HK1189211B - A method in constructing an elevator and an elevator arrangement - Google Patents

Description

Method for building an elevator and elevator arrangement

Technical Field

The object of the invention is a method of constructing an elevator, and an elevator arrangement, which elevator is adapted to transport passengers and/or goods during its construction.

Background

The present invention generally relates to extending the service area of an elevator during construction to reach higher positions in the elevator hoistway. With respect to so-called jump-lifts, the bottom of the elevator shaft is already in use before the building has been completed. In this case the top part of the elevator hoistway can be constructed at the same time as the elevators moving in the bottom part of the elevator hoistway have served people on the lower floors of the building. Typically, in jump-lifts, an elevator car moving in the lower part of the elevator hoistway is supported by a movable support platform located above the car in the elevator hoistway. Often the car is moved during use during construction by a hoisting machine supported on the support platform, but there are also alternative locations for the hoisting machine. The installation work in the part of the elevator hoistway above this supporting platform, which includes, inter alia, the installation of guide rails and the electrification of the elevator hoistway, is carried out from a movable platform or equivalent in the elevator hoistway. When the elevator hoistway above the supporting platform in the construction has reached a sufficient completion stage, the completed part of the elevator hoistway can be taken into use. In this case, a jump-lift is performed, in which the support platform is lifted and mounted to a higher position in the elevator hoistway. There is preferably a well top structure above the support platform, separate from the movable support, which forms a protective cover against weather and falling objects. The roof structure has formed the uppermost structure of the elevator hoistway, below which all work in the elevator hoistway has been completed. The roof structure has been located at an elevated position above the support platform to enable work between the support platform and the roof structure. When the building under construction has reached a certain height or the construction has otherwise reached a certain position, a new roof structure has been built on top of the earlier, and the earlier roof structure has been removed. The disadvantage of this process is that it requires the simultaneous presence of several roof structures. Alternatively, it is possible to lift the structure of the roof structure and to reconstruct it at a higher location by means of a worksite crane used in the construction of the building. One problem with this type of configuration is that the worksite crane is not always available when needed. When the elevator hoistway has reached its final height, the machine room has traditionally been built at the end of the elevator hoistway, where the final machinery of the elevator has then been brought. In view of the above, improved solutions for positioning a roof structure have been proposed.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to introduce an improved method and elevator arrangement. The object of the invention is, inter alia, to solve the disadvantages of the known solutions and the problems discussed later in the description of the invention. It is also an object to allow the lifting of the roof structure to be prepared and carried out independently without hurry and interference with other processes taking place simultaneously. Embodiments are provided that, among other things, facilitate simple, safe, and efficient repositioning of a wellhead structure. Furthermore, embodiments are provided in which access to the lifting device is good and a safe working position and good ergonomics can be ensured. Furthermore, embodiments are provided in which the lifting of the roof structure can be carried out at least to a large extent without the use of electrically powered lifting devices.

The invention relates in a method of constructing an elevator to an elevator, which elevator is or has been arranged to comprise an elevator shaft during construction; at least one elevator unit movable in the elevator hoistway, comprising at least an elevator car; a first movable support structure in the elevator hoistway above the elevator car for supporting the at least one elevator unit (e.g., by roping connected between the elevator unit and the support structure); and a roof structure separate from the first movable support structure and located above the first support structure in the hoistway. In the method, at least the following steps are performed:

a) the elevator car is used for transporting passengers and/or goods and thereafter

b) The first movable support structure is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway, and thereafter

c) The elevator car is again used for transporting passengers and/or goods,

at a suitable stage, a second movable support structure is (or has been) mounted above a roof structure in the elevator hoistway. The method further comprises step x, wherein the roof structure is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway to obtain more space below the roof structure, which is a movable roof structure. In step x the movable roof structure is lifted in the elevator hoistway by obtaining support for lifting from a second movable support structure mounted above the roof structure of the elevator hoistway. Thus, the roof structure can be moved independently of other processes of construction of the building or elevator components therebelow. Furthermore, during the lifting of the roof structure, the elevator below it can remain in use. Thus, the lifting of the roof structure can be prepared and performed without hurry. The roof structure is movable and it is lifted in a state that it also protects the elevator components below it during lifting. For this reason, the lifting of the roof structure is preferably performed without substantial dismantling thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, in step x, the movable roof structure is lifted by a hoisting arrangement in the elevator hoistway, which hoisting arrangement comprises a second movable support structure mounted in a mounted position above the roof structure, and preferably also a rope or equivalent and a hoisting device. The lifting device may be an electric lifting device, although other power means may be suitable for this purpose.

In a preferred embodiment, in order to be able to carry out the following step x, step e is performed, wherein at least some parts of the lifting arrangement are manually lifted by a person to extend to the level of the mounting location, preferably by carrying and/or pulling the parts upwards with a rope or equivalent to the level of the mounting location. The lifting of the roof structure can thus be prepared at least to a large extent without the use of electric lifting devices. In this way, the movable second support structure can be lifted to its first mounting position or to any subsequent mounting position. The lifting height (of step x) is preferably at least as large as the distance between successive docking platforms (e.g. 2.5 meters or more), but is preferably larger (e.g. 5-50 meters).

In a preferred embodiment, in step e, the support for the lifting of said movable roof structure is arranged to be obtained from a second movable support structure by means of a rope or equivalent, which rope or equivalent or second support structure is lifted to extend to the level of said installation location manually, e.g. by carrying or pulling it/them upwards. The pulling is preferably performed by means of a rope or equivalent. By lifting it/them manually, a single person can achieve a considerable amount of lifting preparation work without interfering with the other installation or construction processes being carried out. In this way, the method may also remain efficient and simple, since the manual process does not have to provide external energy, such as electricity.

In a preferred embodiment, in step e, a rope or equivalent is arranged to extend vertically in the elevator hoistway, preferably by dropping it into the elevator hoistway, preferably from a desired installation position, and is connected to a part of the hoisting arrangement, after which the part is lifted manually, by pulling the rope or equivalent. In this way, the person can safely perform the lifting and the part can be lifted a long distance.

In a preferred embodiment step x is performed a number of times to gradually make the space under the movable roof structure larger, and after performing step x, step e is performed, in which the second support structure is moved upwards from an earlier installation position above the roof structure to a higher installation position in the elevator hoistway for a subsequent step x, after which step x is performed again.

In a preferred embodiment, step b, preferably comprising a loop of steps a to c, is performed one or more times before step x is performed.

In a preferred embodiment, step b, preferably comprising a loop of steps a to c, is performed one or more times after step x is performed.

In a preferred embodiment, the elevator comprises a third movable support structure between the first and second movable support structures, and before step b the third support structure is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway. In this way, the first support structure can crawl upwards in the elevator hoistway independently of the roof structure.

In a preferred embodiment the elevator comprises a movable work platform below the movable roof structure, and the elevator structure is mounted by working on the work platform. Preferably, the work platform is moved by being supported from a movable roof structure mounted above the work platform. In this way several relatively light functional components can be integrated into the same movable structure.

In a preferred embodiment, after step x, the elevator hoistway is watertight sealed by the roof structure. In this way, the underlying components may remain dry.

In a preferred embodiment, after step x, the part of the lifting arrangement is lowered into the entirety of the movable roof structure, preferably below its watertight roof part, in order to store them during the time of steps x and e. In this way, the lift portions are not exposed to water and they also maintain a good shape even though the construction process takes a long time.

In a preferred embodiment, in step x, the movable roof structure is lifted in the elevator hoistway by a lifting arrangement comprising a lifting device in the entirety of the movable roof structure. Thus, the lifting device is easily accessible.

In a preferred embodiment the elevator comprises a movable working platform below the movable roof structure, which working platform is moved by means of a lifting device in the entirety of the movable roof structure, preferably below its watertight roof part. In this way, a plurality of lightweight functional components are integrated in one movable structure. Furthermore, the lifting device is easily accessible and can be kept free from water hazards.

In a preferred embodiment, the lifting means located in the entirety of the movable roof structure is accessed via a platform located below the watertight roof section. Thus, safety and ergonomics are improved when accessing the lifting device.

The elevator arrangement according to the invention comprises an elevator shaft; at least one elevator unit movable in the elevator hoistway, comprising at least one elevator car; a first movable support structure above the elevator car in the elevator hoistway for supporting the at least one elevator unit, e.g. by roping connected between the elevator unit and the support structure; and a roof structure located above and separate from the first movable support structure in the hoistway. The roof structure is a movable roof structure, which arrangement comprises a hoisting arrangement in the elevator hoistway for hoisting the movable roof structure higher in the elevator hoistway, which hoisting arrangement comprises a second movable support structure mounted above the movable roof structure in the elevator hoistway, which hoisting arrangement is arranged to obtain support from the second movable support structure for the hoisting of the movable roof structure. Thus, the advantages as described above can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the movable roof structure is waterproof, preferably comprising a waterproof membrane. Preferably, the movable roof structure comprises a watertight roof section. Preferably, the movable roof structure comprises a roof portion comprising an inclined water resistant upper surface. In this way, water entry below the elevator shaft can be effectively avoided.

In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement comprises a horizontal staircase or ladder extending to the desired installation location. They may extend between the level of the second movable support structure and a level higher than the level of the second movable support structure. In this way, the person can easily move to the level of the desired new installation position at any time. In a preferred embodiment, the movable roof structure and one or more side walls of the elevator hoistway are sealed in a watertight manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the movable roof structure covers substantially the entire vertical projection (projection) of the elevator hoistway.

In a preferred embodiment, the second movable support structure is portable or comprises a plurality of sections detachably connected to each other, each section being portable. The plurality of portions may comprise, for example, a plurality of beams.

In a preferred embodiment, the second movable support structure is in the form of a beam, preferably comprising wood and/or metal as the main material. In this way, it is easily moved manually and it can be formed to be lightweight.

In a preferred embodiment, the second movable support structure has a weight of at most 35 kg, preferably at most 25 kg, more preferably at most 20 kg, or the second support structure comprises a plurality of detachably connectable parts, each part having a weight of at most 35 kg, preferably at most 25 kg, more preferably at most 20 kg. In this way, the second movable support structure is manually movable by a person.

In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement comprises a movable work platform below the movable roof structure. Thus, installation work can be performed between the first support structure and the movable roof structure during use of the elevator. Preferably, the work platform is arranged to move by being supported from the movable roof structure. Thus, several functional components may be installed into the movable structure. Several functional parts can thus be accessed and simultaneously moved upwards in the elevator hoistway.

In a preferred embodiment the elevator arrangement comprises a hoisting device for hoisting the pit top structure and/or a hoisting device for hoisting a movable work platform located below the movable pit top structure in its entirety, preferably below its watertight pit top part. Preferably, the elevator arrangement further comprises a power supply to the hoisting means, preferably an electric power supply line, the hoisting means being electric hoisting means.

In a preferred embodiment, the lifting arrangement comprises a second support structure, a rope or equivalent, and a lifting device in the entirety of the movable roof structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the movable roof structure includes a platform on which a person may walk and a waterproof roof portion above the platform.

In a preferred embodiment, the lifting means located in the entirety of the movable roof structure is accessible via the platform, preferably fixed thereto.

In a preferred embodiment the elevator arrangement comprises a power supply, preferably an electric power supply line, to a hoisting device in the entirety of the movable roof structure, the hoisting device being an electric hoisting device.

The elevator arrangement during construction is preferably installed in a building with the car running vertically, preferably in response to landing calls and/or car calls. The car preferably has an interior space adapted to receive one or more passengers. The car is preferably arranged to serve two or more landings. These characteristics are preferably also present in the final and permanently existing elevator constructed with the method/elevator arrangement. The elevator hoistway is preferably inside a building. The building is preferably a tower building.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 presents an overview of an elevator arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the method steps of the invention can be carried out;

fig. 2 shows the elevator arrangement before step x;

fig. 3 shows the elevator configuration when step x is being performed;

fig. 4 shows the elevator configuration when step e is being performed;

fig. 5 shows the elevator arrangement when step x' is being performed.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 a preferred embodiment is shown, in which an elevator arrangement has been arranged to comprise an elevator hoistway S during construction, and an elevator unit 1 movable in the elevator hoistway S, which elevator unit is an elevator car 1 for transporting passengers and/or goods. The elevator arrangement may also comprise further movable elevator units such as counterweight CW, as shown. The elevator arrangement further comprises a first movable support structure 2 above the elevator car 1 in the elevator hoistway for supporting the at least one elevator unit (1, CW), in which case the at least one elevator unit (1, CW) is supported by roping R connected between the elevator unit and the support structure 2. The elevator arrangement further comprises a roof structure 4 above the support structure 2 and separate from the movable support structure 2 in the elevator hoistway S, and a hoisting arrangement (41, 42, 5) in the elevator hoistway S for hoisting the movable roof structure 4 higher in the elevator hoistway S. The roof structure 4 is a movable roof structure, and the hoisting arrangement (41, 42, 5) comprises a second movable support structure 5 mounted above the movable roof structure 4 in the elevator hoistway S, said hoisting arrangement (41, 42, 5) being arranged to obtain support from the second movable support structure 5 for said hoisting of the movable roof structure 4. The roof structure 4 can be lifted upwards independently of the movable support structure 2 in order to form a space between them. In the method, the elevator car 1 is used for transporting passengers and/or goods (step a). The top of the elevator hoistway S above the support structure 2 can be constructed at the same time as the elevator car moving in the bottom of the elevator hoistway has already served people on the lower floors of the building. When the elevator hoistway above the movable support structure 2 has reached a sufficient completion stage in the construction, the completed part of the elevator hoistway S can be taken into use. In this case the elevator car is no longer in said use and performs a jump-lift, in which the movable support structure 2 is lifted (step b) and mounted to a higher position in the elevator hoistway. After this, the elevator car 1 is put back into use for transporting passengers and/or goods. Fig. 1 also shows a third support structure 3 between the roof structure 4 and the support structure 2, from where the support for lifting the first support structure 2 in step b can be obtained. The lifting of the first support structure 2 may be performed by means of a lifting device 31, wherein the lifting device 31 pulls the first support structure 2 upwards by means of a rope system 32. The lifting means may be located in the entirety of the first or third support structure. However, the lifting of the support structure 2 need not be performed in this particular manner, as there are alternative configurations. Before step b, the third support structure 3 can be lifted higher in the elevator hoistway by taking support from the roof structure 4. To this end, the movable roof structure 4 may comprise a lifting device 61 connected/connectable to the third support structure 3 via a wireline system 62. Fig. 1 also shows a movable working platform 61 below the movable roof structure 4, from where the elevator structure is installed by working on the working platform during said use of the car 1. The work platform is moved by being supported from a movable roof structure 4 mounted above the work platform 61. In order to be able to lift the third movable support structure 3, the movable work platform 61 may be connected to the third movable support structure 3 when lifted. The lifting device 61 need not be positioned in the entirety of the movable roof structure, but it may be positioned in the entirety of the working platform 61.

When a suitable number of jump-lifts has been performed (number of cycles of steps a to c), for example the supporting structure 2 has been brought close to said roof structure 4, the movable roof structure 4 is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway S (step x) in order to obtain more space therebelow. For this purpose, the roof structure 4 is made as a movable roof structure with support devices t that can be transferred to a state in which they do not block the vertical movement of the movable roof structure 4, for example as laterally extendable support elements. Fig. 2 shows a preferred configuration before step x, and fig. 3 shows step x. In step x, the movable roof structure 4 is lifted in the elevator hoistway S by obtaining support for the lifting from a second movable support structure 5 mounted above the roof structure 4 in the elevator hoistway S. As shown, the apparatus t has been transferred to the unlocked state prior to lifting the movable roof structure 4. Step x is performed when the support structure 2 has been lifted so close to the roof structure 4 that more space is needed between them. Another reason for lifting the movable roof structure 4 may be that the installation work of the elevator components needs to be continued above the current level of the roof structure 4. The lifting of the movable roof structure 4 is arranged to be carried out without substantial dismantling of the roof structure 4, which is made possible by means of an apparatus t, which is also described elsewhere.

In step x, the movable roof structure 4 is lifted by a lifting arrangement (41, 42, 5) in the elevator shaft S. The lifting arrangement (41, 42, 5) comprises a second movable support structure 5, preferably also a rope 42, and a lifting device 41. Alternatively, other lifting devices may be used instead of the ropes 42 and the means 41. In order to be able to carry out the subsequent step x, the second movable support structure 5 is mounted in the elevator hoistway S in a mounting position (a or B) above the movable roof structure 4, as shown in fig. 1. This installation can be performed at a suitable time before step x. In fig. 1, the mounting position a shows a mounting position in which the second movable support 5 is to be mounted, possibly for the first time performing step x. The mounting position B shows a mounting position in which the second movable supporting structure 5 is to be mounted after step x has been performed, and is thus higher than the mounting position a. In both cases, the lifting arrangement can be made to extend to the level of the mounting position (a or B) in a subsequent step x by lifting the second movable support structure 5 from its earlier position to the level of its mounting position (a or B). This may be done by performing step e, for example as described elsewhere in the application. Step x may be performed once, or alternatively a plurality of times, to obtain more space under the roof structure 4 step by step. In case of multiple steps x, after performing the previous step x, the lifting arrangement is lifted to extend to the level of the mounting position B for the subsequent step x. This is preferably done by a step e in which the second movable supporting structure 5 is moved upwards from its earlier mounting position a to a higher mounting position B in the elevator hoistway S. Step e is shown in fig. 4. After step e is performed, step x is performed.

In step e, the lifting arrangement (41, 42, 5) is lifted to extend to the level of the mounting position (a or B) for the subsequent step x. The level of the installation location (a, B) is above the level of the movable roof structure 4. The lifting is preferably performed manually, at least partly by a person, preferably by conveying or pulling upwards with a rope or equivalent 70. Thus, no complex hoisting system is required to move the support position higher in the elevator shaft S. The person can climb along the ladder or stairs L to the desired mounting position a or B of the second movable support structure 5. He can (in one piece or in blocks) transport the second movable support structure 5 upwards to this level and mount it to the position for lifting. In order to lift the line 42 of the lifting arrangement to extend to the level of the higher installation location, the person will preferably drop a pulling line or equivalent 70 down to the movable roof structure 4 and then connect it to the line or equivalent 42 of the lifting arrangement and pull the line or equivalent 42 upwards through the line or equivalent 70, as shown in fig. 4. Thereafter a rope or equivalent 42 is connected to the second movable support structure 5, the arrangement being ready for lifting. Alternatively, instead of being transported, the person may also pull the second movable support 5 up to the level of the higher mounting position B by means of a rope or equivalent 70, as shown in dashed lines in fig. 4. The second movable support structure 5 may be difficult to pull up in the elevator hoistway. Thus, it is preferred that the lifting of step e is performed by pulling the rope or equivalent 42 upwards with the rope or equivalent 70 and by transporting the second movable support structure 5 upwards to the level of the desired mounting position a or B of the second movable support structure 5, as described above.

Preferably, after each step x, the elevator hoistway is watertight sealed by means of a roof structure 4, e.g. by extending a watertight film up to the surface of the elevator hoistway. After lifting the movable roof structure 4, the step cycle comprising steps a to c may be performed one or more times when there is no more space between them. After the one or more cycles, steps e and x may be performed again. By performing the sequence of steps (n × (a + b + c) + e + x) a suitable number of times, the structures 2 and 4 can be lifted in the elevator hoistway to the required height.

Fig. 5 shows a preferred further step x' performed after step x and before the next step e. In step x', parts of the lifting arrangements 41,42,5 are lowered to be in the entirety of the movable roof structure 4 in order to store them during the time between steps x and e. To this end, the hoisting ropes or equivalent 42 of the hoisting arrangement are lowered to the whole of the roof structure 4, preferably below its watertight roof part 43. The second support structure 5 is also preferably so positioned below the waterproof portion 43. Thus, they are safely stored from falling objects and water. Moreover, they do not interfere with non-elevator related construction work occurring above the watertight roof section 43. There may be a hole in the flashing portion 43 for a cord or equivalent 42 which may be sealed after the cord or equivalent has been lowered thereunder. The cord 42 is preferably wound on a reel 46 located below the water-proof portion 43. After step x (in particular after step x', if this step is chosen to be performed), the elevator hoistway is watertight by means of the roof structure 4, for example by extending a waterproofing membrane to extend up to the surface of the elevator hoistway S. When step e needs to be performed again, then the second movable support structure 5 is mounted above the roof structure 4 in the elevator hoistway S, to which the ropes 42 are connected, as shown in fig. 4, for enabling the next lifting of the movable roof structure 4.

The initial lifting of the movable second support structure 5 to its mounting position a and from the mounting position a to an even higher mounting position B can be performed by step e (as described in relation to fig. 4) substantially in a corresponding manner. While step e can be performed in a substantially corresponding manner in case an earlier step x' has been performed. The only difference would be the specific position of the part of the lifting arrangement prior to step e. In all these cases, said portion is at a lower level than the desired mounting position (a or B) of the second movable support structure 5, which is above the movable roof structure 4, prior to step e.

As mentioned above, the second support structure 5 is movable. This means that it can be detachably supported at different vertical positions of the elevator shaft S. It can be made in the form of a beam resting (e.g. freely against or in a releasably fixed manner) on top of the fixed supporting structure of the elevator, e.g. the upper surface of the structure of the elevator hoistway and the sill of the landing door opening. The roof structure 4 is also movable. This means that it can be detachably supported at different vertical positions of the elevator shaft. For this purpose, the elevator during construction (the roof structure 4) has preferably been arranged to comprise a support device t for fixedly supporting the roof structure 4 in the elevator hoistway S, which device t is convertible between a state I in which the roof structure 4 is fixedly supported and a state II in which the roof structure 4 is not fixedly supported. When in state II, the support device t does not block the upwardly directed vertical movement of the roof structure in the elevator hoistway S. The first support structure 2 and/or the third support structure 3 are preferably made movable in a corresponding manner to the movable roof structure 4.

The support device t preferably comprises a laterally extendable support element (e.g. as shown). When in the supporting state I, each support element may extend on top of a fixed support structure of the elevator, e.g. on the upper surface of the elevator hoistway structure or on a door sill landing door opening. For this purpose, the elevator shaft S can be designed with a support structure at intervals. For example, the grooves P may be formed in the hoistway wall. The support element may be formed so as to be laterally extendable (and retractable to a non-extended state) by linear movement or by pivoting. The support element is preferably lockable in the extended and/or retracted state. In fig. 1, the support element is movable between said positions by a linear movement and in fig. 2-4 by a pivoting movement. The support device t may alternatively have a different design. A preferred alternative design would be such that the device t is a clamping device arranged to clamp the elevator guide rails when in state I and not to clamp when in state II. Such a clamping device is preferably in the form of a wedge-type clamp with wedge-shaped parts arranged to wedge between the guide rail and the upwardly tapering housing surface of said clamp if the clamping moves downwards, thereby utilizing the well-known structures in elevator safety structures/arrangements.

The roof structure 4 is preferably waterproof. Thus, water is prevented from entering the elevator shaft below it. Furthermore, the roof structure 4 and one or more side walls of the elevator hoistway S are preferably sealed in a watertight manner. Preferably, it includes a watertight well top section 43, and a platform 44 located below the watertight well top section 43. In order to make the roof structure 4 waterproof, it preferably comprises a waterproof membrane 45 as part of the roof section 43. In order to facilitate the flow of water away from the elevator hoistway S, the movable roof structure 4 comprises a flashing portion 43 forming an inclined flashing surface.

As mentioned, the second movable support structure 5 is preferably portable by a person or comprises a plurality of (person) portable components detachably connected. Thus, it can be carried or pulled by a person from a lower level (wholly or in several) to a level a or B which is the new installation location. The second movable support structure 5 is preferably in the form of a beam. It is thus simple and can be made rigid and reliable, with a low weight. The light but rigid beam structure 5 may be made of wood and/or metal. The second movable support structure may have a weight of at most 35 kg, preferably at most 25 kg, more preferably at most 20 kg, or the second support structure may comprise a plurality of detachably connectable parts, each part having a weight of at most 35 kg, preferably at most 25 kg, more preferably at most 20 kg.

The movable roof construction is preferably such that the lifting means 41 for lifting the roof construction 4 is in the entirety of the movable roof construction 4. Furthermore, the roof structure 4 may also comprise a lifting device 60 (preferably by a wireline 62) for lifting a working platform 61 below the roof structure 4. The movable roof construction 4 preferably also comprises a power supply f, preferably an electric power supply line, to the lifting means 41 and/or 60, and said lifting means 41/60 are electric lifting means. Thus, the lifting device 41/60 is easily accessible for use or maintenance. Moreover, such powered feeding is simple and preferably only one line is used to power a plurality of devices. The lifting devices 41,60 are preferably accessible via a platform and are preferably fixed to the platform 44. The lifting device 41 and/or the lifting device 60 are preferably remotely controllable, for example via a control cable or a wireless connection.

The members 42, 62 and 70 are preferably cords, such as metal cords, but rather flexible members, such as belts or chains, may be used. Accordingly, the roping R can be formed by ropes or equivalent. By the term portable structure it is meant a structure that can be lifted manually by a person, in particular pulled or transported upwards by a person. In the embodiment described, the ends of the ropes 42 are connected to the structure 5 so that the hoisting ratio is 1: 1. However, this is not essential as alternatively the rope 42 may be connected to the structure 5 by a pulley such that 2: a hoisting ratio of 1 is achieved or by more pulleys being connected to the structure 5 so that an even higher hoisting ratio is achieved. It is to be understood that the foregoing description and drawings are only illustrative of the invention. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (23)

1. A method of building an elevator, which elevator has been arranged to comprise during construction:

-an elevator shaft (S),

-at least one elevator unit (1, CW) movable in the elevator hoistway (S), comprising at least an elevator car (1),

-a first movable support structure (2) in the elevator hoistway above the elevator car (1) for supporting the at least one elevator unit (1, CW),

-a roof structure (4) separate from the first movable support structure (2) and located above the first movable support structure (2) in the elevator hoistway,

in the method, at least the following steps are performed:

a) the elevator car (1) is used for transporting passengers and/or goods and then,

b) the first movable support structure (2) is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway and, then,

c) the elevator car (1) is again used for transporting passengers and/or goods,

characterized in that the method further comprises a step x, in which the roof structure (4) is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway (S) in order to obtain more space below the roof structure (4), which roof structure (4) is a movable roof structure, and in which step x the movable roof structure (4) is lifted in the elevator hoistway (S) by obtaining support for the lifting from a second movable support structure (5) mounted in the elevator hoistway (S) above the roof structure (4).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in step x the movable roof structure (4) is lifted in the elevator hoistway (S) by means of a lifting arrangement (41, 42, 5), which lifting arrangement (41, 42, 5) comprises a second movable support structure (5) mounted in a mounting position (a or B) above the roof structure (4).

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the lifting arrangement (41, 42, 5) further comprises a rope (42) and a lifting device (41).

4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that step e is performed, wherein at least one of the lifting arrangements (41, 42, 5) is manually lifted by a person to extend to the level of the mounting position (a, B).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the lifting arrangements (41, 42, 5) is lifted by carrying and/or pulling the at least one upwards with a rope (70).

6. A method according to claim 4, characterised in that in step e support for the lifting of the movable roof structure (4) is arranged to be obtained from the second movable support structure (5) by means of a rope (42), which rope (42) and/or the second movable support structure (5) is lifted to extend to the level of the installation location (A, B) manually by a person.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the rope (42) and/or said second movable support structure (5) is/are lifted by carrying or pulling it/them upwards with a rope (70).

8. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that in step e ropes (70) are arranged to extend vertically in the elevator hoistway (S) and are connected to one or more of said hoisting arrangements (41, 42, 5), after which said one or more are lifted manually by a person by pulling the ropes (70).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that a rope (70) is arranged to extend vertically in the elevator hoistway (S) by dropping the rope (70) into the elevator hoistway.

10. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that step x is performed a number of times to get more space under a movable roof structure (4) step by step, and that after performing step x, step e is performed, in which the second movable support structure (5) is moved from an earlier mounting position (A) above the roof structure (4) upwards to a higher mounting position (B) in the elevator hoistway for a subsequent step x, after which step x is performed again.

11. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the elevator comprises a third movable support structure (3) between the first movable support structure (2) and the second movable support structure (5), and that the third movable support structure (3) is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway (S) before step b.

12. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that after step x one or more of the lifting arrangements (41, 42, 5) are lowered into the entirety of the movable roof structure (4).

13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that one or more of the lifting arrangements (41, 42, 5) is lowered below its watertight roof part (43).

14. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in step x a movable roof structure (4) is lifted in the elevator hoistway (S) by means of a hoisting arrangement (41, 42, 5), which hoisting arrangement (41, 42, 5) comprises a hoisting device (41) in the entirety of the movable roof structure (4).

15. An elevator arrangement, comprising:

-an elevator shaft (S),

-at least one elevator unit (1, CW) movable in the elevator hoistway (S), comprising at least an elevator car (1),

-a first movable support structure (2) in the elevator hoistway above the elevator car (1) for supporting the at least one elevator unit (1, CW),

-a roof structure (4) separate from the first movable support structure (2) and located above the first movable support structure (2) in the elevator hoistway,

characterized in that the roof structure (4) is a movable roof structure and the elevator arrangement comprises a hoisting arrangement (41, 42, 5) in the elevator hoistway (S) for hoisting the movable roof structure (4) higher in the elevator hoistway (S), which hoisting arrangement (41, 42, 5) comprises a second movable support structure (5) mounted above the movable roof structure (4) in the elevator hoistway, which hoisting arrangement (41, 42, 5) is arranged to obtain support from the second movable support structure (5) for the hoisting of the movable roof structure (4).

16. Elevator arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that the movable roof structure (4) is watertight.

17. Elevator arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that the movable roof structure (4) comprises a waterproof membrane (45).

18. Elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims 15-17, characterized in that the second movable support structure is transportable by a person or comprises a plurality of parts detachably connected to each other, each part being transportable by a person.

19. Elevator arrangement according to any of the preceding claims 15-17, characterized in that the hoisting arrangement (41, 42, 5) comprises a second movable support structure (5), a rope (42), and a hoisting device (41).

20. Elevator arrangement according to claim 19, characterized in that the hoisting means (41) is in the entirety of the movable roof structure (4).

21. Elevator arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that the movable roof structure (4) comprises a platform (44) on which a person can walk and a watertight roof part (43) above the platform (44).

22. Elevator arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that the elevator arrangement comprises a power supply (f) to a hoisting device (41, 60) located in the whole of the movable roof structure (4), which hoisting device (41, 60) is an electric hoisting device.

23. Elevator arrangement according to claim 22, characterized in that the power supply (f) is an electric power supply line.