Elevator car, elevator, and connector

The elevator car's connector design with recessed portions and clamping mechanisms addresses the issue of connector detachment by securely holding side plates together, maintaining stable connections despite varying thicknesses.

JP2026021986AActive Publication Date: 2026-02-12FUJITEC CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024123291
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-07-30
Publication Date
2026-02-12
Estimated Expiration
2044-07-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Elevator car connectors often detach from side plates due to improper connection, leading to the connector falling out of the hole in the side plate.

Method used

The elevator car design includes a connector with specific recessed portions and clamping mechanisms that securely hold side plates together, preventing detachment by ensuring proper alignment and contact points, even with varying plate thicknesses.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively prevents connectors from coming off side plates, ensuring stable connections and allowing for consistent attachment regardless of plate thickness variations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an elevator car capable of preventing a connector from coming off from a first side plate.SOLUTION: The connector of the elevator car includes a first recess that is open upward and sandwiches the first side plate and the second side plate in the first lateral direction, an insertion portion that is disposed below the first recess and is inserted into the first hole and the second hole, and a second recess that is disposed below the insertion portion, is open downward, and into which the first side plate is inserted, the first recess includes a first sandwiching portion disposed on a first direction side of the first recess and in contact with the first side plate, a second sandwiching portion disposed on a second direction side of the first recess opposite to the first direction and in contact with the second side plate, a side recess connected to a lower side of the first sandwiching portion and recessed in the first direction, and a bottom recess connected to a lower side of the side recess and recessed downward, a width of the bottom recess in the first lateral direction being larger than a thickness of the first side plate; The side recessed portion includes a recessed lower surface extending in the second direction and connected to the bottom recessed portion, and the bottom recessed portion is disposed on the second direction side of the recessed lower surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to elevator cars, elevators and connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an elevator car includes a first panel having a first side panel, a second panel having a second side panel and arranged next to the first panel, and a connector that connects the first side panel and the second side panel (for example, Patent Document 1). The connector includes a first recess that is open at the top and sandwiches the first side panel and the second side panel in a first horizontal direction, and a second recess that is open at the bottom and into which the first side panel is inserted.

[0003] 14(a), the connector X20 is hooked onto the first side plate 11 and thereby held by the first side plate 11. Thereafter, the second side plate 12 is slid downward relative to the first side plate 11, whereby the second side plate 12 is inserted into the first recess X21 and connected to the first side plate 11 by the connector X20. Incidentally, for example, if the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 cannot be properly connected by the connector X20, the second side plate 12 is moved upward relative to the first side plate 11 in order to detach the second side plate 12 from the connector X20.

[0004] At this time, as shown in Figure 14(b), the hole 12a of the second side plate 12 hits the connector X20 from below, causing the connector X20 to move upward relative to the first side plate 11, and then, as shown in Figure 15(a), the connector X20 rotates, which may cause the connector X20 to fall out of the hole 11a of the first side plate 11 and become detached from the first side plate 11, as shown in Figure 15(b). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7449500 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an elevator car that can prevent the connector from coming off the first side plate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The elevator car is a first panel having a first side panel; a second panel having a second side panel and arranged next to the first panel; a connector that connects the first side plate and the second side plate, the first side plate is disposed on a first direction side in a first horizontal direction relative to the second side plate; the first side plate has a first hole penetrating in the first lateral direction, the second side plate has a second hole penetrating in the first lateral direction, The connector is a first recessed portion that is open at the top and that sandwiches the first side plate and the second side plate in the first horizontal direction; an insertion portion disposed below the first recess and inserted into the first hole and the second hole; a second recessed portion that is disposed below the insertion portion and is open at the bottom and into which the first side plate is inserted, The first recess is a first clamping portion disposed on the first direction side of the first recess and in contact with the first side plate; a second clamping portion disposed on a second direction side of the first recess, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, and in contact with the second side plate; a side recess connected to a lower portion of the first clamping portion and recessed in the first direction; a bottom recess connected to a lower portion of the side recess and recessed downward, a width of the bottom recess in the first horizontal direction is greater than a thickness of the first side plate; the side recess includes a recessed lower surface extending in the second direction and connected to the bottom recess, The bottom recess is disposed on the second direction side of the recessed lower surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an elevator according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an elevator car according to the embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of components of an elevator car according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main part of an elevator car according to the embodiment, in which a side plate is shown in vertical section; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the connector according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view of the connector according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] Enlarged view of area VII in Figure 5 [Figure 8] Enlarged view of region VIII in Figure 6 [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for holding the connector on the side plate according to the embodiment, and is a vertical cross-sectional view of the side plate. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for holding the connector on the side plate according to the embodiment, and is a vertical cross-sectional view of the side plate. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for removing the side plate from the connector according to the embodiment, and is a vertical cross-sectional view of the side plate. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for removing the side plate from the connector according to the embodiment, and is a vertical cross-sectional view of the side plate. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a method of connecting side plates with a connector according to the embodiment, each showing a longitudinal cross section of a side plate (a: a diagram showing a side plate with a first thickness, and b: a diagram showing a side plate with a second thickness). [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a side plate showing a method for removing the side plate from a connector according to the prior art; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a side plate showing a method for removing the side plate from a connector according to the prior art; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In each drawing, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged or reduced relative to the actual dimensions, for example, to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings may not be consistent. Note that in each drawing, for example, to facilitate understanding, some of the components may be omitted.

[0010] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. The number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one. Furthermore, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0011] An embodiment of an elevator, elevator car, and connector will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 13. In Figures 1 to 13, parts with the same reference numerals as those in Figures 14 and 15 represent the same configurations or elements as those in the prior art. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configurations of the elevator, elevator car, and connector, and does not limit the configurations of the elevator, elevator car, and connector.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, an elevator 1 may include, for example, an elevator car (hereinafter simply referred to as "car") 2 for people (passengers) to ride in, a car drive unit 3 that runs the car 2, car rails 4 that guide the car 2, and a processing unit 1a that controls each part of the elevator 1. The drive system of the car drive unit 3 is not particularly limited.

[0013] For example, as in this embodiment, the elevator 1 may include a car rope 5 having a first end connected to the car 2, a counterweight 6 connected to a second end of the car rope 5, and a counterweight rail 7 that guides the counterweight 6. For example, as in this embodiment, the car drive unit 3 may include a sheave 3a around which the car rope 5 is wound, and a drive source 3b (e.g., a motor) that rotates the sheave 3a.

[0014] That is, the car drive unit 3 may be a hoist and the elevator 1 may be a rope-type drive system. Alternatively, for example, the car drive unit 3 may be a hydraulic device and the elevator 1 may be a hydraulic drive system. Alternatively, for example, the car drive unit 3 may be a linear motor and the elevator 1 may be a linear motor-type drive system.

[0015] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first ends of the car ropes 5 are connected to the car 2, and the second ends of the car ropes 5 are connected to the counterweight 6, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration is also possible in which both ends of the car ropes 5 are fixed to the upper part or the lower part of the hoistway X1, and the car ropes 5 are wound around the sheaves of the car 2 and the counterweight 6, respectively, thereby connecting the car ropes 5 to the car 2 and the counterweight 6, respectively.

[0016] Furthermore, the elevator 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that the hoisting machine, which is the car drive unit 3, is disposed inside the machine room X2, but is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the elevator 1 may be configured such that the machine room X2 is not provided and the hoisting machine is disposed inside the hoistway X1.

[0017] 2 to 4, the car 2 may include, for example, a car ceiling 2a, a car floor 2b, a plurality of panels 8 that form the car side surfaces, and a connector 20 that connects the panels 8, 8 together. Although not particularly limited, for example, the panels 8, 8 may be connected to the connector 20 and then further fixed to the car ceiling 2a or the car floor 2b by fixing means (for example, a screw mechanism).

[0018] 3 and 4, the panel 8 may include, for example, a main plate 8a that constitutes the side surface of the car, side plates 11 and 12 that protrude from the ends of the main plate 8a in the second horizontal direction D2 and are connected to the connector 20, and a cover plate 8b that protrudes in the first horizontal direction D1 from the ends of the side plates 11 and 12. As a result, the main plate 8a and the cover plate 8b are arranged along the first horizontal direction D1 and the vertical direction D3, and the side plates 11 and 12 are arranged along the second horizontal direction D2 and the vertical direction D3.

[0019] The first horizontal direction D is the horizontal direction in which the two panels 8, 8 are arranged, the second horizontal direction D2 is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1, and the up-down direction D3 is the direction perpendicular to both the first horizontal direction D1 and the second horizontal direction D2. Furthermore, one direction of the first horizontal direction D1 (the direction of the arrow of the first horizontal direction D1 in each drawing) is referred to as the first direction D11, and the other direction (the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow of the first horizontal direction D1 in each drawing) is referred to as the second direction D12.

[0020] The first side plate 11 of the first panel 8 is disposed on the first direction D11 side (right side in FIGS. 3 and 4) relative to the second side plate 12 of the second panel 8. The first side plate 11 has a first hole 11a penetrating in the first horizontal direction D1, and the second side plate 12 has a second hole 12a penetrating in the first horizontal direction D1. As a result, the side plates 11, 12 have holes 11a, 12a into which the connector 20 is inserted.

[0021] 3 and 4 (as well as FIGS. 9 to 15), only a portion of the panel 8 is shown. In addition, in FIG. 3, the cover plate 8b is shown by a two-dot chain line, and in FIG. 4 (as well as FIGS. 9 to 15), the side plates 11 and 12 are shown in vertical cross section, and the main plate 8a is not shown.

[0022] 3 and 4, only one connector 20 is shown, but this is not limited to the configuration. The first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 may be connected by, for example, one connector 20, or may be connected by, for example, multiple connectors 20 arranged in the vertical direction D3.

[0023] The connector 20 has a first recess 21 that is open at the top and sandwiches the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 in the first horizontal direction D1, an insertion portion 22 that is positioned below the first recess 21 and is inserted into the first hole 11a and the second hole 12a, and a second recess 23 that is positioned below the insertion portion 22, is open at the bottom, and into which the first side plate 11 is inserted.

[0024] The first side plate 11 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a first clamped portion 11b that is disposed above the first hole 11a and is clamped in the first recess 21, and an insertion portion 11c that is disposed below the first hole 11a and is inserted into the second recess 23. The second side plate 12 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a second clamped portion 12b that is disposed above the second hole 12a and is clamped in the first recess 21.

[0025] 4 to 6, the first recess 21 includes a first clamping portion 21a disposed on the first direction D11 side of the first recess 21 and in contact with the first side plate 11, and a second clamping portion 21b disposed on the second direction D12 side of the first recess 21 and in contact with the second side plate 12. The first recess 21 also includes a side recess 21c connected to the lower side of the first clamping portion 21a and recessed in the first direction D11, and a bottom recess 21d connected to the lower side recess 21c and recessed downward.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships of the various parts of connector 20 (for example, the positional relationships in the directions D1 to D3 and D11 to D12) refer to the positional relationships in a state in which connector 20 connects first side plate 11 and second side plate 12. Therefore, when connector 20 is not connecting first side plate 11 and second side plate 12, the positional relationships of the various parts of connector 20 may, of course, differ from those described above.

[0027] The first clamping portion 21a may be configured with a plane that is arranged along the second horizontal direction D2 and the up-down direction D3, as in the present embodiment. The second clamping portion 21b may be arranged so that it approaches the first clamping portion 21a in the first horizontal direction D1 as it goes downward (i.e., so that it goes toward the first direction D11 as it goes downward), as in the present embodiment.

[0028] As a result, the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 are inserted into the first recess 21, and are thereby sandwiched between the first clamping portion 21a and the second clamping portion 21b. Therefore, the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 can be connected by the connector 20 without fixing the connector 20 to the first side plate 11 in advance.

[0029] 5 to 8, the second clamping portion 21b may be configured with a plurality of clamping planes 21e that approach the first clamping portion 21a in the first horizontal direction D1 as they go downward (i.e., move in the first direction D11 as they go downward). The number of clamping planes 21e is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, four as in this embodiment, or may be, for example, one, two, three, or five or more.

[0030] For example, as in this embodiment, the distance W1 in the first horizontal direction D1 between the lower end of the second clamping portion 21b and the first clamping portion 21a may be smaller than the total thickness of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12. As a result, when the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 are inserted into the first recess 21, the second side plate 12 always comes into contact with the second clamping portion 21b.

[0031] Furthermore, for example, as in the present embodiment, the distance W1 in the first horizontal direction D1 between the lower end of the second clamping portion 21b and the first clamping portion 21a may be greater than the thickness of the first side plate 11. As a result, when the first side plate 11 is inserted into the first recess 21, the second clamping portion 21b moves away from the first side plate 11. As a result, when only the first side plate 11 is inserted into the first recess 21, it is possible to prevent the first side plate 11 from being clamped by the first clamping portion 21a and the second clamping portion 21b.

[0032] The first clamping portion 21a is not limited to such a configuration and may be formed of a curved surface, specifically, for example, protruding in a semicircular shape toward the second clamping portion 21b when viewed in the second horizontal direction D2. The second clamping portion 21b is not limited to such a configuration and may be formed of a curved surface, specifically, for example, extending in an arc shape when viewed in the second horizontal direction D2.

[0033] The side recess 21c includes a recessed lower surface 21f extending in the second direction D12 and connected to the bottom recess 21d. In addition, the side recess 21c may include, for example, as in the present embodiment, a recessed upper surface 21g extending in the second direction D12 and connected to the first clipping portion 21a, and a recessed intermediate surface 21h connecting the recessed upper surface 21g and the recessed lower surface 21f.

[0034] The concave lower surface 21f is formed so as to extend downward in the second direction D12. The concave lower surface 21f may be formed, for example, in a flat shape as in the present embodiment, or may be formed, for example, in a curved shape.

[0035] The concave upper surface 21g may be arranged along the first horizontal direction D1 and the second horizontal direction D2, as in the present embodiment. However, the concave upper surface 21g is not limited to such a configuration and may be formed, for example, so that it approaches the first direction D11 as it goes downward. Furthermore, the concave upper surface 21g may be formed, for example, in a flat shape as in the present embodiment, or may be formed, for example, in a curved shape.

[0036] The recessed surface 21h may be arranged along the second horizontal direction D2 and the vertical direction D3, as in the present embodiment. However, the recessed surface 21h is not limited to such a configuration and may be formed, for example, so as to extend downward in the first direction D11 (or the second direction D12). Furthermore, the recessed surface 21h may be formed, for example, in a flat shape as in the present embodiment, or may be formed, for example, in a curved shape.

[0037] The bottom recess 21d may, for example, as in this embodiment, have a first bottom side surface 21i arranged on the first direction D11 side of the bottom recess 21d and connected to the concave lower surface 21f of the side recess 21c, a second bottom side surface 21j arranged on the second direction D12 side of the bottom recess 21d and facing the first bottom side surface 21i in the first horizontal direction D1, and a bottom surface 21k connecting the first bottom side surface 21i and the second bottom side surface 21j.

[0038] For example, as in this embodiment, the first bottom side surface 21i may be arranged along the second horizontal direction D2 and the up-down direction D3. However, the first bottom side surface 21i is not limited to such a configuration and may be formed, for example, so that it extends downward in the second direction D12. As a result, the bottom recess 21d is arranged closer to the second direction D12 than the recessed lower surface 21f of the side recess 21c.

[0039] Furthermore, the bottom recess 21d is disposed closer to the second direction D12 than the first clamping portion 21a. Specifically, the first bottom side surface 21i is disposed closer to the second direction D12 than the first clamping portion 21a. Note that the first bottom side surface 21i may be formed, for example, in a flat shape as in the present embodiment, or may be formed, for example, in a curved shape.

[0040] The second bottom side surface 21j may be formed so as to extend downward in the first direction D11, as in the present embodiment, and may also serve as at least a part of the second clamping portion 21b (specifically, the clamping plane 21e), as in the present embodiment.

[0041] The second bottom side surface 21j is not limited to this configuration, and may be disposed along the second horizontal direction D2 and the vertical direction D3, and may be a part different from the second clamping portion 21b (specifically, the clamping plane 21e). The second bottom side surface 21j may be formed in a flat shape, as in the present embodiment, or may be formed in a curved shape, for example.

[0042] Furthermore, the width W4 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1, specifically the distance W4 in the first horizontal direction D1 between the first bottom side surface 21i and the second bottom side surface 21j, is greater than the thickness of the first side plate 11 and smaller than the sum of the thicknesses of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12. Although not particularly limited, the width W4 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 may be smaller than the distance W1 in the first horizontal direction D1 between the lower end of the second clamping portion 21b and the first clamping portion 21a, for example, as in the present embodiment.

[0043] The bottom surface 21k may be disposed along the first horizontal direction D1 and the second horizontal direction D2, as in this embodiment. However, the bottom surface 21k is not limited to such a configuration, and may be formed, for example, so that it approaches the first direction D11 (or the second direction D12) as it goes downward. Furthermore, the bottom surface 21k may be formed, for example, in a flat shape, as in this embodiment, or may be formed, for example, in a curved shape.

[0044] Furthermore, as in the present embodiment, the first recess 21 may include an upper guide portion 21m connected to the upper side of the second clamping portion 21b and formed so as to approach the first clamping portion 21a in the first horizontal direction D1 as it extends downward (so as to move downward in the first direction D11). Thus, when the side plates 11 and 12 are inserted into the first recess 21, the upper guide portion 21m guides the side plates 11 and 12.

[0045] When the first recess 21 sandwiches the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 in the first horizontal direction D1, the upper guide portion 21m is not in contact with the second side plate 12 and is separated from the second side plate 12. The first recess 21 may also include an upper guide portion that is connected to the upper side of the first sandwiching portion 21a and is formed so as to approach the second sandwiching portion 21b in the first horizontal direction D1 as it goes downward (so as to move downward in the second direction D12).

[0046] As in the present embodiment, the second recess 23 may include, for example, a first facing portion 23a disposed on the first direction D11 side of the second recess 23 and facing the first surface of the first side plate 11, a second facing portion 23b disposed on the second direction D12 side of the second recess 23 and facing the second surface of the first side plate 11, and a ceiling portion 23c that closes the top of the second recess 23. Note that in Fig. 6, each broken line indicates the position in the first horizontal direction D1 of the first clamping portion 21a, the lower end of the second clamping portion 21b (second bottom side surface 21j), the first bottom side surface 21i, the first facing portion 23a, and the second facing portion 23b.

[0047] The top portion 23c may be arranged along the first horizontal direction D1 and the second horizontal direction D2, as in this embodiment. However, the top portion 23c is not limited to such a configuration, and may be formed, for example, so that it extends in the first direction D11 (or the second direction D12) as it goes upward. Furthermore, the top portion 23c may be formed, for example, in a flat shape, as in this embodiment, or may be formed, for example, in a curved shape.

[0048] The first facing portion 23a may be configured with a flat surface arranged along the second horizontal direction D2 and the up-down direction D3, as in the present embodiment. However, the first facing portion 23a is not limited to such a configuration and may be configured with a curved surface, for example, and specifically, may protrude in a semicircular shape toward the second facing portion 23b when viewed in the second horizontal direction D2.

[0049] The second facing portion 23b may be configured with a flat surface arranged along the second horizontal direction D2 and the up-down direction D3, as in the present embodiment. However, the second facing portion 23b is not limited to such a configuration and may be configured with a curved surface, for example, and specifically may protrude in a semicircular shape toward the first facing portion 23a when viewed in the second horizontal direction D2.

[0050] For example, as in the present embodiment, the width W2 of the second recess 23 in the first horizontal direction D1, i.e., the distance W2 in the first horizontal direction D1 between the first facing portion 23a and the second facing portion 23b, may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the first side plate 11 and less than the sum of the thicknesses of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12. This allows only the first side plate 11 to be inserted into the second recess 23, and prevents both the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 from being inserted into the second recess 23.

[0051] Furthermore, the first clamping portion 21a may be disposed between the first facing portion 23a and the second facing portion 23b in the first horizontal direction D1, as in the present embodiment, and the second facing portion 23b may be disposed between the lower end of the second clamping portion 21b and the first clamping portion 21a in the first horizontal direction D1, as in the present embodiment.

[0052] For example, as in the present embodiment, the distance W3 in the first horizontal direction D1 between the first clamping portion 21a and the second facing portion 23b may be equal to or less than the thickness of the first side plate 11. This allows the first clamping portion 21a and the second facing portion 23b to come into contact with the first side plate 11 when the first side plate 11 is inserted into the first recess 21 and the second recess 23.

[0053] The center P1 of the second recess 23 in the first horizontal direction D1 is disposed closer to the first direction D11 than the center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1. The first facing portion 23a may be disposed closer to the first direction D11 than the first bottom side surface 21i, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0054] The second facing portion 23b may be disposed closer to the first direction D11 than the second bottom side surface 21j, as in the present embodiment. The second facing portion 23b may be disposed closer to the second direction D12 than the first bottom side surface 21i, as in the present embodiment.

[0055] The second recess 23 may, for example, as in this embodiment, have a first lower guide portion 23d connected to the lower side of the first facing portion 23a and formed so as to extend upward in the second direction D12, and a second lower guide portion 23e connected to the lower side of the second facing portion 23b and formed so as to extend upward in the first direction D11.

[0056] As a result, when the first side plate 11 is inserted into the second recess 23, the lower guide portions 23d and 23e guide the first side plate 11. When the first side plate 11 is inserted into the second recess 23, the lower guide portions 23d and 23e are spaced apart from the first side plate 11 without coming into contact with the first side plate 11.

[0057] Furthermore, as in the present embodiment, for example, connector 20 may include first main body portion 25 having first clamping portion 21a and first facing portion 23a, second main body portion 26 having second clamping portion 21b and second facing portion 23b, and connecting portion 27 having insertion portion 22 and connecting first main body portion 25 and second main body portion 26. Note that connector 20 has rigidity and may be formed of, for example, metal, hard resin, or the like, although not particularly limited thereto.

[0058] Furthermore, the center of gravity P3 of the connector 20 may be located in the second main body portion 26, for example, as in this embodiment. As a result, the center of gravity P3 of the connector 20 in the first horizontal direction D1 is located closer to the second direction D12 than the center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0059] Next, a method for holding the connector 20 according to this embodiment to the first side plate 11 (part of the method for manufacturing the elevator car 2) will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Note that the following method is provided as an example to help understand the method for holding the connector 20 to the first side plate 11, and does not limit the method for holding the connector 20 to the first side plate 11.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 9(a), the upper part of the first main body portion 25 passes through the first hole 11a of the first side plate 11, and then, as shown in Fig. 9(b), the connector 20 is turned so that the first main body portion 25 moves upward. At this time, the upper part 11d of the first hole 11a of the first side plate 11 is positioned inside the side recess 21c of the first recess 21. Then, by further turning the connector 20 so that the first main body portion 25 moves upward, the entire first main body portion 25 passes through the first hole 11a of the first side plate 11, as shown in Fig. 10(a).

[0061] Thereafter, the connector 20 is moved downward relative to the first side plate 11, and as a result, the insertion portion 11c of the first side plate 11 is inserted into the second recess 23, as shown in FIG. 10(b). This causes the connector 20 to be held by the first side plate 11. In this manner, the upper portion 11d of the first hole 11a of the first side plate 11 is positioned inside the side recess 21c of the first recess 21, allowing the entire first main body portion 25 to pass through the first hole 11a of the first side plate 11.

[0062] Next, a method for removing the second side plate 12 from the connector 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Note that the following method is provided as an example to help understand how to remove the second side plate 12 from the connector 20, and is not intended to limit the method for removing the second side plate 12 from the connector 20.

[0063] 11(a), if the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 cannot be properly connected by the connector 20, the second side plate 12 is moved upward relative to the first side plate 11 in order to remove the second side plate 12 from the connector 20. Then, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the lower portion 12c of the second hole 12a of the second side plate 12 abuts on the connector 20 from below, causing the connector 20 to move upward relative to the first side plate 11.

[0064] At this time, the bottom recess 21d is positioned closer to the second direction D12 than the first clipping portion 21a, while the recessed lower surface 21f extends downward in the second direction D12 and is connected to the bottom recess 21d (see FIGS. 5 to 8). As a result, the recessed lower surface 21f guides the upper portion 11d of the first hole 11a of the first side plate 11 into the bottom recess 21d. Furthermore, because the width W4 (see FIG. 6) of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 is greater than the thickness of the first side plate 11, the upper portion 11d of the first hole 11a of the first side plate 11 is inserted into the bottom recess 21d.

[0065] 12(a), the lower portion 12c of the second hole 12a of the second side plate 12 presses the second main body portion 26 of the connector 20 from below, causing the connector 20 to rotate around the bottom recess 21d as a base point so that the second main body portion 26 on the second direction D12 side moves upward. At this time, because the width W4 (see FIG. 6) of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 is smaller than the total thickness of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12, it is possible to prevent the upper portion 11d of the first hole 11a of the first side plate 11 from moving significantly in the first horizontal direction D1 relative to the bottom recess 21d.

[0066] Moreover, because bottom recess 21d is disposed closer to the second direction D12 than not only concave lower surface 21f but also first clamping portion 21a (see FIGS. 5 to 8), the distance in the first horizontal direction D1 between bottom recess 21d and second clamping portion 21b is further reduced. This prevents bottom recess 21d (specifically, first bottom side surface 21i) and second clamping portion 21b from contacting first side plate 11, thereby preventing the angle of rotation of connector 20 relative to first side plate 11 from becoming too large.

[0067] Furthermore, the center P1 of the second recess 23 in the first horizontal direction D1 is disposed closer to the first direction D11 than the center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 (see FIG. 6). This prevents the second recess 23 from moving too far away from the lower portion 11e of the first hole 11a of the first side plate 11 when the connector 20 is turned so that the second main body portion 26 on the second direction D12 side moves upward.

[0068] The center of gravity P3 of the connector 20 in the first horizontal direction D1 is located closer to the second direction D12 than the center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 (see FIG. 6). As a result, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the second side plate 12 is disengaged from the connector 20, causing the connector 20 to rotate back so that the second main body portion 26 on the second direction D12 side moves downward.

[0069] Therefore, for example, when the connector 20 moves downward relative to the first side plate 11, the lower portion 11e (specifically, the insertion portion 11c) of the first hole 11a of the first side plate 11 can be easily inserted into the second recess 23. In this way, the connector 20 can be prevented from coming off the first side plate 11.

[0070] Next, a method for connecting the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 with the connector 20 according to this embodiment (part of the method for manufacturing the elevator car 2) will be described with reference to Figure 13. Note that the following description is provided as an example to help understand the method for connecting the side plates 11, 12 with the connector 20, and is not intended to limit the method for connecting the side plates 11, 12 with the connector 20.

[0071] For example, the thickness of the panel 8, specifically the thickness of the side plates 11 and 12, has a plurality of thicknesses ranging from the first thickness T1 (see FIG. 13(a)) which is the minimum thickness to the second thickness T2 (see FIG. 13(b)) which is the maximum thickness. Although not particularly limited, examples of the thickness of the side plates 11 and 12 include 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, and 1.6 mm.

[0072] 13(a), while the connector 20 is held by the first side plate 11 having a first thickness T1, the second side plate 12 having the first thickness T1 is inserted into the first recess 21 while being moved downward relative to the first side plate 11. Then, because the distance W1 (see FIG. 6) in the first horizontal direction D1 between the lower end of the second clamping portion 21b and the first clamping portion 21a is smaller than the sum (T1+T1) of the thicknesses T1 of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12, the second side plate 12 always comes into contact with the second clamping portion 21b.

[0073] Specifically, the second clamping portion 21b is disposed so as to approach the first clamping portion 21a in the first horizontal direction D1 as it moves downward, and therefore, as the second side plate 12 moves downward relative to the first side plate 11, the second side plate 12 gradually approaches the first side plate 11. Thereafter, the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 are clamped by the first clamping portion 21a and the second clamping portion 21b.

[0074] Although not particularly limited, at this time, the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 may be fitted between the first clamping portion 21a and the second clamping portion 21b by (elastic or plastic) deformation of at least one of the side plates 11, 12 and the first recess 21. Note that in Fig. 13(a), the second side plate 12 (specifically, the periphery of the second clamped portion 12b) is elastically deformed.

[0075] 13(b), with the connector 20 held by the first side plate 11 having the second thickness T2, the second side plate 12 having the second thickness T2 is inserted into the first recess 21 while being moved downward relative to the first side plate 11. Then, because the distance W1 (see FIG. 6) in the first horizontal direction D1 between the lower end of the second clamping portion 21b and the first clamping portion 21a is smaller than the sum (T2+T2) of the thicknesses T2 of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12, the second side plate 12 always comes into contact with the second clamping portion 21b.

[0076] Specifically, the second clamping portion 21b is disposed so as to approach the first clamping portion 21a in the first horizontal direction D1 as it moves downward, and therefore, as the second side plate 12 moves downward relative to the first side plate 11, the second side plate 12 gradually approaches the first side plate 11. Thereafter, the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 are clamped by the first clamping portion 21a and the second clamping portion 21b.

[0077] Although not particularly limited, at this time, the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 may be fitted between the first clamping portion 21a and the second clamping portion 21b by (elastic or plastic) deformation of at least one of the side plates 11, 12 and the first recess 21. In Fig. 13(b), the second side plate 12 (specifically, the periphery of the second clamped portion 12b) is elastically deformed.

[0078] In this way, the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 having the smallest first thickness T1 (see FIG. 13(a)) and the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 having the largest second thickness T2 (see FIG. 13(b)) can be sandwiched by a common connector 20. Therefore, the connector 20 according to this embodiment can connect the side plates 11, 12 having thicknesses ranging from the first thickness T1 to the second thickness T2.

[0079] For example, as in this embodiment, the distance W1 (see FIG. 6) in the first horizontal direction D1 between the lower end of the second clamping portion 21b and the first clamping portion 21a may be smaller than the sum (T1+T1) of the first thicknesses T1 of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12. As a result, when the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 are inserted into the first recess 21, the second side plate 12 always comes into contact with the second clamping portion 21b, regardless of the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the side plates 11 and 12.

[0080] Therefore, the first clamping portion 21a and the second clamping portion 21b can clamp the side plates 11, 12 having the minimum first thickness T1 or the side plates 11, 12 having the maximum second thickness T2. As a result, the side plates 11, 12 having the minimum first thickness T1 or the side plates 11, 12 having the maximum second thickness T2 can be connected by the common connector 20.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, as in the present embodiment, the distance W1 in the first horizontal direction D1 between the lower end of the second clamping portion 21b and the first clamping portion 21a may be greater than the maximum second thickness T2 of the first side plate 11. This makes it possible to prevent the first side plate 11 from being clamped between the first clamping portion 21a and the second clamping portion 21b when only the first side plate 11 is inserted into the first recess 21, regardless of the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the side plates 11 and 12.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, as in this embodiment, the distance W2 (see FIG. 6) of the second recess 23 in the first horizontal direction D1 may be equal to or greater than the maximum second thickness T2 of the first side plate 11 and may be smaller than the sum (T1 + T1) of the minimum first thicknesses T1 of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12. This allows only the first side plate 11 to be inserted into the second recess 23, regardless of the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the side plates 11 and 12, and prevents both the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 from being inserted into the second recess 23 together.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, as in this embodiment, the distance W3 (see FIG. 6) in the first horizontal direction D1 between the first clamping portion 21a and the second facing portion 23b may be equal to or less than the minimum first thickness T1 of the first side plate 11. This allows the first clamping portion 21a and the second facing portion 23b to come into contact with the first side plate 11 when the first side plate 11 is inserted into the first recess 21 and the second recess 23, regardless of the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the side plates 11 and 12.

[0084] [1] As described above, the elevator car 2, as in this embodiment, a first panel 8 having a first side panel 11; a second panel 8 having a second side panel 12 and arranged next to the first panel 8; a connector 20 that connects the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12, The first side plate 11 is disposed on the first direction D11 side of the second side plate 12 in the first horizontal direction D1, The first side plate 11 has a first hole 11a penetrating in the first horizontal direction D1, The second side plate 12 has a second hole 12a penetrating in the first horizontal direction D1, The connector 20 is a first recess 21 that is open at the top and that sandwiches the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 in the first horizontal direction D1; an insertion portion 22 that is disposed below the first recess 21 and that is inserted into the first hole 11 a and the second hole 12 a; a second recess 23 that is disposed below the insertion portion 22, is open at the bottom, and into which the first side plate 11 is inserted; The first recess 21 is a first clamping portion 21a disposed on the first direction D11 side of the first recess 21 and in contact with the first side plate 11; a second clamping portion 21b disposed on a second direction D12 side of the first recess 21 opposite to the first direction D11 and in contact with the second side plate 12; a side recess 21c connected to a lower portion of the first clamping portion 21a and recessed in the first direction D11; a bottom recess 21d connected to the lower side recess 21c and recessed downward, The width W4 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 is larger than the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the first side plate 11, The side recess 21c includes a recessed lower surface 21f extending in the second direction D12 and connected to the bottom recess 21d, The bottom recess 21d is disposed closer to the second direction D12 than the recessed lower surface 21f. This configuration is preferred.

[0085] With this configuration, the width W4 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 is greater than the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the first side plate 11, so when the connector 20 moves upward relative to the first side plate 11, the first side plate 11 is inserted into the bottom recess 21d. Furthermore, because the bottom recess 21d is positioned closer to the second direction D12 than the concave lower surface 21f of the side recess 21c, the distance in the first horizontal direction D1 between the bottom recess 21d and the second clipping portion 21b is reduced.

[0086] This prevents the bottom recess 21d and the second clamping portion 21b from coming into contact with the first side plate 11, thereby preventing the angle of rotation of the connector 20 relative to the first side plate 11 from becoming too large. Therefore, the connector 20 can be prevented from coming off the first side plate 11.

[0087] [2] In addition, in the elevator car 2 of the above [1], as in this embodiment, The bottom recess 21d is disposed closer to the second direction D12 than the first clamping portion 21a. This configuration is preferred.

[0088] With this configuration, the bottom recess 21d is disposed closer to the second direction D12 than the first clamping portion 21a, so the distance in the first horizontal direction D1 between the bottom recess 21d and the second clamping portion 21b is further reduced, which further prevents the bottom recess 21d and the second clamping portion 21b from contacting the first side plate 11, thereby further preventing the angle of rotation of the connector 20 relative to the first side plate 11 from becoming too large.

[0089] [3] In addition, in the elevator car 2 of [2] above, as in this embodiment, The concave lower surface 21f is formed so as to extend downward in the second direction D12. This configuration is preferred.

[0090] With this configuration, the bottom recess 21d is positioned closer to the second direction D12 than the first clipping portion 21a, while the recessed lower surface 21f extends downward in the second direction D12 and is connected to the bottom recess 21d. As a result, when the connector 20 moves upward relative to the first side plate 11, the recessed lower surface 21f guides the first side plate 11 into the bottom recess 21d, allowing the first side plate 11 to be securely inserted into the bottom recess 21d.

[0091] [4] In addition, in any one of the elevator car 2 described above in [1] to [3], as in this embodiment, The width W4 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 is smaller than the sum (T1+T1, T2+T2) of the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12. This configuration is preferred.

[0092] With this configuration, the width W4 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 is smaller than the sum (T1+T1, T2+T2) of the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12, which prevents the first side plate 11 from moving significantly in the first horizontal direction D1 relative to the bottom recess 21d. This further prevents the angle of rotation of the connector 20 relative to the first side plate 11 from becoming too large.

[0093] [5] In addition, in any one of the elevator car 2 described above in [1] to [4], as in this embodiment, A center of gravity P3 of the connector 20 in the first horizontal direction D1 is disposed closer to the second direction D12 than a center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1. This configuration is preferred.

[0094] According to this configuration, when the second side plate 12 hits the second direction D12 side of the connector 20 from below, the connector 20 rotates so that the second direction D12 side of the connector 20 moves upward, but the center of gravity P3 of the connector 20 in the first horizontal direction D1 is positioned closer to the second direction D12 than the center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1. As a result, when the second side plate 12 moves away from the connector 20, the connector 20 rotates to return so that the second direction D12 side of the connector 20 moves downward.

[0095] [6] In addition, in any one of the elevator car 2 described above in [1] to [5], as in this embodiment, A center P1 of the second recess 23 in the first horizontal direction D1 is disposed closer to the first direction D11 than a center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1. This configuration is preferred.

[0096] With this configuration, when the second side plate 12 hits the second direction D12 side of the connector 20 from below and the connector 20 turns so that the second direction D12 side of the connector 20 moves upward, the center P1 of the second recess 23 in the first horizontal direction D1 is positioned closer to the first direction D11 than the center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1. This makes it possible to prevent the second recess 23 from moving too far away from the first side plate 11 when the connector 20 turns.

[0097] [7] In addition, the elevator 1, as in this embodiment, The elevator car 2 is provided with any one of the above [1] to [6]. This configuration is preferred.

[0098] With this configuration, the connector 20 can be prevented from coming off the first side plate 11.

[0099] [8] Furthermore, the connector 20, as in this embodiment, Used in any one of the elevator cars 2 described above in [1] to [6]. This configuration is preferred.

[0100] With this configuration, the connector 20 can be prevented from coming off the first side plate 11.

[0101] The elevator 1, elevator car 2, and connector 20 are not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiment, nor are they limited to the above-described effects. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the elevator 1, elevator car 2, and connector 20 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is possible to arbitrarily select one or more of the configurations, methods, etc. of the various modified examples described below and adopt them in the configurations, methods, etc. of the above-described embodiment.

[0102] (A) In the elevator car 2 according to the above embodiment, the entire bottom recess 21d is configured to be positioned closer to the second direction D12 than the first clamping portion 21a. However, the elevator car 2 is not limited to this configuration. For example, at least a portion of the bottom recess 21d may be configured to be positioned closer to the first direction D11 than the first clamping portion 21a.

[0103] (B) Furthermore, in the elevator car 2 according to the above embodiment, the concave lower surface 21f is configured to be inclined downward in the second direction D12. However, the elevator car 2 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the concave lower surface 21f may be configured to be flat and extend along the first horizontal direction D1 and the second horizontal direction D2.

[0104] (C) Furthermore, in the elevator car 2 according to the above embodiment, the width W4 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 is smaller than the sum (T1 + T1, T2 + T2) of the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12. However, the elevator car 2 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the width W4 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1 may be larger than the sum (T1 + T1, T2 + T2) of the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12.

[0105] (D) Furthermore, in the elevator car 2 according to the above embodiment, the center of gravity P3 of the connector 20 in the first horizontal direction D1 is positioned closer to the second direction D12 than the center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1. However, the elevator car 2 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the center of gravity P3 of the connector 20 in the first horizontal direction D1 may be positioned closer to the first direction D11 than the center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0106] (E) Furthermore, in the elevator car 2 according to the above embodiment, the center P1 of the second recess 23 in the first horizontal direction D1 is located closer to the first direction D11 than the center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1. However, the elevator car 2 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the center P1 of the second recess 23 in the first horizontal direction D1 may be located closer to the second direction D12 than the center P2 of the bottom recess 21d in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0107] (F) In addition, in the elevator car 2 according to the above embodiment, the second clamping portion 21b is configured to be positioned so that it approaches the first clamping portion 21a in the first horizontal direction D1 as it moves downward. This allows the connector 20 to connect side panels 11, 12 having a plurality of thicknesses T1, T2 to each other. However, the elevator car 2 is not limited to this configuration.

[0108] For example, first clamping portion 21a and second clamping portion 21b may be configured to be parallel to each other and to have flat surfaces arranged along second horizontal direction D2 and vertical direction D3, respectively, so that connector 20 may be configured to be able to connect only side plates 11, 12 of one type of thickness.

[0109] (G) For example, the order of execution of each step, such as the operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the methods and apparatuses shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings, can be implemented in any order, as long as the result of a previous step is not used in a subsequent step. For example, even if a description is made using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that execution is required in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1... elevator, 1a... processing section, 2... elevator car, 2a... car ceiling, 2b... car floor, 3... car drive section, 3a... sheave, 3b... drive source, 4... car rail, 5... car rope, 6... counterweight, 7... weight rail, 8... panel, 8a... main plate, 8b... cover plate, 11... first side plate, 11a... first hole, 11b... first clamped portion, 11c... insertion portion, 11d... upper portion, 11e... lower portion, 12... second side plate, 12a... second hole, 12b... second clamped portion, 12c... lower portion, 20... connector, 21... first recess, 21a... first clamping portion, 21b... second clamping portion, 21c ...Side recess, 21d...Bottom recess, 21e...Sandwich plane, 21f...Concave lower surface, 21g...Concave upper surface, 21h...Concave intermediate surface, 21i...First bottom side surface, 21j...Second bottom side surface, 21k...Bottom surface, 21m...Upper guide portion, 22...Insertion portion, 23...Second recess, 23a...First opposing portion, 23b...Second opposing portion, 23c...Ceiling portion, 23d...First lower guide portion, 23e...Second lower guide portion, 25...First main body portion, 26...Second main body portion, 27...Connection portion, D1...First horizontal direction, D2...Second horizontal direction, D3...Vertical direction, D11...First direction, D12...Second direction, X1...Hoistway, X2...Machine room

Claims

1. a first panel having a first side panel; a second panel having a second side panel and arranged next to the first panel; a connector that connects the first side plate and the second side plate, the first side plate is disposed on a first direction side in a first horizontal direction relative to the second side plate, the first side plate has a first hole penetrating in the first lateral direction; the second side plate has a second hole penetrating in the first lateral direction, The connector is a first recess that is open at the top and that sandwiches the first side plate and the second side plate in the first horizontal direction; an insertion portion disposed below the first recess and inserted into the first hole and the second hole; a second recessed portion that is disposed below the insertion portion and is open at the bottom and into which the first side plate is inserted, The first recess is a first clamping portion disposed on the first direction side of the first recess and in contact with the first side plate; a second clamping portion disposed on a second direction side of the first recess, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, and in contact with the second side plate; a side recess connected to a lower portion of the first clamping portion and recessed in the first direction; a bottom recess connected to a lower portion of the side recess and recessed downward, a width of the bottom recess in the first horizontal direction is greater than a thickness of the first side plate; the side recess includes a recessed lower surface extending in the second direction and connected to the bottom recess, The bottom recess is positioned on the second direction side of the recessed lower surface.

2. The elevator car according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom recess is disposed on the second direction side of the first clamping portion.

3. 3. The elevator car according to claim 2, wherein the concave lower surface is formed so as to converge downwardly in the second direction.

4. 4. The elevator car according to claim 1, wherein the width of the bottom recess in the first lateral direction is smaller than the sum of the thicknesses of the first side plate and the second side plate.

5. The elevator car according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first horizontal center of gravity of the connector is positioned on the second direction side of the first horizontal center of the bottom recess.

6. The elevator car according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the center of the second recess in the first horizontal direction is positioned on the first direction side of the center of the bottom recess in the first horizontal direction.

7. An elevator comprising an elevator car according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A connector for use with an elevator car according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Elevator car, elevator and connector

    JP7449500B1