Description Title of Invention: RAIL-RETAINING DEVICE FOR AN ELEVATOR

Technical Field

[0001]
The present invention relates to a rail-retaining device for an elevator, which retains a guide rail for guiding the raising and lowering of an ascending/descending body in a hoistway.

Background Art

[0002]
In general, in an elevator apparatus, a plurality of guide rails are installed in a hoistway. A car and a counterweight are guided so as to be raised and lowered by the guide rails. Each of the guide rails is fixed to a plurality of brackets provided on a hoistway wall by using a plurality of rail clips. Further, guide devices to be engaged with the guide rails are provided to the car and the counterweight, respectively.

[0003]
If the guide rails receive a horizontal load from the car or the counterweight due to horizontal vibrations caused by an eccentric load of the car or the counterweight or an earthquake, a moment of rotation is generated about the rail clips, each serving as a supporting point. As a result, a deflection occurs throughout the entire guide rails. When the deflection becomes larger, there is a fear in that running performance is lowered or the guide devices are removed from the guide rails to adversely affect the running.

[0004]
On the other hand, in the case of conventional rail-retaining devices for an elevator, rail clips for retaining the guide rails are provided so as to be close to each other in a vertical direction as compared with a distance between the brackets. In this manner, the rotational movement of the guide rails, which occurs about the rail clips, is restrained to suppress the deflection throughout the entire guide rails (for example, see Patent Literature 1).

Citation List Patent Literature

[0005]
[PTL 1]: JP 2002-37566 A (Pages 2 to 4, FIG. 2)

Summary of Invention Technical Problem

[0006]
In each of the conventional rail-retaining devices described above, the vertical distance between the rail clips is set small. Therefore, a force for restraining the deflection of the guide rails is concentrated in rail-clip portions. Therefore, if a horizontal load which is larger than a normally applied one is exerted on the guide rails due to the earthquake or the like, an excessive force is applied to the brackets to bring about a possibility of deforming the brackets.

[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve the problem described above, and therefore has an object to provide a rail-retaining device for an elevator, which is capable of preventing an excessive force from being applied to a retainer for retaining a guide rail to a bracket, and to the bracket while a deflection of the guide rail is suppressed.

Solution to Problems

[0008]
According to the present invention, there is provided a rail-retaining device for an elevator, including: a bracket to be fixed to a hoistway wall; a retainer for retaining a guide rail for guiding raising and lowering of an ascending/descending body to the bracket, and for allowing rotation of the guide rail relative to the bracket, caused by a horizontal load; and a moment-generating member for generating in accordance with a deflection of the guide rail caused by the horizontal load, a moment acting for recovery from the deflection.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a rail-retaining device for an elevator, including: a bracket to be fixed to a hoistway wall; and a retainer for retaining a guide rail for guiding raising and lowering of an ascending/descending

body to the bracket, in which the bracket includes an elastically-deformable portion which is elastically deformed by a deflection of the guide rail so that the bracket generates a moment acting for recovery from the deflection in accordance with the deflection of the guide rail, caused by a horizontal load.
Still further, according to the present invention, there is provided a rail-retaining device for an elevator, including: a bracket to be fixed to a hoistway wall; and a retainer for retaining a guide rail for guiding raising and lowering of an ascending/descending body to the bracket, in which: the bracket includes a hoistway-fixing portion to be fixed to the hoistway wall and a rail-fixing portion to be fixed to the guide rail; the rail-fixing portion is rotatable relative to the hoistway-fixing portion in accordance with a deflection of the guide rail; and the guide rail is secured to the rail-fixing portion by the retainer to block rotation of the guide rail relative to the rail-fixing portion.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0009]
With the rail-retaining device for the elevator according to the present invention, the rotation at the portion where the guide rail is mounted to the bracket is allowed. Therefore, an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the retainer and the bracket. Moreover, the moment acting for recovery from the

deflection is generated by the moment-generating member in accordance with the deflection of the guide rail. Therefore, the deflection of the guide rail can be suppressed.

Further, in the rail-retaining device for the elevator according to the present invention, the elastically-deformable portion is elastically deformed when the guide rail is deformed by the horizontal load. Therefore, a reaction force to be generated in the retainer can be reduced. At the same time, an excessive reaction force can be prevented from being generated in the bracket. Moreover, the moment, which rotates in a direction opposite to a direction of the load, is generated in the bracket to suppress the deflection of the guide rail.

Still further, in the rail-retaining device for the elevator according to the present invention, the guide rail is secured to the rail-fixing portion. However, the rail-fixing portion can rotate relative to the hoistway-fixing portion. Therefore, a reaction force generated in securingmeans becomes small. Moreover, the rail-fixing portion serves as a reinforcing plate. Thus, the deformation of the guide rail in the vicinity of the rail-fixing portion is restrained. As a result, the deflection throughout the entire guide rail can be suppressed.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an elevator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device illustrated in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the rail-retaining device illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of conventional rail-retaining devices as a schematic model.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating a car guide-rail as a model obtained by approximating the car guide-rail by a fixed-fixed beam.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which the car guide-rail illustrated in FIG. 1 is deflected by a horizontal load.

FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a state in which a guide rail is deflected by a horizontal load in a configuration illustrated in FIG. 12 from which a first moment-generating member is eliminated.

FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a side view illustrating a state in which a guide rail illustrated in FIG. 18 is deflected by a horizontal load.
FIG. 20 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a side view illustrating a principal part of FIG. 20 in an enlarged manner.
FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device

according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 38 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 9 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a thirty-first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 40 is a plan view illustrating the rail-retaining device illustrated in FIG. 39.
FIG. 41 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0011]
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention are described referring to the drawings.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an elevator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a hoisting machine 2 is installed above a hoistway 1. The hoisting machine 2 includes a driving sheave 3 , a hoisting-machine motor for rotating the driving sheave 3, and a hoisting-machine brake for braking the rotation of the driving sheave 3 . Suspension means 4 is looped around the driving sheave 3. As the suspension means 4, a plurality of ropes or a plurality of belts are used.

[0012]

A car 5, which is an ascending/descending body, is connected to one end of the suspension means 4. A counterweight 6, which is an ascending/descending body, is connected to the other end of the suspension means 4 . The car 5 and the counterweight 6 are suspended in the hoistway 1 by the suspension means 4 and are raised and lowered by the hoisting machine 2.

[0013]
In the hoistway 1, a pair of car guide-rails 7 for guiding the raising and lowering of the car 5 and a pair of counterweight guide-rails 8 for guiding the raising and lowering of the counterweight 6 are installed. On a hoistway wall la, a plurality of brackets 9 are fixed at vertical intervals.

[0014]
The car guide-rail 7 and the counter guide-rail 8 are fixed to the brackets 9 by a plurality of rail-retaining devices 10 so as to be retained inside the hoistway 1. All the guide rails 7 and 8 are fixed to the brackets 9, although a part thereof is omitted in FIG. 1. In this example, the rail-retaining devices 10 having the same configuration are provided to all the brackets 9.

[0015]
FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the rail-retaining device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the rail-retaining device 10 illustrated in FIG. 2. The rail-retaining device 10 includes a pair of rail clips 11 made of a metal, serving as retainers for retaining each

of the guide rails 7 and 8 to the bracket 9, and a moment-generating member 12 which is supported by the bracket 9 so as to face a rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. [0016]
The rail clips 11 sandwich (grip) each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from both widthwise sides of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 so as to be located between each of the guide rails 7 and 8 and the bracket 9. The rail clips 11 allow the rotation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 relative to the bracket 9, which is caused by a horizontal load.

[0017]
A vertically middle portion of the moment-generating member 12 is connected to the bracket 9 so as to be turnable about a horizontal turningaxisl3 . The moment-generating member 12hasashapeobtained by bending both end portions of a bar-like member, which has a sufficient stiffness and a rectangular cross section, at a right angle toward each of the guide rails 7 and 8 . The moment-generating member 12 includes a first end surface 12a which faces the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 above the bracket 9 and a second end surface 12b which faces the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 below the bracket 9.

[0018]
Note that, as for the shape of the moment-generating member 12, the same effects can be obtained also with a shape other than the shape illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 as long as the moment-generating member has a sufficient stiffness and has two end surfaces provided in the vertical direction, which face the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8.

[0019]
When the horizontal load is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 by an earthquake or an eccentric load in the car 5, the guide rails 7 are 8 is deflected to rotate about the rail clips 11 functioning as supports. When each of the guide rails 7 and 8 rotates about the rail clips 11, the first end surface 12a and the second end surface 12b come into contact with the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 . At this time, the moment-generating member 12 is turned about the turning axis 13. Therefore, the rotation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is not significantly-blocked. As a result, an excessive reaction force is not generated in the rail clips 11 or the bracket 9.

[0020]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of conventional rail-retaining devices as a schematic model. In the conventional rail-retaining device, a car guide-rail 7 is fixed by using two pairs of rail clips 11 for a single bracket 9 . A vertical distance "d" between the rail clips 11 provided to the single bracket 9 is set sufficiently smaller than a distance L between the brackets 9 which are vertically arranged. With the configuration described above, the rotational movement of each of the guide rails 7 and 8, which occurs about the rail clips 11, is restrained, to thereby suppress the deflection throughout each of the entire guide rails 7 and 8.

[0021]
In FIG. 4, when it is assumed that a load "w" is applied by a car 5 to the car guide-rail 7 at the middle of the distance L and reaction forces fl and f2 (the reaction forces closer to the load "w" is fl) are respectively generated in the rail clips 11, the relationship between the load "w" and the reaction forces fl and f2 is expressed by the following expression. In this case, it is assumed that the upper and lower brackets 9 are located symmetrically and have the same shape.
w/2=fl+f2 (1)

[0022]
When the two pairs of rail clips 11 provided to the single bracket 9 are considered in isolation, a moment is not generated in the rail clips 11 in which the reaction force f2 is generated, and therefore the following equation of equilibrium of the moment is obtained:

iyil-fld=0 (2) where Ml represents a moment generated in the rail clips 11 in which the reaction force fl is generated.

[0023]
On the other hand, when it is assumed that the rotation of the car guide-rail 7 at the fixing portion to the bracket 9 is suppressed by the rail clips 11 provided in proximity to each other. the car guide-rail can be approximated to a fixed-fixed beam, as illustrated in FIG. 5 . Then, a moment M generated in a fixing portion on each of both ends of the fixed-fixed beam is obtained by the following expression.
M=wL/8 (3)

[0024]
When it is assumed that the moments M and Ml are equal to each other, the following expression is obtained from Expressions (2) and (3).
fld=wL/8 (4)

[0025]
Thus, from Expressions (1) and (4), the reaction forces in the rail clips are respectively obtained as follows.
fl=wL/8d (5)
f2=(w/8)x{4-(L/d)} (6)

[0026]
In the case of the conventional rail - retaining device described above, the rotational movement occurring about the rail clips 11 is restrained by reducing the distance "d" between the rail clips 11. As a result, the deflection throughout the entire car guide-rail 7 is reduced. However, the distance "d" between the rail clips 11 is smaller than the distance L between the brackets 9. Therefore, as the distance "d" is reduced, the reaction forces f 1 and f 2 increase. As a result, there arises a problem in that an excessive force is applied to the bracket 9. This is because the reaction forces are
concentrated in a portion in which the rail clips 11 are provided in proximity to each other by completely restraining the rotation of the car guide-rail 7 by the two pairs of rail clips 11, which are vertically arranged.

[0027]
On the other hand, with the configuration of the first embodiment, the rotational movement of each of the guide rails 7 and 8, which occurs about the rail-supporting portions, is allowed. As a result, an excessive reaction force can be prevented from being concentrated on the rail clips 11 or the bracket 9. Moreover, the moment-generating member 12 applies the moment of rotation in the opposite direction to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 in accordance with the amount of rotation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Therefore, the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 can be suppressed.

[0028]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which the car guide-rail 7 illustrated in FIG. 1 is deflected by the horizontal load. As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the horizontal load "w" is applied to the car guide-rail 7 at the middle position between the upper and lower brackets 9, a reaction force "f" is applied to the rear surface of the car guide-rail 7 from the second end surface 12b of the upper moment-generating member 12. Similarly, the reaction force "f" is applied to the rear surface of the car guide-rail 7 from the first end surface 12a of the lower moment-generating member 12.

[0029]
By the reaction force "f" described above, a moment in a clockwise direction of FIG. 6 is generated in a portion of the car guide-rail 7 to which the lower bracket 9 is coupled and a moment in a counterclockwise direction of FIG. 6 is generated in a portion of the car guide-rail 7 to which the upper bracket 9 is coupled, respectively about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports. Accordingly, the deflection of the car guide-rails 7 can be suppressed by the moments described above.

[0030]
Second Embodiment
Next, FIG. 7 isasideviewillustratingarail-retainingdevice according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Whereas the moment-generating member 12 is vertically symmetric with respect to the bracket 9 in the first embodiment, a moment-generating member 12 is vertically asymmetric in the second embodiment. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0031]
As described above, also when the moment-generating member 12 is provided so as to be vertically asymmetric, the same effects as those obtained from the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0032]
Note that, gaps are provided between the end surfaces 12a and 12b and the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 in the first and second embodiments. However, the end surfaces 12a and 12b may be held in contact with the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 in a state in which the deflection does not occur in each of the guide rails 7 and 8.

[0033]
Third Embodiment
Next, FIG. 8 is a sideview illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Whereas the moment-generating member 12 is turnably mounted to the bracket 9 in the first embodiment, a moment-generating member 12 is fixed so as not to turn with respect to a bracket 9 in the third embodiment. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0034]
In the rail-retaining device described above, a gap is present between each of the guide rails 7 and 8 and the moment-generating member 12, and therefore the guide rail and the moment-generating member are not generally held in contact with each other. When the horizontal load is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from this state to deform each of the guide rails 7 and 8, the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 comes into contact with any one of the unfixed end surfaces 12a and 12b.

[0035]
As a result, a moment acting for recovery from the deflection about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports is applied to

each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from the moment-generating member 12, thereby suppressing the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 . Therefore, an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the rail clips 11 and the bracket 9 while the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is suppressed.

[0036]
Note that, the moment-generating member 12 may be fixed to the bracket 9 so as to be vertically asymmetric as in the case of the second embodiment.

[0037]
Fourth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the rail-retaining device includes a pair of rail clips 11, and a first moment-generating member 14 and a second moment-generating member 15, each having a sufficient stiffness and a bar-like shape. The first moment-generating member 14 and the second moment-generating member 15 are fixed to a hoist way wall la (building) so as to face a rear surface of each of guide rails 7 and 8.

[0038]
The first moment-generating member 14 is provided above a bracket 9 and includes an unfixed first end surface 14a which faces the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. The second moment-generating member 15 is provided below the bracket 9 and includes an unfixed second end surface 15a which faces the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0039]
In the rail-retaining device described above, a gap is present between each of the guide rails 7 and 8 and each of the moment-generating members 14 and 15, and therefore the guide rail and the moment-generating member are not generally held in contact with each other. When the horizontal load is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from this state to deform each of the guide rails 7 and 8, the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 comes into contact with any one of the end surfaces 14a and 15b.

[0040]
As a result, a moment acting for recovery from the deflection about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from the first moment-generating member 14 or the second moment-generating member 15, thereby suppressing the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Therefore, an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the rail clips 11 and the bracket 9 while the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is suppressed.

[0041]
Note that, the respective distances from the bracket 9 to the moment-generating members 14 and 15 may be the same or different.

Moreover, the sizes and shapes of the moment-generating members 14 and 15 are not required to be the same.

[0042]
Fifth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the rail-retaining device includes a pair of rail clips 11, a first moment-generating member 16 and a second moment-generating member 17, each having a sufficient stiffness and an L-like shape, and a first fixture 18 for fixing the moment-generating member 16 and a second fixture 19 for fixing the moment-generating member 17 to each of guide rails 7 and 8. As each of the fixtures 18 and 19, for example, a fixture similar to the rail clips 11 may be used.

[0043]
The first moment-generating member 16 is fixed to the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 above a bracket 9, and includes an unfixed first end surface 16a which faces the upper surface of the bracket 9. The second moment-generating member 17 is fixed to the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 below the bracket 9, and includes an unfixed second end surface 17a which faces the lower surface of the bracket 9. The first end surface 16a and the second end surface 17a face each other across the bracket 9. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0044]
In the rail-retaining device described above, a gap is present between the bracket 9 and each of the moment-generating members 16 and 17, and therefore the bracket and the moment-generating member are not generally held in contact with each other. When the horizontal load is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from this state to deform each of the guide rails 7 and 8, any one of the end surfaces 16a and 17a comes into contact with the bracket 9.

[0045]
As a result, a moment acting for recovery from the deflection about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from the first moment-generating member 16 or the second moment-generating member 17, thereby suppressing the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Therefore, an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the rail clips 11 and the bracket 9 while the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is suppressed.

[0046]
Moreover, the moment-generating members 16 and 17 are mounted to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 Therefore, the moment-generating members 16 and 17 can be mounted at an arbitrary position on each of the guide rails 7 and 8 without changing the configuration of the building or the existing bracket 9.

[0047]
Note that, the respective distances from the bracket 9 to the moment-generating members 16 and 17 may be the same or different.

Moreover, the sizes and shapes of the moment-generatingmembers 16 and 17 are not required to be the same.

[0048]
Sixth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the rail-retaining device includes a pair of rail clips 11, a first moment-generating member 20 and a second moment-generating member 21, each having a sufficient stiffness and a bar-like shape, and a first fixture 18 for fixing the moment-generating member 20 and a second fixture 19 for fixing the moment-generating member 21 to each of guide rails 7 and 8.

[0049]
The first moment-generating member 20 is fixed to the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 above a brackets 9, and includes an unfixed first end surface 20a which faces a hoistway wall la. The second moment-generating member 21 is fixed to the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 below the bracket 9, and includes an unfixed second end surface 21a which faces the hoistway wall la. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment. [0050]
In the rail-retaining device described above, a gap is present between the hoistway wall laandeachof the moment-generating members 20 and 21, and therefore the hoistway wall and the moment-generating member are not generally held in contact with each other. When the horizontal load is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from this state to deform each of the guide rails 7 and 8, any one of the end surfaces 20a and 21a comes into contact with the hoistway wall la.

[0051]
As a result, a moment acting for recovery from the deflection about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from the first moment-generating member 20 or the second moment-generating member 21, thereby suppressing the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Therefore, an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the rail clips 11 and the bracket 9 while the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is suppressed.
[0052]
Moreover, the moment-generating members 20 and 21 are mounted to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 . Therefore, the moment-generating members 20 and 21 can be mounted at an arbitrary position on each of the guide rails 7 and 8 without changing the configuration of the building or the existing brackets 9.

[0053]
Note that, the respective distances from the bracket 9 to the moment-generating members 20 and 21 may be the same or different.

Moreover, the sizes and shapes of the moment-generatingmembers 2 0 and 21 are not required to be the same.

[0054]
Seventh Embodiment
FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, the rail-retaining device includes a pair of rail clips 11, a first moment-generating member 22 and a second moment-generating member 23, each having an L-like shape, and a first fixture 18 for fixing the moment-generating member 22 and a second fixtures 19 for fixing the moment-generating member 23 to each of guide rails 7 and 8 . Each of the first moment-generating member 22 and the second moment-generating member 23 is formed of an elastic body (member having elastic characteristics) such as a flat spring.

[0055]
The first moment-generating member 22 is fixed to the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 above a bracket 9, and includes a horizontal lower end surface which faces the upper surface of the bracket 9. The second moment-gene rating member 23 is fixed to the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 below the bracket 9, and includes a horizontal upper end surface which faces the lower surface of the bracket 9. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0056]
In the rail-retaining device described above, a gap is present between the bracket 9 and each of the moment-generating members 22 and 23 , and therefore the bracket and the moment-generating member are not generally held in contact with each other. When the horizontal load is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from this state to deform each of the guide rails 7 and 8, any one of the first moment-generating member 22 and the second moment-generating member 23 comes into contact with the bracket 9.

[0057]
As a result, a moment acting for recovery from the deflection about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from the first moment-generating member 22 or the second moment-generating member 23, thereby suppressing the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Therefore, an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the rail clips 11 and the bracket 9 while the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is suppressed.

[0058]
Note that, the moment-generating members 22 and 23 are provided both above and below the bracket 9 in the seventh embodiment, but the moment-generating members can alternatively be provided only above or only below the bracket. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when the moment-genera ting member 23 is provided only below each of all the brackets 9, the moment-generating member 23 which is present above the horizontal load comes into contact with the bracket 9. As a result, the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 can be suppressed.

[0059]
With provision of the moment-generating members 22 and 23 both above and below the bracket 9 as illustrated in FIG. 12, however, any one of the first moment-generating member 16 and the second moment-generating member 17 comes into contact with the bracket 9 without fail, regardless of a direction of rotation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Therefore, as compared with the case where the moment-gene rating members are provided only on one side of the bracket 9, the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0060]
Moreover, the moment-generating members 22 and 23 are fixed to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 in FIG. 12, but there may be adopted a configuration in which the moment-generating members 22 and 23 are fixed above and below the bracket 9 so that any one of the moment-generating members 22 and 23 comes into contact with the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 in accordance with the deflection of the guide rails 7 and 8.

[0061]
Eighth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, the rail-retaining device includes a pair of rail clips 11, a first moment-generating member 24, a second moment-generating member 25, a first abutment member 26, a second abutment member 27, a first fixture 18, and a second fixture 19. Each of the first moment-generating member 24 and the second moment-generating member 25 is formed of a coil-like compression spring.

[0062]
The first moment-generating member 24 is fixed to the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 above a bracket 9. The second moment-generating member 25 is fixed to the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 below the bracket 9.

[0063]
The first abutment member 26 is fixed to an end of the first moment-generating member 24 which is on the side opposite to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 so as to face the hoistway wall la. The second abutment member 27 is fixed to an end of the second moment-generating member 25 which is on the side opposite to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 so as to face the hoistway wall la. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0064]
In the rail-retaining device described above, a gap is present between the hoistway wall la and each of the abutment members 26 and 27, and therefore the hoistway wall and the moment-generating member are not generally held in contact with each other. When the horizontal load is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from this state to deform each of the guide rails 7 and 8, any one of the abutment members 26 and 27 comes into contact with the hoistway wall la.

[0065]
As a result, a moment acting for recovery from the deflection about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 from the first moment-generating member 24 or the second moment-generating member 25, thereby-suppressing the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Therefore, an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the rail clips 11 and the bracket 9 while the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is suppressed.

[0066]
With use of the compression spring as each of the moment-generating members 24 and 25, the greater effect of suppressing the deflection can be obtained even when a distance between the hoistway wall la and the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is small.

[0067]
Note that, the moment-generating members 24 and 25 are fixed to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 in the eighth embodiment, but the moment-generating members may be fixed to the building side.

[0068]
Moreover, when the elastic body is used as the moment-generating members 22, 23, 24, and 25 as in the case of the seventh and eighth embodiments (FIGS. 12 to 14), the gap is not required to be provided between an unfixed side and a contact surface of the elastic body. Even without the gap, each of the guide rails 7 and 8 can rotate about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports . Therefore, the effects of suppressing the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 can be obtained without generating an excessive reaction force in the bracket 9 or the like.

[0069]
Further, the respective distances from the bracket 9 to the moment-generating members 24 and 25 may be the same or different.

Moreover, the sizes and shapes of the moment-generating members 24 and 25 are not required to be the same.

Further, different types of the moment-generating members described in the fourth to eighth embodiments can be appropriately used in combination for those provided above and for those provided below the bracket 9, or the above-mentioned moment-generating members can be provided only above or only below the bracket 9.

[0070]
Ninth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this example, an end of the moment-generating member 23 on the bracket 9 side according to the seventh embodiment is fixed to the bracket 9 by a fixture 28. Moreover, the moment-generating member 22 above the bracket 9 is eliminated. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the seventh embodiment.

[0071]
with the configuration described above, moments in both directions, that is, a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 15, can be applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 simply by providing the moment-generating member 23 on one side of the bracket 9. Therefore, the deflection can be suppressed regardless of a direction of deformation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Obviously, the rotational movement of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports is not restrained. Thus, an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the rail clips 11 and the bracket 9.

[0072]
Tenth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a moment-generating member 29, which is formed of a coil spring for generating reaction forces in both of a tensile direction and a compressive direction, is provided between each of the guide rails 7 and 8 and the bracket 9. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the ninth embodiment.

[0073]
Also with the configuration described above, the deflection can be suppressed regardless of a direction of deformation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. As a result, the same effects as those provided by the ninth embodiment can be obtained.

[0074]
Eleventh Embodiment
Next, FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. In this example, an end of the moment-generating member 25 on the hoistway wall la side according to the eighth embodiment is fixed to the hoistway wall la by a fixture 30. Moreover, the moment-gene rating member 24 above the bracket 9 is eliminated. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the eighth embodiment.

[0075]
With the configuration described above, moments in both directions, that is, a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 17, can be applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 simply by providing the moment-generating member 25 on one side of the bracket 9. Therefore, the deflection can be suppressed regardless of a direction of deformation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Obviously, the rotational movement of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports is not restrained. Thus, an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the rail clips 11 and the bracket 9.

[0076]
Moreover, a force generated by the deformation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is directly transmitted to the building without being applied to the bracket 9. Therefore, the strength design of the bracket 9 is facilitated.

[0077]
Note that, each of the moment-gene rating members 23, 29, and 25 isprovidedbelow the bracket 9 in the ninth to eleventh embodiments, but the moment-generating member may be provided above the bracket 9.

Moreover, the rail-retaining device including the moment-generating member provided below the bracket 9 and the rail-retaining device including the moment-generating member provided above the bracket 9 may be provided at the same time for each one of the guide rails 7 and 8.

[0078]
Twelfth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a side view illustrating a state in which each of guide rails 7 and 8 illustrated in FIG. 18 are deflected by the horizontal load. In FIGS. 18 and 19, the rail-retaining device includes a pair of rail clips 11, a first moment-generating member 46, a second moment-generating member 47, fixtures 18 and 19, and fixtures 48 and 49. Each of the first moment-generating member 46 and the second moment-generating member 47 is formed of a wire.

[0079]
The fixture 18 is respectively fixed to the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 above a bracket 9. The fixture 19 is respectively fixed to the rear surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 below the bracket 9. The fixture 48 is fixed to an upper surface of the bracket 9. The fixture 49 is fixed to a lower surface of the bracket 9.

[0080]
The first moment-generating member 46 is provided in a tense state between the fixtures 18 and 48 . The second moment-generating member 47 is provided in a tense state between the fixtures 19 and 49.

[0081]
With the configuration described above, each of the guide rails 7 and 8 can rotate about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports. Therefore, an excessive reaction force is not generated in the rail clips 11 or the bracket 9. When the horizontal load is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 as illustrated in FIG. 19, each of the guide rails 7 and 8 rotates about the rail clips 11 functioning as the supports in a clockwise direction in FIG. 19.

[0082] At this time, the second moment-generating member 47 is relaxed, while the first moment-generating member 4 6 is tensioned. As a result, a moment for rotating each of the guide rails 7 and 8 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 19 is generated. As a result, the effect of suppressing the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is obtained.

[0083]
Moreover, through mounting of the moment-generating members 46 and 47 on both sides, that is, above and below the bracket 9, the effect of reducing the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 can be obtained regardless of a direction of rotation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 relative to the rail clips 11.

[0084]
Further, there is employed an extremely simple configuration in which each of the guide rails 7 and 8 and the bracket 9 are connected by the wires, and hence the moment-generating members 46 and 47 can be reduced in weight.

[0085]
Note that, the moment-generating members 46 and 4 7 are provided between each of the guide rails 7 and 8 and the bracket 9 in the twelfth embodiment, but the moment-generating members 46 and 47 may be provided between each of the guide rails 7 and 8 and the building (hoistway wall la) .
Moreover, the moment-generating members 46 and 47 may have the same lengths and widths or may have different lengths and widths .

[0086]
Thirteenth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 20 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a side view of a principal part of FIG. 20 in an enlarged manner. In this example, each of guide rails 7 and 8 are fixed to a bracket 9 by two pairs of rail clips 11 and 32, which are vertically arranged in proximity to each other.

[0087]
Each of the lower rail clips 11 of those rail clips includes a clip main body 33 corresponding to a gripping portion, a bolt 34 passing through the clip main body 33 and the bracket 9, and a nut 35 screwed onto the bolt 34.

[0088]
On the other hand, each of the upper rail clips 32 includes a clip main body 36 corresponding to a gripping portion, a bolt 37 passing through the clip main body 36 and the bracket 9, a nut 3 8 screwed onto the bolt 37, and an elastic body 3 9 serving as a moment-generating member provided between the nut 3 8 and the bracket 9. As the elastic body 39, a coil spring, a spring washer or the like is used, for example.

[0089]
With formation of the rail clips 32 on one side as elastic rail clips as described above, the rotation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 about the rail clips 11 is allowed so as to reduce the moment generated in the bracket 9. Then, by the elastic body 39 of each of the rail clips 32, a moment which is acting to rotate each of the guide rails 7 and 8 in a direction opposite to that of the rotational movement of each of the guide rails 7 and 8, caused by the horizontal load, are generated about the rail clips 11. As a result, the deflection throughout each of the entire guide rails 7 and 8 can be suppressed.

[0090]
The rail clips 32 can be configured by changing a part of members of the normal rail clips 11. As a result, the reduction of the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 and the suppression of a reaction force generated in the bracket 9 can be realized, without using a new bracket as described in an embodiment described below, by using the existing bracket 9.

[0091]
Note that, the elastic body 3 9 is provided between the nut 38 and the bracket 9 in the thirteenth embodiment, but the location where the elastic body is provided is not limited thereto. A portion into which the elastic body 39 is inserted may be changed or a configuration of the clip main body 36 may be changed as long as the rail clips 32 are provided with elastic characteristics.
Moreover, only the rail clips on one side of the two pairs of rail clips 11 and 32, which are vertically arranged, are formed as the elastic rail clips in the thirteenth embodiment, but it is sufficient that at least a part of the plurality of rail clips is formed as an elastic rail clip. For example, all the rail clips may be formed as elastic rail clips.

[0092]
Fourteenth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 22, a bracket 31 includes a hoistway-fixing portion 31a having a flat-plate like shape and being fixed to a hoistway wall la, a rail-fixing portion 31b having a flat-plate like shape and being fixed to the rear surface of each of guide rails 7 and 8, and a connection portion 31c having a horizontal flat-plate like shape and being provided between the hoistway-fixing portion 31a and the rail-fixing portion 31b.

[0093]
An elastically-deformable portion 3Id having a smaller thickness than those of the connect ion port ion 31c and the rail-fixing portion 31b is formed between the connection portion 31c and the rail-fixing portion 31b. The bracket 31 is elastically deformable at the elastically-deformable portion 3 Id. The rail-fixing portion 31b is fixed to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 by two pairs of rail clips 11, which are vertically arranged. Specifically, each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is secured to the rail-fixing portion 31b by the rail clips 11. In this manner, the rotation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 relative to the rail-fixing portion 31b is blocked.

[0094]
In the first to thirteenth embodiments, it is assumed that the bracket 9 has a sufficiently high stiffness, and therefore is not deformed even when a load from the car 5 or the counterweight 6 is applied thereto. On the other hand, in the fourteenth embodiment, the elastically-deformable portion 3Id is provided to the bracket 31. As a result, the bracket 31 functions as a moment-generating member. Note that, anoverallconfigurationofanelevator is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0095]
In the case of the rail-retaining device described above, when each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is deformed by the application of the horizontal load to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 , the rail-fixing portion 31b rotates together with each of the guide rails 7 and 8 while the elastically-deformable port ion 31d is elastically deformed. As a result, the moment rotating in a direction opposite to that of the load is generated in the bracket 31, while the reaction force generated in the rail clips 11 is reduced. As a result, the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 can be suppressed. Moreover, the rail-fixing portion 31b can rotate relative to the hoistway-fixing portion 31a, and hence an excessive reaction force can be prevented from being generated in the bracket 31.

[0096]
Fifteenth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 23 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this example, an elastically-deformable portion 3Id is provided in the middle of a connection portion 31c. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the fourteenth embodiment.

[0097]
As described above, also when the elastically-deformable portion 3Id is provided in the middle of the connection portion 31c, the same effects as those provided by the fourteenth embodiment can be obtained.

[0098]
Sixteenth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 24 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a connection portion 3 Ic is configured in its entirety to have a smaller thickness than that of a rail-fixing portion 31b so that the entire connection portion 31c functions as an elastically-deformable portion. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the fourteenth embodiment.

[0099]
As described above, also when the entire connection portion 31c is formed as elastically deformable, the same effects as those provided by the fourteenth embodiment can be obtained.

[0100]
Seventeenth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 25 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. Whereas the connection portion 31c is connected to a lower end of the rail-fixing portion 31b in the fourteenth to sixteenth embodiments, a connection portion 31c is connected to a vertically middle portion of a rail-fixing portion 31b in the seventeenth embodiment. Rail clips 11 are separately provided above and below the connection portion 31c . The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the fifteenth embodiment.

[0101]
According to the configuration described above, the maximum moment applied to the bracket 31 can be reduced. Specifically, when the horizontal load is applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8, the forces fl and f2 respectively obtained by Expressions (5) and (6) are applied to the brackets 31 from the respective rail clips 11. At this time, in this embodiment, distances from the elastically-deformable portion 31d to the rail clips 11 are small. Therefore, the moment applied to the elastically-deformable portion 3Id is reduced. Therefore, the strength design of the bracket 31 is facilitated. As a result, cost can be reduced, while the manpower necessary for installation can be reduced.

[0102]
Note that, also in the fourteenth and sixteenth embodiments, the same effects as those provided by the seventeenth embodiment can be obtained by changing the arrangement of the rail-fixing portion 31b and the rail clips 11 as described in the seventeenth embodiment.

[0103]
Eighteenth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 26 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. Whereas the elastically-deformable portion 3 Id is formed by reducing the thickness of a part of the bracket 31 in the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments, a bracket 31 is provided with a portion having an enhanced stiffness and a portion having a relatively low stiffness by partially or entirely reinforcing the bracket 31 in the eighteenth embodiment. The portion having a relatively low stiffness is an elastically-deformable portion 31d.

[0104]
Specifically, ribs 50 corresponding to reinforcing members, each having a triangular shape, are fixed between a rail-fixing portion 31b and the upper surface of a connection portion 31c and between a hoistway-fixing portion 31a and the lower surface of the connection portion 31c, respectively. In the middle of the connection portion 31c, there exists a portion to which the ribs 50 are not provided, which is the elastically-deformable portion 3Id. Note that, an overall configuration of an elevator is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0105]
Also in the case of the rail-retaining device described above, when each of guide rails 7 and 8 are deformed, the elastically-deformable portion 31d is elastically deformed. Therefore, the same effects as those provided by the fourteenth embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, arbitrary characteristics can be provided to the elastically-deformable portion 3 Id by changing the positions and shapes of the ribs 50, and hence the design of the bracket 31 is facilitated.

[0106]
Nineteenth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 27 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. Whereas the ribs 50 are used as the reinforcing members in the eighteenth embodiment, a hollow block 51 is used in the nineteenth embodiment. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the eighteenth embodiment.

[0107]
Also when the bracket 31 is reinforced by the hollow block 51 as described above, a portion having a relatively low stiffness can be formed as the elastically-deformableportion31d. Therefore, the same effects as those provided by the eighteenth embodiment can be obtained.

[0108]
Note that, the reinforcing member is not limited to the rib 50 or the hollow block 51.
Moreover, the reinforcing member can be mounted to the bracket 31 as described in the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments to increase a difference in stiffness.

Further, in the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments, the arrangement of the rail-fixing portion 31b and the rail clips 11 may be changed as described in the seventeenth embodiment.

[0109]
Twentieth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 28 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 28, a bracket 31 is configured by the combination of a first bracket member 52 having an L-like cross section and a second bracket member 53 having a T-like cross section. The first bracket member 52 includes a hoistway-fixing portion 31a and a first connection portion 52a having a horizontal flat-plate like shape, which is fixed to the second bracket member 53.

[0110]
The second bracket member 53 includes a rail-fixing portion 31b and a second connection portion 53a which is overlapped on (or under) the first connection portion 52a and is welded thereto. A connection portion 31c, which connects the hoistway-fixing portion 31a and the rail-fixing portion 31b, is formed of the first connection portion 52a and the second connection portion 53a.

[0111]
Moreover, the second connection portion 53a is overlapped on the first connection portion 52a except for an end portion of the first connection portion 52a on the side closer to the hoistway- fixing portion31a. As described above, by partially overlapping the first connection portion 52a and the second connection portion 53a, the connection portion 31c is provided with a portion having an enhanced stiffness and a portion having a relatively low stiffness. The portion having a relatively low stiffness is an elastically-deformable portion 31d. Specifically, the end portion of the first connection portion 52a on the side closer to the hoistway-fixing portion 31a is the elastically-deformable portion 3Id. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the seventeenth embodiment.

[0112]
Also in the rail-retaining device described above, when each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is deformed, the elastically-deformable portion 31d is elastically deformed. Therefore, the same effects as those provided by the fourteenth embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, the bracket 31 is configured by the combination of the first bracket member 52 and the second bracket member 53, and hence the adjustment of the position of the bracket 31 is facilitated at the time of installation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8.

Note that, the first bracket member 52 and the second bracket member 53 are fixed by welding in FIG. 28, but the fixation can also be achieved by a bolt, a rivet or the like. The same effects are obtained thereby.

[0113]
Twenty-first Embodiment
Next, FIG. 29 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 29, a bracket 31 is configured by the combination of a first bracket member 52 and two second bracket members 54 each having an L-like cross section. Specifically, in the twenty-first embodiment, the second bracket member 53 of the twentieth embodiment is divided into the two second bracket members 54.

[0114]
Rear surfaces of the second bracket members 54 are bonded and fixed to each other. Each of the second bracket members 54 includes a rail-fixing portion 31b and a second connection portion 54a overlapped on a first connection portion 52a and welded thereto. A connection portion 31c is formed of the first connection portion 52a and the second connection portion 54a. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the twentieth embodiment.
[0115]
While the second bracket member 53 having a T- like cross section is used in the twentieth embodiment, it is difficult to process a member into the sectional shape described above. On the other hand, the two second bracket members 54 are combined in the twenty-first embodiment, and hence the processing can be facilitated. Moreover, a portion of the connection portion 31c other than the elastically-deformable portion 31dhas a triple-layered structure. Therefore, the stiffness of this portion can be further increased.

[0116]
Note that, the second connection portions 54a are directly overlapped with each other in the twenty-first embodiment, but the first connection portion 52a may be sandwiched between the second connection portions 54a.

[0117]
Twenty-second Embodiment
Next, FIG. 30 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 30, a bracket 31 is configured by the combination of a first bracket member 52 and a second bracket member 55 having a T-like cross section. The second bracket member 55 is formed by a process of bending a single steel plate into a T-like sectional shape.

[0118]
The second bracket member 55 includes a rail-fixing portion 31b and a second connection portion 55a overlapped on a first connection portion 52a and welded thereto. A connection portion 31c is formed of the first connection portion 52a and the second connection portion 55a. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the twentieth embodiment.

[0119]
In the rail-retaining device described above, the second bracket member 55 is formed by the bending process into the T-like shape. Therefore, the process is facilitated. Moreover, a portion of the connection portion 31a other than the elastically-deformable portion 3Id has a triple-layered structure. Therefore, the stiffness of this portion can be further increased. Note that, although not especially illustrated, when the second bracket member having a T-like cross section is used in the following embodiments, the configuration of the twenty-first or twenty-second embodiment can be applied.

[0120]
Twenty-third Embodiment
Next, FIG. 31 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. In this example, ribs 50, each having a triangular shape and corresponding to a reinforcing member, are fixed between a rail-fixing portion 31b and the upper surface of a connection portion 31c and between a hoistway-fixing portion 31a and the lower surface of the connection portion 31c, respectively. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the twentieth embodiment.

[0121]
In the rail-retaining device described above, the stiffness of not only the connection portion 31c but also the entire bracket 31 is improved. As a result, the moment generated by the horizontal load applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is not locally concentrated in the elastically-deformable portion, and hence the entire connection portion 31c functions as the elastically-deformable portion. Moreover, through adjustment of the shapes and sizes of the ribs 50, arbitrary elastic characteristics can be provided to the bracket 31.

[0122]
Note that, the reinforcing members are not limited to the ribs 50. For example, a flat-plate like reinforcing member may be provided between the first connection portion 52a and the second connection portion 53a.

[0123]
Twenty-fourth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 32 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 32, a reinforcing plate 56 corresponding to a reinforcing member is provided between a first connection portion 52aandasecondconnectionportion53a. The first connectionportion 52a, the second connection portion 53a, and the reinforcing plate 56 are fastened by bolts 57 provided at a plurality of positions. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the twenty-third embodiment.

[0124]
In the rail-retaining device described above, the first connection portion 52a and the second connection portion 53a are fastened by using the bolts 57. Therefore, an adjusting operation at the time of installation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is facilitated, to thereby improve workability in installation.

[0125]
With provision of the bolts 57 at at least two positions, that is, a position close to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 and a position close to the hoistway wall la, the first connection portion 52a and the second connection portion 53a remain in contact with each other even when the horizontal load is applied any of the upper and lower sides of the bracket 31. Thus, a stiffness equal to that obtained with the fixation by welding can be realized. Further, when the number of bolts 57 is increased, the first connection portion 52a and the second connection portion 53a are more firmly fixed to improve the stiffness of the bracket 31.

[0126]
Note that, the rail clips 11 are separately arranged above and below the connection portion 31c in the twenty-third and twenty fourth embodiments, but all the rail clips 11 may be provided only above or only below the connection portion 31c, as illustrated in FIG. 26, for example.

[0127]
Twenty-fifth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 33 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 33, a first connection portion 52a is sandwiched between second connection portions 54a. The first connection portion 52a and the second connection portions 54a are fastened by bolts 57. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the twenty-first embodiment.

[0128]
In the case where the first bracket member 52 and the second bracket members 54 are completely fixed by welding, a portion where the first bracket member and the second bracket members overlap each other has the same thickness. Therefore, the stiffness of the bracket is equal to that of the twenty-first embodiment. On the other hand, in the case where the first bracket member and the second bracket members are fixed by the bolts 57, when the first bracket member 52 is sandwiched between the second bracket members 54, the equal bracket stiffness can be ensured even with the single bolt 57 even when the horizontal load is applied to any of the upper and lower sides of the bracket 31. Therefore, the number of bolts 57 can be reduced. In this case, by mounting the bolts 57 at positions as close as possible to the hoistway wall la, a contact area between the first bracket member 52 and the second bracket members 54 is increased. As a result, the strength of the bracket 31 can be further improved.

[0129]
Twenty-sixth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 34 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this example, ribs 50 corresponding to reinforcing members, each having a triangular shape, are fixed between a rail-fixing portion 31b and the upper surface of a connection portion 31c and between a hoistway-fixing portion 31a and the lower surface of a connection portion 31c, respectively. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the twenty-fifth embodiment.

[0130]
In the rail-retaining device described above, the stiffness of not only the connection portion 31c but also the entire bracket 31 is improved. As a result, the moment generated by the horizontal load applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is not locally-concentrated in the elastically-deformable portion, and the entire connection portion 31c functions as the elastically-deformable portion. Through adjustment of the shapes and sizes of the ribs 50, the bracket 31 can be provided with arbitrary elastic characteristics.

[0131]
Note that, the second connection portions 54a are directly overlapped with the first connection portion 52a in the twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth embodiments, but the reinforcing plate 56 as illustrated in FIG. 32 maybe sandwiched between the second connection portions and the first connection portion, respectively.

[0132]
When each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is fixed to the bracket 9 by the pair of rail clips 11, each of the guide rails 7 and 8 rotates about the portion corresponding to the rail clips 11, as described in the first to twelfth embodiments. Therefore, in the configuration of each of the fourteenth to twenty-sixth embodiments, each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is secured to the rail-fixing portion 31 by two pairs of the rail clips 11 so that the rail-fixing portion 31b rotates integrally with each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Note that, the retainers for securing each of the guide rails 7 and 8 to the rail-fixing portion 31b are not limited to the rail clips 11.

[0133]
Twenty-seventh Embodiment
Next, FIG. 35 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 35, a brackets 41 includes a flat-plate like hoistway-fixing portion 41a fixed to the hoistway wall la, a flat-plate like rail-fixing portion 41b fixed to a rear surface of each of guide rails 7 and 8, and a horizontal flat-plate like connection portion 41c provided between the hoistway-fixing portion 41a and the rail-fixing portion 41b.

[0134]
The connection portion 41c and the rail-fixing portion 41b are rotatably connected to each other through a hinged support 4Id. The rail-fixing portion 31b is fixed to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 by two pairs of rail clips 11, which are vertically arranged. Specifically, each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is secured to the rail-fixing portion 41b by the rail clips 11. In this manner, the rotation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 relative to the rail-fixing portions 41b is blocked. An overall configuration of an elevator is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0135]
In the configuration described above, each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is completely secured to the rail-fixing port ion 41b. However, the rail-fixing portion 41b can respectively rotate about the hinged support 4Id. Therefore, the reaction force generated in each of the rail clips 11 is reduced. Moreover, the rail-fixing portion 41b serves as a reinforcing plate. Therefore, the defoirmation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 around the rail-fixing portion 41b is restrained, to therAy suppress the deflection throughout each of the entire guide rails 7 and 8.

[0136]
Note that, the retainers for securing each of the guide rails 7 and 8 to the rail-fixing portion 41b are not limited to the rail clips 11.

[0137]
Twenty-eighth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 36 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 36, a moment-generating member 42 formed of, for example, an elastic body such as a coil spring is mounted to a bracket 41 over a hinged support 4 Id. One end of the moment-generating member 42 is connected to an upper part of a rail-fixing portion 41b, whereas the other end of the moment-generating member 42 is connected to a connection portion 41 in the vicinity of a hoistway-fixing portion 41a. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the twenty-seventh embodiment.

[0138]
As described above, through mounting of the moment-generating member 42 to the bracket 41 having the hinged support 4Id, greater effects of reducing the deflection can be obtained.

[0139]
Note that, the moment-generating member 42 may be mounted between the rail-fixing portion 41b and the hoistway wall la, and the same effects are obtained thereby.

[0140]
Twenty-ninth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 37 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 37, a bracket 43 includes a flat-plate like hoistway-fixing portion 43a fixed to a hoistway wall la, a flat-plate like rail-fixing portion 43b fixed to a rear surface of each of guide rails 7 and 8, a horizontal flat-plate like connection portion 43c provided between the hoistway-fixing portion 43a and the rail-fixing portion 43b, a hinged support 43d provided between the connection portion 43c and the rail-fixing portion 43b, and a first abutment portion (arm) 43e and a second abutment portion (arm) 43f serving as moment-generating members, respectively projecting from an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the rail-fixing portion 43b at a right angle toward the hoistway wall la.

[0141]
The hinged support 43d is provided in a vertical middle portion of the rail-fixing portion 43b. The connection portion 43c and the rail-fixing portion 43b are rotatably connected through the hinged support 43d.

[0142]
The first abutment portion 43e is located above the connection portion 43c. The second abutment portion 43f is located below the connection portion 43c. Each of the first abutment portion 43e and the secondabutment portion 43 f has a sufficient stiffness. A distal end surface of each of the first abutment portion 43e and the second abutment portion 43f faces the hoistway wall la through a gap therebetween. The rail-fixing portion 31b is fixed to each of the guide rails 7 and 8 by two pairs of rail clips 11, which are vertically arranged. An overall configuration of an elevator is similar or identical to that of the first embodiment.

[0143]
With the configuration described above, the rail-fixing portion 43b can rotate about the hinged support 43d as in the case of the twenty-seventh embodiment. Therefore, the reaction force generated in the rail clips 11 is reduced. Further, the rail-fixing portion 43b serves as a reinforcing plate. As a result, the deflection throughout each of the entire guide rails 7 and 8 is suppressed. [0144]
Further, when the deformation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 becomes greater, any one of the first abutment portion 43e and the second abutment portion 43f comes into abutment against the hoistway wall la. As a result, the moment acting for recovery from the deflection is applied from the first abutment portion 43e or the second abutment portion 43f to each of the guide rails 7

and 8. As a result, the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 is suppressed. [0145]
Note that, the abutment portions 43e and 43f are provided to the bracket 43 in the twenty-ninth embodiment, but the first moment-generating member 14 and the second moment-generating member 15 as described in the fourth embodiment (FIG. 9) may be fixed to the hoistway wall la so that any one of the first-moment-generating member 14 and the second moment-generating member 15 comes into abutment against a rear surface of the rail-fixing portion 43b when the deformation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 becomes greater.

Distances from the connection portion 43c to the abutment portions 43e and 43f may be the same or different from each other.

[0146]
Thirtieth Embodiment
Next, FIG. 38 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a hinged support 41d is provided in the middle portion of a connection portion 41c, that is, at a distance "e" away from each of guide rails 7 and 8. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the twenty-seventh embodiment.

[0147]
When it is assumed that the rail-fixing portion 41b has a sufficiently high stiffness, each of the guide rails 7 and 8 rotates about the hinged support 4Id, and hence each of the entire guide rails 7 and 8 is deflected. At this time, each of the guide rails 7 and 8 rotates about the hinged support 4Id. As a result, the rail clips 11 move vertically.

[0148]
When it is assumed that a rotation angle of the hinged support 41d, which is generated by the horizontal load W applied to each of the guide rails 7 and 8, is 9 [rad], a displacement amount Uc of the rail clips 11 in the vertical direction is expressed by the following expression.
Uc=exe _ (7)

[0149]
Therefore, when the distance "e" is larger with respect to the same displacement amount Uc in the vertical direction, the small rotation angle 9 of the hinged support 41d becomes sufficient correspondingly. The rotation angle 9 is equal to a deflection angle of a bracket-fixing portion of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. Therefore, as the distance "e" becomes longer, the rotational movement of the bracket-fixing portion about the hinged support 4Id is suppressed to reduce the deflection angles of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 . Therefore, the horizontal displacement of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 at a load point is suppressed to reduce the deflection throughout each of the entire guide rails 7 and 8.

[0150]
Thirty-first Embodiment
Next, FIG. 39 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a thirty-first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 40 is apian view illustrating the rail-retaining device illustrated in FIG. 39 . In this example, in order to further suppress the deflection of guide rails 7 and 8, a moment-generating member 44 formed of an elastic body such as, for example, a rotational spring, is mounted between a fixing portion and a rotating portion of the bracket 41, that is, between portions of the connection portion 41c, which are located on both sides of the hinged support 4Id. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the thirtieth embodiment.

[0151]
With the configuration described above, the moment-generating member 44 acts so as to react against the rotation about the hinged support 41d, which is caused by the deformation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8. As a result, the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 can be suppressed.

[0152]
Note that, the rotational spring is illustrated as the moment-generating member 44 in FIG. 39, but a flat spring may be used instead, for example.

[0153]
Thirty-second Embodiment Next, FIG. 41 is a side view illustrating a rail-retaining device according to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a hinged support 4 Id is provided between a hoistway-fixing portion 41a and a connection portion 41c. Between a middle portion of the connection portion 41c and a hoistway wall la, a moment-generating member 45 formed of an elastic body such as, for example, a coil spring is mounted. The remaining configuration is similar or identical to that of the thirtieth embodiment.

[0154]
As described above, also .when the moment-generating member 45 is connected between the connection portion 41c and the hoistway wall la, the same effects as those provided by the thirty-first embodiment can be obtained.

[0155]
Note that, when the moment-generating member is mounted in the configuration in which a part of the bracket is rotatable along with the deformation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8, the moment-generating member is only required to be provided between the rotating portion and the fixing portion of the bracket and may be provided, for example, between each of the guide rails 7 and 8 and the fixing portion of the bracket or the building.

Moreover, when the moment-generating member is mounted in the configuration in which a part of the bracket is rotatable along with the deformation of each of the guide rails 7 and 8, the moment-generating member as described in the first to twelfth embodiments may be used. [0156]

Further, the movement in the horizontal direction parallel to a blade surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 (horizontal direction of FIG. 2, for example) has been mainly described in the first to thirty-second embodiments, but the equivalent effects can be obtained with the same configuration also for the movement in an anteroposterior direction parallel to a flange surface of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 (horizontal direction of FIG. 3, for example).

Further, when the rail-retaining device of the present invention is applied to at least one bracket, the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 in the vicinity of the bracket to which the rail-retaining device of the present invention is applied can be suppressed. However, the car 5 and the counterweight 6 move vertically in the hoistway 1. Therefore, through application of the present invention to all the brackets throughout the hoistway 1, the effects of reducing the deflection of each of the guide rails 7 and 8 can be constantly obtained regardless of the positions of the car 5 and the counterweight 6.

Moreover, the rail-retaining devices of the first to thirty-second embodiments can be combined as needed. Therefore, different types of rail-retaining devices may be provided in one elevator.
Further, the elevator, to which the present invention is applied, is not limited to the type illustrated in FIG. 1. The present invention is applicable to all the types of elevators. The present
invention is applicable to, for example, a 2:l-roping elevator, amachine-room-less elevator, an elevator in which a hoisting machine is provided in a lower portion of a hoistway, a double-deck elevator, and the like.

Claims

1. A rail-retaining device for an elevator, comprising:

a bracket to be fixed to a hoistway wall;

a retainer for retaining a guide rail for guiding raising and lowering of an ascending/descending body to the bracket, and for allowing rotation of the guide rail relative to the bracket, caused by a horizontal load; and

a moment-generating member for generating, in accordance with a deflection of the guide rail caused by the horizontal load, a moment acting for recovery from the deflection.

2. A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim 1, wherein the moment-generating member comprises a first end surface facing the guide rail above the bracket and a second end surface facing the guide rail below the bracket, and is turnably mounted to the bracket.

3 . A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim 1, wherein:

the moment-generating member is fixed to any one of the hoistway wall, the bracket, and the guide rail, and comprises an unfixed end surface;

a gap is provided between the unfixed end surface and a surface facing the unfixed end surface; and
the unfixed end surface comes into contact with the facing surface by the deflection of the guide rail to apply the moment from the moment-generating member to the guide rail.

4. A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim 1, wherein the moment-generating member comprises an elastic body which is elastically deformed by the deflection of the guide rail to apply the moment to the guide rail.

5 . A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim 4, wherein the moment-generating member is fixed to the guide rail and one of the hoistway wall and the bracket.

6 . A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim 1, wherein the moment-generating member comprises a wire provided in a tense state between the guide rail and one of the hoistway wall and the bracket.

7 . A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim 1, further comprising rail clips provided independently of the retainer in the vicinity of the retainer, for retaining the guide rail to the bracket,
wherein the moment-generating member comprises an elastic body which is provided to each of the rail clips and is elastically deformed by the deflection of the guide rail to apply the moment to the guide rail.

8. A rail-retaining device for an elevator, comprising:

a bracket fixable to a hoistway wall; and

a retainer for retaining a guide rail for guiding raising and lowering of an ascending/descending body to the bracket,

wherein the bracket comprises an elastically-deformable portion which is elastically deformed by a deflection of the guide rail so that the bracket generates a moment acting for recovery from the deflection in accordance with the deflection of the guide rail, caused by a horizontal load.

9. A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim
8, wherein:

the bracket comprises:

a hoistway-fixing portion fixable to the hoistway wall; a rail-fixing portion fixable to the guide rail; and a connection portion provided between the hoistway-fixing portion and the rail-fixing portion; and
the retainer comprises a plurality of rail clips provided above and below the connection portion to hold the guide rail in cooperation with the rail-fixing portion.

10 . A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim 8, wherein:
the bracket is provided with a portion having an enhanced

stiffness and a portion having a relatively low stiffness by-reinforcing the bracket; and
the portion having the relatively low stiffness is the elastically-deformable portion.

11. A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim 8, wherein:

the bracket is configured by a combination of a first bracket member and a second bracket member;

the first bracket member comprises:

a hoistway-fixing portion fixable to the hoistway wall; and

a first connection portion fixed to the second bracket member;

the second bracket member comprises:

a rail-fixing portion fixable to the guide rail; and a second connection portion overlapped with and fixed to the first connection portion; and

the first connection portion and the second connection portion are fixed to each other at a plurality of locations.

12 . A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim 8, wherein:

the bracket is configured by a combination of a first bracket member and a pair of second bracket members;

the first bracket member comprises:

a hoistway- fixing portion f ixable to the hoistway wall ; and

a first connection portion fixed to the second bracket member;

each of the pair of second bracket members comprises:

a rail-fixing portion fixable to the guide rail; and a second connection port ion fixed to the first connection portion; and

the first connection portion is sandwiched between the second connection portions and fixed to the second connection portions.

13. A rail-retaining device for an elevator, comprising:

a bracket fixable to a hoistway wall; and

a retainer for retaining a guide rail for guiding raising and lowering of an ascending/descending body to the bracket, wherein:

the bracket comprises:

a hoistway-fixing portion f ixable to the hoistway wall; and

a rail-fixing portion fixable to the guide rail;

the rail-fixing portion is rotatable relative to the hoistway-fixing portion in accordance with a deflection of the guide rail; and

the guide rail is secured to the rail-fixing portion by the retainer to block rotation of the guide rail relative to the rail-fixing portion.

14. A rail-retaining device for an elevator according to claim 13, further comprising a moment-generating member for generating a moment acting for recovery of the deflection in accordance with the deflection of the guide rail, caused by a horizontal load.