Threshold positioning device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of threshold positioning device, can be simply carried out the position adjustment of threshold than before.The threshold positioning device (100) has: a pair of adjusting mechanism (101) for supporting threshold (1) and adjusting the position of threshold;Control unit (120) for controlling a pair of adjusting mechanism;And the inclination detection part of detecting the inclination of threshold.The control unit has the first control part that wirelessly outputs the control signal based on the detection result of the inclination detection part.A pair of adjusting mechanism each has: the driving part that can change the inclination of threshold;And wirelessly receive the control signal output from the first control part, and the second control part according to the control signal received controls the action of driving part.

Description

Threshold positioning device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a threshold positioning device. Background Technology

[0002] In Japan, there is a problem of decreasing numbers of workers engaged in construction work, particularly skilled workers. This problem also exists in other countries. Therefore, in order to handle the same volume of construction work even with a reduced workforce, there is a demand for more efficient and labor-saving construction operations.

[0003] Elevator installation involves a variety of tasks, including tower surveying, rail installation, entrance / exit installation, tower equipment installation, car assembly, and wiring. Among these tasks, entrance / exit installation involves setting up openings and closing doors at the openings in the elevator shaft. This work is repeated on each floor of the building and involves handling long, heavy components, thus requiring significant effort and time.

[0004] The elevator entrance / exit mainly consists of a sill, a three-sided frame, and a door frame. The sill is the fundamental component supporting the entrance / exit. During sill installation, it is required to maintain a constant gap between the elevator car moving up and down the elevator shaft and the sill on each floor; to install the sill horizontally to ensure smooth door opening and closing; and to precisely adjust the sill's position in all six degrees of freedom directions. Here, the six degrees of freedom refer to the six directions of freedom: X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, pitch, roll, and yaw.

[0005] In the installation of door sills, when adjusting the position of the door sill with high precision, it is desirable to use devices or clamps that help improve the efficiency of the adjustment work and reduce effort. Patent Document 1 describes a technology related to an elevator lobby door sill adjustment clamp and a door sill adjustment method. The technology described in Patent Document 1 addresses the issue of providing an elevator lobby door sill adjustment clamp and a door sill adjustment method capable of adjusting the long side direction and elevation angle of the door sill in an elevator lobby. For this issue, Patent Document 1 describes a structure for an elevator lobby door sill adjustment clamp, characterized by having an adjustment clamp fixed to the side of the door sill with slits formed in the upper and lower adjustment pieces. The horizontal direction of the door sill and the elevation angle of the lobby surface are adjusted by the positional relationship between a centering line hanging from the top of the elevator shaft and the slits in the upper and lower adjustment pieces.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-28672 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In traditional threshold adjustment work, the threshold is temporarily fixed to a bracket pre-installed on the wall within the lifting channel. Using a piano string or level lowered vertically from the top of the channel as a reference, the operator uses a hammer to tap the bracket or threshold, thereby adjusting the threshold's posture and position. However, in this method, the direction, angle, and amount of movement of the threshold can change depending on the temporary fixing of the threshold, the hammer's position, angle, and force. Therefore, it is difficult to adjust the threshold position exactly as the operator intends, requiring skilled expertise and experience. Furthermore, for inexperienced operators, repeatedly tapping the threshold with a hammer before completing the adjustment can lead to a lengthy and time-consuming process.

[0011] Regarding this issue, the elevator lobby threshold adjustment fixture described in Patent Document 1 is merely an indicator plate used to visually confirm the positional relationship between the piano wire hanging from the top of the elevator shaft as a centering line and the respective cuts of the upper and lower adjustment plates of the threshold adjustment fixture. Therefore, even when using the elevator lobby threshold adjustment fixture described in Patent Document 1, the operator still needs to visually confirm the positional relationship between the centering line and the cuts while tapping the threshold with a hammer. Therefore, threshold adjustment requires skilled technique.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a technique that allows for simpler adjustment of the position of a threshold than before.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] To address the aforementioned issues, for example, the structure described in the claims may be employed.

[0015] This application includes several solutions to the aforementioned problems. One example is a threshold positioning device for positioning a threshold in an opening of an elevator shaft. The device comprises: a pair of adjustment mechanisms for supporting and adjusting the threshold's position; a control unit for controlling the pair of adjustment mechanisms; and a tilt detection unit for detecting the tilt of the threshold supported by the adjustment mechanisms. The control unit has a first control unit that wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the detection result from the tilt detection unit. Each pair of adjustment mechanisms has: a drive unit capable of changing the threshold's tilt; and a second control unit that wirelessly receives the control signal output from the first control unit and controls the operation of the drive unit according to the received control signal.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the present invention, the position of the threshold can be adjusted more easily than before.

[0018] The issues, structures, and effects beyond those described above will become clear through the following description of the implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a situation where a threshold is installed at the opening of the elevator shaft.

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the threshold and bracket.

[0021] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the structure of the bracket.

[0022] Figure 4 is a top view showing the structure of the threshold.

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional view showing the structure of the adjustment mechanism.

[0025] Figure 7 is a side view showing the structure of the adjustment mechanism.

[0026] Figure 8 is a view of the opening before the threshold is installed, viewed from the side of the waiting hall.

[0027] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the system structure of the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the signal flow when the control mode of the threshold positioning device is set to manual control mode.

[0029] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the signal flow when the control mode of the threshold positioning device is set to automatic horizontal control mode.

[0030] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps in automatic level control mode.

[0031] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating a threshold installation method using the threshold positioning device of the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the threshold positioning device of the second embodiment from the side of the lifting channel.

[0033] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the fixture.

[0034] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the threshold positioning device of the third embodiment from the side of the lifting channel.

[0035] In the picture:

[0036] 1—Sill, 4—Opening, 6—Lifting channel, 7—Opening side, 8—Clamp, 86—Block, 87—V-groove, 100, 100A, 100B—Sill positioning device, 101—Adjustment mechanism, 102—Support arm, 107—Driver (drive unit), 119—Sill temporary fixing piece, 120—Control unit, 132—Magnetic base, 137—Sill fixing pad, 141—Microcomputer (first control unit), 143—Tilt sensor (tilt detection unit), 147L, 147R—Operating knob (first operating unit), 148L, 148R—Operating knob (second operating unit), 171—Microcomputer (second control unit), 181—Magnetic base. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function or structure are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0038] First, the coordinate system used in this specification and the accompanying drawings will be explained using Figure 1.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, an opening 4 is formed in the elevator shaft 6. The opening 4 serves as the entrance and exit for the elevator. The opening 4 is quadrilateral in shape. Under this premise, the X-axis represents the depth of the opening 4, the Y-axis represents the width of the opening 4, and the Z-axis represents the height of the opening 4. The depth of the opening 4 corresponds to the direction of movement (front-back) when a person stands on the floor 5 of the building, which serves as the elevator lobby, observing the shaft 6; that is, the direction of entry and exit for people or goods. The width of the opening 4 corresponds to the direction of opening and closing of the elevator lobby doors (left-right). Furthermore, the roll direction represents the rotation direction about the X-axis, the pitch direction represents the rotation direction about the Y-axis, and the yaw direction represents the rotation direction about the Z-axis. The X-axis and Y-axis correspond to the two horizontal axes parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, i.e., the vertical direction. Moreover, the definition of the coordinate system illustrated in Figure 1 also applies to figures other than those in Figure 1.

[0040] Next, Figures 1 to 4 will be used to illustrate the setting status and structure of the threshold.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the threshold 1 is provided at the opening 4 using multiple brackets 2. The opening 4 is formed on each floor of the building. There are opening sides 7 on the left and right sides of the opening 4. Viewed from the ground 5 of the building, the lift channel 6 is formed on the depth side of the opening 4. Two reference cores 3 are arranged in the lift channel 6. Each reference core 3 is positioned near the wall 11 of the lift channel 6 to indicate the reference position when positioning the threshold 1. The reference cores 3 use thin wires such as piano wire with a diameter of approximately 0.5 mm. The two reference cores 3 hang vertically from the top to the bottom of the lift channel 6. The interval between the two reference cores 3 in the Y-axis direction is set to a predetermined interval.

[0042] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sill and bracket. Additionally, Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the structure of the bracket, and Figure 4 is a top view showing the structure of the sill.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the threshold 1 is fixed to the wall 11 of the lifting channel 6 (see Figure 1) or a steel frame (not shown) using multiple brackets 2. In this embodiment, as an example, the threshold 1 is fixed to the wall 11 of the lifting channel 6 using three brackets 2.

[0044] The bracket 2 is arranged at three points spaced at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the opening 4. The bracket 2 is composed of a wall-side bracket 2a and a sill-side bracket 2b, which are two bracket components. The wall-side bracket 2a is fixed to the wall 11 of the lifting channel 6. The sill-side bracket 2b is fixed to the sill 1. The wall-side bracket 2a is L-shaped, and the sill-side bracket 2b is also L-shaped. Moreover, the wall-side bracket 2a and the sill-side bracket 2b are fastened together by two fasteners 12 with one side overlapping each other.

[0045] Fastener 12 consists of, for example, bolts, nuts, and washers. As shown in FIG3, two elongated holes 17 are provided on the sill-side bracket 2b. The elongated holes 17 are formed longitudinally. In addition, a fixing hole (not shown) is provided on the sill-side bracket 2b. This fixing hole is used to fix the sill-side bracket 2b of the bracket 2 to the lower surface of the sill 1 using a fastener (not shown). On the other hand, as shown in FIG2, three elongated holes 21 and three fixing holes 22 are provided on the wall-side bracket 2a. Both the elongated holes 21 and the fixing holes 22 are formed horizontally. The elongated holes 21 are used to fasten the wall-side bracket 2a and the sill-side bracket 2b. The fixing holes 22 are used to fix the wall-side bracket 2a to the wall surface 11 of the lifting channel 6. The upper and lower elongated holes 21 of the three elongated holes 21 are respectively arranged to coincide with the corresponding elongated holes 17. The shaft portion of the fastener 12 is mounted to pass through the elongated holes 17 and elongated holes 21. The relative installation positions of the wall-side bracket 2a and the threshold-side bracket 2b can be adjusted in both the long side direction of the elongated hole 17 and the long side direction of the elongated hole 21.

[0046] The threshold 1 is a long, narrow component. As shown in Figure 4, the threshold 1 has two guide grooves 18 and multiple waste removal holes 14. The two guide grooves 18 are formed parallel to each other along the long side of the threshold 1. The guide grooves 18 are grooves that guide the movement of the elevator lobby doors (not shown) at the elevator entrance and exit. Multiple waste removal holes 14 are provided in each guide groove 18. The waste removal holes 14 are holes used to remove waste that enters the guide grooves 18.

[0047] Two scribing lines 13 extend from the upper surface of the threshold 1. These scribing lines 13 are used to adjust the position of the threshold 1 in a horizontal plane parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Specifically, the position of the threshold 1 is adjusted so that the reference core 3 is located on the extension line of each scribing line 13. Therefore, the spacing between the two scribing lines 13 along the long side of the threshold 1 is set according to the spacing between the two reference cores 3 described above.

[0048] <First Implementation>

[0049] (Structure of the threshold positioning device)

[0050] Next, the structure of the threshold positioning device of the first embodiment will be described.

[0051] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, the threshold positioning device 100 mainly includes a pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 and a control unit 120.

[0053] A pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 are used to support the threshold 1 and adjust its position (installation position). The pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 are arranged in a configuration that allows them to be aligned along the width of the opening 4. The pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 are installed on the left and right sides 7 of the opening 4. The pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 are symmetrically arranged when viewed from the X-axis direction and are essentially identical in structure. The structure of the adjustment mechanisms 101 will be described in detail below.

[0054] (Adjustment of the organization)

[0055] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the adjustment mechanism, and Figure 7 is a side view showing the structure of the adjustment mechanism.

[0056] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the adjustment mechanism 101 includes a support arm 102, a height adjustment part 103, a front and rear tilt adjustment part 104, a base plate 105, a horizontal position adjustment part 106, and a clamp 8.

[0057] (Support arm)

[0058] The support arm 102 is a component that supports the sill 1 in a mounted state. The support arm 102 integrally comprises a first arm portion 102a, a second arm portion 102b, and a third arm portion 102c. The first arm portion 102a and the second arm portion 102b are arranged at right angles to each other. The first arm portion 102a and the third arm portion 102c are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, the second arm portion 102b connects one end of the first arm portion 102a and one end of the third arm portion 102c. The first arm portion 102a is formed to be longer than the third arm portion 102c. When the support arm 102 supports the sill 1, the third arm portion 102c acts as the arm on which the sill 1 is mounted.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, an elongated hole 117 for arm fixing is formed in the first arm portion 102a, and an elongated hole 118 for sill fixing is formed in the second arm portion 102b. The elongated hole 117 for arm fixing is used to fix the support arm 102 to the arm support plate 150. The elongated hole 118 for sill fixing is used to fix the sill 1 to the third arm portion 102c. The elongated hole 117 for arm fixing is longer in the long side direction of the first arm portion 102a, and the elongated hole 118 for sill fixing is longer in the long side direction of the second arm portion 102b.

[0060] The support arm 102 is mounted to the arm support plate 150 via an arm position adjustment handle 116. The arm support plate 150 is an L-shaped plate with an arm receiving portion 150a. The arm receiving portion 150a is the portion that receives and supports the first arm portion 102a of the support arm 102 from below. A threaded hole (not shown) is formed in the arm receiving portion 150a, and an external thread (not shown) is formed in the arm position adjustment handle 116 that engages with the threaded hole of the arm receiving portion 150a. The external thread of the arm position adjustment handle 116 passes through the arm fixing elongated hole 117 of the support arm 102 and engages with the threaded hole of the arm receiving portion 150a. Therefore, when the arm position adjustment handle 116 is tightened, the first arm portion 102a is fixed to the arm receiving portion 150a. That is, by tightening the arm position adjustment handle 116, the support arm 102 can be fixed to the arm support plate 150. Furthermore, with the arm position adjustment handle 116 loosened, the first arm portion 102a can be moved along the long axis direction of the arm fixing elongated hole 117. That is, by loosening the arm position adjustment handle 116, the position of the support arm 102 in the X-axis direction can be adjusted. Thus, the arm position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the support arm 102 in the depth direction of the opening 4 consists of the arm fixing elongated hole 117, the arm support plate 150, and the arm position adjustment handle 116.

[0061] On the other hand, a temporary threshold fastener 119 is installed on the second arm 102b. The temporary threshold fastener 119 is a device that fixes the threshold 1 to the support arm 102 by pressing the threshold 1, which is placed on the third arm 102c of the support arm 102, from above.

[0062] The temporary door sill fastener 119 includes an L-shaped bracket 135, a door sill fixing handle 136, a door sill fixing washer 137, and a wing screw 138. The bracket 135 is mounted to the second arm 102b via the wing screw 138. A threaded hole (not shown) is formed in the bracket 135. The external thread of the wing screw 138 passes through the door sill fixing elongated hole 118 and engages with the threaded hole of the bracket 135. Therefore, when the wing screw 138 is tightened, the bracket 135 is fixed to the second arm 102b. Furthermore, when the wing screw 138 is loosened, the bracket 135 can move along the long axis of the door sill fixing elongated hole 118, i.e., in the vertical direction. Here, when the wing screw 138 is loosened, causing the bracket 135 to move vertically, the temporary door sill fastener 119 as a whole moves vertically. That is, the temporary door sill fastener 119 is configured to move vertically relative to the mounting position of the support arm 102. Therefore, when the sill 1 is placed on the third arm 102c of the support arm 102, by moving the temporary sill fastener 119 upward and tightening the wing screw 138, a large space can be ensured between the third arm 102c and the sill fixing pad 137. Thus, the operation of placing the sill 1 on the support arm 102 can be performed easily.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, a plurality of mounting holes 135a are provided on the bracket 135. The plurality of mounting holes 135a are threaded holes having the same inner diameter. The plurality of mounting holes 135a are configured to face the third arm portion 102c. Furthermore, the plurality of mounting holes 135a are spaced apart at predetermined intervals in a direction parallel to the long side direction of the third arm portion 102c.

[0064] The sill fixing handle 136 is mounted in one of a plurality of mounting holes 135a. More specifically, the sill fixing handle 136 integrally has a shaft portion 136a. An external thread is formed on the shaft portion 136a, which engages with the mounting hole 135a of the bracket 135. In addition, the lower end of the shaft portion 136a protrudes downward from the lower surface of the bracket 135.

[0065] A sill fixing pad 137 is installed at the lower end of the shaft portion 136a of the sill fixing handle 136. The sill fixing pad 137 is used to press and fix the sill 1, which is mounted on the third arm portion 102c, from above. In the width direction (X-axis direction in Figures 5 and 6) of the sill 1 mounted on the third arm portion 102c, the position where the sill fixing pad 137 presses against the sill 1 can be changed depending on which mounting hole 135a is used to mount the sill fixing handle 136. That is, the pressing position of the sill fixing pad 137 against the sill 1 is a structure that can be changed in the width direction of the sill 1. Therefore, even if the width of the sill 1 mounted on the support arm 102 changes, it can still be pressed against the center of the sill 1 using the sill fixing pad 137 of the sill temporary fastener 119 in the width direction.

[0066] Here, the method for temporarily fixing the threshold 1 on the support arm 102 will be explained.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the threshold 1 is placed on the upper surface of the third arm 102c of the support arm 102, and in this state, it is temporarily fixed to the support arm 102 by the threshold temporary fastener 119. Temporary fixing of the threshold 1 refers to fixing the threshold 1 to the support arm 102 before fixing (formally fixing) it to the wall 11 or steel frame of the lifting channel 6 using multiple brackets 2 as shown in Figure 1. The temporary fixing of the threshold 1 using the threshold temporary fastener 119 is performed according to the following steps.

[0068] First, when starting the temporary fixing work, the operator loosens the wing screw 138 so that the bracket 135 is against the upper end of the sill fixing hole 118. In this state, the operator tightens the wing screw 138 to fix the bracket 135 to the second arm 102b. Then, the operator places the sill 1 on the third arm 102c as shown in Figure 5. Then, the operator loosens the wing screw 138 to move the bracket 135 downward, thereby bringing the sill fixing washer 137 into contact with the upper surface of the sill 1. In this state, the operator tightens the wing screw 138.

[0069] Then, the operator rotates the threshold fixing handle 136 in a predetermined direction, thereby pressing the threshold fixing pad 137 against the threshold 1. Thus, the threshold 1 is temporarily fixed to the support arm 102. Furthermore, before pressing the threshold fixing pad 137 against the threshold 1, the operator can move the threshold 1 along the X-axis and Y-axis directions on the third arm 102c.

[0070] (Height Adjustment Section)

[0071] The height adjustment unit 103 is the part that adjusts the height of the support arm 102. The height adjustment unit 103 mainly includes a driver 107, a sliding table 108, a control box 113, a back plate 114, and a pair of guide shafts 115.

[0072] The actuator 107 corresponds to a drive unit for changing the height of the support arm 102 and the inclination of the sill 1 (described later). In this embodiment, as an example, the actuator 107 is an electric linear actuator. The actuator 107 has a rod portion 107a, a housing portion 107b, and a motor portion 107c.

[0073] The rod 107a extends and retracts under the drive of the motor 107c. Figures 6 and 7 show the retracted state of the rod 107a. The motor 107c is connected to the upper side plate 152 via a connector 151. A control box 113 is mounted on the upper side plate 152. The structure of the control box 113 will be explained later. The motor 107c is driven by receiving power from the control box 113. A mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the motor 107c to the rod 107a is built into the housing 107b. The front end (lower end) of the rod 107a is connected to the sliding table 108 via a connector 153. The housing 107b is fixed to the intermediate plate 156 using a strip 154 ​​and bolts 155. The intermediate plate 156 is fixed to the back plate 114 using bolts (not shown).

[0074] The back panel 114 is a longitudinally elongated panel. Support feet 111 are mounted on the back panel 114. The support feet 111 are mounted to the back panel 114 using support foot mounting brackets 161 (Fig. 7). The support feet 111 are movable vertically along the long side of the back panel 114. The support feet 111 are used to stabilize the posture of the adjustment mechanism 101 by applying the weight of the threshold positioning device 100 to the support feet 111 when it is desired to mount the base plate 105 to the opening side 7 without contacting the building floor 5.

[0075] When using the support foot 111, the lower end of the support foot 111 is in contact with the building ground 5. That is, the support foot 111 is set in a manner that is in contact with the building ground 5. In this way, the entire adjustment mechanism 101 can be supported by the support foot 111 while the base plate 105 is tightly attached to the opening side 7, and the base plate 105 is fixed to the opening side 7 by the clamp 8.

[0076] Furthermore, the support feet 111 can also be installed on the base plate 105 instead of the back plate 114. Additionally, if the lower end of the base plate 105 is in contact with the building floor 5, the support feet 111 may not be used. If the support feet 111 are not used, it is not necessary to install them on the back plate 114. That is, the support feet 111 can be installed only as needed.

[0077] The upper end of the back plate 114 is connected to the upper side plate 152, and the lower end of the back plate 114 is connected to the lower side plate 157. The upper side plate 152 and the lower side plate 157 are configured to face each other. A pair of guide shafts 115 are configured parallel to each other in a way that connects the upper side plate 152 and the lower side plate 157. The pair of guide shafts 115 are shafts that guide the movement of the sliding table 108.

[0078] In the height adjustment unit 103 configured as described above, when the lever 107a of the driver 107 extends or retracts under the drive of the motor 107c, the sliding table 108 moves in the height direction (Z-axis direction) while being guided by the guide shaft 115. Furthermore, the rotating shaft 109 and the arm support plate 150 are connected to the sliding table 108. Therefore, with the support arm 102 mounted on the arm support plate 150, when the sliding table 108 is moved by the driver 107, the support arm 102 moves together with the sliding table 108. Thus, the height adjustment unit 103 can adjust the height of the support arm 102 by the drive of the driver 107.

[0079] (Forward and backward tilt adjustment part)

[0080] The tilt adjustment section 104 is equivalent to a tilt adjustment section for adjusting the tilt of the support arm 102. In this embodiment, it is configured to adjust the tilt of the support arm 102 relative to the depth direction of the opening 4 via the tilt adjustment section 104. The tilt of the support arm 102 relative to the depth direction of the opening 4 is the tilt of the support arm 102 about the Y-axis, in other words, the tilt of the support arm 102 in the pitch direction. The tilt adjustment section 104 is mounted on the slide table 108. The tilt adjustment section 104 includes a rotation shaft 109, an arm support plate 150, a pair of tilt adjustment handles 110, and a handle support plate 159. The rotation shaft 109 is an axis parallel to the Y-axis direction. The rotation shaft 109 is mounted on the slide table 108. The arm support plate 150 is supported by the rotation shaft 109 and is rotatable. A pair of tilt adjustment handles 110 are mounted on the handle support plate 159. Each tilt adjustment handle 110 has a protrusion 110a protruding upward from the handle support plate 159. The upper end of the protrusion 110a abuts against the arm support portion 150a of the arm support plate 150 from below. Thus, the protrusion dimension of the protrusion 110a changes depending on the amount and direction of rotation when the tilt adjustment handle 110 is rotated.

[0081] In the tilt adjustment section 104 constructed with the above-described structure, when the pair of tilt adjustment handles 110 are rotated appropriately, the arm support plate 150 rotates around the rotation axis 109 as the center (fulcrum). Therefore, when the pair of tilt adjustment handles 110 are rotated by pushing the arm support portion 150a of the arm support plate 150 upward through the protrusion 110a of the tilt adjustment handle 110 on the left side of FIG. 7, the arm support plate 150 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 109. Furthermore, when the pair of tilt adjustment handles 110 are rotated by pushing the arm support portion 150a of the arm support plate 150 upward through the protrusion 110a of the tilt adjustment handle 110 on the right side of FIG. 7, the arm support plate 150 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 109. Therefore, when the support arm 102 is mounted on the arm support plate 150 using the arm position adjustment handle 116, the tilt of the support arm 102 relative to the depth direction (X-axis direction) of the opening 4 can be adjusted by appropriately operating the rotation of a pair of forward and backward tilt adjustment handles 110.

[0082] (Base plate)

[0083] The base plate 105 is equivalent to the base component that abuts against the opening side 7. The base plate 105 is composed of a longitudinally elongated L-shaped plate. The two inner surfaces 105a (Fig. 6) of the base plate 105 are the abutting surfaces relative to the opening side 7.

[0084] (Clamp)

[0085] The clamp 8 is a component that fixes the base plate 105 to the opening side 7. When the base plate 105 is fixed to the opening side 7 using the clamp 8, the base plate 105 is installed in a tight-fitting state on the opening side 7. Specifically, with the base plate 105 pressed against the opening side 7 such that the inner surface 105a (Fig. 6) of the base plate 105 is pressed against the corner of the lifting channel 6 side of the opening side 7, the clamp 8 is used to clamp the base plate 105 and the opening side 7, thereby installing the base plate 105 on the opening side 7. Thus, the base plate 105 is installed longitudinally along the opening side 7.

[0086] (Horizontal position adjustment part)

[0087] The horizontal position adjustment part 106 is equivalent to an arm position adjustment part that adjusts the position of the support arm 102 in the width direction of the opening 4 (hereinafter referred to as "horizontal position"). The horizontal position adjustment parts 106 are arranged in pairs, one above the other. The upper horizontal position adjustment part 106 is mounted on the upper side plate 152, and the lower horizontal position adjustment part 106 is mounted on the lower side plate 157. The upper and lower horizontal position adjustment parts 106 are symmetrically arranged when viewed from the Y-axis direction and have essentially the same structure. The structure of the horizontal position adjustment part 106 will be described in detail below.

[0088] The horizontal position adjustment unit 106 includes a horizontal position adjustment handle 99, a horizontal pivot 112, and a movable member 163. The horizontal position adjustment handle 99 is a handle for adjusting the horizontal position of the support arm 102. The base end of the horizontal pivot 112 is fixed to the base plate 105. The horizontal pivot 112 extends in a direction orthogonal to the long side of the base plate 105. The horizontal pivot 112 is a pivot that guides the movement of the movable member 163. A locking member 164 is installed at the front end of the horizontal pivot 112. The locking member 164 limits the range of movement of the movable member 163 to prevent the movable member 163 from detaching from the horizontal pivot 112. A C-ring can be used as the locking member 164.

[0089] The movable part 163 is fitted into and moves along the horizontal rotating shaft 112. The upper movable part 163 is fixed to the upper side plate 152 by two screws 165, and the lower movable part 163 is also fixed to the lower side plate 157 by two screws 165. The movable part 163 has a groove 163a. ​​A horizontal position adjustment handle 99 is installed in the groove 163a of the movable part 163. The horizontal position adjustment handle 99 has an external thread (not shown), and the movable part 163 has an internal thread (not shown). Thus, the horizontal position adjustment handle 99 can tighten or loosen the horizontal rotating shaft 112 by engaging the external and internal threads.

[0090] In the pair of upper and lower horizontal position adjustment parts 106 configured as described above, the movable part 163 can be moved along the horizontal pivot 112 by loosening the tightening of the horizontal position adjustment handle 99. This allows the back plate 114, upper side plate 152, lower side plate 157, height adjustment part 103, and front / back tilt adjustment part 104 to move together with the upper and lower movable part 163. Therefore, the horizontal position of the support arm 102 can be adjusted. Furthermore, by tightening the horizontal position adjustment handle 99, the horizontal position of the support arm 102 can be fixed.

[0091] (Control unit)

[0092] In Figure 5, the control unit 120 is a detachable unit relative to the sill 1. The control unit 120 includes an operation controller 121, a unit base 122, and a height indicator component 123. The control unit 120 is a unit mounted on the sill 1, which is supported by a pair of support arms 102. The operation controller 121 contains components for controlling a pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 (described later). The operation controller 121 is mounted on the unit base 122. The unit base 122 is a plate-shaped component that serves as the base for the control unit 120. The unit base 122 is formed in an inverted U-shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The unit base 122 is mounted top-coveringly relative to the sill 1. Furthermore, the unit base 122 is configured to be fixed to the sill 1 by tightening a fixing screw (not shown) and to be removed from the sill 1 by loosening the fixing screw (not shown).

[0093] The height indicator component 123 is used to measure the distance from the upper surface of the threshold 1 shown in Figure 5 to the horizontal laser beam 10 when a horizontal laser beam 10 is emitted from a laser marker 9 installed on the building floor 5 as shown in Figure 8. The laser marker 9 and the height indicator component 123 constitute a height detection device for detecting the installation height of the threshold 1. The height indicator component 123 is a longitudinally elongated plate-shaped component. The height indicator component 123 is mounted on the unit base 122 via a position adjustment mechanism (not shown). The position adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that adjusts the position of the height indicator component 123 such that the horizontal laser beam 10 emitted from the laser marker 9 illuminates the height indicator component 123. The height indicator component 123 can also be separately mounted on the threshold 1 from the control unit 120.

[0094] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the system structure of the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment.

[0095] In this manual, for ease of explanation, the adjustment mechanism 101 and its constituent elements located on the left side when viewed from the side of the lifting channel 6 are respectively marked with the symbol "L", and the adjustment mechanism 101 and its constituent elements located on the right side are respectively marked with the symbol "R".

[0096] As shown in Figure 9, the operation controller 121 includes a microcomputer 141, a power supply 142, a tilt sensor 143, a switch 144, a hold switch 145, an operation unit 146, and a completion light 149. "Microcomputer" is short for "microcomputer" (the same applies below).

[0097] In contrast, control box 113L includes a microcomputer 171L, a power supply 172L, a changeover switch 173L, an operating knob 174L, and an overload notification light 175L. Additionally, control box 113R includes a microcomputer 171R, a power supply 172R, a changeover switch 173R, an operating knob 174R, and an overload notification light 175R.

[0098] First, the structure of the operation controller 121 will be described in detail.

[0099] The microcomputer 141 is a computer that receives power from the power supply 142. The microcomputer 141 functions as a first control unit that wirelessly outputs control signals based on the detection results from the tilt detection unit. Electrical signals are input to the microcomputer 141 from the tilt sensor 143, the toggle switch 144, the hold switch 145, and the operation unit 146. Additionally, the microcomputer 141 outputs electrical signals to the completion lamp 149 to switch the lamp on and off.

[0100] In addition to the microcomputer 141, the power supply 142 also supplies power to the tilt sensor 143, the switch 144, the holding switch 145, the operation unit 146, and the completion light 149.

[0101] The tilt sensor 143 is a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the threshold 1 relative to the width direction of the opening 4. The tilt of the threshold 1 relative to the width direction of the opening 4 is the tilt of the threshold 1 about the X-axis; in other words, it is the tilt of the threshold 1 in the roll direction. The tilt sensor 143 is a sensor capable of detecting the tilt angle of the threshold 1 in the roll direction. The tilt angle of the threshold 1 in the roll direction is zero when the upper surface of the threshold 1 is parallel to the horizontal plane. The tilt sensor 143 is a sensor mounted on the control unit 120. Specifically, the tilt sensor 143 is disposed within the housing of the operation controller 121. The tilt sensor 143 is, for example, composed of a triaxial accelerometer. An electrical signal representing the detection result of the tilt sensor 143 is received by the microcomputer 141. The detection result of the tilt sensor 143 forms an electrical signal representing the tilt angle of the threshold 1 in the roll direction, which is transmitted from the tilt sensor 143 to the microcomputer 141. Thus, the microcomputer 141 wirelessly inputs a control signal based on the detection result of the tilt sensor 143. The control signals output by the microcomputer 141 include the instruction values ​​described later.

[0102] The switch 144 is used to switch the control mode of the sill positioning device 100. The sill positioning device 100 has two control modes: a manual control mode and an automatic leveling control mode. Details of the control modes will be explained later. By operating the switch 144, the operator can set the control mode of the sill positioning device 100 to either the manual control mode or the automatic leveling control mode. The switch 144 is, for example, a slide switch.

[0103] The holding switch 145 is used to hold the command value output from the microcomputer 141 for controlling the operation of the drives 107L and 107R. The control signal containing the command value is wirelessly output from the microcomputer 141. When the operator operates the holding switch 145 to hold the command value, the command value will not change even if the operator subsequently operates the operation unit 146.

[0104] The operating unit 146 is used to operate the drivers 107L and 107R of the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101. The operating unit 146 includes operating knobs 147L and 147R as a first operating unit and operating buttons 148L and 148R as a second operating unit. The first operating unit is used to actuate the drivers 107L and 107R. The second operating unit is used to finely move the drivers 107L and 107R. This will be described in detail below.

[0105] Operating knob 147L is used to actuate the actuator 107L of the left adjustment mechanism 101L. Operating knob 147R is used to actuate the actuator 107R of the right adjustment mechanism 101R. Operating knob 147L can rotate in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). When the operator rotates operating knob 147L, operating knob 147L outputs an electrical signal (e.g., voltage) corresponding to the rotation angle of operating knob 147L. The same applies to operating knob 147R.

[0106] Operation knob 148L is provided for fine-tuning the height of support arm 102 and the inclination of threshold 1 by micro-motion of actuator 107L. Operation knob 148R is provided for fine-tuning the height of support arm 102 and the inclination of threshold 1 by micro-motion of actuator 107R. Here, "micro-motion" means, preferably, an amount of movement smaller than the amount of movement of actuator (107L, 107R) when the operation knobs (147L, 147R) are rotated 10° clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0107] The operating button 148L consists of a pair of upper and lower buttons. When the operator presses either button, an electrical signal is output to slightly move the actuator 107L. For example, the upper button of the pair of buttons in the operating button 148L slightly moves the lever 107a (Figs. 6 and 7) of the actuator 107L in the retracting direction, and the lower button slightly moves the lever 107a of the actuator 107L in the extending direction. The same applies to the operating button 148R. By providing such operating buttons 148L and 148R in the operation controller 121 of the control unit 120, the height of the support arm 102 and the inclination of the sill 1 can be adjusted more finely compared to the case where the actuators 107L and 107R are actuated only by operating knobs 147L and 147R. In addition, if there is a slight deviation in the height of the support arm 102 or the inclination of the sill 1, the deviation can be easily corrected.

[0108] The completion light 149 is used to notify the operator that the tilt adjustment of the threshold 1 is complete. The illumination and extinguishing of the completion light 149 are controlled by the microcomputer 141. The microcomputer 141 illuminates the completion light 149 when the tilt angle of the threshold 1 detected by the tilt sensor 143 is approximately zero, and otherwise extinguishes the completion light 149.

[0109] Next, the structure of control boxes 113L and 113R will be described in detail. Furthermore, since control boxes 113L and 113R have the same basic structure, the "L" and "R" symbols will not be used here when describing the structure of control box 113.

[0110] The microcomputer 171 is a computer that operates by receiving power from the power supply 172. The microcomputer 171 is equivalent to a second control unit that wirelessly receives control signals output from the first control unit and controls the operation of the drive unit according to the received control signals. In this embodiment, as described above, the first control unit is composed of the microcomputer 141, and the drive unit is composed of the driver 107. Furthermore, the control signals output from the microcomputer 141, which serves as the first control unit, include command values. The microcomputer 171 wirelessly receives the control signals output from the microcomputer 141 and controls the drive of the driver 107 according to the command values ​​contained in the received control signals. Electrical signals are input to the microcomputer 171 from the switch 173 and the operation knob 174, respectively. Additionally, the microcomputer 171 outputs electrical signals to the overload notification lamp 175 to switch the overload notification lamp 175 on and off.

[0111] In addition to the microcomputer 171, the power supply 172 also supplies power to the switch 173, the operation knob 174, and the overload notification light 175.

[0112] The switch 173 is used to switch the operating mode of the adjustment mechanism 101 driven by the driver 107. The adjustment mechanism 101 has two operating modes: a normal operating mode and a single-operation mode. The normal operating mode activates the control signal output from the microcomputer 141 of the operation controller 121, and the driver 107 of the adjustment mechanism 101 operates based on this control signal. The single-operation mode deactivates the control signal output from the microcomputer 141 of the operation controller 121, and the driver 107 of the adjustment mechanism 101 operates according to the operation of the operation knob 174. The operator can set the operating mode of the adjustment mechanism 101 to either the normal operating mode or the single-operation mode by operating the switch 173. The switch 173 is, for example, a slide switch.

[0113] The operating knob 174 is a knob used to individually operate the driver 107 of the adjusting mechanism 101. The operating knob 174 can rotate in two directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). When the operator rotates the operating knob 174, the operating knob 174 outputs an electrical signal (e.g., voltage) corresponding to the rotation angle of the operating knob 174.

[0114] The overload notification light 175 is used to notify (report) the operator when the drive 107 is overloaded. The load on the drive 107 is the load when the motor section 107c of the drive 107 is driven. The magnitude of the load on the drive 107 is detected by the microcomputer 171. That is, the microcomputer 171 has a load detection unit that detects the load on the drive 107. In addition, the microcomputer 171 determines that an overload has been applied to the drive 107 when the load on the drive 107 is above a predetermined value. As an example of an overload situation on the drive 107, the following situation can be considered: with the threshold 1 supported by the support arm 102 fixed to the wall 11 by the bracket 2, the operator accidentally operates the operation section 146 or the operation knob 174.

[0115] When the microcomputer 141 detects an overload applied to the driver 107, it immediately stops the motor section 107c of the driver 107 and illuminates the overload notification light 175. This helps to prevent damage to the driver 107 caused by overload. Furthermore, it allows the operator to recognize the occurrence of an overload.

[0116] Next, the control modes of the threshold positioning device 100 will be described in detail. In the following description, the electrical signals output from the operation knobs 147 (147L, 147R), the operation knobs 148 (148L, 148R), and the operation knobs 174 (174L, 174R) will be referred to as operation signals.

[0117] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the signal flow when the control mode of the threshold positioning device is set to manual control mode.

[0118] The manual control mode allows for independent control of the left and right adjustment mechanisms 101L and 101R. Specifically, the microcomputer 141 receives an operation signal from the operation knob 147L or operation button 148L and wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the received operation signal to the microcomputer 171L. The microcomputer 171L then wirelessly receives the control signal output from the microcomputer 141 and controls the operation of the driver 107L based on the command value contained in the control signal. Conversely, the microcomputer 141 receives an operation signal from the operation knob 147R or operation button 148R and wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the received operation signal to the microcomputer 171R. The microcomputer 171R then wirelessly receives the control signal output from the microcomputer 141 and controls the operation of the driver 107R based on the command value contained in the control signal.

[0119] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the signal flow when the control mode of the threshold positioning device is set to automatic horizontal control mode.

[0120] The automatic leveling control mode is a mode in which either the left or right adjustment mechanism 101L or 101R is used as the master side (active side) and the other side is used as the slave side (passive side) for control. In this embodiment, as an example, the right adjustment mechanism 101R is used as the master side and the left adjustment mechanism 101L is used as the slave side.

[0121] In automatic leveling control mode, similarly to the manual control mode, the microcomputer 141 receives an operation signal from the operation knob 147R or operation button 148R and wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the received operation signal to the microcomputer 171R. The microcomputer 171R wirelessly receives the control signal output from the microcomputer 141 and controls the operation of the driver 107R based on the command value contained in the control signal. On the other hand, regarding the left-side adjustment mechanism 101L, which is the slave side, the microcomputer 141 receives an electrical signal (hereinafter also referred to as the "tilt detection signal") representing the tilt angle of the threshold 1 from the tilt sensor 143, and wirelessly outputs a control signal to the microcomputer 171L such that the tilt angle of the threshold 1 represented by the received tilt detection signal is 0 degrees, that is, the threshold 1 is level. The microcomputer 171L wirelessly receives the control signal output from the microcomputer 141 and controls the operation of the driver 107L based on the command value contained in the control signal. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the state where the threshold 1 is horizontal when viewed from the X-axis direction. In addition, the tilt angle of the threshold 1 detected by the tilt sensor 143 is 0 degrees when the threshold 1 is horizontal when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0122] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps in automatic level control mode.

[0123] First, the microcomputer 141 receives an operation signal from the operation knob 147R or the operation knob 148R (step S11). Then, the microcomputer 141 receives a tilt detection signal from the tilt sensor 143 (step S12). The tilt angle of the threshold 1 represented by the tilt detection signal has a positive value and a negative value depending on which direction the threshold 1 tilts from the horizontal state.

[0124] Then, the microcomputer 141 compares the tilt angle of the threshold 1 represented by the tilt detection signal with a preset threshold, and modifies (corrects) the instruction value given to the microcomputer 171L based on the comparison result (step S13). At this time, the microcomputer 141 changes the instruction value according to the magnitude of the tilt angle of the threshold 1 detected by the tilt sensor 143. Specifically, the instruction value is changed according to the following process.

[0125] First, the microcomputer 141 determines whether the tilt angle θ of the threshold 1 exceeds the first threshold (±2°) (step S13a). If it exceeds the threshold, proceed to step S13b; if it does not exceed the threshold, proceed to step S13c.

[0126] In step S13b, microcomputer 141 modifies the instruction value given to microcomputer 171L using a first correction value (±40). Specifically, if the tilt angle θ of the threshold 1 exceeds +2°, microcomputer 141 adds 40 to the instruction value given to microcomputer 171L. Conversely, if the tilt angle θ of the threshold 1 exceeds -2°, microcomputer 141 subtracts 40 from the instruction value given to microcomputer 171L. The specific method for modifying the instruction value described here is also applicable in steps S13d, S13f, and S13g, which are described later.

[0127] On the other hand, in step S13c, the microcomputer 141 determines whether the tilt angle θ of the threshold 1 exceeds the second threshold (±1°). If it exceeds the threshold, it proceeds to step S13d; if it does not exceed the threshold, it proceeds to step S13e.

[0128] In step S13d, the microcomputer 141 uses the second correction value (±20) to change the instruction value given to the microcomputer 171L.

[0129] On the other hand, in step S13e, the microcomputer 141 determines whether the tilt angle θ of the threshold 1 exceeds the third threshold (±0.5°). If it exceeds the threshold, it proceeds to step S13f; if it does not exceed the threshold, it proceeds to step S13g.

[0130] In step S13f, microcomputer 141 changes the instruction value given to microcomputer 171L using a third correction value (±10). Additionally, in step S13g, microcomputer 141 changes the instruction value given to microcomputer 171L using a fourth correction value (±0.1).

[0131] The above describes the process of changing the instruction value in step S13.

[0132] Subsequently, microcomputer 141 wirelessly transmits command values ​​to microcomputers 171L and 171R respectively (step S14). At this time, microcomputer 141 sends command values ​​based on the operation signal obtained in step S11 to the master microcomputer 171R, and sends command values ​​that have been modified in step S13 to the slave microcomputer 171L.

[0133] Then, the microcomputer 141 determines whether the holding switch 145 is pressed (step S15). If it is not pressed, it returns to step S11, which should maintain the automatic level control mode. If it is pressed, it ends a series of processes.

[0134] (Threshold installation method)

[0135] Next, the threshold installation method using the threshold positioning device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG13.

[0136] First, as shown in Figure 8, the operator draws the finish line 16 downwards to a predetermined dimension from the pre-inked dotted line 15 (step S1). Figure 8 is a view of the opening 4 before threshold installation, viewed from the side of the waiting hall. The dotted line 15 is a horizontal line drawn from the wall next to the opening 4, usually extending approximately 1m upwards from the completed floor surface. The completed floor surface refers to the floor surface formed by laying flooring material on a building floor 5 such as concrete. In this case, the operator draws the finish line 16 horizontally downwards 1m from the dotted line 15. The position of the finish line 16 indicates the position that should be aligned with the height of the upper surface of the threshold 1 in the Z-axis direction.

[0137] Then, as shown in Figure 8, the operator places a laser marker 9 on the building floor 5 near the opening 4 and shines a horizontal laser beam 10 toward the opening 4 (step S2). The operator then uses a ruler or similar tool to measure the distance H between the completion line 16 in the Z-axis direction and the horizontal laser beam 10, and records the measurement result on a notepad or portable terminal (step S3). The distance H measured by the operator is used when adjusting the height of the threshold 1.

[0138] Then, as shown in Figure 2, the operator removes the threshold 1, which is equipped with three brackets 2, into the lifting channel 6 (step S4). Each bracket 2 is installed in a position that will not obstruct the positioning of the threshold 1. In addition, the lifting channel 6 has a fixed footing or a working floor that can be raised and lowered.

[0139] Then, the operator sets up the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 provided by the threshold positioning device 100 (step S5). At this time, as shown in FIG5, the operator fixes the base plate 105 to the left and right opening sides 7 respectively using the clamps 8, thereby setting the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 in their respective opening sides 7. In addition, the operator uses the position adjustment function of the horizontal position adjustment part 106 to pull the height adjustment part 103 towards the center of the opening 4 until the movable part 163 contacts the anti-detachment part 164, so that the support arm 102 of the adjustment mechanism 101 does not contact the reference core 3.

[0140] Then, the operator places the threshold 1, which was taken in step S4, onto the third arm 102c of the support arm 102 (step S6). While placing the threshold 1, the operator loosens the arm position adjustment handle 116 and pulls the support arm 102 toward the lifting channel 6. When the support arm 102 is pulled out in this way, a large space is ensured between the third arm 102c of the support arm 102 and the opening 4. Therefore, it is easy to place the threshold 1 onto the third arm 102c of the threshold 1. After placing the threshold 1, the operator returns the previously pulled-out support arm 102 to a position that does not obstruct the operation of the height adjustment unit 103. Additionally, the operator loosens the wing screw 138 to move the temporary threshold fixing member 119 downwards, so that the threshold fixing pad 137 contacts the upper surface of the threshold 1, and tightens the wing screw 138 to prevent the threshold 1 from falling off the support arm 102. Then, the operator rotates the threshold fixing handle 136 appropriately so that the threshold fixing pad 137 is in a state of light contact with the upper surface of the threshold 1, so that the threshold 1 can move on the third arm 102c.

[0141] Then, the operator installs the control unit 120 on the upper surface of the threshold 1 (step S7). The installation of the threshold positioning device 100 is now complete (see Figure 5). Afterwards, the positioning operation of the threshold 1 begins.

[0142] First, the operator adjusts the tilt of the support arm 102 relative to the depth direction of the opening 4 using the tilt adjustment part 104 (step S8). Specifically, the operator places a level on the upper surface of the threshold 1, confirms the position of the bubble on the level, and rotates the two tilt adjustment handles 110 appropriately. Then, the operator adjusts the rotation amount of the tilt adjustment handles 110 so that the tilt angle of the support arm 102 relative to the depth direction of the opening 4 is zero. This adjustment is performed in parallel by a pair of adjustment mechanisms 101.

[0143] Then, after the operator turns on the power supplies 142 and 172 (172L, 172R) of each part of the threshold positioning device 100, they operate the switch 144 of the operation controller 121 to enable (ON) the automatic leveling control mode (step S9). When the automatic leveling control mode is enabled, as illustrated in FIG11 above, the microcomputer 141 sends a control signal based on the tilt detection signal from the tilt sensor 143 to the microcomputer 171L, and the microcomputer 171L controls the operation of the driver 107L based on the command value contained in the control signal. Therefore, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the threshold 1 is in a state of being horizontally supported by the left and right support arms 102.

[0144] Then, the operator appropriately operates the operating knob 147R and operating button 148R corresponding to the adjustment mechanism 101R, which is on the secondary side in automatic level control mode, thereby adjusting the height of the threshold 1 (step S10). At this time, the operator first measures, for example, the distance at which the horizontal laser beam 10 irradiated from the laser marker 9 to the height indicator 123 separates from the upper surface of the threshold 1 by reading the scale marked on the height indicator component 123. Then, the operator compares the distance measured using the height indicator component 123 with the pre-recorded distance H (see Figure 8) and operates the operating knob 147R and / or operating button 148R in a manner that makes the difference between these distances zero. As a result, in the height direction of the opening 4, the upper surface of the threshold 1 supported by the support arm 102 can be aligned with the finishing line 16 (see Figure 8). In addition, the control mode of the threshold positioning device 100 is automatic level control mode, so the height of the threshold 1 can be adjusted while maintaining the threshold 1 in a horizontal state when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0145] After determining the height of threshold 1, the operator operates the holding switch 145 to hold the command value (step S11). When the command value is held, the automatic level control mode becomes invalid (OFF), and the operation of drives 107L and 107R stops.

[0146] Through the aforementioned positioning operation of the threshold 1, the tilt adjustment of the threshold 1 in the pitch direction, the tilt adjustment of the threshold 1 in the roll direction, and the height adjustment of the threshold 1 are completed. At this stage, after the positioning operation of the threshold 1 is completed, the threshold 1 is horizontally supported by the left and right support arms 102. Furthermore, the upper surfaces of the third arm portions 102c of the left and right support arms 102 are arranged on the same horizontal plane. Therefore, in subsequent steps, even if the threshold 1 is moved on the left and right third arm portions 102c, the aforementioned tilt adjustment and height adjustment of the threshold 1 will not be misaligned.

[0147] Then, the operator adjusts the position of the threshold 1 on the aforementioned horizontal plane (step S12). Specifically, the operator aligns the position of the punched hole on the side of the threshold 1 with the position of the reference core 3, and simultaneously aligns the distance between the threshold 1 and the reference core 3 with a predetermined distance. As a result, the position of the threshold 1 in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the opening 4, the position of the threshold 1 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the opening 4, and the inclination of the threshold 1 in the deflection direction are adjusted.

[0148] The positioning of threshold 1 is now complete.

[0149] Then, the operator temporarily fixes the threshold 1 to the support arm 102 by tightening the threshold fixing handle 136 of the temporary threshold fixing member 119, so that the threshold 1, which has been positioned as described above, does not shift (step S13). Next, the fixing operation of the threshold 1 will proceed.

[0150] First, the operator loosens the fasteners 12 installed on the bracket 2 appropriately, and installs the fasteners (not shown) on the threshold 1 to make the wall-side brackets 2a of each bracket 2 tightly adhere to the wall surface 11 of the lifting channel 6. The wall-side brackets 2a are then fixed to the wall surface 11 by anchor bolts or welding (step S14). In addition, when the wall surface 11 is fixed to the steel frame by the brackets 2, the wall-side brackets 2a are fixed tightly against the steel frame.

[0151] Then, the operator tightens the fasteners 12 and (not shown) mentioned above, fixing the threshold side bracket 2b relative to the threshold 1, and fixing the threshold side bracket 2b relative to the wall side bracket 2a (step S15). The threshold fixing operation is now complete.

[0152] Afterwards, the operator removes the threshold positioning device 100 from the threshold 1 (step S15). The removal of the threshold positioning device 100 is performed, for example, in the following order.

[0153] First, the operator loosens the wing screw 138 and moves the bracket 135 upward, thereby releasing the sill 1 from its fixation. Then, the operator removes the clamp 8 while pressing down on the base plate 105 by hand. Next, the operator removes the adjustment mechanism 101 from the sill 1 and the opening side 7, taking care not to forcefully impact the support arm 102 against the sill 1. Following this sequence, the operator removes the left and right adjustment mechanisms 101 in turn. Finally, the operator removes the control unit 120 from the sill 1.

[0154] The above is a series of steps for the installation method of threshold 1.

[0155] As explained above, the threshold positioning device 100 of the first embodiment includes: a pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 for supporting the threshold 1 and adjusting its position; and a control unit 120 for controlling the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101. Therefore, the operator performing the threshold installation work does not need to bear the weight of the threshold 1 itself when adjusting its position. Furthermore, the operator can use the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 to perform difficult position adjustments of the threshold 1 during installation. Therefore, the operator can adjust the position of the threshold 1 with good accuracy even without using a hammer to strike it. Thus, the position adjustment of the threshold 1 can be performed more easily than before. As a result, the time spent on threshold installation work can be shortened.

[0156] Furthermore, in the threshold positioning device 100 of the first embodiment, the control unit 120 has a microcomputer 141 that wirelessly outputs control signals based on the detection results of the tilt sensor 143, and each pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 has a driver 107 capable of changing the tilt of the threshold 1; and a microcomputer 171 that wirelessly receives the control signals output from the microcomputer 141 and controls the operation of the driver 107 according to the received control signals. That is, the microcomputer 141 of the operation controller 121 of the control unit 120 and the microcomputer 171 of the control box 113 of each adjustment mechanism 101 are configured to communicate wirelessly. As a result, there is no need to connect the control unit 120 and the control box 113 through wiring such as cables. Therefore, by setting the position of the support arm 102 as close as possible to the opening side 7 of the adjustment mechanism 101, a large range of passage for the operator can be ensured in the width direction of the opening 4. In addition, in wired communication, there is a concern that the operator may be hooked by cables or the presence of cables or the like may become an obstacle to the operation, but in wireless communication, there is no such concern. Therefore, the operator can safely and efficiently carry out the installation of threshold 1.

[0157] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a structure is adopted in which the threshold 1, which is placed on the support arm 102, is pressed from above by the threshold temporary fastener 119. As a result, when the threshold 1 is fixed to the third arm 102c, for example, using the garbage removal hole 14 of the threshold 1, it is necessary to make the position of the garbage removal hole 14 consistent with the third arm 102c. However, according to the first embodiment, there is no such positional limitation, and the threshold 1 can be fixed at any position.

[0158] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to be detachable from the threshold 1, and the tilt sensor 143 is mounted on the control unit 120. Therefore, compared to the case where the control unit 120 and the tilt sensor 143 are separately mounted on the threshold 1, the operation time can be reduced.

[0159] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the microcomputer 141 changes the command value based on the magnitude of the tilt angle of the threshold 1 detected by the tilt sensor 143. Therefore, compared to the case where the command value is changed by a constant amount each time, the time it takes for the threshold 1 to return to a horizontal state can be shortened.

[0160] <Second Implementation>

[0161] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the threshold positioning device of the second embodiment from the side of the lifting channel.

[0162] The threshold positioning device 100A shown in Figure 14 is a structure assumed to be used in a steel-framed building. In steel-framed buildings, sometimes there is no wall near the opening 4 of the elevator shaft 6, and L-shaped angle steel 170 is provided on the left and right sides of the opening. That is, sometimes the opening side 7 of the elevator shaft 6 is made of angle steel 170.

[0163] In this case, a pair of magnetic bases 132 can be used instead of the base plate 105 used in the first embodiment described above (Fig. 5). A pair of magnetic bases 132 are mounted on the ends of corresponding horizontal shafts 112. The ends of the horizontal shafts 112 on which the magnetic bases 132 are mounted correspond to the portions that contact the angle steel 170 forming the opening side 7. The magnetic bases 132 are holding devices capable of magnetically attracting objects, configured to allow switching between on (active) and off (inactive) magnetic force via the operation of the handle 132a. In this case, the object is the angle steel 170.

[0164] When the adjustment mechanism 101 is equipped with a pair of upper and lower magnetic bases 132, the adsorption surfaces of each magnetic base 132 are brought into contact with the angle steel 170, and the magnetic force is turned on by operating the handle 132a, thereby fixing the adjustment mechanism 101 to the angle steel 170. Furthermore, when removing the adjustment mechanism 101 from the angle steel 170, the magnetic force of each magnetic base 132 is turned off by operating the handle 132a, thereby easily removing the adjustment mechanism 101 from the angle steel 170. Therefore, the clamp 8 is not required.

[0165] Alternatively, when using clamp 8 to fix the adjustment mechanism 101 to the angle steel 170 that constitutes the opening side 7 of the lifting channel 6, clamp 8 with the structure shown in FIG15 can also be used.

[0166] As shown in Figure 15, the clamp 8 includes: an L-shaped clamp base 81; a clamp arm 82 fitted into the clamp base 81; a clamp threaded shaft 83 mounted on the front end of the clamp arm 82; a handle 84 for rotating the clamp threaded shaft 83; a pad 85 mounted on the end of the clamp threaded shaft 83; and a block 86 mounted on the clamp base 81 in a state opposite to the pad 85.

[0167] A threaded hole (not shown) is formed at the front end of the clamp arm 82, and the clamp threaded shaft 83 engages with the threaded hole. Therefore, when the operating handle 84 rotates the clamp threaded shaft 83, the pad 85 moves in a direction relative to the block 86, either approaching or separating from it. A V-groove 87 is formed in the block 86. The V-groove 87 is configured to face the pad 85. The V-groove 87 is a concave groove that can be fitted into the angle steel 170 that forms the opening side 7 of the lifting channel 6.

[0168] When fixing the adjustment mechanism 101 to the angle steel 170 using the clamp 8 with the above-described structure, firstly, press the base plate 105 of the adjustment mechanism 101 against the angle steel 170. Then, properly operate the handle 84 of the clamp 8, thereby clamping the base plate 105 and the angle steel 170 between the pad 85 and the block 86. At this time, the V-groove 87 of the block 86 is engaged with the end edge 170a of the angle steel 170 (see Figure 14), and the pad 85 is in contact with the outer surface of the base plate 105 (see Figure 5). In this state, tighten the handle 84, thereby fixing the adjustment mechanism 101 to the angle steel 170.

[0169] <Third Implementation Method>

[0170] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the threshold positioning device of the third embodiment from the side of the lifting channel.

[0171] The threshold positioning device 100B shown in Figure 16 differs from the first embodiment described above in its structure for fixing the threshold 1 to the support arm 102. Specifically, a magnetic base 181 is installed on the third arm 102c of the support arm 102 on which the threshold 1 is mounted. The magnetic base 181 is a holding device capable of magnetically attracting objects, and its structure allows switching between on (active) and off (inactive) magnetic force via the operation of the handle 181a. In this case, the object is the threshold 1. The bottom surface of the threshold 1 is made of a material capable of magnetic attraction.

[0172] The magnetic base 181 is fixed by a wing screw 182 while being placed on the upper surface of the third arm 102c. The third arm 102c is provided with a hole (not shown) for the external threaded portion of the wing screw 182 to pass through. The external threaded portion of the wing screw 182 engages with a threaded hole (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the magnetic base 181.

[0173] In the adjustment mechanism 101 equipped with the aforementioned magnetic base 181, a threshold 1 is mounted on the upper surface of the magnetic base 181 fixed to the third arm 102c. In this state, the magnetic force of the magnetic base 181 is activated by operating the handle 181a, thereby fixing the threshold 1 to the support arm 102. Thus, the threshold 1 can be temporarily fixed simply and briefly by operating the handle.

[0174] <Examples of variations, etc.>

[0175] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, in the embodiments described above, the invention has been described in detail in a manner that makes the content of the invention easily understandable, but the invention is not limited to having all the structures described in the embodiments above. Additionally, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment. Furthermore, the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of one embodiment. Additionally, a portion of the structure of each embodiment can be deleted, or other structures can be added to it, or it can be replaced with other structures.

[0176] For example, in the above embodiment, a tilt detection unit (tilt sensor 143) is configured to detect the tilt of the threshold 1 relative to the width direction of the opening 4. However, it is not limited to this and can also be configured to detect the tilt of the threshold 1 relative to the depth direction of the opening 4. Alternatively, it can be configured to have both a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the threshold 1 relative to the width direction of the opening 4 and a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the threshold 1 relative to the depth direction of the opening 4. Furthermore, in the structure of the tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the threshold 1 relative to the depth direction of the opening 4, a system structure can be adopted in which a drive unit such as a driver is provided in the front and rear tilt adjustment unit 104, and the operation of the drive unit is controlled based on the detection result of the tilt detection unit. Regarding the system structure, it is sufficient to use a structure that is substantially the same as that in FIG9.

[0177] In addition, in the above embodiment, the operator is notified of an overload condition on the driver 107 by illuminating the overload notification light 175. However, notification can also be given by sound, for example. Alternatively, both light and sound can be used simultaneously.

Claims

1. A threshold positioning device for positioning a threshold in an opening of an elevator shaft, characterized in that it comprises: a pair of adjustment mechanisms for supporting the threshold and adjusting its position; a control unit for controlling the pair of adjustment mechanisms; and a tilt detection unit for detecting the tilt of the threshold supported by the pair of adjustment mechanisms, the control unit comprising: a first control unit for wirelessly outputting a control signal based on the detection result of the tilt detection unit; and an operation unit for operating a drive unit of each of the pair of adjustment mechanisms, each of the pair of adjustment mechanisms comprising: the drive unit capable of changing the tilt of the threshold; and a second control unit for wirelessly receiving the control signal output from the first control unit and controlling the operation of the drive unit according to the received control signal, the control unit comprising an automatic leveling control mode in which one of the pair of adjustment mechanisms is controlled as an active side and the other as a passive side, the active side adjustment mechanism operating based on the operation signal from the operation unit, and the passive side adjustment mechanism operating based on the detection result of the tilt detection unit to make the threshold horizontal.

2. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pair of adjustment mechanisms each have: a support arm that supports the threshold in a mounted state; and a temporary threshold fastener that presses the threshold mounted on the support arm from above.

3. The threshold positioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The temporary threshold fastener is installed on the support arm and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the installation position of the support arm.

4. The threshold positioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The temporary threshold fastener has a threshold fixing pad for pressing and fixing the threshold, which is mounted on the support arm, from above, and is configured such that the pressing position of the threshold fixing pad on the threshold can be changed in the width direction of the threshold.

5. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to be detachable from the threshold, and the tilt detection unit is mounted on the control unit.

6. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit has an operation section for operating the drive section of the pair of adjustment mechanisms. The operation section has: a first operation section for actuating the drive section; and a second operation section for micro-moving the drive section.

7. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control unit includes the instruction value for controlling the operation of the drive unit in the control signal, and changes the instruction value according to the magnitude of the tilt angle of the threshold detected by the tilt detection unit.

8. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pair of adjustment mechanisms each have: a base component that abuts against the left and right opening sides of the opening; and a clamp that fixes the base component to the opening side, the clamp having a block formed with a V-shaped groove capable of engaging with the opening side.

9. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pair of adjustment mechanisms each have a magnetic base in the portion that contacts the left and right sides of the opening, and are configured to fix the adjustment mechanism to the side of the opening by the magnetic force of the magnetic base.

10. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pair of adjustment mechanisms each have: a support arm for supporting the threshold in a mounted state; and a magnetic base disposed in the portion of the support arm where the threshold is mounted, configured to fix the threshold to the support arm by the magnetic force of the magnetic base.

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