HK1230565B - A method and an arrangement for automatic elevator installation - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for automatic elevator installation

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatic elevator installation.

Background Art

An elevator consists of an elevator car, a hoisting machine, ropes, and a counterweight. The elevator car is supported on a transport frame formed by cables and a car frame. The cables surround the elevator car. The hoisting machine moves the car up and down in a vertically extending elevator shaft. The cables, and thus the elevator car, are carried by the cables, which connect the elevator car to the counterweight. The cables are also supported by runners on guide rails extending vertically in the elevator shaft. The runners may include rollers that roll on the guide rails or guide shoes that guide the guide rails as the elevator car moves up and down in the elevator shaft. The guide rails are supported by fastening devices on the side walls of the elevator shaft. The runners, engaged with the guide rails, hold the elevator car in place horizontally as it moves up and down in the elevator shaft. The counterweight is supported in a corresponding manner on the guide rails, which are fastened to the walls of the elevator shaft. The elevator car transports people and/or cargo between floors of a building. The elevator shaft may be formed such that one or several of the side walls are formed by solid walls and/or such that one or more of the side walls are formed by an open steel structure.

The guide rail is formed from guide rail elements of a certain length. The guide rail elements are connected end to end in the elevator shaft during the installation phase. The guide rail is attached to the wall of the elevator shaft by fastening devices at fastening points along the height of the guide rail.

WO Publication No. 2007/135228 discloses a method for installing elevator guide rails. In a first phase, a first pair of opposing car guide rail elements is installed, starting at the bottom of the elevator shaft. In a second phase, a second pair of opposing car guide rails is installed end-to-end, following the first pair. This process continues until all opposing car guide rail pairs are installed. Counterweight guide rails are installed in a corresponding manner. A laser transmitter is used in conjunction with each guide rail to align the guide rails vertically. A self-directional laser can be used, which automatically directs the laser beam vertically upward. When installing the bottommost section of the guide rails, the laser transmitter is first positioned at the bottom of the elevator shaft. An alignment device equipped with an alignment element is supported on each guide rail at each location where the guide rails are to be aligned. The laser beam strikes the alignment element, thereby aligning the guide rails so that the impact point of the laser beam is in the center of the alignment element. The laser transmitter is gradually moved upward to align the next section of the guide rails.

WO Publication 2014/053184 discloses a guide rail straightness measurement system for elevator installations. The measurement system includes at least one plumb line mounted vertically adjacent to the guide rail in the elevator shaft, and at least one sensor device mounted on a carrier for vertical travel along the guide rail. The sensor device includes a frame, at least one guide shoe connected to the frame for sliding or rolling along the guide surface of the guide rail, a biasing device for positioning and biasing the frame relative to the guide surface, and at least one sensor device for sensing the position of the plumb line relative to the frame.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to present a novel method for automatic elevator installation.

A method for automatic elevator installation is defined in claim 1.

The method for automatic elevator installation comprises the following steps:

Mark each door opening in the elevator shaft with downward-facing door reflectors positioned on opposite sides of the door opening.

Position the intelligent total station at the bottom of the elevator shaft and use the intelligent total station to create the reference coordinate system of the elevator shaft.

Use an intelligent total station to measure the position of the door reflector relative to the elevator shaft.

Fitting a straight door line to the measurement, which forms a virtual plumb line for the door in the elevator shaft,

Marking the intended position of the guide rails on the bottom of the elevator shaft based on the dimensions of the elevator shaft and the elevator car,

manually installing the lowermost guide rail into the elevator shaft based on the predetermined position of the guide rail,

Based on the door line, the intelligent total station is used to form a vertical guide rail line, which forms a virtual plumb line for the guide rail in the elevator shaft.

Provide a mounting platform in the elevator shaft that can move up and down along the car guide rails,

Position the downward facing platform reflector on the bottom of the mounting platform,

The position of the platform reflector relative to the elevator shaft is measured using an intelligent total station, so that the orientation and position of the mounting platform relative to the elevator shaft can be determined.

Claim 8 defines an apparatus for automatic elevator installation.

The device for automatic elevator installation is characterized by:

Each door opening in the elevator shaft is marked using downward facing door reflectors positioned on opposite sides of the door opening.

The intelligent total station is positioned at the bottom of the elevator shaft, thereby creating a reference coordinate system for the elevator shaft using the intelligent total station.

The position of the door reflector relative to the elevator shaft is measured using an intelligent total station.

A straight door line is fitted to the measurement, which forms a virtual plumb line for the door in the elevator shaft.

The predetermined positions of the guide rails on the bottom of the elevator shaft are marked based on the dimensions of the elevator shaft and the elevator car.

The lowest guide rail is manually installed into the elevator shaft based on the predetermined position of the guide rail.

A vertical guide rail line is formed based on the door line using an intelligent total station. The vertical guide rail line forms a virtual plumb line for the guide rail in the elevator shaft.

A mounting platform that can move up and down along the car guide rails is provided in the elevator shaft.

A downward facing platform reflector is positioned on the bottom of the mounting platform.

The position of the platform reflector is measured relative to the elevator shaft using an intelligent total station, so that the orientation and position of the mounting platform relative to the elevator shaft can be determined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a vertical cross section of an elevator;

Figure 2 shows a horizontal cross section of an elevator;

Figure 3 shows a vertical cross-section of an elevator shaft illustrating the principles of the present invention;

FIG4 shows an isometric view of a device for aligning guide rails in an elevator shaft;

FIG5 shows a first stage of operation of the apparatus of FIG4 ;

FIG6 shows a second stage of operation of the apparatus of FIG4 ;

FIG7 shows an axonometric view of an elevator shaft with the apparatus of FIG4 on a mounting platform; and

FIG8 shows a horizontal cross section of an elevator shaft with the device of FIG4 on a mounting platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG1 shows a vertical cross section of an elevator, and FIG2 shows a horizontal cross section of an elevator.

The elevator includes a car 10, an elevator shaft 20, a machine room 30, a hoisting machine 40, ropes 41, and a counterweight 42. The car 10 may be supported on a transport frame 11 or slings surrounding the car 10. The hoisting machine 40 moves the car 10 upward and downward in a first direction S1 within the vertically extending elevator shaft 20. The slings 11, and thus the elevator car 10, are carried by the ropes 41, which connect the elevator car 10 to the counterweight 42. The slings 11, and thus the elevator car 10, are also supported by guides 70 on guide rails 50 extending vertically within the elevator shaft 20. The elevator shaft 20 has a floor 12, a ceiling 13, a front wall 21A, a rear wall 21B, a first side wall 21C, and a second, opposing side wall 21D. Two car guide rails 51, 52 are positioned on opposing side walls 21C, 21D of the elevator shaft 20. The guide devices 70 may include rollers that roll on the guide rails 50 or guide shoes that slide on the guide rails 50 when the elevator car 10 is moving up and down in the elevator shaft 20. Two counterweight guide rails 53, 54 are also located at the rear wall 21B of the elevator shaft 20. The counterweight 42 is supported on the counterweight guide rails 53, 54 through corresponding guide devices 70. Landing doors (not shown in the drawings) are located in connection with the front wall 21A of the elevator shaft 20.

Each car guide rail 51, 52 is fastened to a corresponding side wall 21C, 21D of the elevator shaft 20 using a fastening device 60 along the height of the car guide rail 51, 52. Each counterweight guide rail 53, 54 is fastened to the rear wall 21B of the elevator shaft 20 along the height of the counterweight guide rail 53, 54 using a corresponding fastening device 60. The figures illustrate only two fastening devices 60, but several fastening devices 60 may be present along the height of each guide rail 50. The guide rail 50 may have a cross-section shaped like the letter T. The vertical branches of the guide rail element 50 form three guide surfaces for a guide device 70, which may comprise rollers or guide shoes. Thus, the guide rail 50 has two opposing side guide surfaces and one front guide surface. The guide device 70 may have a cross-section shaped like the letter U, with the inner surface of the guide device 70 positioned relative to the three guide surfaces of the guide rail 50. The guide device 70 is attached to the sling 11 and/or counterweight 42.

As the elevator car 10 and/or counterweight 42 move up and down in the elevator shaft 20 in the first direction S1, the slide 70 engages the guide rails 50 and holds the elevator car 10 and/or counterweight 42 in place in the horizontal plane. The elevator car 10 transports people and/or cargo between floors of a building. The elevator shaft 20 can be formed so that all of the side walls 21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D are formed from solid walls or so that one or more of the side walls 21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D are formed from open steel structures.

The guide rail 50 extends vertically along the height of the elevator shaft 20. The guide rail 50 is thus formed of guide rail elements having a certain length, for example 5 m. The guide rail elements 50 are mounted end to end one after another.

Figure 1 shows a first direction S1, which is a vertical direction in the elevator shaft 20. Figure 2 shows a second direction S2, which is a direction between the first side wall 21C and the second side wall 21D in the elevator shaft 20, i.e., the guide rail direction (DBG). Figure 2 also shows a third direction S3, which is a direction between the rear wall 21B and the front wall 21A in the elevator shaft 20, i.e., the front-to-back direction (BTF). Second direction S2 is perpendicular to third direction S3. Second and third directions S2 and S3 form a coordinate system on the horizontal plane of the elevator shaft 20.

Figure 3 shows a vertical cross-section of an elevator shaft, illustrating the principles of the present invention. The concept is to, as a first step, measure the dimensions of an empty elevator shaft 20 using an intelligent total station 600. Reflectors are used to mark different locations in the empty elevator shaft, allowing the position of each reflector to be measured using the intelligent total station 600. The reflectors can be disposable reflective sheet targets or prisms. Disposable reflective sheet targets are very inexpensive and can be left on the target after the measurement is completed. Prisms, on the other hand, are expensive and cannot be left on the target after the measurement is taken.

Each door opening DO1-DO4 in the elevator shaft 20 is marked with a downward-facing door reflector DR1a-DR4a, DR1b-DR4b positioned on opposite sides of the door opening DO1-DO4. The door reflectors DR1a-DR4a, DR1b-DR4b can be mounted on, for example, L-shaped support brackets made of thin aluminum attached to the wall of the elevator shaft 20. Each door reflector DR1a-DR4a, DR1b-DR4b must face downward in the elevator shaft 20.

An intelligent total station 600 is installed at the bottom 12 of the elevator shaft 20, and is used to create a reference coordinate system K0 for the elevator shaft 20. This can be done so that reflectors are positioned at different locations on the walls of the elevator shaft 20. The origin of the reference coordinate system K0 and the zero position of the horizontal angle (i.e., the orientation of the X-axis) are first defined using the intelligent total station 600. The position of each reflector on the wall of the elevator shaft 20 is then measured using the intelligent total station 600. The position of the wall of the elevator shaft 20 is then determined using the intelligent total station 600. The reflectors remain on the wall of the elevator shaft 20. The intelligent total station 600 can be removed from the elevator shaft 20 and returned to the elevator shaft 20 at any time. Based on the positions of the reflectors on the wall of the elevator shaft 20, the intelligent total station 600 can determine its own position in the elevator shaft 20 in the reference coordinate system K0. If the coordinates of at least two points in the elevator shaft 20 are known, these points can be used to initially orient the intelligent total station 600 .

The position of each door reflector DR1a-DR4a, DR1b-DR4b is measured using an intelligent total station 600. The intelligent total station 600 is directed one at a time toward each door reflector DR1a-DR4a, DR1b-DR4b to perform the measurement. The intelligent total station 600 is positioned at the same location in the elevator shaft 20 during the measurement. The intelligent total station 600 must have full visibility of each door reflector DR1a-DR4a, DR1b-DR4b. Straight door lines DL1 and DL2 are then incorporated into the measurement. These vertical, straight door lines DL1 and DL2 serve as virtual plumb lines for door installation in the elevator shaft 20.

The position of each guide rail 51, 52, 53, 54 is marked by points A2 and B2 on the bottom 12 of the elevator shaft 20 in the coordinate system K0 of the elevator shaft 20. The vector passing between points A2 and B2 specifies the orientation of the guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54, that is, the rotation of the guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54 about the Z axis. These points A2 and B2 are the target points for the automatic installation of the guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54 in the coordinate system K0 of the elevator shaft 20. The positions are selected based on the figure showing the positions of the guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54 in a horizontal cross-section of the elevator shaft 20.

The lowermost guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54 are manually mounted to the elevator shaft 20 based on points A2, B2.

Guide rail lines GL1 and GL2 can be formed for the guide rails 51, 52, 53, and 54 in the elevator shaft 20 using an intelligent total station 600. These guide rail lines GL1 and GL2 are formed based on the door lines DL1 and DL2. These vertical straight guide rail lines GL1 and GL2 serve as vertical plumb lines for the guide rails 51, 52, 53, and 54.

An installation platform 500 capable of moving upward and downward along car guide rails 51 and 52 is disposed in the elevator shaft 20. The installation platform 500 is provided with downward-facing platform reflectors PR1-PR3 on its bottom surface. The height position and orientation of the installation platform 500 relative to the reference coordinate system K0 are measured using an intelligent total station 600 based on the positions of the platform reflectors PR1-PR3 relative to the elevator shaft 20. The platform reflectors PR1-PR3 can be initially positioned, for example, on a common horizontal plane on the bottom surface of the installation platform 500. The orientation of the installation platform 500 relative to the vertical direction can be calculated based on the difference in vertical heights of the platform reflectors PR1-PR3. The position of the installation platform 500 in the second direction S2 and the third direction S3 can be calculated based on the difference in horizontal positions of the platform reflectors PR1-PR3 relative to their original positions.

Various types of automated or partially automated installation equipment (e.g., industrial robots) can be positioned on the mounting platform 500. The mounting platform can perform tasks such as drilling holes into the walls of the elevator shaft 20, attaching brackets to the holes, handling guide rails, connecting them to each other, attaching them to brackets, releasing and tightening bolts in brackets, and adjusting the guide rails. An internal coordinate system K1 exists on the mounting platform 500. This means that the position of the mounting equipment and its working tools can be determined relative to the mounting platform 500 at any given moment. The position of the mounting equipment and its working tools can therefore also be determined relative to the elevator shaft 20, as the position and orientation of the mounting platform 500 relative to the elevator shaft 20 are known. The equipment can be fixedly attached to the mounting platform 500. In such cases, the position of the equipment can be determined based on the position of the mounting platform 500. Alternatively, the equipment can be movably attached to the mounting platform 500. In such cases, the position of the equipment on the mounting platform 500 must be measured, requiring a sensor system that continuously measures the position of the movable equipment on the mounting platform 500.

The central computer 800 may be used to control and monitor the intelligent total station 600 and/or the installation platform 500 and/or the installation equipment on the installation platform 500 .

Top reflectors A1 and B1 can also be installed at the top 13 of the elevator shaft 20. These top reflectors A1 and B1 can be positioned on a vertical line above bottom reflectors A2 and B2, which are positioned at the bottom 12 of the elevator shaft 20. When the elevator shaft 20 is uncurved, each top reflector A1 and B1 is positioned on a common vertical line with the corresponding bottom reflector A2 and B2. When the elevator shaft 20 bends, for example due to strong winds acting on the building, the top reflectors A1 and B1 will deviate from the common vertical line. A predetermined curvature curve can be fitted between the bottom reflectors A2 and B2 and the top reflectors A2 and B2 to correct the measurement of the position of the mounting platform 500 when the elevator shaft 20 is curved. The top reflectors A1 and B1 can only be used when there is direct visibility from the intelligent total station 600 to the top reflectors A1 and B1. The mounting platform 500 often limits visibility from the intelligent total station 600 to the top reflectors A1 and B1. However, the movement of the elevator shaft 20 can be accounted for by measuring the positions of the door reflectors DR1a-DR4a, DR1b, and DR4b. For example, as installation progresses to a level above reflector DR4a, the positions of reflectors DR4a and DR4b can be measured and compared with previous measurements to determine possible changes in the positions of reflectors DR4a and DR4b. This change in position can be correlated with movement of the elevator shaft 20. This enables the movement and wiggle of the elevator shaft 20 to be determined at each different height during equipment installation in the elevator shaft 20.

The figure also shows a third door line DL0, which is the vertical centerline of the doors in the elevator shaft 20. This center door line DL0 is not required, but it provides an additional virtual plumb line for the doors in the elevator shaft 20. The figure also shows three platform reflectors PR1-PR3. Platform reflector PR3 on center door line DL0 is not required. Using these three platform reflectors PR1-PR3, the position and orientation of the mounting platform 500 in the coordinate system K0 of the elevator shaft 20 can be determined.

4 shows an isometric view of a device for aligning guide rails in an elevator shaft. The device 400 for aligning guide rails 50 comprises a positioning unit 100 and an alignment unit 200. The device 400 can be used by a mechanic or automatically on a mounting platform 500 to align guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54.

The positioning unit 100 includes a longitudinal support structure having a middle portion 110 and two opposing end portions 120, 130. The two opposing end portions 120, 130 are mirror images of each other. The middle portion 110 can have several different lengths to adjust the length of the positioning unit 100 to different locations in the elevator shaft 20. The positioning unit 100 also includes first attachment devices 140, 150 at each end of the positioning unit 100. The first attachment devices 140, 150 are movable in a second direction S2, i.e., the direction between the guide rails (DBG). The positioning unit 100 extends across the elevator shaft 20 in the second direction S2. The first attachment devices 140, 150 are used to lock the positioning unit 100 between the wall structure 21 and/or the divider arm and/or the bracket 60 in the elevator shaft 20. An actuator 141 , 151 (positions shown only schematically in the drawings), such as a linear motor, connected to each of the first attachment devices 140 , 150 may be used to individually move each of the first attachment devices 140 , 150 in the second direction S2 .

The alignment unit 200 includes a longitudinal support structure having a middle portion 210 and two opposing end portions 220, 230. The two opposing end portions 220, 230 are mirror images of each other. The middle portion 210 can have multiple lengths to adjust the length of the alignment unit 200 to different elevator shafts 20. The alignment unit also includes second attachment devices 240, 250 at each end of the alignment unit 200. The second attachment devices 240, 250 are movable in a second direction S2. Actuators 241, 251 (e.g., linear motors) can be used to independently move each of the second attachment devices 240, 250 in the second direction S2. Each of the second attachment devices 240, 250 also includes a clamping device in the form of jaws 245, 255 positioned at the end of the second attachment device 240, 250. The jaws 245, 255 are movable in a third direction S3 perpendicular to the second direction S2. The jaws 245, 255 thus clamp on opposite side surfaces of the guide rail 50. Actuators 246, 256 (e.g., linear motors) can be used to individually move each of the jaws 245, 255 in the third direction S3. The alignment unit 200 is attached to the positioning unit 100 at each end of the positioning unit 100 by supports 260, 270. The supports 260, 270 are movable relative to the positioning unit 100 in the third direction S3. The alignment unit 200 is attached to the supports 260, 270 by articulated joints J1, J2. Actuators 261, 271 (e.g., linear motors) can be used to individually move each of the supports 260, 270 in the third direction S3. The articulated joints J1, J2 enable the alignment unit 200 to be adjusted so that it is not parallel to the positioning unit 100.

The two second attachment devices 240, 250 are moved only in the second direction S2 by the actuators 241, 251. However, it is possible to add an additional actuator to one of the second attachment devices 240, 250 in order to be able to rotate said second attachment device 240, 250 about the articulated joint in the horizontal plane. As can be seen, such a possibility is not essential, but it can be added to the device 500 as needed.

The device 400 can be operated by a mechanic or automatically with the aid of the control unit 300. The control unit 300 can be attached to the device 400, or it can be a separate entity that can be connected to the device 400 via a cable. Naturally, wireless communication can also exist between the control unit 300 and the device 400. The control unit 300 is used to control all the actuators 141, 142 that move the first attachment devices 140, 150, the actuators 241, 242 that move the second attachment devices 240, 250, the actuators 246, 256 that move the clamping devices 245, 255, and the actuators 261, 271 that move the supports 260, 270.

FIG5 illustrates the first stage of operation of the device of FIG4 . Guide rails 51, 52 are attached to brackets 65, 66, which can be attached directly to sidewalls 21C of the elevator shaft 20 or via support rods 68 extending between rear wall 21B and front wall 21A of the elevator shaft 20. Brackets 65 are attached to rod brackets 61, and rod brackets 61 are attached to support rods 68. Device 400 can be supported on a mounting platform and, during alignment of guide rails 50, raised to the height of first fastening device 60 using the mounting platform. A mechanic can travel on the mounting platform. Device 400 can be operated by a mechanic or automatically by means of control unit 300, such that alignment unit 200 is controlled to attach pawls 245, 255 at the ends of second attachment devices 240, 250 to the two opposing guide rails 51, 52. The second attachment devices 240, 250 are movable in a second direction S2, and the pawls 245, 255 are movable in a third direction S3, enabling them to clamp onto the opposing vertical side surfaces of the guide rails 51, 52. The bolts of the fastening device 60 are then loosened on both sides of the elevator shaft 20, allowing the guide rails 51, 52 to be moved. The guide rails 51, 52 on opposing sides of the elevator shaft 20 are then adjusted relative to each other using the alignment unit 200. The frame of the alignment unit 200 is rigid, allowing the two opposing guide rails 51, 52 to be positioned with their top ends facing each other when the clamping devices 245, 255 clamp the guide rails 50. Therefore, there is no subsequent twisting between the opposing guide rails 50. The distance between the two guide rails 50 in the direction (DBG) is also adjusted using the alignment unit 200. The position of each of the second attachment devices 240, 250 in the second direction S2 determines this distance.

Virtual plumb lines GL1 and GL2 (shown in FIG. 3 ) are formed near each guide rail 51 and 52 by the intelligent total station 600. The distances from the guide rails 51 and 52 to the corresponding plumb lines GL1 and GL2 near the guide rails 51 and 52 in the DBG and BTF directions are then determined. The required control values (DBG, BTF, and twist) for the device 400 are then calculated. The control values are then converted into incremental steps, which are fed as control signals to the control unit of the linear motor in the device 400. DBG can also be measured based on the motor torque, which indicates when the second attachment device 240 and 250 has reached its end position and is positioned relative to the guide rail 50. The position of the linear motor can therefore be read from the display of the control unit 300. The device 400 can thus calculate DBG based on the distances of the guide rails 51 and 52 from the plumb lines and based on the position of each of the second attachment devices 240 and 250 in the second direction S2.

FIG6 shows the second stage of operation of the device of FIG4 . The positioning unit 100 of the device 400 is locked to the wall structure 21 or other supporting structure in the elevator shaft 20 by means of the first attachment means 140 , 150 . When the positioning unit 100 is locked to the wall structure 21 of the elevator shaft 20 , the alignment unit 200 of the device 400 is in floating mode relative to the positioning unit 100 . The guide rails 51 , 52 can now be adjusted relative to the elevator shaft 20 using the alignment unit 200 and the positioning unit 100 . The bolts of the fastening device 60 are then tightened. The device 400 can now be transported to the next location of the fastening device 60 , where the first and second stages of operation of the device 400 are repeated.

FIG7 shows an isometric view of an elevator shaft with the apparatus of FIG4 on a mounting platform. The figure shows car guide rails 51, 52, a mounting platform 500, and a device 400 for aligning the guide rails 51, 52. The device 400 for aligning the guide rails 51, 52 is attached to a support frame 460 via a support arm 450, and the support frame 460 is attached to the mounting platform 500. The device 400 for aligning the guide rails 51, 52 must be movable relative to the mounting platform 500 in the second direction S2 and the third direction S3. This can be achieved by one or more hinges J10 in the support arm 450. The support frame 460 can also be arranged to be movable in the second direction S2 and the third direction S3. The position of the support arm 450 on the mounting platform 500 can be measured by a sensor connected to the support frame 460 and/or the support arm 450.

FIG8 shows a horizontal cross-section of an elevator shaft with the apparatus of FIG4 on a mounting platform. The figure shows a mounting platform 500, a device 400 for aligning guide rails, and three platform reflectors PR1, PR2, and PR3 supported on the bottom of the mounting platform 500. The mounting platform 500 includes support arms 510, 520, 530, and 540 arranged on opposite sides of the mounting platform and movable in a second direction S2 to support the mounting platform 500 on opposite side walls 21C and 21D of the elevator shaft 20. The clamping devices 245 and 255 of the second attachment devices 240 and 250 can clamp onto the opposing guide surfaces of the car guide rails 51 and 52. The car guide rails 51 and 52 can thus be aligned with the apparatus 400 to achieve guide rail alignment as described earlier in conjunction with FIG4-6. The mounting platform 500 is locked in place by the support arms 510, 520, 530, and 540. Once the mounting platform 500 is locked in the elevator shaft 20, the position of the mounting platform 500 relative to the elevator shaft 20 is determined using an intelligent total station 600 positioned at the bottom 12 of the elevator shaft 20 based on the positions of the platform reflectors PR1-PR3. Once the coordinates of the fixed mounting platform 500 relative to the elevator shaft 20 are determined, the coordinates of the alignment device 400 relative to the mounting platform 500 can be continuously determined during the alignment process. The alignment device 400 is movably attached to the mounting platform 500, so that the position of the alignment device 400 relative to the elevator shaft 20 can be directly determined based on the position of the mounting platform 500 relative to the elevator shaft 20. The position of the alignment device 400 on the mounting platform 500 can be measured by sensors measuring the position of the support frame 460 and/or the support arm 450. The position of the guide rails 51 and 52 can be indirectly determined based on the position of the device 400. Alternatively, the alignment device 400 can be fixedly attached to the mounting platform 500. In this case, the position of the alignment device 400 remains fixed on the mounting platform 500. The position of the clamping devices 245 , 255 can then be determined relative to the fixed attachment points of the alignment device 400 on the mounting platform 500 .

In addition to the guide rail alignment device 400, the mounting platform 500 can be equipped with various mounting devices. The mounting devices can be used to install doors and guide rails. The mounting devices can include one or more robots that are fixed or movable on the mounting platform 500. The mounting platform 500 can be supported on the opposing car guide rails 51, 52 via guide devices during upward and downward movement in the first direction S1 within the elevator shaft 20. A traction machine can be used to move the mounting platform 500 upward and downward in the first direction S1 within the elevator shaft 20.

The position of the first guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54 at the bottom 12 of the elevator shaft 20 can be marked at the bottom 12 of the elevator shaft based on the size of the elevator shaft 20, the size of the elevator car 10, and the size of the counterweight 42. The first car guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54 at the bottom 12 of the elevator shaft 20 are then manually installed into the elevator shaft 20.

The mounting platform 500 can then be mounted to the elevator shaft 20 so that it slides on the car guide rails 51, 52 as the traction machine moves the mounting platform 500 up and down in the elevator shaft 20. The doors and the additional guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54 can then be installed in the elevator shaft 20 via the mounting platform 500. Alignment of the guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54 can be performed as a separate process after the guide rails 51, 52, 53, 54 are erected.

The alignment of the guide rails 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 has been described in connection with the car guide rails 51 , 52 , but the same alignment procedure can naturally also be used when aligning the counterweight guide rails 52 , 53 .

The transmission of information and control data between the intelligent total station 600, the control unit 300, and the computer 800 can be performed by wireless communication or by wires. The transmission of information and control data between the mounting platform 500 and the control unit 300, and between the alignment device 400 and the control unit 300 can be performed by wireless communication or by wires.

The intelligent total station 600 should be able to have a long range when used in high-rise buildings. The intelligent total station 600 is a general-purpose 3D positioning device commonly used in civil engineering and industrial measurement. The intelligent total station is a device that measures the position of a point relative to the device in polar coordinates. The device operates in a polar coordinate system, but the result is calculated into a rectangular X, Y, Z coordinate system through standard triangulation. The intelligent total station measures the horizontal angle, vertical angle and distance (slant distance) to the target object. Encoders are used to measure horizontal and vertical angles, and laser-based distance sensors are used to measure distance. The intelligent total station gives the X, Y and Z coordinates of the target object to be measured. The target to be measured is marked using a prism or a reflective plate target that can be attached by an adhesive. The measured results are added to the position of the robot position, which has been determined on the initial orientation of the intelligent total station. The initial orientation of the intelligent total station indicates that the intelligent total station is set to be ready to perform the measurement. If there are reference points with known coordinates in the environment of the intelligent total station, two or more of these reference points can be pointed out to the intelligent total station. The intelligent total station can determine its own position in the above coordinate system based on the coordinates of these reference points.

Smart total stations can be operated by a computer, i.e., the device can be remotely driven by the computer. Smart total stations therefore include servo motors, with the aid of which they can be directed towards the target to be measured. Smart total stations can be manufactured, for example, by Leica Geosystems, Sokkia, Trimble, and Topcon. The Leica TS30 has been tested in elevator shafts and appears to work well for vertical measurements.

The intelligent total station 600 can be manually operated by a mechanic at the bottom 12 of the elevator shaft 20. The aiming of the intelligent total station 600 can be performed by a red laser point and a telescope of the intelligent total station. An additional eyepiece is used to enable measurement in the upward direction.

The intelligent total station 600 can also be operated automatically with the help of a remotely located computer. A wireless or wired connection can exist between the intelligent total station 600 and the computer. The approximate location of the reflector in the elevator shaft 20 is known, meaning that the intelligent total station 600 can be instructed to aim in a given direction and find the reflector in that direction.

The use of a virtual plumb line is advantageous compared to the use of a mechanical plumb line. A mechanical plumb line is formed by a wire that vibrates immediately when accidentally touched. The measurement must be interrupted until the wire stops vibrating.

The device and method may be used in elevator installations having a lifting height in the elevator shaft exceeding 30 meters, preferably 30-80 meters, most preferably 40-80 meters.

The device and the method can on the other hand also be used in elevator installations with a lifting height in the elevator shaft exceeding 75 meters, preferably exceeding 100 meters, more preferably exceeding 150 meters, most preferably exceeding 250 meters.

The mounting platform 500 may be used to mount the car guide rails 51 , 52 and/or the counterweight guide rails 53 , 54 .

The use of the present invention is not limited to the type of elevator disclosed in the accompanying drawings. The present invention can be used in any type of elevator, for example, also in elevators without a machine room and/or counterweight. In the accompanying drawings, the counterweight is located on the rear wall of the elevator shaft. The counterweight can be located on either side wall of the elevator shaft, or on both side walls. In the accompanying drawings, the lifting machinery is located in a machine room at the top of the elevator shaft. The lifting machinery can be located at the bottom of the elevator shaft or at some other point within the shaft.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that, as technology develops, 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 (9)

1. A method for installing an automatic elevator, characterized by the following steps: Each door opening (DO1-DO4) in the elevator shaft (20) is marked using downward-facing door reflectors (DR1a-DR4a, DR1b-DR4b), which are positioned on opposite sides of the door openings (DO1-DO4). Position the intelligent total station (600) at the bottom (12) of the elevator shaft (20) and use the intelligent total station (600) to create a reference coordinate system (K0) for the elevator shaft (20). The position of the door reflectors (DR1a-DR4a, DR1b-DR4b) relative to the elevator shaft (20) is measured using the intelligent total station (600). Straight door lines (DL1, DL2) are used in the measurement, and these straight door lines (DL1, DL2) form a virtual plumb line with respect to the door in the elevator shaft (20). Based on the dimensional marking guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54) of the elevator shaft (20) and elevator car (10) at predetermined positions (A2, B2) on the bottom (12) of the elevator shaft (20), Based on the predetermined positions (A2, B2) of the guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54), the lowermost guide rail (51, 52, 53, 54) is manually installed into the elevator shaft (20). Based on the door lines (DL1, DL2), the intelligent total station (600) is used to form vertical guide lines (GL1, GL2), which form virtual plumb lines in the elevator shaft (20) relative to the guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54). An installation platform (500) capable of moving up and down along the car guide rails (51, 52) is provided in the elevator shaft (20). Position the downward-facing platform reflectors (PR1-PR3) on the bottom of the mounting platform (500). The position of the platform reflectors (PR1-PR3) relative to the elevator shaft (20) is measured using the intelligent total station (600), thereby determining the orientation and position of the installation platform (500) relative to the elevator shaft (20). 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized by the following steps: providing support arms (510, 520, 530, 540) on opposite sides of the mounting platform (500), the support arms (510, 520, 530) being movable outward from the mounting platform (500) to support the mounting platform (500) on opposite sidewalls (21C, 21D) of the elevator shaft (20). 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the following step: providing a means (400) for aligning the guide rail on the mounting platform (500), the means comprising: The positioning unit (100) extends horizontally across the elevator shaft (20) in a second direction (S2) and includes at each end a first attachment device (140, 150) movable in the second direction (S2) for supporting the positioning unit (100) on an opposing wall structure (21) of the elevator shaft (20). Alignment unit (200) extends across the elevator shaft (20) in the second direction (S2) and is supported by supports (260, 270) on each end portion of the positioning unit (100) such that each end portion of the alignment unit (200) is individually movable relative to the positioning unit (100) in a third direction (S3) perpendicular to the second direction (S2), and includes at each end of the alignment unit (200) a second attachment device (240, 250) movable in the second direction (S2) to support the alignment unit (200) on opposing guide rails (50) in the elevator shaft (20), the second attachment device (240, 250) including clamping devices (245, 255) for clamping on the guide rails (50). 4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the following step: providing a downward-facing top reflector (A1, B1) at the top (13) of the elevator shaft (20) to correct the measurement of the intelligent total station (600) based on the movement of the top reflector (A1, B1) corresponding to the bending of the elevator shaft (20) caused by wind during measurement. 5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54) are aligned by means of a device (400) for aligning the guide rails positioned on the mounting platform (500). 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized by the following step: arranging a control unit (300) for controlling the device (400) to align the guide rail. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the intelligent total station (600) and the control unit (300) are connected so that measurement and/or control signals can be transmitted between the intelligent total station (600) and the control unit (300). 8. A device for installing automatic elevators, characterized in that: Each door opening (DO1-DO4) in the elevator shaft (20) is marked using a downward-facing door reflector (DR1a-DR4a, DR1b-DR4b), which is positioned on opposite sides of the door opening (DO1-DO4). An intelligent total station (600) is positioned at the bottom (12) of the elevator shaft (20) to create a reference coordinate system (K0) for the elevator shaft (20). The positions of the door reflectors (DR1a-DR4a, DR1b-DR4b) relative to the elevator shaft (20) were measured using the intelligent total station (600). Straight door lines (DL1, DL2) are used in the measurement, which form a virtual plumb line in the elevator shaft (20) relative to the door. The predetermined positions (A2, B2) of the guide rails on the bottom (12) of the elevator shaft (20) are marked based on the dimensions of the elevator shaft (20) and the elevator car (10). The lowest guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54) are manually installed into the elevator shaft (20) based on the predetermined positions (A2, B2) of the guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54). The vertical guide lines (GL1, GL2) are formed using the intelligent total station (600) based on the door lines (DL1, DL2), and the vertical guide lines (GL1, GL2) form virtual plumb lines in the elevator shaft (20) relative to the guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54). An installation platform (500) capable of moving up and down along the car guide rails (51, 52) is provided in the elevator shaft (20). The downward-facing platform reflectors (PR1-PR3) are positioned on the bottom of the mounting platform (500). The positions of the platform reflectors (PR1-PR3) are measured using the intelligent total station (600) relative to the elevator shaft (20), thereby enabling the determination of the orientation and position of the mounting platform (500) relative to the elevator shaft (20). 9. The use of the device according to claim 8 in the installation of an automatic elevator.