Elevator Fault Diagnosis Device and Elevator Fault Diagnosis Method

Abstract

An elevator fault diagnosis device and an elevator fault diagnosis method are provided, which can detect the optimal replacement time of a power module corresponding to the usage condition of the elevator. The elevator fault diagnosis device of the embodiment includes a detection unit, a fault sensing unit, and a protection action execution unit. The detection unit detects the element voltage applied to the power module of the elevator, the current value supplied to the power module, and the chip temperature of the power module. The fault sensing unit generates predicted values of the element voltage and the chip temperature respectively when the current value is a specified current value before the elevator operation, and based on the differences between the predicted values and the measured values of the element voltage and the chip temperature respectively when the current value is the specified current value after the elevator operation starts, performs degradation diagnosis of the power module and inference of the remaining life. The protection action execution unit performs a protection action of the elevator based on the results of the degradation diagnosis and the remaining life inference of the power module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an elevator fault diagnosis device and an elevator fault diagnosis method. Background Art

[0002] Regarding elevators, their usage conditions vary for each unit, but the power module is replaced within a certain period. Therefore, it is required to detect the optimal replacement time corresponding to its usage conditions.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-162241

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6684517 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, since the damage modes of the power module of the elevator are involved in many aspects and are relatively complex due to subtle influences, it is difficult to detect the optimal replacement time of the power module.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The elevator fault diagnosis device according to the embodiment includes a detection unit, a fault sensing unit, and a protection action execution unit. The detection unit detects the element voltage applied to the power module of the elevator, the current value supplied to the power module, and the chip temperature of the power module. The fault sensing unit generates predicted values of the element voltage and the chip temperature when the current value is a specified current value before the elevator starts running, and based on the differences between the predicted values and the measured values of the element voltage and the chip temperature when the current value is the specified current value after the elevator starts running, performs deterioration diagnosis of the power module and inference of the remaining life. The protection action execution unit performs a protection action of the elevator based on the results of the deterioration diagnosis and the remaining life inference of the power module. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control cabinet including the elevator fault diagnosis device according to the present embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a fault diagnosis process of a switching element in a control cabinet including the elevator fault diagnosis device according to the present embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3It is a flowchart showing an example of the fault diagnosis process of the switching element in the control cabinet of the elevator fault diagnosis device according to this embodiment.

[0014] Explanation of reference numerals

[0015] 1... Control cabinet, 2... Torque motor, 4... Inverter device, 5... Control device, 6... Elevator fault diagnosis device, 41... Current detection unit (detection unit), 42a, 42b... Switching elements (power modules), 43... Voltage detection unit (detection unit), 44... Temperature detection unit (detection unit), 61... Fault sensing unit, 62... Protection action execution unit. Detailed implementation manners

[0016] Hereinafter, an example of the elevator fault diagnosis device and the elevator fault diagnosis method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control cabinet equipped with the elevator fault diagnosis device according to this embodiment. First, Figure 1 , an example of the configuration of the control cabinet 1 to which the elevator fault diagnosis device according to this embodiment is applied will be described.

[0018] As Figure 1 shown, the control cabinet 1 of this embodiment includes an inverter device 4, a control device 5, an elevator fault diagnosis device 6, a current detection unit 41, a voltage detection unit 43, and a temperature detection unit 44.

[0019] The inverter device 4 has switching elements 42a, 42b as an example of the power module of the elevator. The switching elements 42a, 42b convert the power supply power into driving power. The inverter device 4 is a device that drives an electric motor such as a torque motor (T / M) 2 that opens and closes the door of the elevator car with the driving power. Here, the switching elements 42a, 42b are switching elements composed of power semiconductors, etc.

[0020] The current detection unit 41 is disposed on the power line between the switching elements 42a, 42b and the torque motor 2. Moreover, the current detection unit 41 functions as an example of a detection unit that detects the current value i of the current supplied to the switching elements 42a, 42b. Further, the current detection unit 41 outputs the detection result of the current value i to the control device 5.

[0021] The voltage detection unit 43 functions as an example of a detection unit that detects the voltages (hereinafter referred to as element voltages) V e1 , V e2 applied to the switching elements 42a, 42b respectively. Moreover, the voltage detection unit 43 outputs the element voltage V e1, V e2 The detection result of

[0022] The temperature detection unit 44 is a thermistor or the like, and functions as an example of a detection unit that detects the temperatures (hereinafter referred to as chip temperatures) TH1 and TH2 of the detection conversion elements 42a and 42b. Moreover, the temperature detection unit 44 outputs the detection results of the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 to the control device 5.

[0023] The control device 5 generates speed command data for controlling the speed of the elevator car. For example, the control device 5 generates speed command data based on the operation mode of the car (for example, the mode of stopping at each floor, the mode of going directly to the destination floor) determined according to the user's call registration operation or the like, and controls the speed of the car based on the speed command data.

[0024] In addition, the control device 5 outputs the current value i detected by the current detection unit 41, the element voltage V e1 , V e2 and the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 detected by the temperature detection unit 44 to the elevator fault diagnosis device 6. Thus, in the elevator fault diagnosis device 6, using the current value i detected by the current detection unit 41, the element voltage V e1 , V e2 and the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 detected by the temperature detection unit 44, it is possible to sense a fault in the power module (for example, the conversion elements 42a and 42b) of the elevator.

[0025] The elevator fault diagnosis device 6 has a fault sensing unit 61 and a protection action execution unit 62. In the present embodiment, the current detection unit 41, the voltage detection unit 43, and the temperature detection unit 44 are provided outside the elevator fault diagnosis device 6, but it is not limited thereto, and they may also be provided inside the elevator fault diagnosis device 6.

[0026] The fault sensing unit 61 senses a fault in the power module (for example, the conversion elements 42a and 42b) of the elevator based on the current value i detected by the current detection unit 41, the element voltage V e1 , V e2 and the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 detected by the temperature detection unit 44.

[0027] Specifically, the fault sensing unit 61, before the elevator operates, for example, at the time of installation or initial operation of the elevator, etc., based on the element voltage V when the current value i is a specified current value e1 , V e2 and the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2, predicts the element voltage V e1 , V e2and the respective values of the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 (hereinafter referred to as predicted values).

[0028] Here, the specified current value is the current value i during the operation of the elevator without passengers or during the diagnosis of the brakes during the regular inspection of the elevator. That is, the fault sensing unit 61 calculates the element voltage V during a certain energization (when a current with a certain current value flows) for the power module of the elevator during the operation of the elevator without passengers or during the diagnosis of the brakes during the regular inspection of the elevator, etc. e1 V e2 and the respective predicted values of the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2.

[0029] In addition, after the elevator starts running, the fault sensing unit 61 accumulates (stores) the element voltage V when the current value i is the specified current value e1 V e2 and the respective measured values of the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2.

[0030] Then, the fault sensing unit 61 calculates the differences between the respective predicted values of the element voltages V e1 V e2 and the temperatures TH1 and TH2 and the respective measured values of the element voltages V e1 V e2 and the temperatures TH1 and TH2. Next, the fault sensing unit 61 performs a degradation diagnosis of the switching elements 42a and 42b and an inference of the remaining life based on the calculated differences. Thus, it is possible to perform a degradation diagnosis of the switching elements 42a and 42b and an inference of the remaining life based on the predicted values that vary for each elevator. As a result, it is possible to detect the optimal replacement timing of the switching elements 42a and 42b corresponding to the usage conditions of the elevator.

[0031] In the present embodiment, when the calculated difference exceeds the low-level threshold value, the fault sensing unit 61 infers that the switching elements 42a and 42b are degraded and that the remaining life of the switching elements 42a and 42b is short. In addition, when the calculated difference exceeds the high-level threshold value, the fault sensing unit 61 infers that the switching elements 42a and 42b are degraded and that there is a possibility of immediate breakage of the switching elements 42a and 42b.

[0032] Here, the low-level threshold value is a threshold value set in advance and is a value for notifying (reporting) that the remaining life of the switching elements 42a and 42b has become short. In addition, the high-level threshold value is a threshold value set in advance and higher than the low-level threshold value, and is a value for stopping the elevator at the nearest floor and notifying (reporting) the replacement of the switching elements 42a and 42b. That is, the fault sensing unit 61 performs a degradation diagnosis of the switching elements 42a and 42b and an inference of the remaining life based on whether the calculated difference exceeds the threshold value set in advance.

[0033] For example, when the surge voltage generated in the conversion elements 42a and 42b deteriorates, causing the difference between the measured value and the predicted value of the element voltages V e1 and V e2 to increase, the fault sensing unit 61 senses that the current paths to the conversion elements 42a and 42b become thinner. Additionally, for example, the fault sensing unit 61 can also sense that the remaining life of the conversion elements 42a and 42b is shortened based on the state deviation during three-phase power supply.

[0034] Furthermore, when the control cabinet 1 is equipped with a thermistor (an example of a detection unit) that can detect the temperature of the fins for cooling the conversion elements 42a and 42b (hereinafter referred to as the thermistor temperature), the fault sensing unit 61 can also sense abnormalities such as blockage of the fins based on the difference between the measured value of the thermistor temperature of the fins for cooling the conversion elements 42a and 42b after the start of elevator operation and the measured values of the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2. For example, the fault sensing unit 61 can also sense abnormalities such as blockage of the fins based on the secular change in the difference between the measured value of the thermistor temperature and the measured value of the chip temperature, and the decrease in the cooling rate of the thermistor temperature and the chip temperature during the elevator pause state.

[0035] Moreover, when the inverter device 4 drives an electric motor that drives the hoist of the elevator with the drive power converted from the power supply power by the conversion elements 42a and 42b, the fault sensing unit 61 can also sense the secular change of the hoist based on the calculated difference.

[0036] The protection action execution unit 62 executes the protection action of the elevator based on the results of the deterioration diagnosis and the remaining life inference of the conversion elements 42a and 42b. Here, the protection action is an action to protect the conversion elements 42a and 42b from damage. For example, the protection action is an action to notify that the remaining life of the conversion elements 42a and 42b is shortened, or to stop the elevator at the nearest floor and notify the replacement of the conversion elements 42a and 42b.

[0037] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the fault diagnosis process of the conversion elements in the control cabinet equipped with the elevator fault diagnosis device of the present embodiment. In Figure 2 , the vertical axis represents the current value i, the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2, the thermistor temperature, and the element voltages V e1 and V e2 . Additionally, in Figure 2 , the horizontal axis represents time.

[0038] As Figure 2 shown, the fault sensing unit 61 is based on the chip temperatures TH1 and TH, the thermistor temperature, and the element voltages V when the current value i is a specified current value.e1 、V e2 Degradation diagnosis of the conversion elements 42a and 42b and estimation of their remaining life are performed based on whether the difference between the respective measured values (represented by the solid line) and the predicted values (represented by the bold line) exceeds the threshold value (represented by the dotted line) serving as the low-level threshold or the high-level threshold.

[0039] In addition, the fault sensing unit 61 can also detect the fault based on the current value i, the thermistor temperature, the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2, and the element voltage V e1 、V e2 Based on the relationship between the conversion elements 42a and 42b, the degradation diagnosis and the remaining life of the conversion elements 42a and 42b are estimated.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an example of the process of fault diagnosis processing of a switching element in a control cabinet equipped with an elevator fault diagnosis device of this embodiment. Figure 3 An example of a flow of a fault diagnosis process for the conversion elements 42 a and 42 b in the control cabinet 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0041] After the elevator starts running, the fault sensing unit 61 accumulates (stores in a memory) the element voltage V when the current value i is a predetermined current value. e1 、V e2 And the measured values of chip temperature TH1, TH2 (step S301). Then, each time the device voltage V is accumulated for a predetermined amount of data e1 、V e2 When the actual measured values of the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 are obtained, the fault sensing unit 61 determines whether the accumulated element voltage V e1 、V e2 And whether the difference between the actual measurement value and the predicted value of each of the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 exceeds the low level threshold (step S302).

[0042] At the component voltage V e1 、V e2 If the difference between the actual measured value and the predicted value of the chip temperature TH1 and TH2 does not exceed the low level threshold value (step S302: No), the fault sensing unit 61 uses the latest device voltage V e1 、V e2 The measured values of the chip temperature TH1 and TH2 are used to update the accumulated element voltage V e1 、V e2 and the measured values of chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 (step S303).

[0043] Furthermore, the fault sensing unit 61 uses a preset relationship to determine the updated element voltage V e1 、V e2Based on the measured values of the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2, the low-level threshold and the high-level threshold are updated (step S303). Thereafter, the control device 5 causes the elevator to continue operating (step S304).

[0044] On the other hand, when the differences between the measured values and the predicted values of the accumulated component voltages V e1 , V e2 and the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 respectively exceed the low-level threshold (step S302: Yes), the fault sensing unit 61 determines whether the difference exceeds the high-level threshold (step S305).

[0045] Then, when the differences between the measured values and the predicted values of the accumulated component voltages V e1 , V e2 and the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 respectively do not exceed the high-level threshold (step S305: No), the protection operation execution unit 62 executes a protection operation to notify that the remaining life of the switching elements 42a and 42b has become short (step S306). Further, the control device 5 causes the elevator to continue operating (step S304).

[0046] On the other hand, when the differences between the measured values and the predicted values of the accumulated component voltages V e1 , V e2 and the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 respectively exceed the high-level threshold (step S305: Yes), the protection operation execution unit 62 executes a protection operation to stop the elevator at the nearest floor and notify the replacement of the switching elements 42a and 42b (step S307). Thereafter, if the switching elements 42a and 42b are replaced, the fault sensing unit 61 initializes the measured values of the accumulated component voltages V e1 , V e2 and the chip temperatures TH1 and TH2 (step S308).

[0047] Thus, according to the elevator fault diagnosis device of the present embodiment, it is possible to perform the degradation diagnosis of the switching elements 42a and 42b and the inference of the remaining life based on the predicted values that vary for each elevator. As a result, it is possible to detect the optimal replacement timing of the switching elements 42a and 42b corresponding to the usage conditions of the elevator.

[0048] In addition, the program executed by the control cabinet 1 of the present embodiment is provided by being pre-written in a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The program executed by the control cabinet 1 of the present embodiment may also be configured to be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in an installable format or an executable format file.

[0049] Further, it may be configured to store the program executed by the control cabinet 1 of the present embodiment on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provide it by downloading via the network. Additionally, it may be configured to provide or distribute the program executed by the control cabinet 1 of the present embodiment via a network such as the Internet.

[0050] The program executed by the control cabinet 1 of the present embodiment has a modular structure including the above-described respective parts (fault sensing part 61 and protection operation execution part 62). By reading the program from the above ROM as actual hardware by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executing the program, the above respective parts are loaded onto the main storage device, and the fault sensing part 61 and the protection operation execution part 62 are generated on the main storage device.

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Claims

1. An elevator fault diagnosis device, characterized in that, Comprising: A detection unit that detects the component voltage of a power module applied to an elevator, the current value supplied to the power module, and the chip temperature of the power module; A fault sensing unit that generates predicted values of the component voltage and the chip temperature respectively when the current value is a specified current value during installation or initial operation of the elevator, and performs deterioration diagnosis of the power module and inference of the remaining life based on the difference between the predicted values and the measured values of the component voltage and the chip temperature respectively when the current value is the specified current value after the elevator starts running; And A protection action execution unit that performs a protection action of the elevator based on the results of the deterioration diagnosis of the power module and the inference of the remaining life; The fault sensing unit performs the deterioration diagnosis of the power module and the inference of the remaining life based on whether the difference exceeds a preset low-level threshold and whether the difference exceeds a high-level threshold higher than the low-level threshold; The protection action execution unit performs a protection action of notifying that the remaining life of the power module is short when the difference exceeds the low-level threshold and does not exceed the high-level threshold, and performs a protection action of stopping the elevator at the nearest floor and notifying the replacement of the power module when the difference exceeds the high-level threshold.

2. The elevator fault diagnosis device according to claim 1, wherein: The specified current value is the current value during running when there are no passengers in the elevator or during diagnosis of the brake during regular inspection of the elevator.

3. The elevator fault diagnosis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The detection unit further detects the thermistor temperature of the fin that cools the power module; The fault sensing unit further senses the blockage of the fin based on the difference between the measured value of the thermistor temperature and the measured value of the chip temperature after the elevator starts running.

4. A method for diagnosing elevator faults, which is executed by an elevator fault diagnosis device, characterized in that, Including the following steps: The detection unit detects the component voltage of the power module applied to the elevator, the current value supplied to the power module, and the chip temperature of the power module; The fault sensing unit generates predicted values of the component voltage and the chip temperature respectively when the current value is a specified current value during installation or initial operation of the elevator, and performs deterioration diagnosis of the power module and inference of the remaining life based on the difference between the predicted values and the measured values of the component voltage and the chip temperature respectively when the current value is the specified current value after the elevator starts running; And The protection action execution unit performs a protection action of the elevator based on the results of the deterioration diagnosis of the power module and the inference of the remaining life; The fault sensing unit performs the deterioration diagnosis of the power module and the inference of the remaining life based on whether the difference exceeds a preset low-level threshold and whether the difference exceeds a high-level threshold higher than the low-level threshold; When the difference exceeds the low-level threshold but does not exceed the high-level threshold, the protection action execution unit executes a protection action to notify that the remaining life of the power module is short. When the difference exceeds the high-level threshold, the protection action execution unit executes a protection action to stop the elevator at the nearest floor and notify the replacement of the power module.

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