Elevator counterweight

Abstract

This prevents the weight piece from falling off. [Solution] The counterweight of the elevator in this embodiment includes a frame structure consisting of a lower frame 10, an upper frame 11, a first vertical frame 12A, and a second vertical frame 12B, a plurality of weight pieces 13 stacked on the lower frame 10 so as to be supported by the first vertical frame 12A and the second vertical frame 12B, and a weight fixing device 20A fixed to the lower frame 10 and the upper frame 11. The weight fixing device 20A includes first to fifth plates. The first plate is configured to cover at least the bottom of the lower frame 10. The second plate is configured to cover at least the upper part of the upper frame 11. The third plate is positioned on top of the plurality of weight pieces 13. The fourth plate is configured to join the respective faces of the first to third plates. The fifth plate is configured to join the respective faces of the first plate and the third plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a counterweight of an elevator.

Background Art

[0002] A hoist is installed in the machine room at the upper part of the elevator shaft. One end of the main rope wound around the sheave of the hoist is connected to a car, and the other end of the main rope is connected to a counterweight. The counterweight includes a rectangular frame structure and a plurality of weight pieces housed in this frame structure.

[0003] With the strengthening of earthquake resistance standards, prevention of the dropping of weight pieces is required. During earthquake countermeasures, counterweights that do not meet the earthquake resistance standards need to be replaced in a set. This replacement requires labor and time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a counterweight of an elevator that can prevent weight pieces from dropping off.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator counterweight according to this embodiment comprises a frame structure consisting of a lower frame, an upper frame, a first vertical frame having one longitudinal side of the lower frame and one longitudinal side of the upper frame on substantially the same plane, and a second vertical frame having the other side of the lower frame and the other side of the upper frame on substantially the same plane, a plurality of weight pieces stacked on the lower frame so as to be supported by the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, and weight fixing devices fixed to the lower frame and the upper frame. The weight fixing device includes first to fifth plates, the first plate configured to cover at least the bottom of the lower frame, the second plate configured to cover at least the upper part of the upper frame, the third plate positioned between the first and second plates and above the plurality of weight pieces, the fourth plate located on the elevator car side, extending substantially parallel to the first and second vertical frames, and configured to join the respective faces of the first to third plates, and the fifth plate located on the wall side of the elevator shaft, extending substantially parallel to the fourth plate, and configured to join the respective faces of the first and third plates. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of the counterweight according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the weight fixing device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view showing the weight fixing device extracted. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a rear view showing the weight fixing device extracted. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the weight fixing device according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are illustrative examples of apparatus and methods for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and the technical concept of the present invention is not defined by the shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components. In the following description, elements having the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] [1] First Embodiment [1-1] Composition of the elevator counterweight 1 Figure 1 is a front view of the counterweight 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 is a view of the counterweight 1 from the elevator car side. In Figure 1, the X direction is the horizontal direction when the counterweight 1 is viewed from the front, the Y direction is the depth direction, and the Z direction is the opposite direction of the vertical direction. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0010] The counterweight 1 is used in an elevator. The elevator further includes a hoisting machine located in a machine room at the top of the hoistway in the building, and a passenger car. The counterweight 1 is connected to one end of the main cable 2, and the passenger car is connected to the other end of the main cable 2. The main cable 2 is hung on the sheave of the hoisting machine. For example, the counterweight 1 and the passenger car are suspended by the main cable 2 in a bucket-and-loop fashion. As the sheave of the hoisting machine rotates, the counterweight 1 and the passenger car are raised and lowered within the hoistway.

[0011] The hoistway is provided with two vertically extending guide rails 3A and 3B. The counterweight 1 moves up and down within the hoistway along the two guide rails 3A and 3B.

[0012] The counterweight 1 comprises a lower frame 10, an upper frame 11, two vertical frames 12A and 12B, multiple weight pieces 13, a frame connecting member 14, two retaining members 15A and 15B, two lower guide shoes 16A and 16B, two upper guide shoes 17A and 17B, two lubrication devices 18A and 18B, multiple rope shackles 19, and weight fixing devices 20A and 20B.

[0013] The lower frame 10 is made up of a rectangular prism. Vertical frames 12A and 12B are fixed to both ends of the lower frame 10 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. The vertical frames 12A and 12B each have a U-shaped cross-section, and are arranged so that their recessed portions face each other. The upper frame 11 is fixed on the vertical frames 12A and 12B. The upper frame 11 is made up of a rectangular prism. The lower frame 10 and the upper frame 11 are arranged approximately parallel to each other, and the vertical frames 12A and 12B are arranged approximately parallel to each other. The vertical frame 12A is positioned so that one end of the lower frame 10 in the longitudinal direction and one end of the upper frame 11 in the longitudinal direction are on the same plane, and the vertical frame 12B is positioned so that the other end of the lower frame 10 in the longitudinal direction and the other end of the upper frame 11 in the longitudinal direction are on the same plane. In this way, the frame structure consisting of the lower frame 10, the upper frame 11, and the vertical frames 12A and 12B forms a rectangle. The frame structure consisting of the lower frame 10, the upper frame 11, and the vertical frames 12A and 12B accommodates a plurality of weight pieces 13.

[0014] Multiple weight pieces 13 are placed on the lower frame 10. The multiple weight pieces 13 are stacked on the lower frame 10 so as to be supported by the vertical frames 12A and 12B. In a plan view, each weight piece 13 is configured to have protrusions at both ends of a rectangle, and the two protrusions of each weight piece 13 are configured to fit into recessed portions of the vertical frames 12A and 12B.

[0015] The frame connecting member 14 is fixed to the middle of the vertical frames 12A and 12B, connecting the vertical frames 12A and 12B. The frame connecting member 14 has the function of reinforcing the vertical frames 12A and 12B and suppressing deformation of the vertical frames 12A and 12B.

[0016] The retaining members 15A and 15B are configured to press down on the multiple weight pieces 13 from above. Retaining member 15A is fixed to the vertical frame 12A with bolts, and retaining member 15B is fixed to the vertical frame 12B with bolts.

[0017] The lower guide shoe 16A is attached to the bottom surface of the lower frame 10 and the end on the guide rail 3A side. The lower guide shoe 16B is attached to the bottom surface of the lower frame 10 and the end on the guide rail 3B side. The upper guide shoe 17A is attached to the upper surface of the upper frame 11 and the end on the guide rail 3A side. The upper guide shoe 17B is attached to the upper surface of the upper frame 11 and the end on the guide rail 3B side. Each guide shoe is a component for guiding the counterweight 1 along the guide rail. The guide shoe has a U shape and is configured and arranged to sandwich a guide rail having a T-shaped cross section.

[0018] The oil feeder 18A is attached to the upper part of the upper guide shoe 17A. The oil feeder 18B is attached to the upper part of the upper guide shoe 17B. Each oil feeder has a function of supplying oil to the guide rail.

[0019] One end of each rope shackle 19 is connected to one rope of the main cable 2, and the other end is connected to the upper frame 11. The counterweight 1 is suspended from the main cable 2 using the rope shackle 19. Known components can be used for the rope shackle 19. In the example of FIG. 1, the rope shackle 19 is connected to the upper frame 11 using a rod and a spring.

[0020] The weight fixing devices 20A and 20B each have a function of preventing a plurality of weight pieces 13 from falling off the counterweight 1. The weight fixing devices 20A and 20B are respectively fixed to the lower frame 10 and the upper frame 11. The weight fixing device 20A is arranged on the left side of the center of the counterweight 1 in the X direction, and the weight fixing device 20B is arranged on the right side of the center of the counterweight 1. In this specification, the common description of the weight fixing devices 20A and 20B is denoted as the weight fixing device 20 by omitting the subscripts A and B of the reference signs, and the description regarding the weight fixing device 20 is assumed to be common to the reference signs 20A and 20B.

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the weight fixing device 20. In Figure 2, the right side is the car side (also referred to as the car side), and the left side is the wall side of the hoistway. Figure 3 is a front view of the weight fixing device 20 extracted. Figure 4 is a rear view of the weight fixing device 20 extracted. In Figure 2, the bolts are shown simplified as straight lines.

[0022] The weight fixing device 20 includes first to fifth plates 21-1 to 21-5. The first to fifth plates 21-1 to 21-5 are made of metal. In this specification, the plate is not limited to a straight one, but also includes a bent plate.

[0023] The first plate 21-1 has a U shape. The first plate 21-1 is configured to cover at least the bottom of the lower frame 10.

[0024] The second plate 21-2 has an L shape. The second plate 21-2 is configured to cover at least the upper part of the upper frame 11. The second plate 21-2 includes a protrusion that can be hooked on one corner of the upper part of the upper frame 11, a first extending portion extending along the upper surface of the upper frame 11, and a second extending portion extending in the vertical direction. Note that the second plate 21-2 may have other shapes such as a U shape as long as it has at least two extending portions.

[0025] The third plate 21-3 has a Z shape. The third plate 21-3 is arranged between the first plate 21-1 and the second plate 21-2. The third plate 21-3 has three straight portions, and the central straight portion is placed on a plurality of weight pieces 13. The third plate 21-3 is configured to press the upper parts of the plurality of weight pieces 13. Note that the third plate 21-3 may have other shapes such as a U shape as long as it has three straight portions.

[0026] The fourth plate 21-4 is located on the cage side. The fourth plate 21-4 extends vertically (i.e., parallel to the vertical frame 12A and vertical frame 12B) and is configured in a straight line. The fourth plate 21-4 has a length that partially overlaps the first plate 21-1 and the second plate 21-2, respectively. The fourth plate 21-4 is configured to join the respective faces of the first plate 21-1, the second plate 21-2, and the third plate 21-3.

[0027] The fourth plate 21-4 is joined to the first plate 21-1 using multiple bolts 22. The fourth plate 21-4 is joined to the second plate 21-2 using multiple bolts 23. The fourth plate 21-4 is joined to the third plate 21-3 using multiple bolts 24.

[0028] The fifth plate 21-5 is located on the wall side. The fifth plate 21-5 extends vertically and is configured in a straight line. The fifth plate 21-5 has a length that partially overlaps the first plate 21-1 and the third plate 21-3, respectively. The fifth plate 21-5 is configured to join the respective faces of the first plate 21-1 and the third plate 21-3.

[0029] The fifth plate 21-5 is joined to the first plate 21-1 using multiple bolts 25. The fifth plate 21-5 is joined to the third plate 21-3 using multiple bolts 26.

[0030] Note that the height of the frame structure may vary depending on the elevator. Also, the number and height of the multiple weight pieces 13 may vary depending on the elevator. In this case, adjustments may be made by changing the lengths of the fourth plate 21-4 and the fifth plate 21-5.

[0031] Alternatively, the fourth plate 21-4 and the fifth plate 21-5 may each be provided with a structure for adjusting the joining position. Specifically, the bolt holes for the bolts 23 in the fourth plate 21-4 are composed of elongated holes extending in the vertical direction. This allows the position of the second plate 21-2 in the height direction to be adjusted even if the height of the frame structure differs depending on the elevator.

[0032] The bolt holes for bolt 24 in the fourth plate 21-4 are elongated holes extending vertically. Similarly, the bolt holes for bolt 26 in the fifth plate 21-5 are elongated holes extending vertically. This allows the height position of the third plate 21-3 to be adjusted even when the heights of multiple weight pieces 13 are different.

[0033] Furthermore, the components used to join the plates together do not necessarily have to be bolts.

[0034] [1-2] Variant The fourth plate 21-4 may be made of cloth. The cloth 21-4 is equipped with a length adjustment mechanism that allows its length to be adjusted. The length adjustment mechanism is, for example, a ratchet. The cloth 21-4 adjusts its own length by turning the ratchet. The cloth 21-4 is joined to the first plate 21-1, the second plate 21-2, and the third plate 21-3, respectively, using bolts or rivets.

[0035] Similarly, the fifth plate 21-5 may be made of fabric with a length adjustment mechanism. The fabric 21-5 is joined to the first plate 21-1 and the third plate 21-3 using bolts or rivets.

[0036] In the modified version, even if the height of the multiple weight pieces 13 changes, the third plate 21-3 can hold down the multiple weight pieces 13 by adjusting the lengths of the cloths 21-4 and 21-5.

[0037] [1-3] Effects of the first embodiment According to the first embodiment, the weight fixing device 20 is fixed to the lower frame 10 and the upper frame 11 and is configured to surround the multiple weight pieces 13. The weight fixing device 20 is also configured to press down on the multiple weight pieces 13 from above. This prevents the multiple weight pieces 13 from falling off the counterweight 1 even if the counterweight 1 experiences large vibrations. Furthermore, it prevents the multiple weight pieces 13 from falling off the counterweight 1 even if the frame structure is damaged or deformed.

[0038] Furthermore, the weight fixing device 20 can be retrofitted to an existing counterweight. This allows for the addition of a function to prevent weight pieces from falling off to the counterweight 1 without requiring burdensome additional construction work. For example, there is no need to install additional through bolts that pass through multiple weight pieces.

[0039] Furthermore, the weight fixing device 20 is equipped with a structure that allows adjustment of the height position of the second plate 21-2 and the third plate 21-3. This allows the weight fixing device 20 to be attached to the counterweight 1 even when the height of the frame structure and the height of the multiple weight pieces change.

[0040] [2] Second embodiment The second embodiment is another configuration example of the fifth plate 21-5 positioned on the wall side.

[0041] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the weight fixing device 20 according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the first to fourth plates 21-1 to 21-4 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0042] The fifth plate 21-5 is joined to the third plate 21-3 and extends vertically. The fifth plate 21-5 has a length that partially overlaps the lower frame 10. In other words, the fifth plate 21-5 is configured to be longer than at least the position that reaches the top surface of the lower frame 10. The fifth plate 21-5 is joined to the third plate 21-3 using a number of bolts 26. The fifth plate 21-5 and the first plate 21-1 are not joined.

[0043] The length of the fifth plate 21-5 is set according to the heights of the multiple weight pieces 13. Alternatively, the bolt holes for the bolts 26 in the fifth plate 21-5 are elongated holes that extend vertically. This allows the height position of the third plate 21-3 to be adjusted even when the heights of the multiple weight pieces 13 are different.

[0044] According to the second embodiment, the fifth plate 21-5 can cover the wall-side surfaces of the multiple weight pieces 13, thereby preventing the multiple weight pieces 13 from falling off the counterweight 1.

[0045] Furthermore, only one end of the fifth plate 21-5 is joined to the third plate 21-3 using multiple bolts 26. This reduces the workload when installing the weight fixing device 20 onto the counterweight 1.

[0046] As with the modified example described above, the fourth plate 21-4 may be made of cloth.

[0047] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1... Counterweight, 2... Main rope, 3A, 3B... Guide rail, 10... Lower frame, 11... Upper frame, 12A, 12B... Vertical frame, 13... Weight piece, 14... Frame connecting member, 15A, 15B... Retaining member, 16A, 16B... Lower guide shoe, 17A, 17B... Upper guide shoe, 18A, 18B... Lubrication device, 19... Rope shackle, 20, 20A, 20B... Weight fixing device, 21-1... First plate, 21-2... Second plate, 21-3... Third plate, 21-4... Fourth plate, 21-5... Fifth plate, 22~26... Bolt.

Claims

1. A frame structure comprising a lower frame, an upper frame, a first vertical frame having one longitudinal side of the lower frame and one longitudinal side of the upper frame on substantially the same plane, and a second vertical frame having the other side of the lower frame and the other side of the upper frame on substantially the same plane, Supported by the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, a plurality of weight pieces are stacked on the lower frame, Weight fixing devices fixed to the lower frame and the upper frame, It is equipped with, The aforementioned weight fixing device includes the first to fifth plates, The first plate is configured to cover at least the bottom of the lower frame, The second plate is configured to cover at least the upper part of the upper frame, The third plate is positioned between the first plate and the second plate and above the plurality of weight pieces. The fourth plate is located on the car side, extends substantially parallel to the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, and is configured to join the respective surfaces of the first to third plates. The fifth plate is located on the wall side of the elevator shaft, extends substantially parallel to the fourth plate, and is configured to join the respective faces of the first plate and the third plate. Elevator counterweight.

2. A first bolt that joins the first plate and the fourth plate, A second bolt that joins the second plate and the fourth plate, A third bolt that joins the third plate and the fourth plate, A fourth bolt that joins the first plate and the fifth plate, A fifth bolt that joins the third plate and the fifth plate, It further comprises The counterweight for an elevator as described in claim 1.

3. The fourth plate has bolt holes for the second bolt and bolt holes for the third bolt, The fifth plate has bolt holes for the fifth bolt, The aforementioned plurality of bolt holes are composed of elongated holes that extend in the longitudinal direction of the plate. The counterweight for an elevator as described in claim 2.

4. The fourth plate and the fifth plate are made of cloth. The counterweight for an elevator as described in claim 1.

5. A frame structure comprising a lower frame, an upper frame, a first vertical frame having one longitudinal side of the lower frame and one longitudinal side of the upper frame on substantially the same plane, and a second vertical frame having the other side of the lower frame and the other side of the upper frame on substantially the same plane, Supported by the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, a plurality of weight pieces are stacked on the lower frame, Weight fixing devices fixed to the lower frame and the upper frame, It is equipped with, The aforementioned weight fixing device includes the first to fifth plates, The first plate is configured to cover at least the bottom of the lower frame, The second plate is configured to cover at least the upper part of the upper frame, The third plate is positioned between the first plate and the second plate and above the plurality of weight pieces. The fourth plate is located on the car side, extends substantially parallel to the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, and is configured to join the respective surfaces of the first to third plates. The fifth plate is located on the wall side of the elevator shaft, is joined to the surface of the third plate, and extends substantially parallel to the fourth plate for a length at least longer than the upper surface of the lower frame. Elevator counterweight.

6. A first bolt that joins the first plate and the fourth plate, A second bolt that joins the second plate and the fourth plate, A third bolt that joins the third plate and the fourth plate, A fourth bolt that joins the third plate and the fifth plate, It further comprises The counterweight for an elevator as described in claim 5.

7. The fourth plate has bolt holes for the second bolt and bolt holes for the third bolt, The fifth plate has bolt holes for the fourth bolt, The aforementioned plurality of bolt holes are composed of elongated holes that extend in the longitudinal direction of the plate. The counterweight for an elevator as described in claim 6.

8. The fourth plate is made of fabric. The counterweight for an elevator as described in claim 5.

9. The first plate has a U-shape, The second plate has an L-shape or a U-shape, The third plate has a Z-shape or a U-shape. The counterweight for an elevator according to claim 1 or 5.

Images