Handrail device above the elevator car

Abstract

The objective is to obtain a handrail device 10 for the upper surface 1a of the elevator car that can improve the work efficiency of maintenance personnel performing maintenance work on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1. [Solution] The elevator car handrail device 10 comprises a handrail 11a and a support member 20. The handrail 11a is provided on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1, which moves up and down along the elevator's guide rail 2a. One end of the support member 20 is provided on the handrail 11a, and the other end abuts against the guide rail 2a to support the handrail 11a. When the handrail 11a is freestanding, the support member 20 is provided so as not to abut against the guide rail 2a, and when the handrail 11a tilts toward the guide rail 2a, the other end of the support member 20 abuts against the guide rail 2a to support the handrail 11a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a car handrail polishing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional car handrail polishing devices include a plurality of support members that support both ends of the handrail in order to ensure the strength of the handrail provided on the upper surface of the elevator car. The support members are formed in a substantially L shape, the lower end thereof is disposed on the upper surface of the car, and the upper end thereof is fixed to the end of the handrail (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The support members of the above-described conventional car handrail polishing device are formed in a substantially L shape, and the lower end thereof is disposed on the upper surface of the car. When performing maintenance work on the elevator, the maintenance staff may sometimes work while standing on the upper surface of the car. There is a problem that the maintenance work of the maintenance staff is hindered because the lower end of the support device is disposed at the feet of the maintenance staff.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to obtain a car handrail polishing device capable of improving the work efficiency of maintenance staff who perform maintenance work on the upper surface of the car.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator car handrail device according to this disclosure comprises a handrail provided on the upper surface of an elevator car that moves up and down along a guide rail, and a support member having one end attached to the handrail and the other end in contact with the guide rail to support the handrail. The device is configured such that the support member does not come into contact with the guide rail when the handrail is standing upright, and when the handrail is tilted toward the guide rail, the other end of the support member comes into contact with the guide rail to support the handrail. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The handrail device on top of the elevator car according to this disclosure can improve the work efficiency of maintenance personnel performing maintenance work on the top surface of the elevator car. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the assembled state of a pair of handrails in the elevator car handrail device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the assembled state of a pair of handrails in the elevator car handrail device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a left side view showing the assembled state of a pair of handrails in the elevator car handrail device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a right side view showing the assembled state of a pair of handrails in the elevator car handrail device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged view of the support members of the pair of handrails in the overhead handrail device of Embodiment 1 when they are in the assembled state. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing the handrail device on top of the elevator car in the case where a maintenance worker falls from the top of the car in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing the handrail device above the elevator car in the first embodiment, during maintenance work by a maintenance worker. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing the retracted state of the pair of handrails of the elevator car handrail device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged view of the support members when the pair of handrails of the elevator car handrail device in Embodiment 1 are in the retracted state. [Figure 10] This is a magnified view of the switch when the pair of handrails of the elevator car handrail device in Embodiment 2 are in the retracted position. [Figure 11] This is a right side view showing the assembled state of a pair of handrails in the overhead handrail device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged view of the holding portion when the pair of handrails of the elevator car handrail device in Embodiment 3 are in the retracted state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiment 1. The handrail device above the elevator car in Embodiment 1 will now be described. Note that the same reference numerals in each drawing represent the same or corresponding components. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an elevator car 1, a pair of guide rails 2, and the handrail device above the elevator car 10 are provided in the elevator shaft (not shown). The pair of guide rails 2 consists of a left guide rail 2a and a right guide rail 2b. The elevator car 1 is positioned between the left guide rail 2a and the right guide rail 2b and moves up and down within the elevator shaft along the pair of guide rails 2. The direction parallel to the direction in which the elevator car 1 moves up and down is called the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is called the horizontal direction. Of the horizontal directions, the direction parallel to the direction from the left guide rail 2a to the right guide rail 2b is called the left-right direction. Also, of the horizontal directions, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the left-right direction is called the depth direction.

[0010] The elevator car handrail device 10 comprises a pair of handrails 11 and a support member 20. The pair of handrails 11 are provided on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1. Furthermore, the pair of handrails 11 are provided so as to be able to transition between an assembled state in which the pair of handrails 11 are upright and a stored state in which the pair of handrails 11 are folded down. First, the elevator car handrail device 10 when the pair of handrails 11 are in the assembled state will be described.

[0011] The pair of handrails 11 of the cage handrail polishing device 10 includes a left handrail 11a which is the first handrail and a right handrail 11b which is the second handrail. The pair of handrails 11 is provided such that the longitudinal direction of the left handrail 11a and the longitudinal direction of the right handrail 11b are parallel to the depth direction. Specifically, the pair of handrails 11 is provided such that the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a described later and the handrail portion 16 of the right handrail 11b described later are parallel to each other in the depth direction. Also, the left handrail 11a and the right handrail 11b are provided at an interval so that a maintenance worker M can perform maintenance work between them.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3, the left handrail 11a has a column portion 13 extending in the vertical direction and a handrail portion 14 extending in the depth direction. Both ends of the handrail portion 14 are respectively connected to the upper end portion of the column portion 13. Also, the left handrail 11a has an intermediate column portion 13a extending in the vertical direction and disposed between the column portions 13. The upper end portion of the intermediate column portion 13a is connected to the handrail portion 14.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 4, the right handrail 11b has a column portion 15 extending in the vertical the vertical direction, a handrail portion 16 extending in the depth direction, and an auxiliary column portion 17 extending in the vertical direction and disposed between the column portions 15. Both ends of the handrail portion 16 are respectively connected to the upper end portion of the column portion 15. The auxiliary column portion 17 is provided with a holding portion 25 and a switch 28 described later.

[0014] The lower end portions of the column portion 13 and the intermediate column portion 13a of the left handrail 11a, and the column portion 15 of the right handrail 11b are rotatably fixed to the upper surface 1a of the cage 1. Therefore, the left handrail 11a can rotate about the lower end portions of the column portion 13 and the intermediate column portion 13a, and can transition between an assembled state and a stored state. Also, the right handrail 11b can rotate about the lower end portion of the column portion 15, and can transition between an assembled state and a stored state. Note that the arrow P in FIG. 1 indicates the rotation direction of the left handrail 11a, and the arrow Q in FIG. 1 indicates the rotation direction of the right handrail 11b.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an auxiliary handrail 18 extending in the left - right direction is provided on the left - handrail 11a. One end of the auxiliary handrail 18 is horizontally rotatably attached to the column portion 13 of the left - handrail 11a. When the pair of handrails 11 is in an assembled state, the other end of the auxiliary handrail 18 is connected to the column portion 15 of the right - handrail 11b. At this time, the auxiliary handrail 18 is arranged perpendicular to the pair of handrails 11. The arrow R in FIG. 2 indicates the rotation direction of the auxiliary handrail 18.

[0016] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the support member 20. Note that FIG. 5 is a cross - sectional view of the cross - section shown by the cutting line A - A' in FIG. 1. The basket upper handrail device 10 includes a support member 20 whose one end is provided on the handrail portion 14 of the left - handrail 11a. The support member 20 is provided so as to be connected to the left - handrail 11a by a mounting fitting 21 fixed to the handrail portion 14. Also, one end of the support member 20 is rotatably attached to the mounting fitting 21. Therefore, the support member 20 can rotate to transition between a use state and a non - use state. The use state of the support member 20 is a state where, when the pair of handrails 11 is in an assembled state, the other end of the support member 20 is arranged on the left - side guide rail 2a side of the left - handrail 11a. The non - use state of the support member 20 is a state where, when the pair of handrails 11 to be described later is in a stored state, the other end of the support member 20 is arranged so as not to protrude upward. Note that one end of the support member 20 includes the tip of the support member 20 and the portion around the tip of the support member 20. In the present embodiment, the portion around the tip of the support member 20, which is one end of the support member 20, is attached to the mounting fitting 21, and the tip of the support member 20 is at a position farther from the left - side guide rail 2a than the mounting fitting 21.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, a recess 20a is formed at the other end of the support member 20 so as to follow the convex portion of the left guide rail 2a. When the support member 20 is in use, it is positioned so as not to come into contact with the left guide rail 2a when the left handrail 11a is standing upright. In other words, at this time, there is a gap between the support member 20 and the left guide rail 2a. The left handrail 11a being standing upright means that the left handrail 11a is in its assembled state and is not subjected to any external force.

[0018] As shown in Figure 6, the left handrail 11a may tilt towards the left guide rail if, during maintenance work, the maintenance worker M leans against the left handrail 11a, or if the maintenance worker M, who has attached a safety harness 29 to the safety harness attachment part 24b (described later), falls from the top surface 1a of the cage 1. When the left handrail 11a tilts in this way, the recess 20a formed at the other end of the support member 20 comes into contact with the left guide rail 2a and supports the left handrail 11a. Note that when the left handrail 11a tilts towards the left guide rail 2a, it means that the upper end of the column part 13 and the handrail part 14 approach the left guide rail 2a. Note that the safety harness attachment part 24a (described later) is not shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 (described later).

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the support member 20 has a retained portion 20b formed at its other end, which is hooked onto a retaining portion 25, which will be described later. When the pair of handrails 11, which will be described later, are in the stored position, the retained portion 20b is hooked onto the retaining portion 25, thereby maintaining the unused state of the support member 20.

[0020] The elevator car handrail device 10 further includes a spring 22, which is an elastic member, with one end fixed to the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a and the other end fixed to the support member 20. The spring 22 biases the support member 20 into a usable state when the pair of handrails 11 are assembled.

[0021] Furthermore, the elevator car handrail device 10 is further equipped with a stopper portion 23 that prevents the other end of the support member 20 from pointing downward when the support member 20 is in use, by the biasing force of the spring 22. The stopper portion 23 is formed in an L shape and is provided on the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a. The rotation of the support member 20 is stopped when the support member 20 comes into contact with the stopper portion 23.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7, the elevator car handrail device 10 is provided on the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a and further includes safety belt attachment portions 24a and 24b to which a safety belt 29 is attached. The safety belt attachment portion 24a is provided at one end of the handrail portion 14, and the safety belt attachment portion 24b is provided between the support member 20 and the safety belt attachment portion 24a. In other words, the safety belt attachment portion 24a is provided on the handrail portion 14 so as to be on the extension of the column portion 13, and the safety belt attachment portion 24b is provided on the handrail portion 14 so as to be on the extension of the intermediate column portion 13a. Holes are formed in the safety belt attachment portions 24a and 24b for attaching the hook 29a of the safety belt 29.

[0023] Next, the overhead handrail device 10 when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted position will be described. As shown in Figure 8, when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted position, the pair of handrails 11 recline on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1 such that the column portion 13 of the left handrail 11a and the column portion 15 of the right handrail 11b extend horizontally.

[0024] Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the support member 20 when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted position. Note that Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cut surface taken at the same position as the cut surface indicated by the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. When the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted position, the retaining part 25 provided on the right handrail 11b holds the support member 20 in an unused state. A mounting bracket 26 is fixed to the auxiliary column portion 17 of the right handrail 11b. One end of the retaining part 25 is rotatably attached to the mounting bracket 26. The other end of the retaining part 25 is formed in a hook shape. Because the other end of the retaining part 25 is formed in a hook shape, the retaining part 25 can hook the held portion 20b of the support member 20 and hold the support member 20 in an unused state when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted position.

[0025] The support member 20 is provided so as to be connected to the left handrail 11a. Therefore, by the holding part 25 holding the support member 20 in an unused state, the stored state of the left handrail 11a is also maintained. Furthermore, when the pair of handrails 11 are in the stored state, the left handrail 11a is positioned so as to overlap the right handrail 11b. Therefore, by maintaining the stored state of the left handrail 11a, the stored state of the right handrail 11b is also maintained. In this way, the holding part 25 can indirectly maintain the stored state of the pair of handrails 11.

[0026] The elevator car handrail device 10 further includes a spring 27, which is an elastic member, with one end fixed to the auxiliary column portion 17 of the right handrail 11b and the other end fixed to the holding portion 25. The spring 27 biases the holding portion 25 so as to prevent it from rotating away from the support member 20 when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted position. When the elevator car 1 is in normal operation, the elevator car 1 may vibrate, and the holding portion 25 may vibrate as a result. When the holding portion 25 vibrates in this way, it may rotate away from the support member 20, and the unused state of the support member 20 may not be maintained. By biasing the holding portion 25 so as to prevent it from rotating away from the support member 20, the spring 27 can prevent the unused state of the support member 20 from being maintained when the elevator car 1 is in normal operation.

[0027] Normal operation of cage 1 refers to operation for transporting passengers or cargo, and involves sequentially responding to registered calls with cage 1.

[0028] The elevator car handrail device 10 further includes a switch 28, which is a detection device for detecting whether or not the support member 20 is in a non-use state. The switch 28 is provided on the auxiliary column portion 17 of the right handrail 11b so that when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted state and the support member 20 is in a non-use state, the support member 20 presses the switch 28. When the switch 28 is pressed by the support member 20, it detects that the support member 20 is in a non-use state, and when the switch 28 is not pressed by the support member 20, it detects that the support member 20 is not in a non-use state.

[0029] When switch 28 detects that the support member 20 is not in use, it outputs a signal to a control device (not shown) that controls the raising and lowering of the car 1 to stop the normal operation of the car 1. Upon receiving this signal, the control device stops the normal operation of the car 1.

[0030] Next, we will explain the operation when maintenance worker M assembles the car handrail device 10 for maintenance work. When car 1 is in normal operation, the pair of handrails 11 of the car handrail device 10 are in the retracted state, and the support members 20 are not in use. When maintenance worker M performs maintenance work, maintenance worker M switches the operation of car 1 from normal operation to maintenance operation. Maintenance operation is an operation for maintenance worker M to perform maintenance work, and it is an operation in which car 1 is raised and lowered by maintenance worker M's operation.

[0031] Maintenance worker M transitions the pair of handrails 11 of the elevator car handrail device 10 to the assembled state. The actions of maintenance worker M will be described in detail below.

[0032] First, maintenance worker M, who is at the boarding area (not shown), attaches the hook 29a of the safety harness 29 that maintenance worker M is wearing to the safety harness attachment part 24a.

[0033] Next, maintenance worker M rotates the holding part 25 to release the unused state of the support member 20. At this time, the support member 20 moves away from the switch 28, and the switch 28 is no longer pressed, so the switch 28 detects that the support member 20 is not in an unused state. The switch 28 then outputs a signal to the control device to stop the normal operation of the elevator car 1. Because the switch 28 outputs this signal to the control device, even if maintenance worker M forgets to switch the operation of the elevator car 1 from normal operation to maintenance operation, the elevator car 1 will not operate normally.

[0034] Next, maintenance worker M transitions the pair of handrails 11 from the stored state to the assembled state. Specifically, maintenance worker M lifts the left handrail 11a and rotates it around the lower ends of the column 13 and intermediate column 13a until the column 13 and intermediate column 13a extend vertically. After that, maintenance worker M lifts the right handrail 11b and rotates it around the lower end of the column 15 until the column 15 extends vertically. When the left handrail 11a is in the assembled state, the support member 20 is biased by the spring 22 to be in the usable state. Therefore, the support member 20 is in the usable state even without maintenance worker M rotating it.

[0035] Then, maintenance worker M gets onto the top surface 1a of the cage 1 and moves the hook 29a of the safety harness 29 from the safety harness attachment point 24a to the safety harness attachment point 24b.

[0036] Finally, maintenance worker M rotates the auxiliary handrail 18 horizontally until it extends to the left and right. Then, he connects the other end of the auxiliary handrail 18 to the column 15 of the right-side handrail 11b.

[0037] Next, the operation of the support member 20 that supports the left handrail 11a of the elevator car upper handrail device 10 will be explained. As shown in Figure 6, when a maintenance worker M wearing a safety harness 29 falls from the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1 during maintenance work, the left handrail 11a is subjected to a force in the direction toward the left guide rail 2a, causing it to tilt toward the left guide rail 2a.

[0038] When the left handrail 11a is standing upright, the other end of the support member 20 is not in contact with the left guide rail 2a, and there is a gap between the left guide rail 2a and the support member 20. When the left handrail 11a tilts towards the left guide rail 2a, the support member 20 approaches the left guide rail 2a, and the other end of the support member 20 comes into contact with the left guide rail 2a.

[0039] In this way, the other end of the support member 20 abuts against the left guide rail 2a and supports the left handrail 11a, thus preventing the left handrail 11a from tilting further towards the left guide rail 2a.

[0040] Furthermore, when the left handrail 11a tilts towards the left guide rail 2a, the left handrail 11a rotates around the lower ends of the column 13 and the intermediate column 13a. As a result, the upper end of the left handrail 11a, the handrail portion 14, is more likely to approach the left guide rail 2a. Therefore, by providing a support member 20 on the handrail portion 14, the support member 20 can be brought into contact with the left guide rail 2a earlier. Thus, the support member 20 can support the left handrail 11a earlier, and tilting of the left handrail 11a towards the left guide rail 2a can be suppressed earlier.

[0041] Finally, we will describe the actions taken by maintenance worker M when he finishes his maintenance work and retracts the elevator car handrail device 10. The maintenance worker transitions the pair of handrails 11 from the assembled state to the retracted state and puts the support members 20 into a non-use state. The actions of maintenance worker M will be described in detail below.

[0042] First, maintenance worker M disconnects the other end of the auxiliary handrail 18 from the column 15 of the right-hand handrail 11b. Then, rotate the auxiliary handrail 18 horizontally until it extends in the depth direction.

[0043] Next, maintenance worker M moves from the top surface 1a of the elevator car 1 to the landing (not shown) and moves the hook 29a of the safety harness 29 from the safety harness attachment part 24b to the safety harness attachment part 24a.

[0044] Next, maintenance worker M transitions the pair of handrails 11 from the assembled state to the retracted state. Specifically, maintenance worker M rotates the right handrail 11b around the lower end of the column 15 until the column 15 extends in the left-right direction. After that, maintenance worker M rotates the left handrail 11a around the lower ends of the column 13 and the intermediate column 13a until the column 13 and the intermediate column 13a extend in the left-right direction.

[0045] Finally, maintenance worker M rotates the holding part 25 to hold the support member 20 in the unused state. By holding the support member 20 in the unused state in this way, the stored state of the pair of handrails 11 is also maintained. At this time, the support member 20 presses the switch 28, so the switch 28 detects that the support member 20 is in the unused state. Therefore, the switch 28 does not output a signal to the control device to stop the normal operation of the elevator car 1. Then, maintenance worker M removes the hook 29a of the safety harness 29 from the safety harness attachment part 24a, switches the operation of the elevator car 1 from maintenance operation to normal operation, and completes the maintenance work.

[0046] In the elevator car handrail device 10, which includes a left-side handrail 11a provided on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1 that moves up and down along a pair of guide rails 2, and a support member 20 with one end attached to the left-side handrail 11a and the other end in contact with the left-side guide rail 2a to support the left-side handrail 11a, the support member 20 is not positioned on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1. Therefore, the support member 20 does not interfere with the maintenance work of the maintenance worker M who is on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1. Thus, the work efficiency of the maintenance worker M can be improved.

[0047] The elevator car handrail device 10 includes a support member 20 that supports the left handrail 11a. Without the support member 20, the weight of the left handrail 11a tended to increase in order to increase its strength. However, by providing the support member 20, the left handrail 11a can withstand a predetermined load even if its strength is reduced. Therefore, the left handrail 11a can be constructed from a lower-strength material, and its weight can be reduced. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the left handrail 11a can be reduced. In addition, maintenance personnel M need to transition the pair of handrails 11 from the stored state to the assembled state in order to perform maintenance work. By reducing the weight of the left handrail 11a, the burden on maintenance personnel M when transitioning from the stored state to the assembled state is reduced, thereby improving the work efficiency of maintenance personnel M.

[0048] Furthermore, one support member 20 can support one left-side handrail 11a. Since one left-side handrail 11a does not need to be supported by multiple support members 20, the number of support members can be reduced, and the weight of the handrail device 10 above the elevator car can be reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, the length of the support member 20 is determined by the distance from the left handrail 11a to the left guide rail 2a. Therefore, the length of the support member 20 does not depend on the height of the left handrail 11a, that is, the length of the column portion 13 of the left handrail 11a. In other words, even if the height of the left handrail 11a is increased, there is no need to change the length of the support member 20. If a support member 20 whose length changes depending on the height of the left handrail 11a is used, then if the height of the left handrail 11a is increased, the height of the support member 20 must also be increased. As a result, the weight of the overhead handrail device 10 increases due to the left handrail 11a and the support member. On the other hand, if a support member 20 whose length does not change depending on the height of the left handrail 11a is used, then even if the height of the left handrail 11a is increased, there is no need to change the length of the support member 20, and the weight of the support member 20 does not change. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the weight of the overhead handrail device 10.

[0050] Furthermore, in the handrail device 10 above the elevator car in Embodiment 1, when the left handrail 11a is standing upright, the support member 20 is provided so as not to come into contact with the left guide rail 2a, and when the left handrail 11a tilts toward the left guide rail 2a, the other end of the support member 20 comes into contact with the left guide rail 2a to support the handrail. The pair of guide rails 2 are coated with a lubricant such as grease to ensure smooth ascent and descent of the elevator car 1. If the support member 20 comes into contact with the left guide rail 2a, the lubricant will adhere to the support member 20, and there is a risk that the lubricant applied to the left guide rail 2a will peel off. Therefore, by providing the support member 20 so as not to come into contact with the left guide rail 2a when the left handrail 11a is standing upright, it is possible to suppress the peeling off of the lubricant applied to the left guide rail 2a.

[0051] Furthermore, in the elevator car handrail device 10 of Embodiment 1, the left handrail 11a is provided so as to be able to transition between an assembled state in which the left handrail 11a is upright and a stored state in which the left handrail 11a is folded down, and the support member 20 is provided in a non-use state in which the other end of the support member 20 does not protrude upward when the left handrail 11a is in the stored state. If the other end of the support member 20 were to protrude upward when the left handrail 11a is in the stored state, it would be necessary to provide a wide space at the top of the elevator shaft so that the support member 20 does not come into contact with the ceiling of the elevator shaft. By making the support member 20 a non-use state when the left handrail 11a is in the stored state, the space at the top of the elevator shaft can be saved.

[0052] Furthermore, in the elevator car handrail device 10 of Embodiment 1, the support member 20 is rotatably mounted on the left handrail 11a so as to be able to transition between a state of use, where the other end of the support member 20 is positioned on the left guide rail 2a side of the left handrail 11a when the left handrail 11a is assembled, and a state of non-use. The device also includes a spring 22 that biases the support member 20 to be in the state of use when the left handrail 11a is assembled. Therefore, when the left handrail 11a is assembled, the support member 20 is in the state of use by the spring 22 without the maintenance worker M having to rotate the support member 20. Thus, when the left handrail 11a tilts towards the left guide rail 2a side, the support member 20 can be reliably supported by the support member 20.

[0053] Furthermore, the car handrail device 10 in Embodiment 1 is further provided with a holding part 25 that holds the support member 20 in an unused state when the left handrail 11a is in a retracted state. If the support member 20 is not in an unused state when the car 1 is in normal operation, the other end of the support member 20 may protrude upward and come into contact with other equipment in the hoistway or with the ceiling of the hoistway. By holding the support member 20 in an unused state with the holding part 25, it is possible to prevent the other end of the support member 20 from protruding upward and coming into contact with other equipment in the hoistway or with the ceiling of the hoistway when the car 1 is in normal operation.

[0054] Furthermore, in the handrail device 10 above the car in Embodiment 1, a right handrail 11b is further provided, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the left handrail 11a and is capable of transitioning between an assembled state and a stored state, and the holding part 25 is provided on the right handrail 11b. Since the holding part 25 is not provided on the upper surface 1a of the car 1, the maintenance work of the maintenance worker M standing on the upper surface 1a of the car 1 is not hindered by the holding part 25. Therefore, the work efficiency of the maintenance worker M can be improved.

[0055] Furthermore, the car handrail device 10 in Embodiment 1 is further equipped with a switch 28 that detects whether the support member 20 is in an unused state. When the switch 28 detects that the support member 20 is in an unused state, it outputs a stop signal to stop the normal operation of the car 1. When the car 1 is in normal operation, if the support member 20 is no longer in an unused state, the other end of the support member 20 may protrude upward and come into contact with other equipment in the hoistway or with the ceiling of the hoistway. When the switch 28 detects that the support member 20 is not held by the holding part 25, it outputs a stop signal to the control device to stop the normal operation of the car 1. The control device then stops the normal operation of the car 1. Therefore, even if the support member 20 is no longer in an unused state when the car 1 is in normal operation, it is possible to prevent the support member 20 from coming into contact with other equipment in the hoistway or with the ceiling of the hoistway.

[0056] Furthermore, in the handrail device 10 above the elevator car in Embodiment 1, the switch 28 is provided on the right handrail 11b. Since the switch 28 is not provided on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1, the maintenance work of the maintenance worker M standing on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1 is not hindered by the switch 28. Therefore, the work efficiency of the maintenance worker M can be improved. In addition, since the switch 28 is not provided on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1, it is possible to prevent the maintenance worker M performing maintenance work from pressing the switch 28 with their foot.

[0057] Furthermore, in the elevator car handrail device 10 of Embodiment 1, the support member 20 is provided on the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a. When the left handrail 11a tilts toward the left guide rail 2a, the handrail portion 14, which is the upper end of the left handrail 11a, is likely to approach the left guide rail 2a. By providing the support member 20 on the handrail portion 14, the support member 20 can be brought into contact with the left guide rail 2a at an earlier stage. Therefore, the support member 20 can support the left handrail 11a at an earlier stage, and the tilting of the left handrail 11a toward the left guide rail 2a can be suppressed at an earlier stage.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the elevator car handrail device 10, the handrail portion 14, which is the upper end of the left handrail 11a, is further provided with a safety belt attachment portion 24b for attaching the safety belt 29. It is preferable that the hook 29a of the safety belt 29 be attached as far upward as possible from the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1 in the vertical direction. This is because if a maintenance worker M falls from the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1, the distance the maintenance worker M falls will be shortened by the height to which the hook 29a is attached. By shortening the distance the maintenance worker M falls in this way, the impact on the maintenance worker M can be reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, when the left handrail 11a is freestanding, the support member 20 may be in contact with the left guide rail 2a. In a car handrail device 10 equipped with such a support member 20, when raising or lowering the car 1 during maintenance work, the maintenance worker M may rotate the support member 20 to a position where it does not come into contact with the left guide rail 2a. Alternatively, when the left handrail 11a is freestanding, the support member 20 may be slidably brought into contact with the left guide rail 2a.

[0060] Although an example has been described in which one support member 20 is provided on the handrail device 10 above the elevator car, multiple support members 20 may be provided.

[0061] A support member 20 may be provided on the right-hand handrail 11b.

[0062] Although we have described the safety harness attachment parts 24a and b, which have holes for attaching the hook 29a of the safety harness 29, it is not necessary for the holes to be formed as long as the attachment position of the hook 29a of the safety harness 29 can be prevented from moving away from the handrail part 14 of the left handrail 11a.

[0063] In the example described, the holding part 25 hooks onto the held part 25a of the support member 20 to hold the support member 20 in an unused state. However, the holding part 25 only needs to be capable of holding the support member 20 in an unused state. For example, magnets may be provided on the holding part 25 and the support member 20, and the holding part 25 may hold the support member 20 in an unused state by magnetic force.

[0064] Even with the handrail device 10 configured in this way, since the support member 20 is not positioned on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1, the support member 20 does not interfere with the maintenance work of the maintenance worker M who is on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1. Therefore, the work efficiency of the maintenance worker M can be improved.

[0065] Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 1, a car handrail device 10 equipped with a switch 28 for detecting whether the support member 20 is in a non-use state was described. In Embodiment 2, a car handrail device 10 equipped with a switch 30, which is a detection device for detecting whether the left handrail 11a is in a retracted state, will be described.

[0066] Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of the support member 20 when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted state. Note that Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cut surface taken at the same position as the cut surface indicated by the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. The switch 30 is a detection device that detects whether or not the left handrail 11a is in the retracted state. The switch 30 is installed on the auxiliary column portion 17 of the right handrail 11b so as to be pressed against the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted state. When the switch 30 is pressed against the handrail portion 14, it detects that the left handrail 11a is in the retracted state, and when it is not pressed against the handrail portion 14, it detects that the left handrail 11a is not in the retracted state.

[0067] When switch 30 detects that the left handrail 11a is in the assembled state, it outputs a signal to the control device that controls the raising and lowering of the car 1 to stop the normal operation of the car 1. Upon receiving this signal, the control device stops the normal operation of the car 1.

[0068] When maintenance worker M assembles the elevator car handrail device 10 for maintenance work, maintenance worker M transitions the pair of handrails 11 from the retracted state to the assembled state. Maintenance worker M lifts the left handrail 11a and rotates it around the lower end of the column 13 until the column 13 extends vertically. When maintenance worker M lifts the left handrail 11a, the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a moves away from the switch 30. As a result, the switch 30 is no longer pressed down by the handrail portion 14, and the switch 30 detects that the left handrail 11a is not in the retracted state. The switch 30 then outputs a signal to the control device to stop the normal operation of elevator car 1. Because the switch 30 outputs this signal to the control device, even if maintenance worker M forgets to switch the operation of elevator car 1 from normal operation to maintenance operation, elevator car 1 will not operate normally.

[0069] When maintenance worker M finishes maintenance work and retracts the elevator car handrail device 10, he transitions the pair of handrails 11 from the assembled state to the retracted state. Maintenance worker M rotates the column 15 of the right handrail 11b around its lower end until the column 15 extends in the left-right direction. Then, maintenance worker M rotates the column 13 of the left handrail 11a around its lower end until the column 13 extends in the left-right direction. At this time, the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a presses the switch 30, so the switch 30 detects that the left handrail 11a is in the retracted state. Therefore, the switch 28 does not output a signal to the control device to stop the normal operation of the elevator car 1.

[0070] As described above, the elevator car handrail device 10 in Embodiment 2 is equipped with a switch 30 that detects when the left handrail 11a is not in the retracted state. When the switch 30 detects that the left handrail 11a is not in the retracted state, it outputs a stop signal to the control device to stop the normal operation of the elevator car 1. When the elevator car 1 is in normal operation, if the left handrail 11a is not in the retracted state, there is a risk that the left handrail 11a will come into contact with other equipment in the elevator shaft or with the ceiling of the elevator shaft. When the switch 30 detects that the left handrail 11a is not in the retracted state, it outputs a stop signal to the control device to stop the normal operation of the elevator car 1. The control device then stops the normal operation of the elevator car 1. Therefore, even if the left handrail 11a is not in the retracted state when the elevator car 1 is in normal operation, it is possible to prevent the left handrail 11a from coming into contact with other equipment in the elevator shaft or with the ceiling of the elevator shaft.

[0071] Furthermore, if the left handrail 11a is no longer in the retracted position and fails to maintain that position, the left handrail 11a may rotate while the elevator car 1 is operating normally, repeatedly switching between the retracted and unretracted positions. This can cause the elevator car 1 to experience impacts, which may be transmitted to passengers inside the elevator car 1. The elevator car handrail device 10 in Embodiment 2 is equipped with a switch 30, and when the left handrail 11a is no longer in the retracted position, the switch 30 outputs a stop signal that stops the normal operation of the elevator car 1, thus stopping the normal operation of the elevator car 1. As a result, the elevator car 1 is prevented from experiencing impacts due to the left handrail 11a, and the transmission of these impacts to passengers inside the elevator car 1 is also prevented.

[0072] Furthermore, in the elevator car handrail device 10 of Embodiment 2, the switch 30 is provided on the right handrail 11b. Since the switch 30 is not provided on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1, the maintenance work of the maintenance worker M standing on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1 is not hindered by the switch 30. Therefore, the work efficiency of the maintenance worker M can be improved. In addition, since the switch 30 is not provided on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1, it is possible to prevent the maintenance worker M performing maintenance work from pressing the switch 30 with their foot.

[0073] Although the example described shows the switch 30 being pressed by the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a, the switch 30 may also be pressed by a portion of the left handrail 11a other than the handrail portion 14.

[0074] In addition, while a switch 30 for detecting whether the left handrail 11a is in the retracted position has been described, a switch 30 for detecting whether the right handrail 11b is in the retracted position may also be provided. In this case, the switch 30 may be provided on the upper surface 1a of the car 1 so that the right handrail 11b is pushed down when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted position.

[0075] Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 1, a car-top handrail device 10 equipped with a holding part 25 that indirectly holds the stored state of a pair of handrails 11 was described. In Embodiment 3, a car-top handrail device 10 equipped with a holding part 31 that directly holds the stored state of the left handrail 11a and indirectly holds the stored state of the right handrail 11b will be described.

[0076] As shown in Figure 11, the right-side handrail 11b has a column portion 15 extending vertically, a handrail portion 16 extending in the depth direction, an auxiliary column portion 17 extending vertically and positioned between the column portions 15, and an auxiliary column portion 19 extending vertically and positioned between the column portions 15 and the auxiliary column portion 17. The auxiliary column portion 19 is provided with a holding portion 31.

[0077] Figure 12 shows an enlarged view of the holding portion 31 when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted state. Note that Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cross-section indicated by the cutting line BB' in Figure 11. When the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted state, the holding portion 31 provided on the right handrail 11b holds the left handrail 11a in the retracted state. A mounting bracket 32 ​​is fixed to the auxiliary column portion 19 of the right handrail 11b. One end of the holding portion 31 is rotatably attached to the mounting bracket 32. The other end of the holding portion 31 is formed in a hook shape. Because the other end of the holding portion 31 is formed in a hook shape, the holding portion 31 can hook the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a and hold the left handrail 11a in the retracted state when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted state.

[0078] When the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted state, the left handrail 11a is positioned so that it overlaps the right handrail 11b. Therefore, by maintaining the retracted state of the left handrail 11a, the retracted state of the right handrail 11b is maintained. In this way, the holding part 31 can directly maintain the retracted state of the left handrail 11a and indirectly maintain the retracted state of the right handrail 11b.

[0079] The elevator car handrail device 10 further includes a spring 33, which is an elastic member, with one end fixed to the auxiliary column portion 19 of the right handrail 11b and the other end fixed to the holding portion 31. The spring 33 biases the holding portion 31 so as to prevent it from rotating away from the handrail portion 14 when the pair of handrails 11 are in the retracted state. When the elevator car 1 is in normal operation, the elevator car 1 may vibrate, and the holding portion 31 may vibrate as a result. When the holding portion 31 vibrates in this way, it may rotate away from the handrail portion 14, and the retracted state of the left handrail 11a may not be maintained. By biasing the holding portion 31 so as to prevent it from rotating away from the handrail portion 14, the spring 33 can prevent the left handrail 11a from not being maintained in the retracted state when the elevator car 1 is in normal operation.

[0080] When maintenance worker M assembles the elevator car handrail device 10 for maintenance work, he rotates the holding part 31 to release the stored state of the left handrail 11a. Then, maintenance worker M transitions the pair of handrails 11 from the stored state to the assembled state.

[0081] When maintenance worker M finishes maintenance work and retracts the elevator car handrail device 10, maintenance worker M rotates the holding part 31 to hold the left handrail 11a in the retracted state. By holding the left handrail 11a in the retracted state, the right handrail 11b is also held in the retracted state.

[0082] As described above, the elevator car handrail device 10 in Embodiment 3 is equipped with a holding part 31 that holds the left handrail 11a in the stored state when the left handrail 11a is in the stored state. When the elevator car 1 is in normal operation and the left handrail 11a is not in the stored state, the left handrail 11a becomes assembled, and there is a risk that the left handrail 11a will come into contact with other equipment in the elevator shaft or with the ceiling of the elevator shaft. By holding the left handrail 11a in the stored state, the holding part 31 can prevent the left handrail 11a from becoming assembled when the elevator car 1 is in normal operation, and prevent the left handrail 11a from coming into contact with other equipment in the elevator shaft or with the ceiling of the elevator shaft.

[0083] Furthermore, in the handrail device 10 above the elevator car in Embodiment 3, the holding portion 31 is provided on the right handrail 11b. Since the holding portion 31 is not provided on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1, the maintenance work of the maintenance worker M standing on the upper surface 1a of the elevator car 1 is not obstructed by the holding portion 31. Therefore, the work efficiency of the maintenance worker M can be improved.

[0084] Although the example described shows the holding part 31 holding the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a, the holding part 31 may also hold parts of the left handrail 11a other than the handrail portion 14.

[0085] Furthermore, a retaining part may be provided to hook onto the right-side handrail 11b and hold the right-side handrail 11b in its stored position.

[0086] Although the example described above shows the holding part 31 hooking onto the handrail portion 14 of the left handrail 11a to maintain the stored state of the left handrail 11a, the holding part 25 only needs to be capable of maintaining the stored state of the left handrail 11a. For example, magnets may be provided on the holding part 31 and the left handrail 11a, and the holding part 31 may maintain the stored state of the left handrail 11a by magnetic force.

[0087] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) A handrail is provided on the top surface of the elevator car as it moves up and down along the guide rail, A support member having one end attached to the handrail and the other end in contact with the guide rail to support the handrail. A handrail device above the elevator car. (Note 2) When the handrail is standing upright, the support member is provided so as not to come into contact with the guide rail. When the handrail tilts toward the guide rail, the other end of the support member contacts the guide rail and supports the handrail. The handrail device above the elevator car as described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The handrail is provided so as to be able to transition between an assembled state in which the handrail is upright and a stored state in which the handrail is folded down. The support member is positioned in a way that prevents the other end of the support member from protruding upward when the handrail is in the retracted position, thus creating a state of non-use. The handrail device above the elevator car as described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) The support member is rotatably mounted on the handrail so as to be able to transition between a state of use in which the other end of the support member is positioned on the guide rail side of the handrail when the handrail is in the assembled state, and a state of non-use. When the handrail is in the assembled state, the support member is biased by an elastic member to bring it into the use state. The handrail device above the elevator car as described in Appendix 3, further comprising the above. (Note 5) When the handrail is in the stored state, the holding part that holds the handrail in the stored state and A handrail device above the elevator car as described in Appendix 3 or 4, further comprising the above. (Note 6) When the handrail is in the stored state, the retaining part that holds the unused state of the support member and A handrail device above the elevator car as described in Appendix 3 or 4, further comprising the above. (Note 7) The aforementioned handrail is a first handrail, A second handrail is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first handrail and is capable of transitioning between the assembled state and the stored state. Furthermore, The holding portion is provided on the second handrail. The handrail device above the elevator car as described in Appendix 5 or 6. (Note 8) A detection device that detects that the support member is not in the unused state. Furthermore, When the detection device detects that the support member is not in the unused state, it outputs a stop signal to stop the normal operation of the cage. A handrail device above the elevator car as described in any one of the appendices 3 to 7. (Note 9) The aforementioned handrail is a first handrail, A second handrail is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first handrail and is capable of transitioning between the assembled state and the stored state. Furthermore, The detection device is provided on the second handrail. The handrail device above the elevator car as described in Appendix 8. (Note 10) A detection device for detecting that the handrail is not in the retracted state. Furthermore, When the detection device detects that the handrail is not in the retracted position, it outputs a stop signal to stop the normal operation of the car. A handrail device above the elevator car as described in any one of the appendices 3 to 8. (Note 11) The aforementioned handrail is a first handrail, A second handrail is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first handrail and is capable of transitioning between the assembled state and the stored state. Furthermore, The detection device is provided on the second handrail. The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 10. (Note 12) The support member is provided at the upper end of the handrail. The overhead handrail device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. (Note 13) A safety harness attachment part is provided at the upper end of the aforementioned handrail, and a safety harness attachment part is provided for attaching a safety harness. A car handrail device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1 Car, 1a Top surface, 2 Pair of guide rails, 2a Left guide rail, 2b Right guide rail, 10 Car top handrail device, 11 Pair of handrails, 11a Left handrail, 11b Right handrail, 18 Auxiliary handrail, 20 Support member, 22 Spring, 24 Safety belt attachment part, 25 Holding part, 28 Switch, 30 Switch, 31 Holding part

Claims

1. A handrail is provided on the top surface of the elevator car as it moves up and down along the guide rail, A support member having one end attached to the handrail and the other end in contact with the guide rail to support the handrail. Equipped with, When the handrail is standing upright, the support member is provided so as not to come into contact with the guide rail. A cage handrail device in which, when the handrail is tilted toward the guide rail, the other end of the support member contacts the guide rail to support the handrail.

2. The handrail is provided so as to be able to transition between an assembled state in which the handrail is upright and a stored state in which the handrail is folded down. The support member is positioned in a non-use state such that when the handrail is in the stored position, the other end of the support member does not protrude upward. The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 1.

3. The support member is rotatably mounted on the handrail so as to be able to transition between a state of use in which the other end of the support member is positioned on the guide rail side of the handrail when the handrail is in the assembled state, and a state of non-use. When the handrail is in the assembled state, the support member is biased by an elastic member to bring it into the use state. The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

4. When the handrail is in the stored state, the holding part that holds the handrail in the stored state and The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

5. When the handrail is in the stored state, the retaining part that holds the unused state of the support member and The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

6. The aforementioned handrail is a first handrail, A second handrail is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first handrail and is capable of transitioning between the assembled state and the stored state. Furthermore, The holding portion is provided on the second handrail. The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 5.

7. A detection device that detects that the support member is not in the unused state. Furthermore, When the detection device detects that the support member is not in the unused state, it outputs a stop signal to stop the normal operation of the cage. The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 2.

8. The aforementioned handrail is a first handrail, A second handrail is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first handrail and is capable of transitioning between the assembled state and the stored state. Furthermore, The detection device is provided on the second handrail. The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 7.

9. A detection device for detecting that the handrail is not in the retracted state. Furthermore, When the detection device detects that the handrail is not in the retracted position, it outputs a stop signal to stop the normal operation of the car. The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 2.

10. The aforementioned handrail is a first handrail, A second handrail is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first handrail and is capable of transitioning between the assembled state and the stored state. Furthermore, The detection device is provided on the second handrail. The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 9.

11. The support member is provided at the upper end of the handrail. The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 1.

12. A safety harness attachment part is provided at the upper end of the aforementioned handrail, to which a safety harness is attached. The handrail device above the elevator car according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

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