Patent Description:
The construction of an elevator may especially in high-rise buildings be done in parts along the height of the shaft. The guide rails and the landing doors may first be installed to a first height in the shaft, then to a second height etc. A construction time elevator may then be operated on the already installed lower portion of the shaft while the construction of the elevator is going on in a higher portion of the shaft.

An installation platform may be used for the construction of the elevator above the construction time elevator operating in the lower portion of the shaft.

Prior art installation platforms are constructed to meet the horizontal dimensions of a specific shaft. Prior art installation platforms are used only in said shaft during the construction of the elevator after which they are dismantled.

<CIT> discloses an assembly rig for assembling shaft fittings in a lift shaft. The assembly rig has at least one assembly platform with pull-out components. The platform surface may be a surface for standing on, which can be extended by means of adding guard rails units.

An object of the present invention is to present an improved installation platform and method for installing an elevator during construction of a building.

The installation platform for installing an elevator during construction of a building is defined in claim <NUM>.

The adjustability of the decks and the support frame in the first horizontal direction makes it possible to adjust the installation platform on the site to different shafts having different horizontal dimensions in the first horizontal direction. The same installation platform may be used in shafts with different distances between the guide rails.

The embodiment in which the width of the decks and the support frame are adjustable in the first horizontal direction between the guide rails and the decks are adjustable in the second horizontal direction between the back wall and the front wall of the shaft makes it possible to adjust the installation platform on the site to different shafts with different distances between the guide rails and to different shafts with different distances between the back wall and the front wall. A wide gap between the front edge of the installation platform and the landing may thus be eliminated.

The adjustability of the width and/or the depth of the installation platform i.e. the horizontal dimensions of the decks and the support frame makes it possible to adapt the installation platform on the site to different shafts. The installation platform becomes thus re-usable i.e. it can be used in virtually any shaft. The installation platform may be removed and transported to another construction site when the installation platform is not any more needed at the first site.

The adjustable installation platform minimizes the danger of accidents when technicians enter and leave the installation platform through the landings. The risk for objects falling from the installation platform is also reduced.

The parts of the installation platform may be fabricated at factory premises outside the elevator installation site. The parts of the installation platform may then be transported to the elevator installation site after which the installation platform may be assembled on the elevator installation site. The installation platform may on the other hand be prefabricated and assembled into one or several transportable modules at factory premises. The module or modules may then be transported to the construction site with conventional transport methods. The installation platform may be lifted into the shaft in an early stage of the construction of the shaft and the building. The use of the installation platform may be started when the shaft has reached a height making it possible to start the installation of the elevator.

The installation platform may be used to install the guide rails, the shaft doors and any other equipment in the shaft which might be needed in the elevator.

The installation platform may be used in manual and/or in automatic elevator installations. One or more mechanics may work on the decks during the installation of the elevator. Another possibility is to provide the decks with one or more industrial robots performing the installation of the elevator. It is naturally also possible to combine the manual and the automatic installation in any desired way.

The invention will in the following be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of an installation platform and <FIG> shows an isometric view of the installation platform.

The figures show a vertical direction Z, a first horizontal direction X and a second horizontal direction Y. The first horizontal direction X is the direction between the guide rails <NUM>. The second horizontal direction Y is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction X. The first horizontal direction X extends between the side walls in the shaft <NUM>. The second horizontal direction Y extends between the back wall and the front wall in the shaft <NUM>.

The figure shows further a width W1 of the installation platform. The width W1 extends in the first horizontal direction X between the guide rails <NUM>. The figure shows further a depth D1 of the installation platform. The depth D1 extends in the second horizontal direction Y.

The installation platform may be movably supported on guide rails <NUM> which are supported with brackets <NUM> on the walls <NUM> of a shaft <NUM>. The guide rails <NUM> may be formed of guide rail elements. The opposite ends of two consecutive guide rail elements may be connected to each other with guide rail fixing means. The guide rail fixing means may be formed of connecting elements, e.g. fish plates <NUM>. The guide rail elements may have a certain length e.g. <NUM> meters. The guide rail elements may be attached with guide rail fixing means e.g. brackets <NUM> to the walls <NUM> in the shaft <NUM>. There may be brackets <NUM> near both ends of the guide rail elements. Only a bottom portion of the shaft <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

The installation platform comprises a first deck <NUM>, a second deck <NUM>, and a support frame <NUM> supporting the decks <NUM>, <NUM>. The second deck <NUM> is positioned above the first deck <NUM> in the vertical direction Z. Each deck <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a bottom <NUM>, <NUM> and handrail constructions <NUM>, <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The first deck <NUM> may form a lower deck and the second deck <NUM> may form an upper deck. The installation of the guide rails and other equipment of the elevator may be done manually and/or automatically from both decks <NUM>, <NUM> in the installation platform.

The installation platform may be lifted with a hoist <NUM>. The hoist <NUM> may be supported on the upper deck <NUM>. A hoisting rope <NUM> may pass over a rope pulley <NUM> supported in a support point P1 in the shaft <NUM> at a distance Z10 above the installation platform. The other end of the rope <NUM> may be supported on a fastener <NUM> being supported on the upper deck <NUM>. The hoist may be a Tirac™ hoist in which the rope <NUM> runs between traction sheaves. Rotation of the traction sheaves in the hoist <NUM> in a first direction moves the hoist <NUM> in a first direction and rotation of the traction sheaves in the hoist <NUM> in a second opposite direction moves the hoist <NUM> in a second opposite direction. The installation platform will move upwards and downwards along with the hoist <NUM> as the hoist <NUM> is supported on the installation platform. The installation platform hangs from the hoist via a rope pulley <NUM> positioned in the support point P1 in the shaft <NUM>.

The hoist <NUM> shown in the figure forms one example of a hoist that may be used in the invention. A hoist hanging from the support point P1 in the shaft <NUM> above the installation platform could also be used in the invention. The installation platform would then hang directly from the hoist <NUM> with a hoisting rope <NUM>, i.e. there would be no need for a separate rope pulley <NUM>.

The installation platform hangs in both cases from the hoist <NUM> with a hoisting rope <NUM> passing either directly from the hoist <NUM> to the installation platform or passing from the hoist <NUM> via a rope pulley <NUM> to the installation platform. It would naturally also be possible to use several rope pulleys <NUM> if needed. The installation platform would then hang from the hoist <NUM> with a hoisting rope <NUM> passing from the hoist <NUM> either directly or via at least one rope pulley <NUM> to the installation platform. It would naturally also be possible to use several hoist <NUM> working in parallel to lift the installation platform.

The support frame <NUM> comprises horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> supporting a respective deck <NUM>, <NUM> and vertical support beams <NUM>, <NUM> extending between the horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM>. The support frame <NUM> may comprise a first horizontal support beam <NUM> supporting the first deck <NUM> and a second horizontal support beam <NUM> supporting the second deck <NUM>. A vertical support beam <NUM>, <NUM><NUM>. extends vertically between respective outer ends of the horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM>. The support frame <NUM> has a generally rectangular shape. The support beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the support frame <NUM> may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The vertical support beams <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned so that the U opens outwards towards the guide rails <NUM>.

The first horizontal support beam <NUM> and the second horizontal support beam <NUM> in the support frame <NUM> extend in the first horizontal direction X. The second horizontal support beam <NUM> may be positioned at a vertical distance Z1 above the first horizontal support beam <NUM>. The second deck <NUM> may thus be positioned at the vertical distance Z1 above the first deck <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> may have a similar construction as a sling of an elevator car.

The installation platform further comprises guide means <NUM> for guiding the installation platform movably on the guide rails <NUM>. The guide means <NUM> are supported on the support frame <NUM> e.g. on the vertical support beams <NUM>, <NUM> of the support frame <NUM>. The guide means <NUM> may be positioned within the vertical support beams <NUM>, <NUM> and/or outside the vertical support beams <NUM>, <NUM> in the support frame <NUM>. The installation platform may be movable with the hoist <NUM> in the vertical direction Z along the guide rails <NUM>. The guide means <NUM> guide the installation platform on the guide rails <NUM> so that only movement in the vertical direction Z along the guide rails <NUM> is possible. The guide means <NUM> keep the installation platform stable in the horizontal plane during vertical movement of the installation platform.

The guide means <NUM> may be formed of a roller arrangement, whereby the rollers roll on the guide surfaces of the guide rails <NUM>. The roller arrangement may correspond to a roller arrangement used in elevator cars for guiding the elevator car on the guide rails. The guide means <NUM> may on the other hand be formed of glide arrangement, whereby glide means glide on the guide surfaces of the guide rails <NUM>. The glide arrangement may correspond to a glide arrangement used in elevator cars for guiding the elevator car on the guide rails.

The installation platform may further comprise gripping means <NUM> for securing the installation platform to the guide rails <NUM> and/or on guide rail fixing means. The gripping means <NUM> may be formed of a safety gear eliminating unintentional falling of the installation platform. The gripping means <NUM> may be positioned on opposite vertical sides of the installation platform. The gripping means <NUM> may be supported on the installation platform and act on the guide rails <NUM> and/or on guide rail fixing means. The guide rail fixing means may be formed of fish plates <NUM> attaching the ends of guide rail elements together and/or of brackets <NUM> attaching the guide rails <NUM> to the walls <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. The gripping means <NUM> may grip the guide rails <NUM> and/or the fish plates <NUM> and/or the brackets <NUM>. The gripping means <NUM> may secure the installation platform to the guide rails <NUM> in the shaft <NUM>. Some examples of gripping means <NUM> will be explained more in detail in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>.

A synchronization shaft <NUM> may connect the gripping means <NUM> on opposite sides of the support frame <NUM> together.

The first deck <NUM> may comprise a first bottom <NUM> and a first handrail construction <NUM> being supported on the first bottom <NUM>. The second deck <NUM> may comprise a second bottom <NUM> and a second handrail construction <NUM> being supported on the second bottom <NUM>. The bottom <NUM>, <NUM> in each deck <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of horizontal support beams. A floor may be formed on the horizontal support beams. The first bottom <NUM> and the second bottom <NUM> may be substantially rectangular.

The bottom <NUM> in the first deck <NUM> may comprise two first horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> running in the second horizontal direction Y. The two first horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned at opposite outer edges of the bottom <NUM> of the deck <NUM>. The two first horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> may be supported on the respective vertical support beam <NUM>, <NUM> of the support frame <NUM>. The two first horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> may run on a bottom surface of the first horizontal support beam <NUM> of the support frame <NUM> and on an inner surface of the respective vertical support beam <NUM>, <NUM> of the support frame <NUM>.

The bottom <NUM> in the first deck <NUM> may further comprise second horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> running in the first horizontal direction X. The two second horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned at opposite outer edges of the bottom <NUM> of the first deck <NUM>. The two second horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> may be supported on the outer ends of the first horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM>. The two second horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> and the first horizontal support beam <NUM> of the support frame <NUM> form a support for the floor <NUM> of the first deck <NUM>. The first horizontal support beam <NUM> of the support frame <NUM> is positioned substantially in the middle of the floor <NUM>. The floor <NUM> in the first deck <NUM> may be formed of a grid construction. The grid construction may comprise several pieces of grid overlapping each other. The size of the floor <NUM> may thus be adjusted in the first horizontal direction X and/or in the second horizontal direction Y by adjusting the overlapping of the grid pieces.

The first handrail construction <NUM> in the first deck <NUM> may comprise vertical support beams <NUM> and horizontal support beams <NUM> forming a cage. The vertical support beams <NUM> extend upwards from the bottom <NUM> of the first deck <NUM>. There may be vertical support beams <NUM> in the corners of the bottom <NUM> of the first deck <NUM> and on the sides of the bottom <NUM> of the first deck <NUM>. A passage may be arranged at the front of the first deck <NUM> in the cage. Service personnel may walk into the first deck <NUM> from a landing opening through the passage in the first deck <NUM> and out from the first deck <NUM> through the passage and a landing opening in the shaft. The first handrail construction <NUM> may further comprise horizontal support beams <NUM> extending between the vertical support beams <NUM>. A first set of horizontal support beams <NUM> may be positioned at the upper ends of the vertical support beams <NUM> and a second set of horizontal support beams <NUM> may be positioned at the middle of the height of the vertical support beams <NUM>. The first handrail construction <NUM> may form a safety device on the first deck <NUM>.

There may further be horizontal support plates <NUM> surrounding the lower edges of the vertical support beams <NUM> in the handrail construction <NUM>. These horizontal support plates <NUM> may support the vertical support beams <NUM> in relation to each other. These horizontal support plates <NUM> may further support the vertical support beams <NUM> in relation to the bottom <NUM> of the first deck <NUM>.

The construction of the second deck <NUM> may be identical with the construction of the first deck <NUM>.

The second deck may <NUM> comprise two first horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> running in the second horizontal direction Y at opposite outer edges of the bottom <NUM> of the second deck <NUM>. The second deck <NUM> may further comprise two second horizontal support beam <NUM>, <NUM> running in the first direction X at opposite outer edges of the bottom <NUM> of the second deck <NUM>.

The floor <NUM> in the second deck <NUM> may, in the same way as the floor <NUM> in the first deck <NUM>, be formed of a grid construction. The grid construction may comprise several pieces of grid overlapping each other. The size of the floor <NUM> may thus be adjusted in the first direction X and/or in the second direction Y by adjusting the overlapping of the grid pieces.

The second handrail construction <NUM> of the second deck <NUM> may be identical with the first handrail construction <NUM> of the first deck <NUM>. The second handrail construction may thus comprise vertical support beams <NUM> and horizontal support beams <NUM> forming a cage.

There may further be horizontal support plates <NUM> surrounding the bottom <NUM> of the second deck <NUM> at the bottom end of the vertical support beams <NUM> of the second handrail construction <NUM>. These horizontal support plates <NUM> may support the vertical support beams <NUM> in relation to each other and in relation to the bottom <NUM> of the second deck <NUM>.

The hoist <NUM> and the fastener <NUM> is also shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an enlargement of portion of the installation platform.

Each of the horizontal support beams in the bottom <NUM>, <NUM> of the decks <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of two separate beams being arranged to form a telescopic structure. Each of the two separate beams may be provided with inclined longitudinal openings O1. The two separate beams forming the telescopic structure may be attached to each other with bolts passing through the inclined longitudinal openings O1. The horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the decks <NUM>, <NUM> extending in the first horizontal direction X may thus be extendable in said fist horizontal direction X. The horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the decks <NUM>, <NUM> extending in the second horizontal direction Y may thus be extendable in said second horizontal direction Y.

The horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> in the support frame <NUM> may in the same way be formed of two separate beams being arranged to form a telescopic structure and provided with inclined longitudinal openings O1. The length of the horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> in the support frame <NUM> may thus be adjusted in the first horizontal direction X.

The length of the telescopic structure may thus be changed by opening and removing the bolts, changing the position of the two separate beams in relation to each other, and inserting and fastening the bolts.

This is one possibility of realizing a telescopic structure in the horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the bottom of the decks <NUM>, <NUM> and in the horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> in the support frame <NUM>.

The first deck <NUM>, the second deck <NUM> and the support frame <NUM> may as a first option be constructed so that only the horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the decks <NUM>, <NUM> extending in the first horizontal direction X and the horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM> in the support frame <NUM> are adjustable. This means that only the width W1 of the installation platform is adjustable. The installation platform may thus be adapted to different shafts <NUM> having different distances in the first direction X between the guide rails <NUM>.

The first deck <NUM>, the second deck <NUM> may as a second option be constructed so that only the horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the decks <NUM>, <NUM> extending in the second horizontal direction Y are adjustable. This means that only the depth D1 of the installation platform is adjustable. The installation platform may thus be adapted to different shafts <NUM> having different distances in the second horizontal direction Y between the back wall and the front wall of the shaft <NUM>. The distance between the front edge of the decks <NUM>, <NUM> and the landings could thus be kept at a minimum in order to eliminate accidents. The distance between the back edge of the decks <NUM>, <NUM> and the back wall in the shaft <NUM> must not necessary be adjusted. The handrails at the back edge of the decks <NUM>, <NUM> prevent mechanics from falling.

The first deck <NUM>, the second deck <NUM> may as a third option be constructed so that the horizontal support beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the decks <NUM>, <NUM> extending in the first horizontal direction X and in the second horizontal direction Y are adjustable. This means that the installation platform is adjustable in the width W1 direction and in the depth direction D1. The installation platform may thus be adapted to different shaft <NUM> having different distances in the first horizontal direction X between th3e guide rails <NUM> and in different distances in the second horizontal direction from the back wall to the front wall of the shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a guide rail.

A cross-section of the guide rail <NUM> may have a general form of an inverted letter T. The guide rail <NUM> may comprise a bottom part 25A from which the guide rail <NUM> may be attached with brackets <NUM> to the wall constructions in the shaft <NUM>. The guide rail <NUM> may further comprise a guide part 25B extending perpendicularly outwards from the bottom part 25A. The guide part 25B may extend outwards from a middle of the bottom part 25A. The guide part 25A may comprise a front guide surface 25B1 on the outer edge of the guide part 25B and two opposite side guide surfaces 25B2, 25B3 on the opposite side surfaces of the guide part 25B. The guide means <NUM> of the installation platform may roll or glide on the guide surfaces 25B1, 25B2, 25B3 of the guide rail <NUM>. The guide means <NUM> may roll or glide on the guide surfaces 25B1, 25B2, 25B3 of the guide rail <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a portion of a handrail of the installation platform in a contracted state and <FIG> shows the portion of the handrail of the installation platform in an extended state.

The horizontal support beam <NUM> extending in the first direction X is shown in a contracted state in <FIG> and in an expanded state in <FIG>. The horizontal support beam <NUM> has thus a telescopic structure. The horizontal support beam <NUM> may be formed of two separate beams <NUM>, <NUM> being movable in relation to each other. The beams <NUM>, <NUM> may have a rectangular cross-section. The cross-section of the first beam <NUM> may be smaller than the cross-section of the second beam <NUM>. The first beam <NUM> may thus glide inside the second beam <NUM>. The length of the support beam <NUM> may thus be changed by changing the length of the portion of the first beam <NUM> that is inside the second beam <NUM>. The first beam <NUM> is pushed fully into the second beam <NUM> in <FIG> and the first beam <NUM> is drawn fully out from the second beam <NUM> in <FIG>.

The horizontal support beam <NUM> extending in the second direction Y may be of an identical construction as the horizontal beam <NUM> extending in the first direction X.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of an extendable beam for the installation platform and <FIG> shows a side view of the extendable beam for the installation platform.

The extendable support beam <NUM> shown in the <FIG> forms an alternative to the extendable support beam <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The telescopic structure is different in these two embodiments.

The support beam <NUM> may comprise a middle portion 113A, and two opposite end portions 113B, 113C. The cross-section of the support beam <NUM> may be generally rectangular. The cross-section of the end portions 113B, 113C may be smaller so that they may glide inside the middle portion 113A. Opposite edges of the end portions 113B, 113C may comprise a groove receiving a corresponding protrusion in the corresponding edges of the middle portion 113A. Locking means 113D may be arranged in the opposite end portions of the middle portion 113A. The locking means 113D may lock the respective end portions 113B, 113C in relation to the middle portion 113A. Turning the locking means 113D in a counter-clockwise direction opens the locking between the middle portion 111A and the respective end portion 113B, 113C. The respective end portion 113B, 113C may thus be moved in relation to the middle portion 113A in order to adjust the length of the support beam <NUM>. Turning the locking means 113D in a clockwise direction locks the respective end portion to the middle portion 113A. The locking means 113A may be formed of a bolt and a nut.

<FIG> shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a deck in the installation platform and <FIG> shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the installation platform.

The installation platform may be movably guided with guide means <NUM> on the guide rails <NUM>. The bottom in the second deck <NUM> may be provided with first fastening means <NUM> for the hoist <NUM> and second fastening means <NUM> the fastener <NUM>. The bottom <NUM>, <NUM> of each deck <NUM>, <NUM> may further be provided with an opening <NUM> extending in the second horizontal direction Y. A shaft <NUM> extend across the opening <NUM> in the first horizontal direction X. The shaft <NUM> may be positioned at the middle of the deck <NUM>. The rope <NUM> of the hoist <NUM> may pass downwards through the opening <NUM> in the situation when the hoist <NUM> is used to lift a car positioned below the installation platform upwards in the jump phase. The shaft <NUM> prevents the rope <NUM> from falling down through the opening <NUM> if the fastening of the rope <NUM> breaks.

The floor <NUM>, <NUM> in each deck <NUM>, <NUM> of the installation platform may be formed of sheets and pieces of grids on the sheets. The floor may be formed of several overlapping sheet pieces and grid pieces. The sheet pieces and the grid pieces may have a substantially rectangular form. The sheet pieces may be made of polycarbonate or of water-resistant plywood. The grid pieces may be made of glass reinforced plastic or some other grid material having corresponding properties. The sheet pieces prevent small objects from falling through the floor of the deck <NUM>, <NUM>. The grid pieces prevent slipping.

The installation platform may further be provided with guide rail magazines <NUM>. This embodiment shows four guide rail magazines <NUM>, but there could be any number of guide rail magazines <NUM> supported on the installation platform. The guide rail magazines <NUM> may be supported on the side edges that extend in the first horizontal direction X of the installation platform.

The guide rail magazines <NUM> may be attached to the first deck <NUM> and to the second deck <NUM>. The guide rail magazines <NUM> may also support the installation platform in the vertical direction i.e. they will increase the rigidity of the installation platform.

An alternative position of the guide rail magazines <NUM> is also indicated in <FIG>. In cases where there is not enough room in the shaft <NUM>, the guide rail magazines <NUM> may be positioned inside the outer perimeter of the installation platform.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of an example of gripping means.

The installation platform is normally lifted and lowered with the hoist <NUM>. A safety brake may be used as a safety device in the installation platform. The safety brake may allow the installation platform to move upwards but prevents the installation platform from falling downwards in an uncontrolled manner. The safety brake grips on the guide rails when the installation platform falls in an uncontrolled manner. Any prior art safety brake may be used in this connection.

A safety break forms thus a kind of a gripping means. The installation platform may as an alternative to the safety brake or in addition to the safety brake be provided with other kind gripping means.

The gripping means <NUM> shown in <FIG> forms one example of a gripping means that may be used in connection with the installation platform as an alternative or in addition to a safety brake.

The gripping means <NUM> may be formed of brake means <NUM>. The brake means <NUM> may comprise a frame <NUM> with a slit for the guide rail <NUM> and two wedge shaped brake shoes <NUM> positioned on opposite sides of the guide rail <NUM>. The brake shoes <NUM> may be movably supported from the wedge surface with rollers <NUM> on the frame <NUM>. A spring <NUM> may be positioned between a first end of the brake shoe <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. A second opposite end of the brake shoe <NUM> may be supported on a slide <NUM> acting in a cylinder <NUM>.

A hydraulic power unit <NUM> may provide power to the brake means <NUM>. A hydraulic pump may pump oil from an oil reservoir to the cylinders <NUM> in order to move the slides <NUM> in the cylinders <NUM>.

Supplying pressurized fluid to the plungers <NUM> in the cylinders <NUM> will press the brake shoes <NUM> downwards in the figure against the force of the springs <NUM>. The brake shoes <NUM> are thus moved away from the guide surfaces of the guide rail <NUM>. The installation platform is thus free to move on the guide rails <NUM>.

Extracting pressurized fluid from the cylinders <NUM> will allow the brake shoes <NUM> to move upwards in the figure due to the force caused by the springs <NUM> acting on the second end of the brake shoe <NUM>. The brake shoes <NUM> are thus moved into contact with the guide surfaces of the guide rail <NUM>. The installation platform will thus become locked to the guide rails <NUM>.

The hydraulic unit <NUM> may be provided only for the brake means <NUM>. Another possibility is to have a common main hydraulic unit on the installation platform for all equipment needing hydraulic power on the installation platform. Hydraulic valves may be used to connect the different equipment to the common main hydraulic power unit.

The brake means <NUM> may as an alternative be operated electromechanically. An electromechanical device may be used to press the brake shoes <NUM> against the force of the springs <NUM>. Deactivation of the electromechanical device will activate the brake shoes <NUM> against the guide rails <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of another example of gripping means.

The gripping means shown in <FIG> forms another example of a gripping means that may be used in connection with the installation platform either as an alternative or in addition to a safety brake.

The second gripping means <NUM> may be formed of anchoring means <NUM>. The anchoring means <NUM> may comprise a frame <NUM> supported on the support frame <NUM> and two claws <NUM> positioned on opposite sides of the guide rail <NUM>. The claws <NUM> may be supported via a first articulated joint J1 on the frame <NUM>. An actuator may be attached to the claws <NUM> on an opposite side of the first articulated joint J1 (not shown in the figure). The actuator may rotate the claws <NUM> around the first articulated joint J1 between a locked position in which the claws <NUM> are seated on an upper support surfaces 27A of the fish plates <NUM> and an unlocked position in which the claws are rotated in a clockwise direction and thereby removed from contact with the fish plate <NUM>.

The actuator may be formed of a hydraulic cylinder or of an electromechanical device. The claws <NUM> could be operated by an electric motor or by one or more electromechanical devices.

The installation platform becomes supported on the fish plate <NUM> in the locked position of the anchoring means <NUM>. The support on the fish plate <NUM> eliminates downward movement of the installation platform. The installation platform is free to move on the guide rails <NUM> in the unlocked position of the anchoring means <NUM>.

The fish plates <NUM> are normally positioned in the joint between two consecutive guide rail elements. Additional fish plates <NUM> could be positioned along the length of the guide rail elements. The guide rail element could be provided with intermediate fish plates <NUM> attached to the guide rail elements already before the installation of the guide rail elements. A fish plate <NUM> could e.g. be positioned in the middle of a <NUM> long guide rail element. The intermediate fish plates <NUM> could be left on the guide rails permanently after the installation. Another possibility would be to remove the intermediate fish plates as the installation proceeds upwards.

The fish plate <NUM> may be wider than the guide rail <NUM> so that the upper surface of the fish plate <NUM> forms an upper support surface 27A for the claw <NUM> on each side of the guide rail <NUM>. The construction of the fish plates <NUM> may thus be adapted to work as support points for the claws <NUM> in the anchoring means <NUM>.

The fish plate <NUM> is an example of a connection element that may be used to connect the ends of consecutive guide rail elements.

A similar anchoring means <NUM> could be used to lock the installation platform to the brackets <NUM> attaching the guide rails <NUM> to the walls <NUM> in the shaft <NUM>. The claws <NUM> could then interact with brackets <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of the installation platform provided with guide rail magazines.

The installation platform with the two decks <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided with guide rail magazines <NUM>. Guide rail elements <NUM> may thus be stored on the installation platform for a certain need. The guide rail magazines <NUM> may be re-filled when the installation of guide rails progresses in the shaft. This may be done e.g. through a landing in the shaft or with a hoist connected to the installation platform.

Each deck <NUM>, <NUM> is provided with handrail constructions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The hoist <NUM> and the fastener <NUM> is also shown in the figure.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of a securing device for guide rails in a non-operating position, <FIG> shows the securing device in an operating position, and <FIG> shows a cross-section of the securing device in a locking position.

The securing device <NUM> may comprise a frame <NUM>, a carrier <NUM>, gripping means <NUM>, <NUM>, and a locking device <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> may be pivotably <NUM> supported on the carrier <NUM>.

The gripping means <NUM>, <NUM> may be pivotably J1, J2 supported on a first end of the frame <NUM>. The securing means <NUM>, <NUM> may have a closed position in which the securing means <NUM>, <NUM> enclose the guide rail element and an open position in which the securing means <NUM>, <NUM> is disconnected from the guide rail element.

The locking device <NUM> may prevent the frame <NUM> of the securing device <NUM> from turning around the pivot point <NUM> upwards above the horizontal plane. The locking device <NUM> may on the other hand allow the frame <NUM> to turn downwards around the pivot point <NUM>. The guide rail element is thus free to move upwards within the securing means <NUM>, <NUM> but falling of the guide rail element is prevented as the frame <NUM> turns downwards around the pivot point <NUM> when the guide rail element moves downwards so that the guide rail element becomes locked against the edges of the securing means <NUM>, <NUM>.

The carrier <NUM> may be movable. The carrier <NUM> may comprise a frame <NUM> and rollers <NUM> supported on the frame <NUM>. The carrier <NUM> may be supported through the rollers <NUM> on a horizontal support beam <NUM> extending in the second direction Y. A pair of support arms <NUM> may be attached to the frame <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. The pair of support arms <NUM> may extend upwards from the frame <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. Each support arm in the pair of support arms <NUM> may comprise two holes O1, O2 passing through the support arms <NUM>. The two holes O1, O2 may extend in the horizontal direction through the support arms <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> may be supported on support surfaces 117A, 117B, 117C in the horizontal support beam <NUM>. The carrier <NUM> may comprise four rollers <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> of the securing device <NUM> may comprise a first support plate <NUM> and a second support plate <NUM>. An end of the support arm <NUM> may be attached to the first support plate <NUM>. The support arm <NUM> may extend downwards from the first support plate <NUM>. The first support plate <NUM> may be attached to a bottom of the second support plate <NUM> with two bolts <NUM>, <NUM>. The bolts <NUM>, <NUM> may pass through oblong holes 823A, 823B in the second support plate <NUM>. The support arm <NUM> may extend between the pair of support arms <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. The support arm <NUM> may comprise a hole O3 passing through the support arm <NUM>. The hole O3 may extend in the horizontal direction through the support arm <NUM>.

The support arm <NUM> of the frame <NUM> of the securing device <NUM> may be attached to the support arms <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> with a horizontal pin <NUM> passing through the first holes O1 in the support arms <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> and the support arm <NUM> of the frame <NUM> of the securing device <NUM>. The pin <NUM> forms a pivot point for the frame <NUM> of the securing device <NUM> in relation to the carrier <NUM>.

The securing means <NUM>, <NUM> of the securing device <NUM> may be formed of two jaws <NUM>, <NUM>. Each jaw <NUM>, <NUM> may be supported through a respective articulated joint J1, J2 on a first end of the frame <NUM> i.e. on a first end of the second support plate <NUM>. Each jaw <NUM>, <NUM> may have a first end <NUM>, <NUM> at one side of the articulated joint J2, J3 and a second end <NUM>, <NUM> at the opposite side of the articulated joint J2, J3. The second end <NUM>, <NUM> in each jaw <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a hole <NUM>, <NUM> passing through the jaw <NUM>, <NUM>.

The securing device <NUM> may further comprise a locking pin <NUM>. The locking pin <NUM> may be formed of a separate pin which may lock the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> to each other in the closed position of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM>. The two jaws <NUM>, <NUM> may glide upon each other so that the holes <NUM>, <NUM> in the second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> become overlapping when the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> are in the closed position. The locking pin <NUM> may then be pushed through the holes <NUM>, <NUM> in the second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> so that the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> become locked in the closed position. The second end <NUM> of the first jaw <NUM> glides on the second end <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM> in the figure. The second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> move in superposed planes when the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> are opened and closed. The first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> move in a common plane when the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> are opened and closed.

The locking pin <NUM> may on the other hand be spring loaded in the hole <NUM> of the first jaw <NUM>. The locking pin <NUM> would then be lifted against the spring force when the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> are closed so that the holes <NUM>, <NUM> in the second ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be superposed on each other. The locking pin <NUM> could then be released so that the spring pushes the locking pin <NUM> into the second hole <NUM>. The jaws <NUM>, <NUM> will then be locked in the closed position.

The jaws <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open position in <FIG> and in a closed position in <FIG> and <FIG>. The securing device <NUM> surrounds the guide rail <NUM> in the closed position of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM>. The first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned behind the bottom part 25A of the guide rail <NUM> and the guide part 25B of the guide rail <NUM> is positioned in the slot <NUM> in the frame <NUM> i.e. in the second frame <NUM> of the securing device <NUM>. There is a play between the guide rail <NUM> and the securing device <NUM> when the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> in the securing device <NUM> are closed and the securing device <NUM> is in a horizontal position. The guide rails <NUM> may thus move vertically upwards in relation to the securing device <NUM>.

The locking device <NUM> may be formed of a second pin <NUM>. The second pin <NUM> may be pushed through the second holes O2 in the support arms <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> in the operational position of the securing device <NUM> as seen in <FIG>. The second pin <NUM> prevents the securing device <NUM> i.e. the frame <NUM> of the securing device from rising above the horizontal position when the guide rail element <NUM> is moved upwards. The securing device <NUM> may, however, turn downwards around the pivot point formed by the first pin <NUM> when the guide rail element <NUM> moves downward. When the securing device <NUM> turns downwards as seen in <FIG> the guide rail element <NUM> becomes locked by the securing device <NUM>. The bottom surface of the bottom part 25A of the guide rail element <NUM> will be pressed against the edges of the first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the claws <NUM>, <NUM> and the outer end surface 25B1 of the guide part 25B of the guide rail element <NUM> will be pressed against the bottom of the slot <NUM> of the frame <NUM> of the securing device <NUM>. The securing device <NUM> will thus prevent unintentional falling of the guide rail element <NUM>.

The figures show advantageous embodiments of the inventive installation platform. The invention is, however, not limited to these embodiments. The support frame <NUM> could e.g. instead of one sling be formed of two or more parallel slings. The arrangement and the number of support beams in the decks could be different, etc..

The installation of guide rails <NUM> may be done manually and/or automatically from the installation platform. Mechanics and/or robots may work on the installation platform.

The installation platform may in addition to the installation of the guide rails be used in the installation of the shaft doors and installation of any equipment in the shaft which might be needed in the elevator.

The use of the invention is not limited to the installation of any specific elevator type. The invention can be used in the installation of any type of elevator e.g. also in elevators lacking a machine room and/or a counterweight. The counterweight could be positioned on the back wall of the shaft or on either side wall of the shaft or on both side walls of the shaft. The hoisting machinery could be positioned anywhere within the shaft.

Claim 1:
An installation platform for installing an elevator during construction of a building, the installation platform having a width (W1) in a first horizontal direction (X) between the guide rails (<NUM>), a depth (D1) in a second horizontal direction (Y) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (X), the installation platform comprising
a first deck (<NUM>) and a second deck (<NUM>) positioned at a vertical distance (Z1) above the first deck (<NUM>),
a support frame (<NUM>) extending between the first deck (<NUM>) and the second deck (<NUM>),
guide means (<NUM>) for guiding the installation platform movably on the guide rails (<NUM>), wherein
at least the width (W1) of the two decks (<NUM>, <NUM>) is adjustable in order to adapt the two decks (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the horizontal dimensions of the shaft (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the support frame (<NUM>) has a generally rectangular shape comprising
two horizontal support beams (<NUM>, <NUM>) passing in the first horizontal direction (X) across the respective deck (<NUM>, <NUM>), each deck (<NUM>, <NUM>) being supported on the respective horizontal support beam (<NUM>, <NUM>),
two vertical support beams (<NUM>, <NUM>), each vertical support beam (<NUM>, <NUM>) connecting respective outer ends of the horizontal support beams (<NUM>, <NUM>), the guide means (<NUM>) being supported on the vertical support beams (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a length of the two horizontal support beams (<NUM>, <NUM>) being adjustable in order to adapt said length to the distance between the guide rails (<NUM>) in the shaft (<NUM>).