Elevator gap measuring device and elevator gap measuring method

Abstract

This invention provides an elevator gap measuring device and method that can accurately measure the gap between the vanes and the rollers attached to the landing doors on the top floor, even in elevators without a machine room. [Solution] The elevator gap measuring device 10 is a device for measuring the gap between two vanes 202A and 202B, which are provided on the door of the elevator car 200 and extend along the vertical direction Z, and rollers 302A and 302B, which are provided on the landing door 301, in a state in which they are not engaged with each other, in a first direction DR1 perpendicular to the vertical direction. The elevator gap measuring device 10 is equipped with light sources 1A and 1B that can form two light rays LLA and LLB extending along each of the two vanes around the roller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gap measuring device and a gap measuring method for an elevator.

Background Art

[0002] An elevator includes a door engagement device that engages a landing door with a car door in order to open and close the landing door in conjunction with the car door. The door engagement device includes a pair of vanes attached to the car door and rollers attached to the landing doors on each floor. The pair of vanes extends along the vertical direction and is disposed opposite to each other so as to sandwich the rollers in the opening and closing direction of the door when the car stops at the landing position of each floor.

[0003] Generally, when inspecting the door engagement device, an operator rides on top of the car that has landed on each floor and measures the gap formed between the vane and the rollers on each floor. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-024719 (Patent Document 1) describes a gap measuring tool for an elevator door engagement device used in such a measuring method. The gap measuring tool for the elevator door engagement device described in Patent Document 1 includes two long measuring plates that are inserted between the vane and the roller, and a screw member that connects the two long measuring plates so that the interval between the two long measuring plates can be adjusted. In the gap measuring tool described in Patent Document 1, the two measuring plates are inserted between the vane and the roller, the interval between the two measuring plates is adjusted to match the gap between the vane and the roller, and the interval between the two measuring plates is measured, whereby the gap between the vane and the roller is measured.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in some elevators, the gap measuring tools and methods described above may not be able to accurately measure the gap.

[0006] For example, in so-called machine-room-less elevators, where there is no machine room above the hoistway, there is insufficient space above the elevator car when it is resting on the top floor landing for workers to perform inspection work. Therefore, inspection work on the door engagement mechanism on the top floor is usually performed with the car positioned below the landing position on the top floor, ensuring that there is enough space above the car for workers to perform the inspection work. In this state, the vanes are spaced downwards from the rollers attached to the top floor landing doors, making it difficult to accurately measure the gap between the vanes and the rollers attached to the top floor landing doors.

[0007] The primary purpose of this disclosure is to provide an elevator gap measuring device and a gap measuring method that can accurately measure the gap between the vanes and the rollers attached to the landing doors on the top floor, even in elevators without a machine room. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The elevator gap measuring device according to this disclosure includes a light source that forms two rays of light extending along each of the two vanes around the roller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, even in machine-room-less elevators, the gap between the vanes and the rollers attached to the landing doors on the top floor can be measured with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of an elevator. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the structure of the elevator car door shown in Figure 1, on the side facing the landing door. [Figure 3]This diagram shows the structure of the elevator landing doors on each floor, opposite the elevator car door, as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows the elevator car in the state where it has landed on the top floor landing, as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of a portion of region V shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a view from arrow VI shown in Figure 5, illustrating the state where the cage door is closed. [Figure 7] This figure shows the state in which the cage door, which was in the state shown in Figure 6, begins to open. [Figure 8] Figures 6 and 7 show an example of the operation of the door engagement device, viewed from arrow VIII. [Figure 9] This figure shows an elevator gap measuring device according to Embodiment 1 and its usage state. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows a view from arrow X, illustrating the roller of the door engagement device and two rays of light emitted from the light source of the elevator gap measuring device. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view from above of the first state of an example configuration of an elevator gap measuring device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view from below of the first state of an example configuration of an elevator gap measuring device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] This is a side view of the first state of an example configuration of an elevator gap measuring device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view from above of the second state of an example configuration of the elevator gap measuring device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing the usage state of an example configuration of an elevator gap measuring device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 16] This figure shows an elevator gap measuring device according to Embodiment 2 and its usage state. [Figure 17]FIG. 16 is a view seen from arrow XVII shown in FIG. 16, showing a roller of a door engagement device, two light beams emitted from a light source of a gap measuring device of an elevator, and a swinging member of the gap measuring device of the elevator. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a first modification of the gap measuring device of the elevator according to Embodiment 1 or 2. [Figure 19] FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a second modification of the gap measuring device of the elevator according to Embodiment 1 or 2.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In each figure, a vertical direction Z, a first direction DR1 in which the car door and the landing door open and close, and a second direction DR2 in which the car and the landing are connected are introduced. First, a configuration example of an elevator and a gap that is a measurement target of the gap measuring device of the elevator according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0012] <Configuration Example of Elevator> FIG. 1 shows an example of an elevator to which the gap measuring device of the elevator according to the present embodiment can be applied. FIGS. 2 to 8 show an example of a door engagement device of an elevator to which the gap measuring device of the elevator according to the present embodiment can be applied.

[0013] The elevator 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a machine-roomless elevator. The elevator 100 includes, for example, a hoistway 101, a pit 102, a car 200, a plurality of landings 300, a hoisting machine 111, a rope 112, a plurality of counterweight sheaves 113, a plurality of car sheaves 114, a counterweight 115, and a control device 116. The elevator 100 does not include a machine room above the hoistway 101.

[0014] The elevator shaft 101 extends along the vertical direction Z. The pit 102 is connected to the elevator shaft 101 below the elevator shaft 101. The elevator shaft 101 has an upper surface 101A. The pit 102 has a bottom surface 102A that faces the upper surface 101A in the vertical direction.

[0015] The elevator car 200 moves up and down within the hoistway 101. The elevator car 200 has a car compartment and an elevator door 201. The car compartment has an entrance / exit. The elevator door 201 is driven back and forth in a first direction DR1 by a drive unit (not shown) to open and close the entrance / exit of the car compartment. A car sill 204 (see Figure 2) is provided at the lower end of the entrance / exit of the car compartment. A beam (not shown) is provided above the entrance / exit of the car compartment. The back-and-forth movement of the elevator door 201 in the first direction DR1 is guided by a sill groove provided in the car sill 204 and a rail provided in the beam.

[0016] The elevator car 200 further has an upper surface 200A and a lower surface located opposite to the upper surface 200A. The upper surface 200A is an uneven surface that includes, for example, the upper surface of the elevator car and the upper and side surfaces of the girder that spans over the elevator car. The upper surface 200A faces the upper surface 101A of the elevator shaft 101 in the vertical direction Z. The lower surface of the elevator car 200 faces the bottom surface 102A of the pit 102 in the vertical direction Z. The elevator car 200 is fitted with a number of return wheels 114.

[0017] Each of the multiple landings 300 has a landing door 301. Each landing door 301 is opened and closed by a car door 201. Each landing 300 has, for example, multiple landing doors 301. The multiple landing doors 301 are arranged in a first direction DR1 when the multiple landing doors 301 are closed, and are arranged in a second direction DR2 when the multiple landing doors 301 are open. The multiple landing doors 301 include a first landing door 301A and a second landing door 301B. The first landing door 301A is the door among the multiple landing doors 301 that has the longest travel distance in the first direction DR1 between the closed state and the open state.

[0018] The multiple landings 300 include the lowest landing 300L and the top landing 300H. The space between the upper surface 200A of the elevator car 200 resting on the top landing 300H and the upper surface 101A of the elevator shaft 101 is smaller than the space in which a worker can work.

[0019] The hoisting machine 111 is located in the pit 102. The rope 112 is wound around the hoisting machine 111 and each of the multiple return wheels 113, 114. One end of the rope 112 is connected to the car 200. The other end of the rope 112 is connected to the counterweight 115. The multiple return wheels 113, 114 are located in the hoistway 101. The multiple return wheels 113 are attached, for example, to the upper surface 101A. The multiple return wheels 114 are attached, for example, to the lower surface of the car 200. The counterweight 115 moves up and down in the opposite direction to the car 200 as the car 200 moves up and down. The control device 116 controls the up and down movement of the car 200. The control device 116 is located, for example, in the pit 102.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the elevator car 200 has, for example, a plurality of elevator doors 201. The plurality of elevator doors 201 are arranged in a line in a first direction DR1 when the plurality of elevator doors 201 are closed, and are arranged in a line in a second direction DR2 when the plurality of elevator doors 201 are open. The plurality of elevator doors 201 includes a first elevator door 201A and a second elevator door 201B. The first elevator door 201A is the door of the plurality of elevator doors 201 that is located closest to the landing 300 in the second direction DR2, and is the door that has the longest travel distance in the first direction DR1 between the closed state and the open state.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the elevator car 200 has, in addition to the car door 201, a first vane 202A and a second vane 202B, and a car sill 204. Each of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B is attached to the car door 201 and moves back and forth with the car door 201 in a first direction DR1. Each of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B is attached to the side of the car door 201 that faces the landing door 301 (the side opposite to the side that is visible inside the car 200). If the elevator car 200 has multiple car doors 201, the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B are connected to the first car door 201A.

[0022] Each of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B extends along the vertical direction Z. Each of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B has a protruding portion that, for example, protrudes above the car door 201. Each of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B is arranged, for example, to face each other with a gap between them in the first direction DR1. The first vane 202A and the second vane 202B are provided so as to sandwich the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B, which will be described later, in the second direction DR2 when the car 200 is resting on the landing 300 of each floor.

[0023] The first vane 202A is positioned behind the second vane 202B in the direction of movement when the car door 201 is opening. The second vane 202B is positioned behind the first vane 202A in the direction of movement when the car door 201 is closing.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, each floor landing 300 has, for example, multiple landing doors 301. The multiple landing doors 301 are arranged in a line in a first direction DR1 when they are closed, and in a line in a second direction DR2 when they are open. The multiple landing doors 301 include a first landing door 301A and a second landing door 301B. The first landing door 301A is the door among the multiple landing doors 301 that is located closest to the car 200 in the second direction DR2, and is the door that travels the longest distance in the first direction DR1 between the closed and open states.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, each landing 300 on each floor has, in addition to the landing door 301, an interlock device 302, a frame 303, and a landing sill 304. The frame 303 and the landing sill 304 are positioned on the landing 300. The landing door 301 opens and closes relative to the frame 303 and the landing sill 304.

[0026] The interlock device 302 can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state for the landing door 301. The interlock device 302 includes, for example, a first roller 302A, a second roller 302B, a rotating part 302C, a receiving part 302D, a first shaft part 302E, and a second shaft part 302F.

[0027] The first roller 302A is rotatably connected to the first shaft 302E, which is attached to the rotating part 302C. The second roller 302B is rotatably connected to the second shaft 302F, which is attached to the landing door 301. Each of the first shaft 302E and the second shaft 302F extends along the second direction DR2.

[0028] The rotating part 302C is rotatably connected to the second shaft part 302F. The first roller 302A is rotatably connected to the second shaft part 302F via the first shaft part 302E and the rotating part 302C. The first roller 302A, the second roller 302B, the rotating part 302C, and the first shaft part 302E are rotatable around the central axis of the second shaft part 302F. The rotating part 302C has a latch. The latch is located at the tip of the rotating part 302C furthest from the second shaft part 302F. The receiving part 302D is engageable with the latch of the rotating part 302C. As the rotating part 302C rotates around the second shaft part 302F, the state in which the latch engages with the receiving part 302D and the interlock device 302 locks the landing door 301 is switched between a state in which the latch does not engage with the receiving part 302D and the interlock device 302 unlocks the landing door 301.

[0029] The first roller 302A is positioned behind the second roller 302B in the direction of movement when the landing door 301 is opening. The second roller 302B is positioned behind the first roller 302A in the direction of movement when the landing door 301 is closing.

[0030] Each landing 300 has a projection 306 that protrudes above the landing door 301. The projection 306 is movable in a second direction DR2 together with the landing door 301. The first roller 302A, the second roller 302B, and the rotating part 302C are connected to the landing door 301 via the projection 306.

[0031] If the landing 300 has multiple landing doors 301, the first roller 302A, the second roller 302B, and the rotating part 302C are connected to the first landing door 301A via a protruding part 306 that protrudes above the first landing door 301A.

[0032] The frame 303 and landing sill 304 are provided at the boundary between the landing door 301 and the hoistway 101. The frame 303 is provided, for example, so as to surround the landing door 301 from three sides. The landing sill 304 is connected to the lower end of the frame 303. The landing sill 304 is provided with a sill groove that guides the reciprocal movement of the landing door 301 in the first direction DR1. The landing sill 304 is provided so as to connect to the car sill 204 and the second direction DR2 when the car 200 is resting on the landing 300 of each floor.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, when the elevator car 200 is resting on the landing 300H of the top floor, the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B sandwich the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B in the second direction DR2. When the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B move back and forth in the first direction DR1 together with the elevator car door 201, they press at least one of the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B in the second direction DR2. As a result, the landing door 301 opens and closes by moving back and forth in the first direction DR1 together with the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B. The landing door 301 is engaged with the elevator car door 201 via the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B and the interlock device 302. In other words, the door engagement device 400 (see Figure 5) that engages the car door 201 and the landing door 301 includes a first vane 202A and a second vane 202B, and an interlock device 302.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the first shaft portion 302E is positioned above the second shaft portion 302F.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the elevator car 200 further comprises a beam 205, a projection 206, a hanger roller 207, and a rail 208. The beam 205 is positioned above the entrance to the elevator car. The projection 206 protrudes above the elevator car door 201. The projection 206 is positioned opposite the projection 306 at a distance in the second direction DR2. The hanger roller 207 is rotatably mounted on the projection 206. The rail 208 guides the hanger roller 207 in the first direction DR1. The rail 208 extends along the first direction DR1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the landing 300 further includes a hanger roller 307 rotatably mounted on the projection 306 and a rail 308 that guides the hanger roller 307 in a first direction DR1. The rail 308 extends along the first direction DR1.

[0037] The respective protruding portions of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B are positioned between the protruding portion 206 and the protruding portion 306 in the second direction DR2. The interlock device 302 is positioned between the protruding portion 206 and the protruding portion 306 in the second direction DR2. The interlock device 302 is positioned above the car door 201 and the landing door 301.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, when the car door 201 is closed, the first roller 302A is positioned closer to the first vane 202A than the second vane 202B in the second direction DR2. When the car door 201 is closed, the first roller 302A is positioned with a gap D1 between it and the first vane 202A in the second direction DR2. When the car door 201 is closed, the second roller 302B is positioned closer to the second vane 202B than the first vane 202A in the second direction DR2. When the car door 201 is closed, the second roller 302B is positioned with a gap D2 between it and the second vane 202B in the second direction DR2. The gaps D1 and D2 are the widths of the gaps that are measured by the elevator gap measuring device according to this embodiment. The gaps D1 and D2 are measured by an operator using the elevator gap measuring device according to this embodiment during inspection of the door engagement device 400.

[0039] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the car door 201 begins to open, the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B begin to move in the first direction DR1 together with the car door 201. After the first vane 202A moves through the gap D1 in the first direction DR1, it contacts the first roller 302A and presses the first roller 302A in the second direction DR2. As a result, the rotating part 302C rotates around the central axis C of the second shaft part 302F, and a state is achieved in which the latch is not engaged with the receiving part 302D and the interlock device 302 unlocks the landing door 301. In this unlocked state, the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B are further pressed in the first direction DR1 by the first vane 202A, causing the landing door 301 to open together with the car door 201. When the car door 201 and the landing door 301 are closed, the opposite movement occurs compared to when the car door 201 and the landing door 301 are opened.

[0040] Next, the elevator gap measuring device according to this embodiment will be described. Embodiment 1. <Elevator gap measurement device> As shown in Figure 9, the elevator gap measuring device 10 according to Embodiment 1 is intended to be used when the car 200 is positioned below the landing position 300H on the top floor (see Figure 4).

[0041] Furthermore, the gap measuring device 10 can be used even when the elevator car 200 is positioned below the landing position of the landing 300 on each floor other than the top floor.

[0042] In the state shown in Figure 9, the top surface 200A of the elevator car 200 is positioned below the position P1 of the top surface 200A of the elevator car 200 when it is positioned at the landing position of the top floor landing 300H. Space is secured on the top surface 200A of the elevator car 200 for workers to work in. On the other hand, in the state shown in Figure 9, the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B are positioned below the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B of the top floor landing 300H in the vertical direction Z, and are not positioned alongside the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B in the first direction DR1. In the state shown in Figure 9, the gap measuring device 10 is positioned between the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B and the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B in the vertical direction Z. The gap measuring device 10 is positioned, for example, on the top surface 200A of the elevator car 200. The gap measuring device 10 is positioned, for example, on the upper or side surface of a girder that constitutes a part of the upper surface 200A of the cage 200.

[0043] The gap measuring device 10 includes a light source 1. The light source 1 is provided to form two rays of light extending along the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B, respectively, around the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B. The light source 1 is provided to form a first ray LLA extending along the first vane 202A and a second ray LLB extending along the second vane 202B, around the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B. For example, the light source 1 forms the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB in a region adjacent to the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B in a first direction DR1. For example, the light source 1 forms the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB so as to sandwich the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B in a first direction DR1. The first ray LLA is, for example, parallel to the second ray LLB.

[0044] Light source 1 includes, for example, a first light source 1A that emits a first ray LLA and a second light source 1B that emits a second ray LLB. The first light source 1A and the second light source 1B are arranged spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1. The first light source 1A and the second light source 1B have emission surfaces facing a direction perpendicular to a third direction DR3. The emission surfaces of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B are inclined, for example, upward with respect to the vertical direction.

[0045] Preferably, the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB are line beams extending along the vertical direction Z. In this specification, a line beam means a laser beam emitted from a light source 1 in which the shape of the outline of a region having a predetermined light intensity relative to the light intensity at its center (the boundary line between this region and a surrounding region that does not have the predetermined light intensity) is linear (long-length shape). The first ray LLA and the second ray LLB can be defined, for example, as regions having half the light intensity relative to the light intensity at their center. Note that the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB have a light intensity of 1 / e relative to the light intensity at their center. 2 It may also be a region having a light intensity that is (e: base of the natural logarithm) times that of the base of the natural logarithm.

[0046] For each of the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB, the width of the first direction DR1 is not particularly limited, as long as the outline (boundary line) extends along each of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B. The width of the first direction DR1 for each of the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB is, for example, less than or equal to the width of the first direction DR1 for each of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B. Preferably, the distance of the first direction DR1 between the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB is equal to the distance of the first direction DR1 between the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B.

[0047] The light source 1 may include one light source and a splitting optical system that splits the light rays emitted from the one light source into a first ray LLA and a second ray LLB for output.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, preferably the gap measuring device 10 further comprises a holding member 3. The holding member 3 holds the light source 1 in the car 200 such that the first ray LLA extends along the extension of the first vane 202A and the second ray LLB extends along the extension of the second vane 202B. The holding member 3 is detachably fixed to the car 200. The holding member 3 is fixed, for example, to the upper surface 200A of the car 200. The holding member 3 is fixed, for example, to the upper or side surface of a girder that forms part of the upper surface 200A of the car 200. The holding member 3 applies a holding force between the holding member 3 and the car 200, for example, at least one of magnetic force and frictional force. The holding member 3 has, for example, at least one of magnet and screw.

[0049] As shown in Figure 10, the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B are arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. Preferably, the first light source 1A can form a first ray LLA extending upward from the first shaft portion 302E. Preferably, the first light source 1A can form a first ray LLA extending along the surface of the first vane 202A facing the second vane 202B. Preferably, the second light source 1B can form a second ray LLB extending upward from the second shaft portion 302F. Preferably, the second light source 1B can form a second ray LLB extending along the surface of the second vane 202B facing the first vane 202A.

[0050] As shown in Figure 10, the holding member 3 holds the light source 1 in the cage 200 such that the first ray LLA extends along the first vane 202A and the second ray LLB extends along the second vane 202B.

[0051] The holding member 3 only needs to be capable of holding the light source 1 to any part of the car 200. The holding member 3 may be connected to the side of the girder of the car 200. The holding member 3 may be connected to the top or side of the car compartment of the car 200.

[0052] Preferably, the gap measuring device 10 is a device that can be carried by the worker. <Method for measuring gaps in elevators> Next, the elevator gap measurement method according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The elevator gap measurement method is a method for measuring the gap between the first vane 202A and the first roller 302A, and the gap between the second vane 202B and the second roller 302B, when the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B and the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B are not engaged with each other.

[0053] Firstly, a state is achieved in which the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B and the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B are not engaged with each other. This state is achieved during maintenance and inspection of the elevator 100 by positioning the car 200 below the landing position of the landings 300 on each floor. As shown in Figure 9, this state can be achieved, for example, at the landing 300H on the top floor. This state can also be achieved at the landings 300 on each floor, including the lowest floor.

[0054] Secondly, the elevator gap measuring device 10 is prepared. The elevator gap measuring device 10 is prepared by an operator on the upper surface 200A of the elevator car 200.

[0055] Thirdly, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, in the disengaged state, the elevator gap measuring device 10 forms a first ray LLA and a second ray LLB around the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B. The operator holds the gap measuring device 10 relative to the car 200 such that the first ray LLA extends along the first vane 202A and the second ray LLB extends along the second vane 202B.

[0056] Preferably, the first ray LLA is formed to extend along the surface of the first vane 202A facing the second vane 202B. Preferably, the second ray LLB is formed to extend along the surface of the second vane 202B facing the first vane 202A.

[0057] Fourth, the distance D3 in the first direction DR1 between the first ray LLA and the first roller 302A is measured. Similarly, the distance D4 in the first direction DR1 between the second ray LLB and the second roller 302B is measured. The operator can easily and accurately measure the distances D3 and D4 using instruments used in conventional gap measurement methods to measure the gap between the two vanes and the roller, such as a ruler and calipers, which are instruments for measuring length. Based on the distances D3 and D4, the operator can estimate the gaps D1 and D2. If the first ray LLA is formed to extend along the surface of the first vane 202A facing the second vane 202B, the gap D1 is estimated to be equal to the distance D3. If the second ray LLB is formed to extend along the surface of the second vane 202B facing the first vane 202A, the gap D2 is estimated to be equal to the distance D4. In other words, according to the gap measurement method of this embodiment, the gaps D1 and D2 can be easily and accurately measured as distances D3 and D4.

[0058] After the measurement is complete, the elevator gap measuring device 10 is removed by the worker from the top surface 200A of the elevator car 200.

[0059] <Specific example of an elevator gap measurement device> Next, with reference to Figures 11 to 14, a specific configuration example of the gap measuring device 10 will be described. As shown in Figures 11 to 14, the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B are arranged with a gap between them in the third direction DR3. The gap measuring device 10 can change the direction in which the respective emission surfaces of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B face. Hereinafter, the side in which the respective emission surfaces of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B face in the direction perpendicular to the third direction DR3 will be referred to as the front side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the rear side.

[0060] The holding member 3 includes, for example, a first member 4, a second member 5, a connecting member 6, and a fixing member 7. The first member 4 is detachably fixed to the cage 200 by the fixing member 7. The first light source 1A and the second light source 1B are attached to the second member 5. The second member 5 is connected to the first member 4 by the connecting member 6 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis C2 extending in a third direction DR3.

[0061] The first member 4 and the second member 5 can switch between the first state shown in Figures 11 to 13 and the second state shown in Figure 14 by one of them rotating around the rotation axis C2 relative to the other. When the gap measuring device 10 is in use, the first member 4 and the second member 5 are in the second state.

[0062] In the first state shown in Figures 11 to 13, the first member 4 and the second member 5 are connected to each other and constitute at least a part of a case that houses the light source 1. The case formed in the first state has a shape in which the third direction DR3 is the longitudinal side and the fourth direction DR4, which is perpendicular to the third direction DR3, is the transverse side.

[0063] The first member 4 and the second member 5 are provided, for example, such that the outer shape of the case is a rectangular parallelepiped. The first member 4 has, for example, a bottom surface of the case and a pair of inner surface surfaces extending upward from both ends of the bottom surface in the third direction DR3. The second member 5 has, for example, a top surface, a front surface, a rear surface of the case and a pair of outer surface surfaces extending downward from both ends of the top surface in the third direction DR3. In the first state described above, the pair of outer surface surfaces of the second member 5 are arranged to overlap with the pair of inner surface surfaces of the first member 4, but outside of the pair of inner surface surfaces of the first member 4. The front surface of the second member 5 is provided with through holes through which the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B are each passed.

[0064] In the first state, the emission surfaces of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B are, for example, aligned in the vertical direction. In the first state, the emission surfaces of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B are, for example, oriented in the horizontal direction.

[0065] In the second state shown in Figure 14, the first member 4 and the second member 5 hold the light source 1 in the cage 200 such that the first ray LLA extends along the extension of the first vane 202A and the second ray LLB extends along the extension of the second vane 202B.

[0066] In the second state, the emission surfaces of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B are inclined upward with respect to the vertical, for example.

[0067] The connecting member 6 rotatably connects the first member 4 and the second member 5. The connecting member 6 connects, for example, the rear portions of the pair of inner surfaces of the first member 4 and the pair of outer surfaces of the second member 5. The connecting member 6 can change the angle that the second member 5 makes with respect to the first member 4, and can hold the second member 5 at any angle with respect to the first member 4. The holding member 3 has, for example, a plurality of connecting members 6 arranged at intervals from each other on a rotation axis C2 extending along a third direction DR3. Each of the plurality of connecting members 6 has, for example, a screw that penetrates the inner surface of the first member 4 and the side surface of the second member 5.

[0068] The fixing member 7 detachably fixes the first member 4 to the basket 200. The fixing member 7 includes, for example, a magnet and at least one of a screw. The holding member 3 includes, for example, a plurality of fixing members 7. The plurality of fixing members 7 are attached, for example, to the central portion of the bottom surface of the first member 4 in the third direction DR3. The plurality of fixing members 7 are arranged at intervals from each other in the fourth direction DR4. The plurality of fixing members 7 are attached, for example, to the front and rear portions of the bottom surface of the first member 4 in the fourth direction DR4.

[0069] The gap measuring device 10 further includes a spirit level 9 for detecting the inclination of the holding member 3 with respect to the horizontal plane. The spirit level 9 is, for example, attached to the bottom surface of the first member 4 and is provided to detect the inclination of the bottom surface with respect to the horizontal plane. The spirit level 9 is, for example, attached to the central portion of the bottom surface of the first member 4 in the third direction DR3. The spirit level 9 is, for example, positioned between a plurality of fixing members 7 in the fourth direction DR4. The spirit level 9 is, for example, housed inside the case.

[0070] The retaining member 3 further has an adjustment part 8 for adjusting the degree of inclination of the retaining member 3. The adjustment part 8 is attached, for example, to the bottom surface of the first member 4 and is provided to adjust the inclination of the bottom surface with respect to the horizontal plane. The adjustment part 8 is positioned at a distance from the fixing member 7 in the third direction DR3. The retaining member 3 has, for example, a plurality of adjustment parts 8. The plurality of adjustment parts 8 are positioned, for example, to sandwich at least one fixing member 7 in the third direction DR3. Each of the plurality of adjustment parts 8 is attached, for example, to the bottom surface of the first member 4, on the outside in the third direction DR3 and on the front in the fourth direction DR4. Each of the plurality of adjustment parts 8 can individually adjust the length of the portion that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the first member 4. The plurality of adjustment parts 8 have, for example, screws.

[0071] The gap measuring device 10 further comprises a switch 11, a battery case 12, and a battery 13. The switch 11 switches the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B ON / OFF. The battery case 12 is electrically connected to each of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B via the switch 11. The battery case 12 houses the battery 13. The battery 13 is, for example, a primary battery or a secondary battery. The switch 11 is mounted on the outer surface of the front portion of the second member 5. The battery case 12 and the battery 13 are housed inside the case. The battery case 12 is mounted, for example, on the inner surface of the top portion of the second member 5.

[0072] The holding member 3 has an outline parallel to the rotation axis C2. The first member 4 has outlines 41 and 42 parallel to the rotation axis C2. Outline 41 is the front side of the bottom surface of the first member 4. Outline 42 is the rear side of the bottom surface of the first member 4.

[0073] As shown in Figure 15, the gap measuring device 10 is held relative to the elevator 100 such that, in its operating state, the third direction DR3 is aligned with the first direction DR1, and the respective emission surfaces of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B are inclined upward with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0074] As shown in Figure 15, when the gap measuring device 10 is in use, the outline 41 of the holding member 3 is positioned so as to overlap in the vertical direction Z with, for example, the outline 200B that appears on the upper surface 200A of the basket 200.

[0075] As shown in Figure 15, the light source 1 may be configured to form a beam spot LLC with a light intensity lower than that of the first ray LLA around the first ray LLA. The light source 1 may also be configured to form a beam spot LLD with a light intensity lower than that of the second ray LLB around the second ray LLB.

[0076] <Effects of gap measuring device> Next, the effects of the gap measuring device 10 will be explained in comparison with conventional gap measuring methods that do not use the gap measuring device 10.

[0077] As described above, conventional gap measurement methods that do not use the gap measuring device 10 make it difficult to accurately measure the gaps D1 and D2 on the top floor of a machine room-less elevator 100. In order to accurately measure the gaps D1 and D2 using conventional gap measurement methods, it is necessary for a worker to stand on the top surface 200A of the car 200 and measure the gaps D1 and D2 while the first vanes 202A and 2 vanes 202B of the car 200 and the first rollers 302A and 2 rollers 302B of the interlock device 302 on the landing 300 of each floor are engaged. However, for the gaps D1 and D2 on the top floor of a machine room-less elevator 100, it is necessary to measure them while the first vanes 202A and 2 vanes 202B of the car 200 and the first rollers 302A and 2 rollers 302B of the landing 300H on the top floor are not engaged in order to secure working space for the worker. Therefore, conventional gap measurement methods cannot accurately measure the above gaps D1 and D2 on the top floor of the machine-room-less elevator 100.

[0078] In contrast, the gap measuring device 10 includes a light source 1 that forms a first ray LLA extending along the first vane 202A and a second ray LLB extending along the second vane 202B around the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, such a gap measuring device 10 can form the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB around the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B when the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B are spaced apart from the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B in the vertical direction Z, and are in a state where they cannot engage with the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B. The first ray LLA and the second ray LLB can act as reference lines for measuring the gaps D1 and D2. Therefore, with the gap measuring device 10, even in an elevator 100 without a machine room, the gaps D1 and D2 can be easily and accurately measured as the distances D3 and D4.

[0079] As described above, the gap measuring device 10 can also be used when the elevator car 200 measures the gaps D1 and D2 at the landings 300 on each floor other than the top floor. In this case as well, the above-mentioned effects of the gap measuring device 10 can be exerted. Therefore, the gap measuring device 10 can improve the efficiency of inspection work of the gaps D1 and D2 at the landings 300 on all floors of the elevator 100.

[0080] Furthermore, the gap measuring device 10 can also be used in elevators equipped with a machine room. In this case as well, the gap measuring device 10 can easily and accurately measure the gaps D1 and D2 as distances D3 and D4.

[0081] The gap measuring device 10 further includes a holding member 3 that detachably holds the light source 1 to the cage 200. With such a gap measuring device 10, the light source 1 can be easily positioned relative to the cage 200 such that the first ray LLA extends along the first vane 202A and the second ray LLB extends along the second vane 202B.

[0082] In the gap measuring device 10, the holding member 3 has a first member 4 and a second member 5. The first member 4 and the second member 5 are connected to each other to form a case that houses the light source 1, and the second state is switchable between a first state in which the light source 1 is held in the cage 200 such that the first ray LLA extends along the first vane 202A and the second ray LLB extends along the second vane 202B. In this way, compared to the case in which the gap measuring device 10 has a case made of a separate member from the holding member 3, a high level of both simplicity of the gap measuring device 10 and the preservation of the light source 1 can be achieved.

[0083] Furthermore, the second member 5 is connected to the first member 4 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis C2 that extends in the third direction DR3. In this way, the simplicity and deployability of the gap measuring device 10 and the maintainability of the light source 1 can be achieved at a high level.

[0084] The gap measuring device 10 further includes a spirit level 9 for detecting the inclination of the holding member 3 with respect to the horizontal plane. The holding member 3 further includes an adjustment unit 8 for adjusting the degree of inclination of the holding member 3. With such a gap measuring device 10, the operation of positioning the light source 1 on the cage 200 can be performed more easily and accurately compared to a gap measuring device that does not include the adjustment unit 8 and the spirit level 9, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

[0085] Embodiment 2. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the elevator gap measuring device 30 according to Embodiment 2 has the same configuration and effects as the elevator gap measuring device 10 according to Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified. Similarly, the elevator gap measuring method according to Embodiment 2 has the same configuration and effects as the elevator gap measuring method according to Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0086] <Configuration of the elevator gap measuring device> The gap measuring device 30 further comprises a plumb bob member 20. The plumb bob member 20 has a thread-like portion 21, a first weight 22A, and a second weight 22B. The thread-like portion 21 connects the first weight 22A and the second weight 22B. The thread-like portion 21 is a linear or ribbon-shaped member. The first weight 22A is connected to one end of the thread-like portion 21. The second weight 22B is connected to the other end of the thread-like portion 21. The thread-like portion 21 has a first portion 21A extending between the end connected to the first weight 22A and the first roller 302A, and a second portion 21B extending between the other end connected to the second weight 22B and the second roller 302B.

[0087] The light source 1 of the gap measuring device 30 only needs to be capable of forming a first ray LLA and a second ray LLB around the first portion 21A and the second portion 21B of the filamentous portion 21 when the filamentous portion 21 is stretched over the outer circumferential surfaces of the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B, respectively. The light source 1 only needs to be capable of forming the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB below the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B in the vertical direction Z. For example, the light source 1 of the gap measuring device 30 can form the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB in the region adjacent to the first portion 21A and the second portion 21B of the filamentous portion 21 in the first direction DR1.

[0088] In the gap measuring device 30, the angle (elevation angle) that each emission surface of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B makes with respect to the vertical direction may be set to be smaller than the angle (elevation angle) that each emission surface of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B makes with respect to the vertical direction in the gap measuring device 10. In the gap measuring device 30, each emission surface of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B may be aligned with the vertical direction.

[0089] <Method for measuring gaps in elevators> Next, the differences between the elevator gap measurement method according to Embodiment 2 and the elevator gap measurement method according to Embodiment 1 will be explained. In the elevator gap measurement method according to Embodiment 2, the elevator gap measurement device 30 is prepared in the second step.

[0090] In the third step, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the thread-like portion 21 of the plumb bob member 20 is stretched over the outer surfaces of the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B in the disengaged state. Furthermore, the elevator gap measuring device 30 forms the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB around the thread-like portion 21.

[0091] In the fourth step, the distance D5 in the first direction DR1 between the first ray LLA and the first part 21A of the filamentous part 21 is measured. Similarly, the distance D6 in the first direction DR1 between the second ray LLB and the second part 21B of the filamentous part 21 is measured. The operator can easily and accurately measure the distances D5 and D6 using instruments used in conventional gap measurement methods to measure the gap between the two vanes and the roller, such as a ruler and calipers or other length measuring instruments. Based on the distances D5 and D6, the operator can estimate the gaps D1 and D2.

[0092] After the measurement is complete, the elevator gap measuring device 30, including the plumb bob member 20, is removed by the worker from the top surface 200A of the elevator car 200.

[0093] <Effects of gap measuring device> In the gap measuring device 30, when the thread-like portion 21 is stretched across the outer surfaces of the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B, the light source 1 only needs to be able to form the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB around the first portion 21A and the second portion 21B of the thread-like portion 21. The light source 1 only needs to be able to form the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB below the first roller 302A and the second roller 302B in the vertical direction Z. From a different perspective, in the gap measuring device 30, the angle (elevation angle) that the emission surface of the light source 1 makes with respect to the vertical direction can be made smaller than that of the gap measuring device 10.

[0094] The larger the angle (elevation angle) that the emission surface of light source 1 makes with respect to the vertical, the more pronounced the tendency for the outlines (boundaries of the line beams) of the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB to blur upwards becomes, which may reduce the accuracy of gap measurement. The gap measuring device 30 can keep the angle (elevation angle) that the emission surface of light source 1 makes with respect to the vertical small, thereby suppressing the decrease in gap measurement accuracy.

[0095] <Modified example of a gap measuring device> Next, modified examples of the gap measuring device 10 according to Embodiment 1 and the gap measuring device 30 according to Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0096] As shown in Figure 18, the gap measuring devices 10,30 may further include at least one plate-shaped member 40. The plate-shaped member 40 has a connecting portion that can be connected to each of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B, and a protruding portion that protrudes onto the upper surface 200A of the cage 200 when the connecting portion is connected to the first vane 202A or the second vane 202B. The connecting portion of the plate-shaped member 40 can contact, for example, the side surface of each of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B in a first direction DR1. The connecting portion of the plate-shaped member 40 may have a magnet. The connecting portion of the plate-shaped member 40 can be fixed to each of the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B by the magnetic force of the magnet.

[0097] The gap measuring device 10,30 may include a plate-shaped member 40 connected to the first vane 202A and a plate-shaped member 40 connected to the second vane 202B.

[0098] The light source 1 may also be capable of forming a first ray LLA and a second ray LLB around the protruding portion of the plate-shaped member 40. In this case, the light source 1 can be positioned relative to the cage 200 such that the first ray LLA extends along the protruding portion of the plate-shaped member 40 connected to the first vane 202A.

[0099] The holding member 3 may have at least one of the following: a first engaging portion 3HA that engages with a protruding portion of the plate-shaped member 40 connected to the first vane 202A, and a second engaging portion 3HB that engages with a protruding portion of the plate-shaped member 40 connected to the second vane 202B. The first light source 1A may be held by the holding member 3 such that the first ray LLA extends along the first vane 202A when the plate-shaped member 40 connected to the first vane 202A is engaged with the first engaging portion 3HA. The second light source 1B may be held by the holding member 3 such that the second ray LLB extends along the second vane 202B when the plate-shaped member 40 connected to the second vane 202B is engaged with the second engaging portion 3HB.

[0100] In the first modified example of the gap measuring device 10,30 equipped with a plate-shaped member 40, the light source 1 can be easily positioned on the cage 200 using the plate-shaped member 40.

[0101] As shown in Figure 19, in the gap measuring devices 10,30, the distance in the first direction DR1 between the first ray LLA and the second ray LLB may be changeable. The holding member 3 of the gap measuring devices 10,30 may have, for example, a guide 14 that guides the movement of at least one of the first light source 1A and the second light source 1B in the first direction DR1. The guide 14 is fixed to the holding member 3, for example. The holding member 3 may further have a guide (not shown) that guides the movement of the guide 14 in the vertical direction Z.

[0102] As shown in Figure 19, the gap measuring devices 10 and 30 can also be applied to an interlock device 312 which is different from the interlock device 302 shown in Figures 6-8, Figure 10, etc. In the interlock device 312 shown in Figure 19, the first roller 312A and the second roller 312B are arranged with a gap between them in the first direction DR1, and the first roller 312A and the second roller 312B are rotatable around the central axis C1 of the third shaft portion 312G which is different from their respective rotation axes.

[0103] The interlock device 312 includes a first roller 312A, a second roller 312B, a rotating part 312C, a receiving part 312D, a first shaft part 312E, a second shaft part 312F, and a third shaft part 312G.

[0104] The first roller 312A is rotatably connected to the first shaft 312E, which is attached to the rotating section 312C. The second roller 312B is rotatably connected to the second shaft 312F, which is attached to the rotating section 312C. The rotating section 302C is rotatably connected to the third shaft 302G, which is attached to the landing door 301. Each of the first shaft 312E, the second shaft 312F, and the third shaft 312G extends along the second direction DR2.

[0105] The interlock device 312 can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state of the landing door 301 by having the first vane 202A and the second vane 202B, which are positioned between the first roller 312A and the second roller 312B in the first direction DR1, reciprocate in the first direction DR1.

[0106] In the second modified form of the gap measuring device 10, 30 in which the holding member 3 has a guide 14, it is applicable to both the interlock device 302 shown in Figures 6-8, Figure 10, etc., and the interlock device 312 shown in Figure 19.

[0107] The gap measuring devices 10 and 30 may be provided to be applied only to the interlock device 312 shown in Figure 19.

[0108] In the embodiments and modified examples described above, the combinable configurations may be combined with each other.

[0109] The embodiments and variations thereof disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description and is intended to include all modifications in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 1 Light source, 1A First light source, 1B Second light source, 3 Holding member, 3HA First engaging part, 3HB Second engaging part, 4 First member, 5 Second member, 6 Connecting member, 7 Fixing member, 8 Adjustment part, 9 Level, 10, 30 Gap measuring device, 11 Switch, 12 Battery case, 13 Battery, 14 Guide, 20 Plumb bob member, 21 Thread-like part, 21A First part, 21B Second part, 22A First weight, 22B Second weight, 40 Plate-like member, 41, 42, 200B Outline, 100 Elevator, 101 Hoistway, 101A, 200A Top surface, 102 Pit, 102A Bottom surface, 111 Hoisting machine, 112 Rope, 113, 114 Return wheel, 115 Counterweight, 116 Control device, 200 Cage, 201 Cage door, 201A First car door, 201B Second car door, 202A First vane, 202B Second vane, 204 Cage sill, 205 Beam, 206, 306 Projection, 207, 307 Hanger roller, 208, 308 Rail, 300, 300H, 300L Landing, 301 Landing door, 301A First landing door, 301B Second landing door, 302, 312 Interlock device, 302A, 312A First roller, 302B, 312B Second roller, 302C, 312C Rotating part, 302D, 312D Receiving part, 302E, 312E First shaft part, 302F, 312F Second axle section, 302G, 312G Third axle section, 303 Frame, 304 Landing sill, 400 Door engagement device.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the gap between two vanes and a roller in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, when the two vanes, which are provided on the elevator car door and extend vertically, and the roller, which is provided on the landing door, are not engaged with each other, An elevator gap measuring device comprising a light source capable of forming two rays of light extending along each of the two vanes around the roller.

2. The elevator gap measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a holding member for detachably holding the light source to the elevator car.

3. The holding member has a first member and a second member, The first member is detachably fixed to the basket, The light source is fixed to the second member, The elevator gap measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the first member and the second member are switchable between a first state in which they constitute a case for housing the light source, and a second state in which the light source is held in the elevator car such that the two rays of light extend along the extensions of each of the two vanes.

4. The light source forms the two rays of light at intervals from each other in the first direction, The elevator gap measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the second member is connected to the first member so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.

5. The elevator gap measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the holding member has an outer shape parallel to the rotation axis.

6. The system further includes a spirit level for detecting the inclination of the holding member with respect to the horizontal plane. The elevator gap measuring device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the holding member further has an adjustment part for adjusting the degree of inclination of the holding member.

7. An elevator gap measuring device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the distance between the two light rays can be changed.

8. Further equipped with a plumb bob member, The plumb bob member comprises a first weight, a second weight, and a thread-like portion connecting the first weight and the second weight. The elevator gap measuring device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein when the thread-like portion is stretched across the outer circumferential surface of the roller, the light source is capable of forming the two rays of light around the thread-like portion.

9. A method for measuring the gap between two vanes and a roller in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, when the two vanes provided on the elevator car door and extending vertically and the roller provided on the landing door are not engaged with each other, A step to achieve a state in which the two vanes and the roller are not engaged with each other, The process of preparing an elevator gap measuring device, which includes a light source that forms two rays of light extending along each of the two vanes around the roller, In the state in which the two vanes are not engaged, the elevator gap measuring device forms two rays of light extending along each of the two vanes around the roller. A method for measuring the gap in an elevator, comprising the step of measuring the distance between the two light rays and the roller.

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