Universal bracket for elevator rail systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a universal bracket (102) for a rail system (100) of an elevator installation, the universal bracket (102) having a positionable and alignable main support (112) and at least one attachment point (116) for at least one rail (106) of the rail system (100), the main support (112) having two guides (120) inseparably connected to the main support (112) for guiding one plumb bob (118) in each case, the attachment point (116) and the guides (120) being arranged in a fixed position relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a universal bracket for a rail system of an elevator facility, a pit assembly for a rail system of an elevator facility, a rail system for an elevator facility, and a method for aligning a rail system of an elevator facility in an elevator shaft of an elevator facility.

Background Art

[0002] In elevator facilities, at least one car is guided by a rail system during its vertical movement along an elevator shaft. The rail system includes brackets that are fastened to the walls of the elevator shaft for elevator installation. These brackets are sometimes called cantilevers. Vertically arranged rails of the rail system are fastened to the brackets.

[0003] The brackets are fastened to the walls during the construction phase of the elevator facility, and then the rails are aligned with respect to the brackets using an alignment device. The alignment device may be, for example, a plumb bob suspended from the ceiling of the elevator shaft into the pit of the elevator shaft. The rails can be aligned using a template or gauge held between the corresponding rail and the vertical line of the plumb bob. The position of the rail with respect to the corresponding bracket is readjusted until the template or gauge fits exactly between the vertical line and the rail.

[0004] WO 2016 / 066786 describes a conventional method for installing guide rails. WO 2009 / 156557 discloses a device for aligning a pendulum by an actuator attached to the device. Further, JP-A-10-218530, JP-A-2001-163549, JP-A-05-186161, and JP-A-05-139656 disclose devices temporarily attached to a shaft for holding or aligning a pendulum. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 066786 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2009 / 156557 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-218530 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-163549 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-186161 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-139656 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In particular, there may be a need for improved universal brackets for elevator rail systems, improved pit assemblies for elevator rail systems, improved rail systems for elevators, and improved methods for aligning elevator rail systems within elevator shafts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Such needs can be met by the universal bracket for the rail system of an elevator system, the pit assembly for the rail system of an elevator system, the rail system for an elevator system, and the method for aligning the rail system of an elevator system within an elevator shaft, as defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a universal bracket for a rail system of an elevator system is proposed, the universal bracket having a positionable and alignable main support and at least one mounting point for at least one rail of the rail system, the main support having two guides inseparably connected to the main support for guiding one plumb bob, the mounting point and the guides being fixed relative to each other.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a pit assembly for a rail system of an elevator system is proposed, the pit assembly comprising a floor support and a fastening support positioned laterally with respect to the floor support, wherein the floor support has at least one mounting point for at least one rail of the rail system, and the fastening support has two fastening points inseparably connected to the fastening support for fastening one plumb bob in either case, the mounting point and the fastening points are positioned in a fixed position relative to each other.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a rail system for elevator equipment is proposed, the rail system comprising: at least one universal bracket by the method proposed herein as a reference bracket; a pit assembly by the method proposed herein; at least one universal bracket by the method proposed herein as an intermediate bracket; and at least one rail, wherein the fastening point of the pit assembly is positioned below the guide of the reference bracket; the guide of the intermediate bracket is aligned between the guide of the reference bracket and the fastening point of the pit assembly; and the rail is attached to the mounting points of the pit assembly, the intermediate bracket, and the reference bracket.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for aligning the rail system of an elevator system within an elevator shaft for the elevator system, wherein a universal bracket according to the method proposed herein is positioned as a reference bracket in the region of the upper end of the elevator shaft, positioned and aligned with the wall of the elevator shaft, a first plumb bob is lowered through a first guide of the reference bracket to the lower end of the elevator shaft, a second plumb bob is guided through a second guide of the reference bracket to the lower end of the elevator shaft, a pit assembly according to the method proposed herein is positioned at the lower end of the elevator shaft, and the first fastening of the pit assembly A point is positioned relative to a first plumb bob, a second fastening point of the pit assembly is positioned relative to a second plumb bob, the first plumb bob is fastened to the first fastening point, the second plumb bob is fastened to the second fastening point, and at least one universal bracket according to the method proposed herein is positioned and aligned in the elevator shaft as an intermediate bracket between the reference bracket and the pit assembly until the first guide of the intermediate bracket is aligned with the first plumb bob and the second guide of the intermediate bracket is aligned with the second plumb bob, and at least one rail of the rail system is attached to the mounting points of the pit assembly, the intermediate bracket and the reference bracket.

[0012] Possible features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention may, in particular, be based on the concepts and findings described below, without limiting the present invention.

[0013] Universal brackets for elevator rail systems can be used to position a plumb bob in the appropriate location within the elevator shaft. Other components of the rail system can then be aligned onto the plumb bob during the installation of the rail system. A plumb bob can be understood as a vertical line with a hanging vertical weight. The vertical weight ensures the vertical alignment of the vertical line. A plumb bob can be tensioned between two substantially arbitrary points, occupying the shortest connecting line between the points. This means that a plumb bob can be tensioned in space at a structurally specified angle. For example, a plumb bob can compensate for a lateral offset of up to 4 inches between the pit assembly and the reference bracket.

[0014] A universal bracket can be a structural component for the rail system of an elevator system. The universal bracket can provide a mechanical-elastic connection between the rails of the rail system and the elevator shaft of a building, particularly the load-bearing walls. Preferably, the front wall of the shaft has landing doors and forms a wall. The universal bracket can be sized according to the load. In particular, the universal bracket can dissipate lateral forces generated during the operation of the elevator system within the building. The universal bracket can consist of several individual parts. These individual parts may be, for example, bent parts made from pre-cut sheet metal. The individual parts can be screwed together. They can also be pinned or welded together. The central part of the universal bracket can be called the main support. The main support may have fastening points for connection to a wall or fastening means fixed to the wall. The fastening points can be designed to laterally position the universal bracket relative to the fastening means and to align the angle of the universal bracket in space. The mounting points can determine the position and location of at least one rail.

[0015] A pit assembly may be the lowest structural component of the rail system. The lower end of the elevator shaft may be called the pit. A pit assembly can provide a mechanically robust connection between the rail and the pit. The pit assembly is preferably fastened to the elevator shaft or the pit, particularly to the load-bearing floor. The pit assembly may also, or alternatively, be fastened to the elevator shaft or the pit, particularly to the load-bearing wall. The pit assembly may be dimensioned according to the load. In particular, the pit assembly can dissipate the vertical forces generated during the operation of the elevator system to the building or foundation. A pit assembly may consist of several individual parts. The individual parts may be, for example, bent parts made from pre-cut sheet metal. The individual parts may be screwed together. The individual parts may also be pinned or welded together. The central part of the pit assembly may be called the floor support. The part connected to the floor support may be called the fastening support. The fastening support may have fastening points for a plumb bob on the side facing away from the floor support. The floor support may have fastening points for connection to the floor or fastening means fixed to the floor.

[0016] The main support may have two guides structurally positioned relative to the mounting point and the fastening point to the building. The main support may have a guide on the side facing away from the mounting point. The relative positions may be identical for all universal brackets within the rail system. As a result, the universal bracket can be used for multiple purposes, particularly as a reference bracket and an intermediate bracket. Universal brackets based on the method presented herein can be used as replacements for pit assemblies. Based on its alignment within the elevator shaft, the reference bracket firmly specifies the position and location of other components of the rail system. The alignment of the intermediate bracket is adjusted relative to the alignment of the reference bracket.

[0017] The main support may have upper and lower chords aligned substantially parallel to each other, and at least one web positioned between the upper and lower chords. The guides may be designed as a first notch on the upper chord and a second notch on the lower chord, respectively. The first and second notches may be positioned vertically, in particular, when the universal bracket is aligned as intended. The notches may be V-shaped recesses in particular. The notches may be located on the edges of the main support. The main support may have a C-shaped cross-section.

[0018] A plumb bob can be positioned or fixed to each of the guides. The plumb bob can be fixed temporarily, i.e., reversibly and detachably. One end of the plumb bob can be attached to the guide. A weight may be loaded at the opposite end of the plumb bob. The plumb bob may be composed of, for example, multiple fibers, or may be designed as a wire.

[0019] The guide can be positioned on the wall side or on the side facing away from the mounting point of the main support. The universal bracket can be mounted using the wall-side guide without contacting the plumb bob. Thus, the universal bracket can be easily inserted onto the shaft, roughly aligned, and then pressed onto the threaded bolt to fit the plumb bob. Alternatively, the universal bracket can be inserted between the wall and the plumb bob.

[0020] The universal bracket can have at least one rail support that is horizontally aligned with the main support. The attachment points can be arranged in the end region of the rail support, and this end region faces away from the main support. The end region on the opposite side of the rail support may be connected to the main support. In particular, the universal bracket can have two rail supports that each have at least one attachment point and are connected to the main support at both end regions of the main support. The rail supports can be sufficiently spaced apart from each other so that the car of the elevator equipment fits between the rail supports.

[0021] The reference bracket can be arranged below the shaft door sill at the top of the elevator shaft. The intermediate bracket can be arranged below the shaft door sill of the elevator shaft, and this sill is located below the top shaft door sill. The universal bracket can have a receptacle for the door guide of the shaft door of the elevator equipment on the upper side. The door guide can be positioned and aligned in the same working step as the universal bracket itself. Due to the arrangement below the shaft door threshold, the lateral forces during loading and unloading of the elevator car can be directly dissipated into the building.

[0022] The reference bracket can be aligned using the pendulum in the guide to align the upper attachment point. The position of the reference bracket in the elevator shaft can be adjusted by moving the pendulums in both guides to the intended positions in the corresponding guides. Thus, additional assistance for alignment can be omitted.

[0023] The pendulum can be fastened to the fastening point of the pit assembly after the pit assembly is positioned and aligned. The pendulum can be towed. The pendulum can be tensioned taut. By connecting both ends, the swaying of the pendulum can be prevented. Thereby, the intermediate bracket can be aligned without delay caused by the swaying pendulum.

[0024] The main support can have two positioning and alignment devices that can be designed as recesses of the main support within the area of the guide. The distance between the main support and the wall can be arranged in the recess and can be adjusted via threaded bolts fixed to the wall. The angular position of the main support relative to the wall can be adjusted via a spherical cap that can be clamped to the edge of the recess. Thus, the universal bracket can be positioned in all spatial directions and aligned in all spatial angles. The recess can be arranged, in particular, on the web between the upper chord and the lower chord, and this web is aligned substantially parallel to the wall.

[0025] The upper end of the pendulum can be hooked to the guide. The upper end can have, for example, a thickening similar to a bicycle brake cable, and the thickening has dimensions larger than the guide. Thus, the guide can have a semi-closed shape in order to prevent the thickening from slipping off the guide. For example, the guide can be designed as a slotted circle. The width of the slot substantially corresponds to the diameter of the pendulum, while the diameter of the circle is smaller than the diameter of the thickening. The intermediate brackets can be positioned and aligned such that the pendulums each pass through the center points of their guide circles.

[0026] Alternatively, the upper end of the pendulum can be fastened to the fastening means of the elevator shaft. For example, each pendulum can be fastened to an eyelet or a screw fastened to the wall of the elevator shaft. The pendulum can also be fixed to the area of the floor above the reference bracket.

[0027] The upper end of the pendulum can be fastened to the reference bracket itself. For example, the pendulum can be looped around the reference bracket and can be tied to itself or to the reference bracket.

[0028] It should be noted that some of the possible features and advantages of the present invention are described herein with reference to different embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that to arrive at further embodiments of the present invention, features of the universal bracket, pit assembly, rail system, and method may be appropriately combined, adapted, or replaced.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Neither the drawings nor the description should be construed as limiting the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This figure shows a rail system for an elevator facility under construction, which has a universal bracket, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows a universal bracket used as a reference bracket according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows a pit assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the alignment of a universal bracket used as an intermediate bracket according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not to scale. Similar reference numerals indicate similar or equivalent features in different drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a diagram of a rail system 100 according to one embodiment, where the rail system 100 is under construction and shows the rail system 100 with a universal bracket 102 and a pit assembly 104. The rail system 100 is installed in an elevator shaft. The elevator shaft is shown only in this case and extends across three floors of the building. The movable components of the elevator equipment are later guided vertically by the rail system 100. The rail 106 of the rail system 100 is attached to the universal bracket 102 and the pit assembly 104. The universal bracket 102 and the pit assembly 104 determine the rear position of the rail 106 in the elevator shaft.

[0033] The rail system 100 is assembled from above. The uppermost part of the universal bracket 102 is fastened to the elevator shaft wall 110 as a reference bracket 108, and the main support 112 of the reference bracket 108 is aligned substantially parallel to the wall 110, so that the rail support 114 of the reference bracket 108 protrudes horizontally into the elevator shaft away from the wall 110. Mounting points 116 for attaching the rails of the rail system are located in the end regions of the rail support 114.

[0034] In one embodiment, a reference bracket 108 is positioned and aligned horizontally on the wall 110 below the uppermost shaft door sill, which is connected by an elevator shaft. The door guide of the reference bracket 108 is adjusted to the height of the shaft door sill. The angular position of the door guide is already predetermined by the alignment of the reference bracket 108.

[0035] Next, two plumb bobs 118 or vertical lines are fastened to a reference bracket 108, and each is guided through a guide 120 of the reference bracket 108. In this case, a vertical weight 122 is fixed to the end of the plumb bob 118. Due to the weight of the vertical weight 122, the vertical weight 122, and therefore the plumb bob 118, are also suspended vertically downward into the elevator shaft from the guide 120 of the reference bracket 108.

[0036] The plumb bob 118 is adjusted so that the vertical weight 122 is suspended directly above the floor 124 of the elevator shaft. The pit assembly 104 is positioned on the floor 124 using the vertical weight 122. The pit assembly 104 moves across the floor 124 until its fastening points 126 are aligned with the vertical weight 122 and the plumb bob 118, respectively. After alignment, the mounting points 116 of the pit assembly 104 are positioned according to the structure. In this position, the pit assembly 104 is fixed in place. To prevent the vertical weight 122 from swinging, the plumb bob 118 can be fastened to the fastening points 126 of the pit assembly 104.

[0037] If the fastening point 126 of the pit assembly 104 cannot be aligned with the vertical weight 122, the distance of the reference bracket 108 from the wall 110 is adjusted. In this way, tolerances of the elevator shaft can be compensated.

[0038] In another embodiment, instead of the pit assembly 104, an additional universal bracket is positioned in the elevator shaft as the pit bracket. In contrast to the pit assembly 104, which is specifically designed for this purpose, the pit bracket is fastened to the wall 110 rather than the floor 124 and is horizontally aligned using an alignment device on the fastening means of the wall 110 until the guide of the pit bracket aligns with the vertical weight 122 or plumb bob 118. After alignment, the mounting point of the pit bracket is positioned vertically below the mounting point 116 of the reference bracket 108.

[0039] Another universal bracket 102 is fastened to the wall 110 as an intermediate bracket 128 between the reference bracket 108 and the pit assembly 104. The intermediate bracket 128 is positioned below the shaft door sill in the intermediate floor. The angular position of the intermediate bracket 128 is adjusted until the intermediate bracket 128 is horizontal and the guide 120 of the intermediate bracket 128 aligns with the plumb bob 118. The door guide of the intermediate bracket 128 is adjusted to the height of the shaft door sill.

[0040] After all the guides 120 are aligned vertically via the vertical weights 122 or plumb bob 118, the mounting points 116 of the rail 106 are also positioned vertically. Thus, the rail 106 can be installed without further alignment. The plumb bob 118 can be removed and reused after the rail system 100 is assembled.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a diagram of a universal bracket 102 used as a reference bracket 108 according to one embodiment. The reference bracket 108 substantially corresponds to the reference bracket in Figure 1. As in Figure 1, the reference bracket 108 is positioned in front of the elevator shaft wall 110 and aligned to the installation position. The main support 112 is designed in this case as a C-shaped profile having an upper chord 200, a lower chord 202, and a web 204 connecting the upper chord 200 and the lower chord 202. The "C" of the main support 112 is open to the wall 110. The upper chord 200, the lower chord 202, and the web 204 have recesses to save material.

[0042] In this case, one end of the guide 120 is shown together with one end of the plumb bob 118. The guide 120 has a first notch 206 in the upper chord 200 and a second notch 208 in the lower chord 202. The notches 206 and 208 are positioned vertically when the universal bracket 102 is aligned to its intended position in space. The notches 206 and 208 are spaced apart by the width of the web 204. The plumb bob 118, in this case, is knotted in the main support 112 in the area of ​​the upper chord 200 and penetrates the first notch 206 and the second notch 208 downwards toward the lower end of the elevator shaft.

[0043] Notches 206 and 208 are designed as V-shaped recesses. The plumb bob 118 contacts the lower point of the recess. To avoid weakening the main support 112, notches 206 and 208 are positioned outside the load-bearing cross-section of the main support 112. Notches 206 and 208 are positioned on projections extending from the upper chord 200 and lower chord 202.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a diagram of a pit assembly 104 according to one embodiment. The pit assembly 104 substantially corresponds to the pit assembly in Figure 1. The rail 106 of the rail system is connected to one of the mounting points 116 of the pit assembly 104. The rail 106 is designed to guide the elevator car and the counterweight of the elevator equipment vertically within the elevator shaft.

[0045] The pit assembly 104 has a floor support 302 and a fastening support 304. The floor support 302 has mounting points 116 at both ends. Thus, the length of the floor support 302 substantially corresponds to the distinct width of the rail system. The fastening support 304 is fastened to the floor support 302 and has fastening points 126. The fastening support 304 positions the fastening points 126 in a fixed position relative to the mounting points 116. When positioning the pit assembly 104, the floor support 302 and fastening support 304 are slid back and forth until the fastening points 126 are aligned with a hanging vertical weight or plumb bob 118. In this position, the pit assembly 104 is bolted to the floor 124. In this case, the plumb bob 118 is fastened to the fastening points 126 and tensions are applied to them.

[0046] The floor support 302 is designed as an upwardly opening U-shaped profile. The fastening support 304 extends as a metal sheet along the floor 124 to a flange that is bent upward, with fastening points 126 positioned on the flange at an intended distance from each other and in the correct relative position to the mounting points 116. The fastening points 126 are located at both ends of the flange. The fastening support 304 has a large recess in the area of ​​the floor 124 for weight reduction and material saving.

[0047] The fastening points 126 of the pit assembly 104 are designed to be different from the guides of the universal bracket. Each fastening point 126 has a single recess 306 through which the plumb bob 118 is guided. The recess 306 is aligned toward the floor 124 and tightens the plumb bob 118 when tension is applied. To secure the plumb bob 118 to the fastening point 126, the plumb bob 118 may be tied to the fastening point 126.

[0048] Figure 4 shows the alignment of a universal bracket 102 used as an intermediate bracket 128 in one embodiment. The intermediate bracket 128 substantially corresponds to the universal bracket used as a reference bracket in Figure 2. In this case, the reference bracket on the floor above the building and the pit assembly at the lower end of the elevator shaft are already aligned and fixed in their intended positions. The plumb bob 118 is tensioned between the guide of the reference bracket and the fastening point of the pit assembly. The plumb bob 118 extends a short distance from the wall 110 of the elevator shaft.

[0049] The intermediate bracket 128 is fixed to the wall 110 and fastened to threaded bolts 400 that protrude substantially horizontally into the elevator shaft. The intermediate bracket 128 slides on the threaded bolts 400 and is temporarily fixed in place at each threaded bolt 400 using an alignment device. The plumb bob 118 passes through the gap 402 between the main support 112 and the wall 110.

[0050] A stopper is positioned on the threaded bolt 400, and via this stopper, the distance of the main support 112 from the wall 110 and the angular position of the entire intermediate bracket 128 can be adjusted. The stopper is adjusted so that the plumb bob 118 passes precisely through both notches 206, 208 of the guide 120 of the intermediate bracket 128 without deflecting the plumb bob 118 horizontally. This adjusts both the distance and angular position of the intermediate bracket 128 so that its mounting point is positioned vertically below the mounting point of the reference bracket. After alignment, the intermediate bracket 128 is finally secured to the threaded bolt 400 by tightening a lock nut. After tightening, the plumb bob 118 runs linearly, i.e., without twisting, through the guide 120. In this way, further intermediate brackets can be aligned with the plumb bob 118.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as “equipped with” and “possess” are not intended to exclude other elements or steps, and singular terms are not intended to exclude plurals. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the embodiments described above may also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other embodiments described above. The symbols in the claims should not be considered restrictive.

Claims

1. A universal bracket for the rail system of elevator equipment, wherein the universal bracket (102) is A positionable and alignable main support, which is a structural component of the rail system and is configured to be fixed to the wall of the elevator shaft, It includes mounting points for attaching rails to a rail system, Once the main support is fastened to the wall and the rails are attached to the mounting points, the movable components of the elevator system are guided to move by the rails during the operation of the elevator system. The main support has two guides inseparably connected to the main support to guide one plumb bob each. The mounting points and guides are positioned in fixed positions relative to each other. The system comprises at least one rail support (114) aligned laterally with respect to the main support (112), the mounting point (116) being located in the end region of the rail support (114) facing away from the main support (112), and the opposite end region of the rail support (114) being connected to the main support (112). Universal bracket.

2. The universal bracket (102) according to claim 1, wherein the main support (112) has an upper chord (200) and a lower chord (202) positioned substantially parallel thereto, and the guide (120) is designed as a first notch (206) on the upper chord (200) and a second notch (208) on the lower chord (202), respectively.

3. The universal bracket (102) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide (120) is positioned on the side of the main support (112) that faces away from the mounting point (116).

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