Threshold positioning device

Abstract

To provide a technology that allows the position adjustment of a threshold to be performed more easily than before.SOLUTION: A threshold positioning device 100 comprises a pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 for supporting and adjusting the position of a threshold 1, a control unit 120 for controlling the pair of adjustment mechanisms, and a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the threshold. The control unit includes a first control section that wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the detection result of the tilt detection unit. The pair of adjustment mechanisms has a drive unit that can change the tilt of the threshold, and a second control section that wirelessly receives the control signal output from the first control section and controls the operation of the drive unit according to the received control signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a threshold positioning device.

Background Art

[0002] In Japan, with the declining birthrate and aging population, the reduction of construction workers engaged in strenuous, dirty, and dangerous work at construction sites and the like has become an issue, especially the reduction of skilled workers. Also, in developed countries such as Japan, North America, and Europe, the reduction of construction workers due to the declining birthrate and aging population has become a problem. For this reason, even if the number of workers decreases, it is required to improve the efficiency and labor-saving of construction work so that the same number of construction projects as before can be processed.

[0003] Elevator installation work includes various types of work such as in-tower measurement, rail installation, entrance / exit installation, in-tower equipment installation, car assembly, wiring, etc. Among these installation works, entrance / exit installation is the work of installing opening / closing doors at the openings of the hoistway. Entrance / exit installation is a work that is repeated for each floor of the building and also involves handling long members and heavy objects, so it requires labor and time.

[0004] The elevator entrance is mainly composed of a threshold (sill), a three-sided frame, and a door pocket. The threshold is a component that bears the foundation of the entrance. In the work of installing the threshold, it is required to accurately adjust the position of the threshold in each of the six degrees of freedom, such as making the gap between the car moving up and down in the hoistway and the threshold of each floor constant, and installing the threshold horizontally to move the opening / closing door smoothly. Here, the six degrees of freedom are the degrees of freedom in six directions, namely the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, the Z-axis direction, the pitch direction, the roll direction, and the yaw direction.

[0005] In the installation of elevator sills, when precisely adjusting the position of the sill, it is conceivable to use a device or jig that supports the efficiency and reduction of labor in the adjustment work. Patent Document 1 describes technology for an elevator landing sill adjustment jig and a sill adjustment method. The technology described in Patent Document 1 aims to provide an elevator landing sill adjustment jig and a sill adjustment method that enable adjustment of the longitudinal direction and elevation angle of the elevator landing sill. To address this problem, Patent Document 1 describes the configuration of an elevator landing sill adjustment jig that is fixed to the side of the sill and has notches formed in the upper and lower adjustment pieces, and is characterized in that the horizontal direction of the sill and the elevation angle with respect to the landing surface are adjusted by the positional relationship between the centering line hanging down from the top of the elevator shaft and the notches in the upper and lower adjustment pieces. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-28672 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In conventional methods of adjusting the position of a threshold, the threshold is temporarily fixed to a bracket pre-secured to the wall inside the elevator shaft. Using a piano wire or spirit level suspended vertically from the top of the elevator shaft as a reference, the worker adjusts the orientation and position of the threshold by striking the bracket or threshold with a hammer. However, with this method, the direction, angle, and amount of movement of the threshold can change depending on how tightly the threshold is temporarily fixed, the hammer's striking position, angle, and force. Therefore, it is difficult for the worker to adjust the position of the threshold as intended, requiring skilled techniques and know-how. Furthermore, inexperienced workers may have to strike the threshold with the hammer many times before completing the adjustment, resulting in a time-consuming process.

[0008] In relation to these issues, the elevator landing threshold adjustment jig described in Patent Document 1 is merely an indicator plate that makes it easier to visually confirm the positional relationship between the piano wire, which is a centering line suspended from the top of the hoistway, and the notches on the upper and lower adjustment pieces of the threshold adjustment jig. Therefore, even when using the elevator landing threshold adjustment jig described in Patent Document 1, the worker still needs to visually confirm the positional relationship between the piano wire and the notches while striking the threshold with a hammer. Consequently, adjusting the position of the threshold requires skilled technique.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that allows for easier adjustment of the position of a threshold than in conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, for example, the configuration described in the claims can be adopted. This invention includes multiple means for solving the above problems, but one example is a threshold positioning device for positioning a threshold installed in the opening of an elevator shaft, comprising: a pair of adjustment mechanisms for supporting the threshold and adjusting its position; a control unit for controlling the pair of adjustment mechanisms; and a tilt detection unit for detecting the tilt of the threshold supported by the pair of adjustment mechanisms. The control unit has a first control unit that wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the detection result of the tilt detection unit. Each of the pair of adjustment mechanisms has a drive unit that can change the tilt of the threshold, and a second control unit that wirelessly receives a control signal output from the first control unit and controls the operation of the drive unit according to the received control signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the position of the threshold can be adjusted more easily than in the conventional method. Other issues, configurations, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]It is a perspective view showing a state where a threshold is installed at the opening of the elevator shaft. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the threshold and the bracket. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the bracket. [Figure 4] It is a top view showing the configuration of the threshold. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the adjustment mechanism. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing the configuration of the adjustment mechanism. [Figure 8] It is a view of the opening before installing the threshold as seen from the landing side. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing the system configuration of the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the signal flow when the control mode of the threshold positioning device is set to the manual control mode. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the signal flow when the control mode of the threshold positioning device is set to the automatic level control mode. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the automatic level control mode. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart for explaining the threshold installation method using the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of the threshold positioning device according to the second embodiment as seen from the elevator shaft side. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the clamp. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the threshold positioning device according to the third embodiment as seen from the elevator shaft side.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function or configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0014] First, the coordinate system used in this specification and the drawings will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 4 is formed in the hoistway 6 of the elevator. The opening 4 is an opening for forming the entrance and exit of the elevator. The opening 4 is formed in a quadrilateral shape. On this premise, the X-axis direction indicates the depth direction of the opening 4, the Y-axis direction indicates the width direction of the opening 4, and the Z-axis direction indicates the height direction of the opening 4. The depth direction of the opening 4 corresponds to the depth direction (front-rear direction), that is, the direction in which people and luggage enter and exit, when a person stands on the building floor 5 that serves as the elevator landing and looks at the hoistway 6. The width direction of the opening 4 corresponds to the direction (left-right direction) in which the elevator landing door opens and closes. Also, the Roll direction indicates the rotational direction around the X-axis, the Pitch direction indicates the rotational direction around the Y-axis, and the Yaw direction indicates the rotational direction around the Z-axis. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction correspond to two axial directions parallel to the horizontal plane, which is the horizontal two-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Note that the definition of the coordinate system described with reference to FIG. 1 is also applicable to the drawings other than FIG. 1.

[0015] Next, the installation state and configuration of the threshold will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 1, the threshold 1 is installed in the opening 4 using multiple brackets 2. An opening 4 is formed on each floor of the building. Opening sides 7 are located on the left and right sides of the opening 4. The elevator shaft 6 is formed on the far side of the opening 4, as viewed from a person standing on the building floor 5. Two reference centers 3 are placed in the elevator shaft 6. Each reference center 3 is placed near the wall surface 11 of the elevator shaft 6 to indicate a reference position when positioning the threshold 1. Thin wires such as piano wire with a diameter of about 0.5 mm are used for the reference centers 3. The two reference centers 3 are suspended vertically from the top to the bottom of the elevator shaft 6. The distance between the two reference centers 3 in the Y-axis direction is set to a predetermined distance.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the threshold and bracket. Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the bracket, and Figure 4 is a top view showing the configuration of the threshold. As shown in Figure 2, the sill 1 is fixed to the wall surface 11 (see Figure 1) or steel frame (not shown) of the elevator shaft 6 using multiple brackets 2. In this embodiment, as an example, the sill 1 is fixed to the wall surface 11 of the elevator shaft 6 using three brackets 2.

[0017] Bracket 2 is positioned at three locations in the width direction of the opening 4 at predetermined intervals. Bracket 2 is composed of two bracket components: a wall-side bracket 2a and a sill-side bracket 2b. The wall-side bracket 2a is a bracket fixed to the wall surface 11 of the elevator shaft 6, and the sill-side bracket 2b is a bracket fixed to the sill 1. The wall-side bracket 2a is formed in an L shape, and the sill-side bracket 2b is also formed in an L shape. The wall-side bracket 2a and the sill-side bracket 2b are fastened together by two fasteners 12 with one piece overlapping the other.

[0018] The fastener 12 is composed of, for example, a bolt, nut, and washer. As shown in Figure 3, the sill-side bracket 2b is provided with two elongated holes 17. The elongated holes 17 are formed vertically. The sill-side bracket 2b is also provided with fixing holes (not shown). These fixing holes are for fixing the sill-side bracket 2b of the bracket 2 to the lower surface of the sill 1 using fasteners (not shown). On the other hand, the wall-side bracket 2a is provided with three elongated holes 21 and three fixing holes 22, as shown in Figure 2. Both the elongated holes 21 and the fixing holes 22 are formed horizontally. The elongated holes 21 are for fastening the wall-side bracket 2a and the sill-side bracket 2b. The fixing holes 22 are for fixing the wall-side bracket 2a to the wall surface 11 of the elevator shaft 6. Of the three elongated holes 21, the upper and lower two elongated holes 21 are arranged to overlap with their respective elongated holes 17. The shaft of the fastener 12 is installed so as to pass through the elongated holes 17 and 21. The relative mounting positions of the wall-side bracket 2a and the sill-side bracket 2b can be adjusted in both directions: along the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 17 and along the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 21.

[0019] The threshold 1 is a long, rectangular member. As shown in Figure 4, the threshold 1 is provided with two guide grooves 18 and multiple debris removal holes 14. The two guide grooves 18 are formed parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the threshold 1. The guide grooves 18 are grooves that guide the movement of the landing door (not shown) that opens and closes the entrance and exit of the elevator. Multiple debris removal holes 14 are provided in each of the guide grooves 18. The debris removal holes 14 are holes for removing debris that has entered the guide grooves 18.

[0020] Two opening marking lines 13 are drawn on the upper surface of the sill 1. The opening marking lines 13 are used to adjust the position of the sill 1 in a horizontal plane parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Specifically, the position of the sill 1 is adjusted so that the reference center 3 is located on the extension of each opening marking line 13. For this reason, the distance between the two opening marking lines 13 in the longitudinal direction of the sill 1 is set to match the distance between the two reference center 3 mentioned above.

[0021] <First Embodiment> (Configuration of the threshold positioning device) Next, the configuration of the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the threshold positioning device 100 mainly comprises a pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 and a control unit 120.

[0022] The pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 are mechanisms for supporting the sill 1 and adjusting its position (installation position). The pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 are configured to be installed side by side in the width direction of the opening 4. The pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 are attached to the opening sides 7 located on the left and right sides of the opening 4. The pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 have a symmetrical structure when viewed from the X-axis direction, but are basically the same in configuration. The configuration of the adjustment mechanisms 101 will be described in detail below.

[0023] (adjustment mechanism) Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the adjustment mechanism, and Figure 7 is a side view showing the configuration of the adjustment mechanism. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the adjustment mechanism 101 includes a support arm 102, a height adjustment unit 103, a front-to-back tilt adjustment unit 104, a base plate 105, a horizontal position adjustment unit 106, and a clamp 8.

[0024] (Support arm) The support arm 102 is a member that supports the sill 1 when it is placed on it. The support arm 102 integrally comprises a first arm portion 102a, a second arm portion 102b, and a third arm portion 102c. The first arm portion 102a and the second arm portion 102b are arranged perpendicular to each other. The first arm portion 102a and the third arm portion 102c are arranged parallel to each other. The second arm portion 102b connects one end of the first arm portion 102a to one end of the third arm portion 102c. The first arm portion 102a is formed to be longer than the third arm portion 102c. The third arm portion 102c corresponds to the arm portion on which the sill 1 is placed when the sill 1 is supported by the support arm 102.

[0025] As shown in Figure 6, the first arm portion 102a has an elongated hole 117 for fixing the arm, and the second arm portion 102b has an elongated hole 118 for fixing the sill. The elongated hole 117 for fixing the arm is for fixing the support arm 102 to the arm support plate 150. The elongated hole 118 for fixing the sill is for fixing the sill 1 onto the third arm portion 102c. The elongated hole 117 for fixing the arm is formed to be longer in the longitudinal direction of the first arm portion 102a, and the elongated hole 118 for fixing the sill is formed to be longer in the longitudinal direction of the second arm portion 102b.

[0026] The support arm 102 is attached to the arm support plate 150 by an arm position adjustment knob 116. The arm support plate 150 is an L-shaped plate having an arm receiving portion 150a. The arm receiving portion 150a is the part that receives and supports the first arm portion 102a of the support arm 102 from below. A screw hole (not shown) is formed in the arm receiving portion 150a, and a male screw (not shown) is formed in the arm position adjustment knob 116 that engages with the screw hole of the arm receiving portion 150a. The male screw of the arm position adjustment knob 116 engages with the screw hole of the arm receiving portion 150a through the elongated arm fixing hole 117 of the support arm 102. Therefore, when the arm position adjustment knob 116 is tightened, the first arm portion 102a is fixed to the arm receiving portion 150a. In other words, the support arm 102 can be fixed to the arm support plate 150 by tightening the arm position adjustment knob 116. Furthermore, when the arm position adjustment knob 116 is loosened, the first arm portion 102a can be moved along the long axis of the arm fixing slot 117. In other words, by loosening the arm position adjustment knob 116, the position of the support arm 102 in the X-axis direction can be adjusted. Thus, the arm position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the support arm 102 in the depth direction of the opening 4 is composed of the arm fixing slot 117, the arm support plate 150, and the arm position adjustment knob 116.

[0027] Meanwhile, a temporary sill fixing device 119 is attached to the second arm portion 102b. The temporary sill fixing device 119 is a device that fixes the sill 1 to the support arm 102 by pressing down on the sill 1, which is placed on the third arm portion 102c of the support arm 102, from above.

[0028] The temporary sill fixing device 119 comprises an L-shaped bracket 135, a sill fixing knob 136, a sill fixing pad 137, and a wing nut 138. The bracket 135 is attached to the second arm portion 102b by the wing nut 138. The bracket 135 has a screw hole (not shown). The male thread of the wing nut 138 engages with the screw hole of the bracket 135 through the sill fixing elongated hole 118. Therefore, when the wing nut 138 is tightened, the bracket 135 is fixed to the second arm portion 102b. When the wing nut 138 is loosened, the bracket 135 can move in the direction of the long axis of the sill fixing elongated hole 118, i.e., in the vertical direction. When the wing nut 138 is loosened and the bracket 135 is moved in the vertical direction, the entire temporary sill fixing device 119 moves in the vertical direction. In other words, the temporary sill fixing device 119 is configured so that its mounting position on the support arm 102 can move vertically. As a result, when placing the sill 1 on the third arm portion 102c of the support arm 102, the temporary sill fixing device 119 can be moved upward and the wing nut 138 can be tightened to secure a wide space between the third arm portion 102c and the sill fixing pad 137. Therefore, the work of placing the sill 1 on the support arm 102 can be easily performed.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, the bracket 135 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 135a. The plurality of mounting holes 135a are screw holes having the same inner diameter. The plurality of mounting holes 135a are arranged facing the third arm portion 102c. Furthermore, the plurality of mounting holes 135a are arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the third arm portion 102c.

[0030] The threshold fixing knob 136 is attached to one of the multiple mounting holes 135a selected from among them. More specifically, the threshold fixing knob 136 has an integral shaft portion 136a. A male thread is formed on the shaft portion 136a, and this male thread engages with the mounting hole 135a of the bracket 135. In addition, the lower end of the shaft portion 136a protrudes downward from the lower surface of the bracket 135.

[0031] The threshold fixing pad 137 is attached to the lower end of the shaft portion 136a of the threshold fixing knob 136. The threshold fixing pad 137 is a pad for pressing down on and fixing the threshold 1 which is placed on the third arm portion 102c. In the width direction (X-axis direction in Figures 5 and 6) of the threshold 1 which is placed on the third arm portion 102c, the position in which the threshold fixing pad 137 presses down on the threshold 1 can be changed depending on which of the multiple mounting holes 135a the threshold fixing knob 136 is attached to. In other words, the position in which the threshold fixing pad 137 presses down on the threshold 1 can be changed in the width direction of the threshold 1. As a result, even if the width of the threshold 1 which is placed on the support arm 102 is changed, the center of the threshold 1 in the width direction can be pressed down by the threshold fixing pad 137 of the temporary threshold fixing device 119.

[0032] Here, we will explain how to temporarily fix the threshold 1 to the support arm 102. As shown in Figure 5, the sill 1 is placed on the upper surface of the third arm portion 102c of the support arm 102, and in that state, it is temporarily fixed to the support arm 102 by the sill temporary fixing device 119. Temporary fixing of the sill 1 means fixing the sill 1 to the support arm 102 before fixing (permanently fixing) the sill 1 to the wall surface 11 or steel frame of the elevator shaft 6 using multiple brackets 2, as shown in Figure 1. Temporary fixing of the sill 1 using the sill temporary fixing device 119 is performed in the following procedure.

[0033] First, when starting the temporary fixing work, the worker loosens the wing nut 138 and moves the bracket 135 towards the upper end of the sill fixing elongated hole 118, and then tightens the wing nut 138 to fix the bracket 135 to the second arm portion 102b. Next, the worker places the sill 1 on the third arm portion 102c as shown in Figure 5. Next, the worker loosens the wing nut 138 and moves the bracket 135 downward so that the sill fixing pad 137 comes into contact with the upper surface of the sill 1, and then tightens the wing nut 138.

[0034] Subsequently, the worker presses the threshold fixing pad 137 against the threshold 1 by turning the threshold fixing knob 136 in a predetermined direction. This temporarily fixes the threshold 1 to the support arm 102. Before pressing the threshold fixing pad 137 against the threshold 1, the worker can move the threshold 1 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions on the third arm portion 102c.

[0035] (Height adjustment section) The height adjustment section 103 is the part that adjusts the height of the support arm 102. The height adjustment section 103 mainly comprises an actuator 107, a sliding stage 108, a control box 113, a back plate 114, and a pair of guide shafts 115.

[0036] The actuator 107 corresponds to a drive unit for changing the height of the support arm 102 and the inclination of the threshold 1, which will be described later. In this embodiment, as an example, the actuator 107 is configured as an electric linear actuator. The actuator 107 has a rod portion 107a, a case portion 107b, and a motor portion 107c.

[0037] The rod section 107a extends and retracts in accordance with the drive of the motor section 107c. Figures 6 and 7 show the rod section 107a in the retracted state. The motor section 107c is connected to the upper plate 152 via a joint member 151. The control box 113 is attached to the upper plate 152. The configuration of the control box 113 will be described later. The motor section 107c is driven by power supplied from the control box 113. The case section 107b has a built-in mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor section 107c to the rod section 107a. The tip (lower end) of the rod section 107a is connected to the sliding stage 108 via a joint member 153. The case section 107b is fixed to the intermediate plate 156 using a band 154 and a bolt 155. The intermediate plate 156 is fixed to the back plate 114 using bolts (not shown).

[0038] The back plate 114 is a vertically elongated plate. Support legs 111 are attached to the back plate 114. The support legs 111 are attached to the back plate 114 using support leg mounting brackets 161 (Figure 7). The support legs 111 are movable in the vertical direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the back plate 114. The support legs 111 are used to stabilize the posture of the adjustment mechanism 101 by allowing the weight of the sill positioning device 100 to rest on the support legs 111 when it is desired to attach the base plate 105 to the opening side 7 while it is floating above the building floor 5 without contacting the building floor 5.

[0039] When using the support legs 111, the lower ends of the support legs 111 will be in contact with the building floor 5. In other words, the support legs 111 are installed so as to be in contact with the building floor 5. This allows the entire adjustment mechanism 101 to be supported by the support legs 111, while the base plate 105 is brought into close contact with the opening side 7, and the base plate 105 is fixed to the opening side 7 by the clamp 8.

[0040] The support legs 111 may be attached to the base plate 105 instead of the back plate 114. Also, if the lower end of the base plate 105 is in contact with the building floor 5, the support legs 111 do not need to be used. If the support legs 111 are not used, there is no need to attach them to the back plate 114. In other words, the support legs 111 should be provided only as needed.

[0041] The upper end of the back plate 114 is connected to the upper plate 152, and the lower end of the back plate 114 is connected to the lower plate 157. The upper plate 152 and the lower plate 157 are positioned facing each other. A pair of guide shafts 115 are positioned parallel to each other, connecting the upper plate 152 and the lower plate 157. The pair of guide shafts 115 are shafts that guide the movement of the sliding stage 108.

[0042] In the height adjustment unit 103 configured as described above, when the rod portion 107a of the actuator 107 extends and retracts in accordance with the drive of the motor portion 107c, the sliding stage 108 moves in the height direction (Z-axis direction) while being guided by the guide shaft 115. The rotating shaft 109 and the arm support plate 150 are connected to the sliding stage 108. Therefore, when the sliding stage 108 is moved by the drive of the actuator 107 with the support arm 102 attached to the arm support plate 150, the support arm 102 moves together with the sliding stage 108. As a result, the height adjustment unit 103 can adjust the height of the support arm 102 by the drive of the actuator 107.

[0043] (Anteroposterior tilt adjustment part) The front-rear tilt adjustment unit 104 corresponds to the tilt adjustment unit that adjusts the tilt of the support arm 102. In this embodiment, the tilt of the support arm 102 with respect to the depth direction of the opening 4 can be adjusted by the front-rear tilt adjustment unit 104. The tilt of the support arm 102 with respect to the depth direction of the opening 4 is the tilt of the support arm 102 around the Y axis, in other words, the tilt of the support arm 102 in the pitch direction. The front-rear tilt adjustment unit 104 is attached to the sliding stage 108. The front-rear tilt adjustment unit 104 comprises a rotating shaft 109, an arm support plate 150, a pair of front-rear tilt adjustment knobs 110, and a knob support plate 159. The rotating shaft 109 is an axis parallel to the Y axis direction. The rotating shaft 109 is attached to the sliding stage 108. The arm support plate 150 is rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 109. The pair of front-rear tilt adjustment knobs 110 are attached to the knob support plate 159. Each front-to-back tilt adjustment knob 110 has a protruding portion 110a that extends upward from the knob support plate 159. The upper end of the protruding portion 110a abuts against the arm receiving portion 150a of the arm support plate 150 from below. When the front-to-back tilt adjustment knob 110 is rotated, the protrusion dimension of the protruding portion 110a changes according to the amount and direction of rotation.

[0044] In the front-to-rear tilt adjustment unit 104 configured as described above, rotating the pair of front-to-rear tilt adjustment knobs 110 appropriately causes the arm support plate 150 to rotate around the rotation axis 109 as its center (fulcrum). Therefore, if the rotation of the pair of front-to-rear tilt adjustment knobs 110 is operated so that the protruding portion 110a of the front-to-rear tilt adjustment knob 110 on the left side of Figure 7 pushes up the arm receiving portion 150a of the arm support plate 150, the arm support plate 150 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 109. Also, if the rotation of the pair of front-to-rear tilt adjustment knobs 110 is operated so that the protruding portion 110a of the front-to-rear tilt adjustment knob 110 on the right side of Figure 7 pushes up the arm receiving portion 150a of the arm support plate 150, the arm support plate 150 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 109. Therefore, with the support arm 102 attached to the arm support plate 150 using the arm position adjustment knob 116, the tilt of the support arm 102 with respect to the depth direction (X-axis direction) of the opening 4 can be adjusted by appropriately manipulating the rotation of the pair of front-to-back tilt adjustment knobs 110.

[0045] (Base plate) The base plate 105 corresponds to the base member that is pressed against the opening side portion 7. The base plate 105 is composed of a vertically elongated L-shaped plate. The two inner surfaces 105a (Figure 6) of the base plate 105 are the pressing surfaces against the opening side portion 7.

[0046] (Clamp) The clamp 8 is a component that fixes the base plate 105 to the opening side portion 7. When the base plate 105 is fixed to the opening side portion 7 using the clamp 8, the base plate 105 is attached in close contact with the opening side portion 7. Specifically, the base plate 105 is attached to the opening side portion 7 by pressing the base plate 105 against the opening side portion 7 so that the inner surface 105a (Figure 6) of the base plate 105 is in close contact with the corner of the opening side portion 7 on the elevator shaft 6 side, and then clamping the base plate 105 and the opening side portion 7 with the clamp 8. As a result, the base plate 105 is attached vertically along the opening side portion 7.

[0047] (Horizontal position adjustment part) The horizontal position adjustment section 106 corresponds to the arm position adjustment section that adjusts the position of the support arm 102 in the width direction of the opening 4 (hereinafter also referred to as the "horizontal position"). The horizontal position adjustment sections 106 are arranged in pairs, one above the other. The upper horizontal position adjustment section 106 is attached to the upper plate 152, and the lower horizontal position adjustment section 106 is attached to the lower plate 157. The upper and lower horizontal position adjustment sections 106 have a symmetrical structure when viewed from the Y-axis direction, but are basically the same in configuration. The configuration of the horizontal position adjustment section 106 will be described in detail below.

[0048] The horizontal position adjustment unit 106 comprises a horizontal position adjustment knob 99, a horizontal shaft 112, and a movable member 163. The horizontal position adjustment knob 99 is a knob for adjusting the horizontal position of the support arm 102. The base end of the horizontal shaft 112 is fixed to the base plate 105. The horizontal shaft 112 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base plate 105. The horizontal shaft 112 is a shaft that guides the movement of the movable member 163. A retaining member 164 is attached to the tip of the horizontal shaft 112. The retaining member 164 is a member that limits the range of movement of the movable member 163 so that the movable member 163 does not come off the horizontal shaft 112. A C-ring can be used as the retaining member 164.

[0049] The movable member 163 is fitted onto the horizontal shaft 112 and moves along the horizontal shaft 112. The upper movable member 163 is fixed to the upper plate 152 by two screws 165, and the lower movable member 163 is also fixed to the lower plate 157 by two screws 165. The movable member 163 is provided with a slotted portion 163a. ​​The horizontal position adjustment knob 99 is attached to the slotted portion 163a of the movable member 163. The horizontal position adjustment knob 99 is provided with a male screw portion (not shown), and the movable member 163 is provided with a female screw portion (not shown). The horizontal position adjustment knob 99 can tighten or loosen the horizontal shaft 112 through the engagement of the male and female screw portions described above.

[0050] In the pair of upper and lower horizontal position adjustment units 106 configured as described above, the movable member 163 can be moved along the horizontal shaft 112 by loosening the tightening of the horizontal position adjustment knob 99. This allows the back plate 114, upper plate 152, lower plate 157, height adjustment unit 103, front / rear tilt adjustment unit 104, etc., to be moved together with the upper and lower movable members 163. As a result, the horizontal position of the support arm 102 can be adjusted. Furthermore, the horizontal position of the support arm 102 can be fixed by tightening the horizontal position adjustment knob 99.

[0051] (Control unit) In Figure 5, the control unit 120 is a unit that can be attached to and detached from the threshold 1. The control unit 120 comprises an operation controller 121, a unit base 122, and a height indicator member 123. The control unit 120 is a unit installed on the threshold 1, which is supported by a pair of support arms 102. The operation controller 121 incorporates components (described later) for controlling a pair of adjustment mechanisms 101. The operation controller 121 is attached to the unit base 122. The unit base 122 is a plate-shaped member that serves as the base of the control unit 120. The unit base 122 is formed in an inverted U shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The unit base 122 is attached to the threshold 1 by being placed over it from above. The unit base 122 can be fixed to the threshold 1 by tightening set screws (not shown), and can be removed from the threshold 1 by loosening set screws (not shown).

[0052] The height indicator member 123 is a component used to measure the distance from the top surface of the threshold 1 shown in Figure 5 to the horizontal laser line 10 when the horizontal laser line 10 is emitted from the laser level 9 installed on the building floor 5 as shown in Figure 8. The laser level 9 and the height indicator member 123 constitute a height detection device for detecting the installation height of the threshold 1. The height indicator member 123 is a vertically elongated plate-shaped component. The height indicator member 123 is attached to the unit base 122 via a position adjustment mechanism (not shown). The position adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the height indicator member 123 so that the horizontal laser line 10 emitted from the laser level 9 is irradiated onto the height indicator member 123. The height indicator member 123 can also be attached to the threshold 1 separately from the control unit 120.

[0053] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the system configuration of the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment. In this specification, for the sake of clarity, the adjustment mechanism 101 and its components located on the left side when viewing the opening 4 from the elevator shaft 6 side are denoted with the symbol "L", and the adjustment mechanism 101 and its components located on the right side are denoted with the symbol "R".

[0054] As shown in Figure 9, the operation controller 121 includes a microcontroller 141, a power supply 142, a tilt sensor 143, a changeover switch 144, a hold switch 145, an operation unit 146, and a completion lamp 149. "Microcontroller" is an abbreviation for "microcomputer" (the same applies hereafter).

[0055] In contrast, the control box 113L includes a microcontroller 171L, a power supply 172L, a toggle switch 173L, an operation knob 174L, and an overload notification lamp 175L. The control box 113R also includes a microcontroller 171R, a power supply 172R, a toggle switch 173R, an operation knob 174R, and an overload notification lamp 175R.

[0056] First, let's explain the configuration of the operation controller 121 in detail. The microcontroller 141 is a computer that operates by receiving power from the power supply 142. The microcontroller 141 corresponds to the first control unit that wirelessly outputs control signals based on the detection results of the tilt detection unit. The microcontroller 141 receives electrical signals from the tilt sensor 143, the changeover switch 144, the hold switch 145, and the operation unit 146, respectively. The microcontroller 141 also outputs an electrical signal to the completion lamp 149 to switch the lamp on and off.

[0057] In addition to the microcontroller 141, the power supply 142 also supplies power to the tilt sensor 143, the toggle switch 144, the hold switch 145, the operation unit 146, and the completion lamp 149.

[0058] The tilt sensor 143 corresponds to a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the sill 1 with respect to the width direction of the opening 4. The tilt of the sill 1 with respect to the width direction of the opening 4 is the tilt of the sill 1 around the X-axis, in other words, the tilt of the sill 1 in the roll direction. The tilt sensor 143 is a sensor capable of detecting the tilt angle of the sill 1 in the roll direction. The tilt angle of the sill 1 in the roll direction is zero when the upper surface of the sill 1 is parallel to the horizontal plane. The tilt sensor 143 is a sensor mounted on the control unit 120. Specifically, the tilt sensor 143 is located inside the housing of the operation controller 121. The tilt sensor 143 is composed of, for example, a 3-axis accelerometer. The electrical signal indicating the detection result of the tilt sensor 143 is taken up by the microcontroller 141. The detection result of the tilt sensor 143 is sent from the tilt sensor 143 to the microcontroller 141 as an electrical signal indicating the tilt angle of the sill 1 in the roll direction. As a result, the microcontroller 141 wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the inspection results of the tilt sensor 143. The control signal output by the microcontroller 141 includes the command value described later.

[0059] The changeover switch 144 is a switch for switching the control mode of the threshold positioning device 100. The control mode of the threshold positioning device 100 includes a manual control mode and an automatic horizontal control mode. Details of the control modes will be explained later. By operating the changeover switch 144, the operator can set the control mode of the threshold positioning device 100 to either the manual control mode or the automatic horizontal control mode. The changeover switch 144 is configured, for example, as a slide switch.

[0060] The hold switch 145 is a switch used to hold the command value output from the microcontroller 141 to control the operation of actuators 107L and 107R. The control signal, including the command value, is output wirelessly from the microcontroller 141. When the operator operates the hold switch 145 to hold the command value, the command value will not change even if the operator subsequently operates the control unit 146.

[0061] The operating section 146 is the part for operating the actuators 107L and 107R provided by the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101. The operating section 146 is provided with operating knobs 147L and 147R as first operating parts and operating buttons 148L and 148R as second operating parts. The first operating parts are for operating the actuators 107L and 107R. The second operating parts are for fine-tuning the actuators 107L and 107R. A detailed explanation follows below.

[0062] The control knob 147L is used to operate the actuator 107L of the left-side adjustment mechanism 101L. The control knob 147R is used to operate the actuator 107R of the right-side adjustment mechanism 101R. The control knob 147L is rotatable in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). When the operator rotates the control knob 147L, it outputs an electrical signal (e.g., voltage) corresponding to the rotation angle of the control knob 147L. The same applies to the control knob 147R.

[0063] Operation button 148L is a button provided for fine-tuning the height of the support arm 102 and the inclination of the sill 1 by fine-tuning the actuator 107L. Operation button 148R is a button provided for fine-tuning the height of the support arm 102 and the inclination of the sill 1 by fine-tuning the actuator 107R. Here, "fine-tuning" preferably means an amount of movement less than the amount by which the actuators (107L, 107R) move when the operation knobs (147L, 147R) are rotated 10° clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0064] The operation button 148L consists of a pair of upper and lower push buttons, and when either push button is pressed by the operator, it outputs an electrical signal to make a fine movement of the actuator 107L. Of the pair of upper and lower push buttons that make up the operation button 148L, for example, the upper push button is for making a fine movement in the direction of retracting the rod portion 107a (Figures 6 and 7) of the actuator 107L, and the lower push button is for making a fine movement in the direction of extending the rod portion 107a of the actuator 107L. The same applies to the operation button 148R. By providing such operation buttons 148L and 148R on the operation controller 121 of the control unit 120, the height of the support arm 102 and the inclination of the sill 1 can be adjusted more precisely compared to when the actuators 107L and 107R are operated only by the operation knobs 147L and 147R. In addition, if there is a slight deviation in the height of the support arm 102 or the inclination of the sill 1, this deviation can be easily corrected.

[0065] The completion lamp 149 is a lamp that informs the worker that the tilt adjustment of the threshold 1 is complete. The lighting and extinguishing of the completion lamp 149 are controlled by the microcontroller 141. The microcontroller 141 lights up the completion lamp 149 when the tilt angle of the threshold 1 detected by the tilt sensor 143 is approximately zero, and turns off the completion lamp 149 otherwise.

[0066] Next, we will explain in detail the configurations of control boxes 113L and 113R. Since the basic configurations of control boxes 113L and 113R are the same, we will explain the configuration of control box 113 without specifying the "L" and "R" designations.

[0067] The microcontroller 171 is a computer that operates by receiving power from the power supply 172. The microcontroller 171 corresponds to the second control unit, which wirelessly receives control signals output from the first control unit and controls the operation of the drive unit according to the received control signals. In this embodiment, as described above, the first control unit is composed of the microcontroller 141, and the drive unit is composed of the actuator 107. Furthermore, the control signals output from the microcontroller 141, which acts as the first control unit, include command values. The microcontroller 171 wirelessly receives the control signals output from the microcontroller 141 and controls the drive of the actuator 107 according to the command values ​​included in the received control signals. Electrical signals are input to the microcontroller 171 from the changeover switch 173 and the operation knob 174, respectively. The microcontroller 171 also outputs an electrical signal to the overload notification lamp 175 to switch the overload notification lamp 175 on and off.

[0068] In addition to the microcontroller 171, the power supply 172 also supplies power to the toggle switch 173, the operation knob 174, and the overload notification lamp 175.

[0069] The changeover switch 173 is a switch for switching the operating mode of the adjustment mechanism 101, which is driven by the actuator 107. The adjustment mechanism 101 has two operating modes: a normal operating mode and a standalone operating mode. In the normal operating mode, the control signal output from the microcontroller 141 of the operation controller 121 is enabled, and the actuator 107 of the adjustment mechanism 101 is operated based on this control signal. In the standalone operating mode, the control signal output from the microcontroller 141 of the operation controller 121 is disabled, and the actuator 107 of the adjustment mechanism 101 is operated according to the operation of the operation knob 174. By operating the changeover switch 173, the operator can set the operating mode of the adjustment mechanism 101 to either the normal operating mode or the standalone operating mode. The changeover switch 173 is configured, for example, as a slide switch.

[0070] The operating knob 174 is a knob for operating the actuator 107 of the adjustment mechanism 101 independently. The operating knob 174 is rotatable in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). When the operator rotates the operating knob 174, the operating knob 174 outputs an electrical signal (e.g., voltage) corresponding to the rotation angle of the operating knob 174.

[0071] The overload notification lamp 175 is a lamp that notifies (informs) the operator when an overload is applied to the actuator 107. The load on the actuator 107 is the load when driving the motor section 107c of the actuator 107. The magnitude of the load on the actuator 107 is detected by the microcontroller 171. In other words, the microcontroller 171 has a load detection unit that detects the load on the actuator 107. The microcontroller 171 also determines that an overload has been applied to the actuator 107 when the load on the actuator 107 exceeds a predetermined value. An example of a situation in which an overload is applied to the actuator 107 is when the threshold 1, which is supported by the support arm 102, is fixed to the wall surface 11 by the bracket 2, and the operator accidentally operates the operation unit 146 or the operation knob 174.

[0072] When the microcontroller 141 detects that the actuator 107 is overloaded, it immediately stops the motor section 107c of the actuator 107 and illuminates the overload notification lamp 175. This helps to suppress damage to the actuator 107 due to overload. It also allows the operator to be aware of the occurrence of an overload.

[0073] Next, the control modes of the threshold positioning device 100 will be explained in detail. In the following explanation, the electrical signals output from the operation knobs 147 (147L, 147R), the electrical signals output from the operation buttons 148 (148L, 148R), and the electrical signals output from the operation knobs 174 (174L, 174R) will be referred to as operation signals, respectively.

[0074] Figure 10 shows the signal flow when the control mode of the threshold positioning device is set to manual control mode. The manual control mode is a mode in which the left and right adjustment mechanisms 101L and 101R are controlled independently. Specifically, the microcontroller 141 receives an operation signal from the operation knob 147L or operation button 148L and wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the received operation signal to the microcontroller 171L. The microcontroller 171L then wirelessly receives the control signal output from the microcontroller 141 and controls the operation of the actuator 107L based on the command value included in that control signal. The microcontroller 141 also receives an operation signal from the operation knob 147R or operation button 148R and wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the received operation signal to the microcontroller 171R. The microcontroller 171R then wirelessly receives the control signal output from the microcontroller 141 and controls the operation of the actuator 107R based on the command value included in that control signal.

[0075] Figure 11 shows the signal flow when the control mode of the threshold positioning device is set to automatic horizontal control mode. The automatic horizontal control mode is a mode in which one of the left and right adjustment mechanisms 101L and 101R is controlled as the master side (active side) and the other as the slave side (driven side). In this embodiment, as an example, the right adjustment mechanism 101R is set as the master side and the left adjustment mechanism 101L is set as the slave side. In automatic horizontal control mode, for the right-side adjustment mechanism 101R, which acts as the master, the microcontroller 141 receives an operation signal from the operation knob 147R or operation button 148R, as in the manual control mode described above, and wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the received operation signal to the microcontroller 171R. The microcontroller 171R also wirelessly receives the control signal output from the microcontroller 141 and controls the operation of the actuator 107R based on the command value included in that control signal. On the other hand, for the left-side adjustment mechanism 101L, which acts as the slave, the microcontroller 141 receives an electrical signal indicating the tilt angle of the sill 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "tilt detection signal") from the tilt sensor 143, and wirelessly outputs a control signal to the microcontroller 171L so that the tilt angle of the sill 1 indicated by the received tilt detection signal becomes 0 degrees, that is, the sill 1 becomes horizontal. Furthermore, the microcontroller 171L wirelessly receives control signals output from the microcontroller 141 and controls the operation of the actuator 107L based on the command values ​​included in those control signals. This allows the sill 1 to be maintained in a horizontal position when viewed from the X-axis direction. The tilt angle of the sill 1 detected by the tilt sensor 143 is 0 degrees when the sill 1 is horizontal when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0076] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in automatic horizontal control mode. First, the microcontroller 141 receives an operation signal from the operation knob 147R or the operation button 148R (step S11). Next, the microcontroller 141 receives a tilt detection signal from the tilt sensor 143 (step S12). The tilt angle of the sill 1 indicated by the tilt detection signal may be a positive or negative value depending on the direction in which the sill 1 is tilted from a horizontal position.

[0077] Next, the microcontroller 141 compares the tilt angle of the sill 1 indicated by the tilt detection signal with a preset threshold, and based on this comparison result, changes (corrects) the command value given to the microcontroller 171L (step S13). At this time, the microcontroller 141 changes the command value according to the magnitude of the tilt angle of the sill 1 detected by the tilt sensor 143. Specifically, the command value is changed in the following procedure.

[0078] First, the microcontroller 141 determines whether the inclination angle θ of the threshold 1 exceeds a first threshold (±2°) (step S13a). If it does, it proceeds to step S13b; otherwise, it proceeds to step S13c.

[0079] In step S13b, the microcontroller 141 modifies the command value given to the microcontroller 171L by a first correction value (±40). Specifically, if the tilt angle θ of the threshold 1 exceeds +2°, the microcontroller 141 adds 40 to the command value given to the microcontroller 171L. Also, if the tilt angle θ of the threshold 1 exceeds -2°, the microcontroller 141 subtracts 40 from the command value given to the microcontroller 171L. The specific method of changing the command value described here is basically applied similarly in steps S13d, S13f, and S13g described later.

[0080] On the other hand, in step S13c, the microcontroller 141 determines whether the inclination angle θ of the threshold 1 exceeds the second threshold (±1°). If it does, the process proceeds to step S13d; otherwise, it proceeds to step S13e.

[0081] In step S13d, the microcontroller 141 changes the command value given to the microcontroller 171L by a second correction value (±20).

[0082] On the other hand, in step S13e, the microcontroller 141 determines whether the inclination angle θ of the threshold 1 exceeds a third threshold (±0.5°). If it does, the process proceeds to step S13f; otherwise, it proceeds to step S13g.

[0083] In step S13f, the microcontroller 141 changes the command value given to the microcontroller 171L by a third correction value (±10). Also, in step S13g, the microcontroller 141 changes the command value given to the microcontroller 171L by a fourth correction value (±0.1). The above describes the procedure for changing the command value in step S13.

[0084] Subsequently, microcontroller 141 wirelessly transmits command values ​​to microcontrollers 171L and 171R respectively (step S14). At this time, microcontroller 141 transmits a command value to the master microcontroller 171R based on the operation signal acquired in step S11, and transmits the command value modified in step S13 to the slave microcontroller 171L.

[0085] Next, the microcontroller 141 determines whether the hold switch 145 has been pressed (step S15). If it has not been pressed, it returns to step S11 to maintain the automatic horizontal control mode. If it has been pressed, it terminates the series of processes.

[0086] (Method of installing thresholds) Next, a method for installing a threshold using the threshold positioning device according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 13.

[0087] First, as shown in Figure 8, the worker draws a finishing line 16 a specified distance below the pre-marked relief line 15 (Step S1). Figure 8 is a view of the opening 4 from the landing side before the sill is installed. The relief line 15 is a line drawn horizontally on the wall surface next to the opening 4, and is often drawn about 1 m above the floor surface after construction is completed. The floor surface after construction is the floor surface formed by laying flooring materials on top of the building floor 5, such as concrete. In this case, the worker draws the finishing line 16 horizontally 1 m below the relief line 15. The position of the finishing line 16 indicates the position where the height of the top surface of the sill 1 should be aligned in the Z-axis direction.

[0088] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the worker places the laser level 9 on the building floor 5 in front of the opening 4 and projects a horizontal laser line 10 toward the opening 4 (Step S2). After that, the worker measures the distance H between the finishing line 16 and the horizontal laser line 10 in the Z-axis direction using a ruler or the like, and records the measurement result on a piece of paper or a portable device (Step S3). The distance H measured by the worker is used when adjusting the height of the threshold 1.

[0089] Next, the worker brings the sill 1, to which the three brackets 2 are attached, into the hoistway 6, as shown in Figure 2 (step S4). Each bracket 2 is attached in a position that does not interfere with the positioning of the sill 1. The hoistway 6 is equipped with a fixed platform or a movable work platform.

[0090] Next, the worker installs the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 provided by the threshold positioning device 100 (step S5). At this time, as shown in Figure 5, the worker installs the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 on the corresponding opening sides 7 by fixing the base plate 105 to the left and right opening sides 7 with clamps 8. In addition, the worker uses the position adjustment function of the horizontal position adjustment unit 106 to pull the height adjustment unit 103 closer to the center of the opening 4 so that the support arm 102 of the adjustment mechanism 101 does not come into contact with the reference center 3, so that the movable member 163 comes into contact with the retaining member 164.

[0091] Next, the worker places the sill 1, which was taken in in step S4, onto the third arm portion 102c of the support arm 102 (step S6). When placing the sill 1, the worker loosens the arm position adjustment knob 116 and pulls the support arm 102 towards the elevator shaft 6. Pulling out the support arm 102 in this way secures a wide space between the third arm portion 102c of the support arm 102 and the opening 4. This makes it easier to place the sill 1 onto the third arm portion 102c of the sill 1. After placing the sill 1, the worker returns the support arm 102 that was pulled out earlier to a position that does not interfere with the operation of the height adjustment unit 103. The worker also loosens the wing nut 138 to move the temporary sill fixing device 119 downwards to prevent the sill 1 from falling from the support arm 102, and tightens the wing nut 138 while the sill fixing pad 137 is in contact with the upper surface of the sill 1. Subsequently, the worker rotates the threshold fixing knob 136 as appropriate so that the threshold 1 can be moved on the third arm portion 102c, bringing the threshold fixing pad 137 into light contact with the upper surface of the threshold 1.

[0092] Next, the worker installs the control unit 120 on the upper surface of the threshold 1 (step S7). This completes the installation of the threshold positioning device 100 (see Figure 5). From here, the work proceeds to positioning the threshold 1.

[0093] First, the worker adjusts the inclination of the support arm 102 with respect to the depth direction of the opening 4 using the front-to-back inclination adjustment unit 104 (step S8). Specifically, the worker places a spirit level on the top surface of the sill 1 and rotates the two front-to-back inclination adjustment knobs 110 as appropriate while checking the position of the bubble in the spirit level. Then, the worker adjusts the amount of rotation of the front-to-back inclination adjustment knobs 110 so that the inclination angle of the support arm 102 with respect to the depth direction of the opening 4 becomes zero. This adjustment work is performed in parallel by a pair of adjustment mechanisms 101.

[0094] Next, the operator turns on the power supplies 142 and 172 (172L, 172R) for each part of the threshold positioning device 100, and then operates the changeover switch 144 on the operation controller 121 to enable (ON) the automatic horizontal control mode (step S9). When the automatic horizontal control mode is enabled, as explained using Figure 11 above, the microcontroller 141 sends a control signal based on the tilt detection signal from the tilt sensor 143 to the microcontroller 171L, and the microcontroller 171L controls the operation of the actuator 107L based on the command value included in the control signal. As a result, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the threshold 1 is supported horizontally by the left and right support arms 102.

[0095] Next, the operator adjusts the height of the sill 1 by appropriately operating the operation knob 147R and operation button 148R corresponding to the adjustment mechanism 101R, which is the master side in automatic horizontal control mode (step S10). At this time, the operator first measures how far the horizontal laser line 10 projected from the laser level 9 onto the height indicator member 123 is from the top surface of the sill 1, for example by reading the scale attached to the height indicator member 123. Next, the operator compares the distance measured using the height indicator member 123 with a previously recorded distance H (see Figure 8), and operates the operation knob 147R and / or operation button 148R so that the difference between these distances becomes zero. This makes it possible to align the top surface of the sill 1 supported by the support arm 102 with the position of the finishing line 16 (see Figure 8) in the height direction of the opening 4. Furthermore, since the control mode of the threshold positioning device 100 is set to automatic horizontal control mode, the threshold 1 can be kept horizontal when viewed from the X-axis direction, and the height of the threshold 1 can be adjusted.

[0096] Once the height of threshold 1 is determined in this way, the worker operates the hold switch 145 to hold the command value (step S11). When the command value is held, the automatic horizontal control mode is disabled (OFF), and the movement of both actuators 107L and 107R stops.

[0097] The positioning work of the sill 1 described above completes the adjustment of the tilt of the sill 1 in the pitch direction, the tilt of the sill 1 in the roll direction, and the height of the sill 1. At this stage, when the positioning work of the sill 1 is completed, the sill 1 is supported horizontally by the left and right support arms 102. In addition, the upper surfaces of the third arm portions 102c of the left and right support arms 102 are aligned on the same horizontal plane. Therefore, even if the sill 1 is moved on the left and right third arm portions 102c in the next step, the tilt and height adjustments of the sill 1 described above will not be affected.

[0098] Next, the worker adjusts the position of the sill 1 on the horizontal plane (step S12). Specifically, the worker aligns the position of the punch mark stamped on the side of the sill 1 with the position of the reference center 3, and at the same time adjusts the distance between the sill 1 and the reference center 3 to a predetermined distance. This adjusts the position of the sill 1 in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the opening 4, the position of the sill 1 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the opening 4, and the inclination of the sill 1 in the yaw direction. This completes the positioning of threshold 1.

[0099] Next, the worker temporarily fixes the sill 1 to the support arm 102 by tightening the sill fixing knob 136 of the sill temporary fixing device 119 so that the sill 1, which has been positioned as described above, does not shift (step S13). From here, the worker proceeds to the final fixing of the sill 1.

[0100] First, the worker loosens the fasteners 12 attached to the bracket 2 and the fasteners (not shown) attached to the sill 1 to the bracket 2 as appropriate, and brings the wall-side bracket 2a of each bracket 2 into close contact with the wall surface 11 of the elevator shaft 6, and fixes the wall-side bracket 2a to the wall surface 11 by anchor bolts or welding (step S14). Note that if the wall surface 11 is fixed to the steel frame by the bracket 2, the wall-side bracket 2a will be fixed in close contact with the steel frame.

[0101] Next, the worker fastens the aforementioned fastener 12 and fastener (not shown) to fix the sill-side bracket 2b to the sill 1 and also to the wall-side bracket 2a (step S15). This completes the sill fixing process.

[0102] Subsequently, the worker removes the threshold positioning device 100 from the threshold 1 (step S15). The removal of the threshold positioning device 100 is carried out, for example, in the following procedure. First, the worker loosens the wing nut 138 and moves the bracket 135 upward to release the sill 1 from its fixed position. Next, the worker removes the clamp 8 while holding the base plate 105 with their hand. Next, the worker removes the adjustment mechanism 101 from the sill 1 and the opening side 7, taking care not to hit the support arm 102 hard against the sill 1. Following these steps, the worker removes the left and right adjustment mechanisms 101 in sequence. Next, the worker removes the control unit 120 from the sill 1. The above is the complete procedure for installing threshold 1.

[0103] As described above, the threshold positioning device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 for supporting the threshold 1 and adjusting its position, and a control unit 120 for controlling the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101. This eliminates the need for workers performing threshold installation to support the weight of the threshold 1 while adjusting its position. Furthermore, workers can use the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 to adjust the position of the threshold 1, which was previously difficult during the installation process. As a result, workers can accurately adjust the position of the threshold 1 without having to strike it with a hammer. This makes adjusting the position of the threshold 1 easier than before. Consequently, the time required for threshold installation can be reduced.

[0104] Furthermore, in the threshold positioning device 100 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 120 has a microcontroller 141 that wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the detection result of the tilt sensor 143, and each of the pair of adjustment mechanisms 101 has an actuator 107 that can change the tilt of the threshold 1, and a microcontroller 171 that wirelessly receives a control signal output from the microcontroller 141 and controls the operation of the actuator 107 according to the received control signal. In other words, the microcontroller 141 provided in the operation controller 121 of the control unit 120 and the microcontroller 171 provided in the control box 113 of each adjustment mechanism 101 communicate wirelessly. As a result, there is no need to connect the control unit 120 and the control box 113 with cables or other wiring. Therefore, by positioning the support arm 102 as close as possible to the opening side 7 when installing the adjustment mechanism 101, a wide area can be secured in the width direction of the opening 4 for workers to pass through. Furthermore, with wired communication, there is a risk of workers tripping over cables or other obstacles to their work, but with wireless communication, such risks do not exist. Therefore, workers can safely and efficiently perform the installation work of threshold 1.

[0105] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the sill 1, which is placed on the support arm 102, is pressed down from above by a temporary sill fixing device 119. This means that, for example, when fixing the sill 1 to the third arm portion 102c using the debris removal hole 14 of the sill 1, it is necessary to align the position of the debris removal hole 14 with the third arm portion 102c. However, according to the first embodiment, there is no such positional restriction, and the sill 1 can be fixed at any position.

[0106] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to be detachably attached to the threshold 1, and the tilt sensor 143 is mounted on the control unit 120. This reduces the amount of work required compared to the case where the control unit 120 and the tilt sensor 143 are attached to the threshold 1 separately.

[0107] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the microcontroller 141 changes the command value according to the magnitude of the tilt angle of the threshold 1 detected by the tilt sensor 143. This shortens the time it takes for the threshold 1 to return to a horizontal state compared to changing the command value by a fixed amount.

[0108] <Second Embodiment> Figure 14 is a perspective view of the threshold positioning device according to the second embodiment, as seen from the hoistway side. The threshold positioning device 100A shown in Figure 14 is configured for use in steel-framed buildings. In steel-framed buildings, there may be no wall surface near the opening 4 of the elevator shaft 6, and L-shaped angle members 170 may be installed on the left and right sides of the opening. In other words, the opening sides 7 of the elevator shaft 6 may be made up of angle members 170.

[0109] In such cases, instead of the base plate 105 (Figure 5) used in the first embodiment described above, a pair of upper and lower magnetic bases 132 may be used. The pair of magnetic bases 132 are attached to the ends of the corresponding horizontal shafts 112. The ends of the horizontal shafts 112 to which the magnetic bases 132 are attached correspond to the parts that come into contact with the angle material 170 that constitute the opening side portion 7. The magnetic bases 132 are holding devices that can attract objects by magnetic force, and are configured to allow switching between on (enabled) and off (disabled) of the magnetic force by operating the lever 132a. In this case, the object is the angle material 170.

[0110] When installing the adjustment mechanism 101, which has a pair of upper and lower magnetic bases 132, the adjustment mechanism 101 can be fixed to the angle material 170 by bringing the suction surfaces of each magnetic base 132 into contact with the angle material 170 and turning on the magnetic force by operating the lever 132a. When removing the adjustment mechanism 101 from the angle material 170, the adjustment mechanism 101 can be easily removed from the angle material 170 by turning off the magnetic force of each magnetic base 132 by operating the lever 132a. This eliminates the need for the clamp 8.

[0111] Furthermore, when fixing the adjustment mechanism 101 to the angle material 170 that constitutes the opening side 7 of the elevator shaft 6 using a clamp 8, it is preferable to use a clamp 8 with the configuration shown in Figure 15. As shown in Figure 15, the clamp 8 comprises an L-shaped clamp base 81, a clamp arm 82 that fits into the clamp base 81, a clamp screw shaft 83 attached to the tip of the clamp arm 82, a lever 84 for rotating the clamp screw shaft 83, a pad 85 attached to the end of the clamp screw shaft 83, and a block 86 attached to the clamp base 81 facing the pad 85.

[0112] A screw hole (not shown) is formed at the tip of the clamp arm 82, and the clamp screw shaft 83 engages with this screw hole. Therefore, when the lever 84 is operated to rotate the clamp screw shaft 83, the movement of the clamp screw shaft 83 causes the pad 85 to move toward or away from the block 86. A V-groove 87 is formed in the block 86. The V-groove 87 is positioned opposite the pad 85. The V-groove 87 is a concave groove that can be fitted into the angle material 170 that constitutes the opening side 7 of the elevator shaft 6.

[0113] When fixing the adjustment mechanism 101 to the angle material 170 using the clamp 8 configured as described above, first, the base plate 105 of the adjustment mechanism 101 is pressed against the angle material 170. Next, by appropriately operating the lever 84 of the clamp 8, the base plate 105 and the angle material 170 are sandwiched between the pad 85 and the block 86. At this time, the V-groove 87 of the block 86 is fitted into the edge portion 170a of the angle material 170 (see Figure 14), and the pad 85 is brought into contact with the outer surface of the base plate 105 (see Figure 5). In this state, the adjustment mechanism 101 can be fixed to the angle material 170 by tightening the lever 84.

[0114] <Third Embodiment> Figure 16 is a perspective view of the threshold positioning device according to the third embodiment, as seen from the hoistway side. The threshold positioning device 100B shown in Figure 16 has a different configuration for fixing the threshold 1 to the support arm 102 compared to the first embodiment described above. Specifically, a magnetic base 181 is attached to the third arm portion 102c of the support arm 102 on which the threshold 1 is placed. The magnetic base 181 is a holding device that can be attracted to an object by magnetic force, and is configured to allow switching between on (enabled) and off (disabled) of the magnetic force by operating a lever 181a. In this case, the object is the threshold 1. The bottom surface of the threshold 1 is made of a material that can be magnetically attracted.

[0115] The magnetic base 181 is fixed to the upper surface of the third arm portion 102c by a wing nut 182. The third arm portion 102c is provided with a hole (not shown) for the male threaded portion of the wing nut 182 to pass through. The male threaded portion of the wing nut 182 engages with a screw hole (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the magnetic base 181.

[0116] In the adjustment mechanism 101 equipped with the magnet base 181 described above, the threshold 1 is placed on the upper surface of the magnet base 181 fixed on the third arm portion 102c, and the magnetic force of the magnet base 181 is turned on by operating the lever 181a, thereby fixing the threshold 1 to the support arm 102. This allows the threshold 1 to be temporarily fixed easily and quickly by operating the lever.

[0117] <Examples of variations, etc.> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, although the embodiments described above are explained in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the configurations described in the embodiments described above. Furthermore, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment. It is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to delete a part of the configuration of each embodiment, add other configurations, or replace other configurations.

[0118] For example, in the above embodiment, the system is configured to include a tilt detection unit (tilt sensor 143) that detects the tilt of the sill 1 with respect to the width direction of the opening 4. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and may also include a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the sill 1 with respect to the depth direction of the opening 4. Alternatively, the system may include both a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the sill 1 with respect to the width direction of the opening 4 and a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the sill 1 with respect to the depth direction of the opening 4. Furthermore, in a configuration that includes a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the sill 1 with respect to the depth direction of the opening 4, a drive unit such as an actuator may be provided in the front-rear tilt adjustment unit 104, and a system configuration may be adopted in which the operation of this drive unit is controlled based on the detection result of the tilt detection unit. In principle, the system configuration can be the same as that shown in Figure 9.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the overload notification lamp 175 lights up to inform the operator that an overload has been applied to the actuator 107. However, other methods of notification may also be used, such as sound. Alternatively, the lamp and sound may be used in combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] 1…Sill, 4…Opening, 6…Hoistway, 7…Opening side, 8…Clamp, 86…Block, 87…V-groove, 100, 100A, 100B…Sill positioning device, 101…Adjustment mechanism, 102…Support arm, 107…Actuator (drive unit), 119…Sill temporary fixing device, 120…Control unit, 132…Magnet base, 137…Sill fixing pad, 141…Microcontroller (first control unit), 143…Tilt sensor (Tilt detection unit), 147L, 147R…Operation knob (first operation unit), 148L, 148R…Operation button (second operation unit), 171…Microcontroller (second control unit), 181…Magnet base

Claims

1. A threshold positioning device for positioning a threshold installed at the opening of an elevator shaft, A pair of adjustment mechanisms for supporting the threshold and adjusting the position of the threshold, A control unit that controls the pair of adjustment mechanisms, The system includes a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the threshold supported by the pair of adjustment mechanisms, The control unit is A first control unit wirelessly outputs a control signal based on the detection result of the tilt detection unit, The pair of adjustment mechanisms includes an operating section for operating the drive unit, Each of the pair of adjustment mechanisms includes a drive unit capable of changing the inclination of the threshold, and a second control unit that wirelessly receives the control signal output from the first control unit and controls the operation of the drive unit according to the received control signal. The control unit includes an automatic horizontal control mode in which one of the pair of adjustment mechanisms is controlled as the driving side and the other as the driven side. The main adjustment mechanism operates based on the operation signal from the operation unit. The driven adjustment mechanism operates based on the detection result of the tilt detection unit so that the threshold becomes horizontal. Threshold positioning device.

2. Each of the pair of adjustment mechanisms includes a support arm that supports the sill in a supported position, and a temporary sill fixing device that presses down on the sill placed on the support arm from above. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned sill temporary fixing device is attached to the support arm, and its mounting position on the support arm is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. The threshold positioning device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned temporary sill fixing device has a sill fixing pad for pressing down on and fixing the sill that is placed on the support arm, and the pressing position of the sill by the sill fixing pad is configured to be changeable in the width direction of the sill. The threshold positioning device according to claim 2.

5. The control unit is configured to be detachably attached to the threshold, The tilt detection unit is mounted on the control unit. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1.

6. The operating unit includes a first operating unit for operating the drive unit and a second operating unit for finely moving the drive unit. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1.

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

8. Each of the pair of adjustment mechanisms comprises a base member that is pressed against the opening sides located on the left and right sides of the opening, and a clamp that fixes the base member to the opening sides. The clamp has a block with a V-groove formed on the opening side that can be fitted into it. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1.

9. Each of the pair of adjustment mechanisms has a magnetic base in a portion that contacts the opening sides located on the left and right sides of the opening, and is configured to be fixed to the opening sides by the magnetic force of the magnetic base. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1.

10. Each of the pair of adjustment mechanisms includes a support arm for supporting the sill in a placed position, and a magnet base positioned on the portion of the support arm on which the sill is placed. It has the ability to fix the threshold to the support arm by the magnetic force of the magnet base. The threshold positioning device according to claim 1.

Images