurations for limiting the pivot angle of the guide wheels. In the embodiments of Figures 10 and 11, the first wheel assembly comprises a body 24. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the frame 3 of the guide comprises a groove 25. The groove 25 is configured to limit the movement of the body 24 of the wheel assembly, thereby limiting the pivot angle of the wheel assembly about the pivot point 5. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the guide is provided with limiting means 26, 27, which are configured to limit the pivot angle of the wheel assembly about the pivot point 5. The limiting means 26, 27 are adjustable, which allows for adjustment of the maximum pivot angle.

[0070] The rotation angle of the second wheel assembly may be limited in a similar manner to the rotation angle of the first wheel assembly. Even if the guide wheel is not disposed on a wheel assembly having a limiting element, the rotation of the guide wheel can be limited in a similar manner.

[0071] The guiding device according to the invention may be used in any carriage 1 which is used to move objects along a vertical elevator guide rail 11 in an elevator shaft 10 .

[0072] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the carriage 1 is configured to lift guide rail elements 11a for constructing the guide rail 11 of the elevator.

[0073] FIG. 9 shows in a flow chart a method for constructing an elevator guide rail 11 according to the present invention.

[0074] In a first step 101 of the method, at least one guide rail element 11a is attached to the wall of the elevator shaft 10 at its lower end to form an installed guide rail section.

[0075] In a second step 102 of the method, a carrier 1 according to the invention is placed on the installed guide rail section.

[0076] In a third step 103 of the method, the carrier 1 is used to lift the guide rail element 11a to the top end of the installed guide rail section.

[0077] In a fourth step 104 of the method, the raised guide rail element 11a is attached to the wall of the elevator shaft 10 above the installed guide rail section.

[0078] The method according to the invention allows the construction of several guide rails 11 independently of each other, so that two guide rails 11 of an elevator car or counterweight do not have to be constructed simultaneously. In this way, an already constructed guide rail 11 can be utilized to lift an object using the carriage according to the invention while another guide rail 11 is being constructed. The method according to the invention may be fully or partially automated.

[0079] A person skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but it may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A guide device for guiding a movable carriage (1) along a vertical guide rail (11) of an elevator, the carriage (1) being configured to be movable by at least one hoisting member (20), the guide rail (11) including a first support surface (12a) extending in a vertical direction and a second support surface (12b) facing in an opposite direction parallel to the first support surface (12a), the vertical direction being defined as a first direction (A), a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first and second support surfaces (12a, 12b) being defined as a second direction (B), and a direction perpendicular to the first direction (A) and the second direction (B) being defined as a third direction (C), the guide device comprising: - Frame (3), a first guide wheel pair connected to the frame (3) and including a first guide wheel (4a) configured to roll on a first support surface (12a) of the guide rail (11) and a second guide wheel (4b) opposite the first guide wheel (4b) and configured to roll on a second support surface (12b) of the guide rail (11), the first guide wheel (4a) and the second guide wheel (4a) each being in a position of use of the guiding device parallel to the second direction (B); a first guide wheel pair (4) configured to be rotatable about a pivot shaft (5) disposed at a position away from a virtual central plane (D) of the guide wheels (4a, 4b) in the third direction (C) in the first direction (A), and configuring the guide device so that the first guide wheel (4a) and the second guide wheel (4b) can be rotated about the pivot shaft (5) by a limited angle in each direction from a direction in which the virtual central plane (D) of the guide wheels (4a, 4b) is parallel to the first direction (A); a first limiting element (6) connected to the frame (3) and arranged below the first pair of guide wheels (4) in the use position of the guiding device; a second limiting element (7) connected to the frame (3) and arranged above the first pair of guide wheels (4) in the use position of the guiding device, the first and second limiting elements (6, 7) are each configured to cooperate with a guide surface (12c) of the guide rail (11) to limit movement of the guiding device in a third direction (C) towards the guide rail (11); The guiding device is configured to apply a force acting in a second direction (B) to the first and second support surfaces (12a, 12b) via the first guide wheel (4a) and the second guide wheel (4b).

2. 2. The guiding device according to claim 1, which is configured to allow the first guide wheel (4a) and the second guide wheel (4b) to rotate about said pivot axis (5) by a maximum of 5 degrees, preferably by a maximum of 2 degrees, in each direction.

3. 3. The guide device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second guide wheel pair (14) connected to the frame (3) and including a third guide wheel (14a) configured to roll on a first support surface (12a) of the guide rail (11) and a fourth guide wheel located opposite the third guide wheel (5a) and configured to roll on a second support surface (12b) of the guide rail (11), wherein the third guide wheel (14a) and the fourth guide wheel are each configured to roll on a second support surface (12b) of the guide rail (11) in a third direction (C) when the third guide wheel (14a) and the fourth guide wheel are each configured to roll on a second support surface (12b) of the guide rail (11) in a use position of the guide device parallel to the second direction (B). a guide device configured to be able to rotate around a pivot axis (15) disposed at a position away from an imaginary central plane (E) of the first direction (a), the guide device being configured to enable rotation of the third guide wheel (14a) and the fourth guide wheel (14a) about the pivot axis (15) by a limited angle in each direction from a direction in which the imaginary central plane (E) of the guide wheel (14a) is parallel to the first direction (A), and the guide device being configured to apply a force acting in the second direction (B) to the first and second support surfaces (12a, 12b) via the third guide wheel (14a) and the fourth guide wheel.

4. A guide device for guiding a movable carriage (1) along a vertical guide rail (11) of an elevator, the carriage (1) being configured to be movable by at least one hoisting member (20), the guide rail (11) including a first support surface (12a) extending in a vertical direction and a second support surface (12b) facing in an opposite direction parallel to the first support surface (12a), the vertical direction being defined as a first direction (A), a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first and second support surfaces (12a, 12b) being defined as a second direction (B), and a direction perpendicular to the first direction (A) and the second direction (B) being defined as a third direction (C), the guide device comprising: - Frame (3), a first guide wheel pair (4) connected to the frame (3) and including a first guide wheel (4a) adapted to roll on a first support surface (12a) of the guide rail (11) and a second guide wheel (4b) located opposite the first guide wheel (4b) of the guide rail (11) and adapted to roll on a second support surface (12b), the first guide wheel (4a) and the second guide wheel (4a) each being oriented in a position of use of the guiding device parallel to the second direction (B); a first guide wheel pair (4) configured to be rotatable about a pivot (5) disposed at a position away from a virtual central plane (D) of the guide wheels (4a, 4b) in a third direction (C) in a position where the first guide wheel pair (4) is in a position where the second guide wheel pair (4a, 4b) is ... a second guide wheel pair (14) connected to the frame (3) and including a third guide wheel (14a) arranged to roll on a first support surface (12a) of the guide rail (11) and a fourth guide wheel opposite the third guide wheel (5a) arranged to roll on a second support surface (12b) of the guide rail (11), the third guide wheel (14a) and the fourth guide wheel each being oriented in a position of use of the guiding device parallel to the second direction (B); a second guide wheel pair (14) configured to be rotatable about a pivot (15) disposed at a position away from an imaginary central plane (E) of the guide wheel (14a) in a third direction (C) in a position where the guide device is configured so that the third guide wheel (14a) and the fourth guide wheel (14a) can be rotated about the pivot (15) by a limited angle in each direction from a direction in which the imaginary central plane (E) of the guide wheel (14a) is parallel to the first direction (A) and the pivot (15) is configured so that the third guide wheel (14a) and the fourth guide wheel (14a) can be rotated by a limited angle in each direction from a direction in which the imaginary central plane (E) of the guide wheel (14a) is parallel to the first direction (A); a first limiting element (6) connected to said frame (3) and arranged between the first pair of guide wheels (4) and the second pair of guide wheels (14); a first limiting element (6) configured to cooperate with a guide surface (12c) of the guide rail (11) to limit movement of the guiding device in a third direction (C) towards the guide rail (11); the guiding device is configured to apply a force acting in a second direction (B) to the first and second support surfaces (12a, 12b) via the first guide wheel (4a) and the second guide wheel (4b); The guide device is configured to apply a force acting in a second direction (B) to the first and second support surfaces (12a, 12b) via a third guide wheel (14a) and a fourth guide wheel.

5. 5. The guiding device according to claim 3 or 4, which is configured to allow the third guide wheel (14a) and the fourth guide wheel to rotate about the pivot axis (15) by a maximum of 5 degrees, preferably by a maximum of 2 degrees, in each direction.

6. 6. The guide device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a second limiting element (7) connected to the frame (3) and arranged above an upper pair of guide wheels (4, 14) of the two pairs of guide wheels (4, 14) in the use position of the guide device, the second limiting element (7) being configured to cooperate with the guide surface (12c) of the guide rail (11) to limit movement of the guide device in the third direction (C) toward the guide rail (11).

7. 7. A guiding device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the second pair of guide wheels (14) is arranged below the first limiting element (6) in the use position of the guiding device, and the guiding device further comprises a third limiting element (16) connected to the frame (3) and arranged below the second pair of guide wheels (14) in the use position of the guiding device, the third limiting element (16) being configured to cooperate with a guide surface (12c) of the guide rail (11) to limit movement of the guiding device towards the guide rail (11) in a third direction (C).

8. 8. The guiding device according to claim 7, further comprising a fourth limiting element (17) arranged between the second pair of guide wheels (14) and the first limiting element (6), the fourth limiting element (17) being configured to cooperate with a guide surface (12c) of the guide rail (11) to limit movement of the guiding device towards the guide rail (11) in a third direction (C).

9. 9. The guiding device according to claim 8, wherein the second guide wheel pair (14), the third limiting element (16) and the fourth limiting element (17) are arranged on a second wheel assembly, and the pivot axis (15) of the second guide wheel pair (14) constitutes a common pivot axis about which the second wheel assembly is rotatable.

10. 10. The guide device according to claim 9, wherein the second wheel assembly includes a counterweight disposed on an opposite side of the pivot axis (15) from the second guide wheel pair (14) in the third direction.

11. A guiding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide wheel pair (4), the first limiting element (6) and the second limiting element (7) are arranged on a first wheel assembly, and the pivot axis (5) of the first guide wheel pair (4) constitutes a common pivot axis about which the first wheel assembly is rotatable.

12. The guide device according to claim 11, wherein the first wheel assembly includes a counterweight (18) disposed on an opposite side of the pivot axis (5) from the first guide wheel pair (4) in the third direction (C).

13. A guiding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the limiting element (6, 7, 16, 17) is adapted to cooperate with a guiding surface (12c) connecting the first support surface (12a) and the second support surface (12b).

14. A guiding device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising means for adjusting the force acting on the support surfaces (12a, 12b) via the guide wheels (4a, 4b, 14a).

15. A guiding device according to any preceding claim, wherein the limiting element (6, 7, 16, 17) comprises a limiting wheel.

16. 10. The guiding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coefficient of friction between the guide wheels (4a, 4b, 14a) and the guide rail (11) is set to be at least 0.

15.

17. A carriage (1) for moving objects along a vertical guide rail (11) of an elevator, comprising a guiding device according to any of the preceding claims.

18. 18. A carrier (1) according to claim 17, which is adapted to lift guide rail elements (11a) constituting a guide rail (11) of an elevator.

19. A carrier (1) as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the guiding device is configured to apply a force to the guide rail (11) via the guide wheels (4a, 4b, 14a), the force being 0.5 to 3 times the gravitational force acting on the carrier (1) when a maximum design load of the carrier (1) is applied to the carrier (1).

20. Use of a carrier (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 19 for lifting objects in an elevator shaft (10).

21. A method for constructing an elevator guide rail (11), the method comprising: - mounting (101) at least one guide rail element (11a) on the wall of the elevator shaft (10) at the lower end of said elevator shaft (10) to form an installed guide rail section; - a step (102) of placing a carrier (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 19 on the installed guide rail section; - lifting (103) a guide rail element (11a) to the upper end of the installed guide rail section using the carrier (1); - mounting (104) the raised guide rail element (11a) on the wall of the elevator shaft (10) above the installed guide rail section.

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