Elevator system and sling repair method

Abstract

Provided is an elevator system and a sling maintenance method. Provided is an elevator system capable of easily maintaining a sling regardless of the installation position of a hoisting machine. The elevator system performs maintenance of a portion of a sling wound around a hoisting machine at a floor to be maintained, and is provided with: a calculation section that calculates a stop position of a car, i.e., a maintenance position, at which maintenance of the portion of the sling is performed, based on position information of the hoisting machine and position information of the car when the car is stopped at the floor to be maintained; a storage section that stores the maintenance position calculated by the calculation section; and a control section that moves the car based on the maintenance position stored by the storage section.

Description

Elevator system and sling maintenance methods Technical Field

[0001] This invention mainly relates to the technology for inspecting and maintaining slings. Background Technology

[0002] In the maintenance of the main sling in an elevator without a machine room, when the car stops at a base floor (e.g., a frequently used floor), an intermediate floor, or other floors (hereinafter referred to as the "floor under maintenance"), the part of the main sling that hangs from the traction machine's sheave is designated as an important maintenance area, and the maintenance personnel focus on visual inspection. Regarding important maintenance areas, by pre-marking the main sling that hangs from the traction machine's sheave when the car stops at the floor under maintenance, maintenance personnel can inspect important maintenance areas from the car (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2016-132556

[0006] When the traction machine is installed at a high position, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to access the traction machine from the car, which makes it difficult to set up signs at important maintenance points of the main sling and makes it difficult to easily carry out maintenance of the main sling. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention was made with the above considerations in mind, and aims to provide an elevator system that allows for easy maintenance of the slings without depending on the location of the traction machine.

[0008] To address the related issues, in this invention, an elevator system performs maintenance on the portion of the sling wound around the traction machine at the floor where the maintenance target is located. The elevator system includes: a calculation unit that calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e., the maintenance position, when performing maintenance on the portion of the sling wound, based on the position information of the traction machine and the position information of the car when it stops at the floor where the maintenance target is located; a storage unit that stores the maintenance position calculated by the calculation unit; and a control unit that moves the car based on the maintenance position stored in the storage unit.

[0009] In the above structure, for example, maintenance personnel can calculate the maintenance location by setting the position information of the traction machine and the car, and stop the car in the maintenance location. Therefore, it is not necessary to access the traction machine to set a mark for the maintenance part in advance, and the slings can be maintained regardless of the setting position of the traction machine. Furthermore, according to the above structure, for example, even if no mark is set on the slings, since the car automatically stops in the maintenance location, maintenance personnel can perform sling maintenance.

[0010] The effects of the invention

[0011] According to the present invention, a highly convenient elevator system can be achieved. Other issues, structures, and effects not described above will become clear through the following description of embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the elevator system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the parameters used to calculate the maintenance location in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure within the elevator shaft of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow involved in calculating the maintenance location in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow involved in the marking operation of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the control panel in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of an elevator system according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0020] 100……Elevator system, 110……Car, 130……Main hoisting cable, 160……Traction machine, 180……Control panel. Detailed Implementation

[0021] (I) First Embodiment

[0022] One embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0023] In the elevator system of this embodiment, the maintenance position is calculated using a formula that quantifies the relationship between the car's stopping position on the floor where maintenance is required and the stopping position of the car at which the maintenance section of the main hoisting cable intersects (the stopping position of the car performing maintenance work on the main hoisting cable, hereinafter referred to as the "main maintenance position"). Based on the car's position information managed by the control unit that controls the car's operation, this elevator system automatically stops the car at the maintenance position.

[0024] According to the above structure, maintenance personnel can automatically stop the car at the maintenance position by setting the information related to the car's stop position on the floor where the maintenance is to be performed (parameters used to calculate the maintenance position). Since the car stops automatically at the maintenance position, there is no need to perform the pre-marking work (marking operation) on the main slings suspended from the traction machine's sheaves. Therefore, maintenance of the main slings can be performed without relying on the traction machine's position. Furthermore, by automatically stopping the car at the maintenance position, marking operations can be performed from the car itself. Therefore, regardless of whether marking operations are performed, maintenance personnel do not need to visit the traction machine, thus reducing maintenance personnel's working hours.

[0025] The designations "1st," "2nd," "3rd," etc., used in this specification are for identifying constituent elements and are not necessarily limited in number or order. Furthermore, the numbers used to identify constituent elements are used in each context, and a number used in one context may not represent the same structure in other contexts. Moreover, this does not preclude a constituent element identified by a certain number from also functioning as a constituent element identified by other numbers.

[0026] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the invention, and omissions and simplifications are appropriate for clarity of explanation. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each constituent element can be either a single element or a plurality of elements.

[0027] Furthermore, in the following description, the same numbers are used for the same elements in the accompanying drawings, and descriptions may be omitted as appropriate. Additionally, when describing elements of the same type without distinction, the common portion (excluding the sub-number) of the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings is used; when describing elements of the same type with distinction, reference numerals including sub-numbers are sometimes used. For example, when describing a lobby without special distinction, it is referred to as "Lobby 102"; when describing different lobbyes, it is sometimes referred to as "Lower Floor Lobby 102-1" or "Middle Floor Lobby 102-2".

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the elevator system 100 according to this embodiment. In the elevator system 100, the car 110 is provided in the elevator shaft 101.

[0029] The car 110 is a box-shaped structure for carrying people and goods, and it stops at the lobby 102 to accommodate the operation of the call button for people and the operation of the maintenance tools 104 by the maintenance personnel 103. The lobby 102 includes multiple lobby levels, such as the lowest lobby 102-1, the middle lobby 102-2, and the highest lobby 102-3. Above the ceiling 111 of the car 110, on the car top 112, there is a car top handrail 113 to prevent the maintenance personnel 103 from falling into the elevator shaft 101. Furthermore, a tool box 114 is provided on the car top 112 to connect the maintenance tools 104 operated by the maintenance personnel 103. For example, a portable personal computer can be used as the maintenance tool 104. Additionally, a car top buzzer or similar device can be provided on the car top 112 to inform the maintenance personnel 103 of information.

[0030] In addition, the elevator system 100 includes a counterweight 120. Within the elevator shaft 101, the car 110 and the counterweight 120 can be vertically positioned via the main hoisting cable 130.

[0031] The main slings 130 are typically multiple, mounted on the counterweight pulley 140, top pulley 150, sheaves 161 of the traction machine 160, and car pulley 170, and supported by the support structure 105 (main sling support) at the top of the lifting channel 101. One or more markers 131 indicating the maintenance location can be provided on the main slings 130. For example, the area between the upper marker 131-1 and the lower marker 131-2 represents the maintenance area (an example of a maintenance location) for maintenance personnel 103 to inspect the main slings 130 on the car 112. In this embodiment, the area between the markers 131 is described as the part of the main slings 130 where wear is considered to be most advanced. This is because, when the car 110 stops at the floor where the maintenance is being performed, the portion of the main slings 130 hanging from the sheaves 161 hangs most heavily from the sheaves 161 during the acceleration and deceleration of the car 110.

[0032] A counterweight pulley 140 is disposed on the counterweight 120 and is used to drive the counterweight 120 by the main hoisting cable 130. A top pulley 150 is disposed at the top of the lifting channel 101. As the top pulley 150, there are car-side top pulleys 150-1 and counterweight-side top pulleys 150-2. A traction machine 160 is disposed in the lifting channel 101 and lifts the car 110 and the counterweight 120 in a bucket-like manner via the main hoisting cable 130. A rope pulley 161 transmits the driving force of the traction machine 160 to the main hoisting cable 130. A car lower pulley 170 is disposed at the lower part of the car 110, supports the car 110, and, driven by the traction machine 160, raises or lowers the car 110 via the rope pulley 161.

[0033] Additionally, in Figure 1, an example is shown of the traction machine 160 and the sheave 161 being positioned higher than the floor level of the lowest level hall 102-1. However, they can also be positioned lower or higher. There are no restrictions on the height at which they are positioned within the lift channel 101.

[0034] Furthermore, a control panel 180, serving as a control device for controlling the operation of the car 110, is installed within the elevator shaft 101, and an IND box 190 is installed in the lowest level lobby 102-1. A first communication cable 181 is routed from the control panel 180 to the IND box 190. A maintenance tool 104 is connected to the first communication cable 181 via a second communication cable 182, enabling communication with the control panel 180. Thus, maintenance personnel 103 can use the maintenance tool 104 to set parameters for calculating maintenance locations on the control panel 180 from the lobby 102.

[0035] Furthermore, the first communication cable 181 is connected to the equipment box 114 on the car 112 via the third communication cable 183. When the maintenance tool 104 is connected to the equipment box 114 via the second communication cable 182, it can communicate with the control panel 180. Thus, maintenance personnel 103 can issue instructions from the car 112 to the control panel 180 via the maintenance tool 104 to stop the car 110 in the maintenance position, enabling them to perform marking operations such as marking the maintenance area with the inspection mark 131, and performing maintenance operations on the maintenance area.

[0036] Regarding the hardware resources of the control panel 180, illustrations are omitted, but the control panel 180 may include processors such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), as well as storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The functions of the control panel 180 (computing unit 180-1, storage unit 180-2, control unit 180-3, interface unit 180-4, etc.) can be implemented, for example, by the processor reading programs stored in ROM, HDD, etc., into RAM and executing them (software), or by dedicated circuitry or other hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, one function of the control panel 180 can be divided into multiple functions, or multiple functions can be combined into one function. Additionally, a portion of the functions of the control panel 180 can be set as other functions, or contained within other functions. Furthermore, a portion of the functions of the control panel 180 can be implemented by other computers capable of communicating with the control panel 180.

[0037] The calculation unit 180-1 calculates the stopping position of the car 110, i.e., the maintenance position, when the main sling 130 is being inspected. The storage unit 180-2 stores the maintenance position calculated by the calculation unit 180-1. The control unit 180-3 moves the car 110 based on the maintenance position stored in the storage unit 180-2. The interface unit 180-4 can communicate with the maintenance tool 104 via the first communication cable 181 or without using the first communication cable 181.

[0038] Figure 2 is a diagram used to illustrate the parameters used to calculate the maintenance location.

[0039] Here, in the elevator system 100, a first main sling section 201, a second main sling section 202, and a third main sling section 203 are defined. The first main sling section 201 extends from the sheave 161 to the top pulley 150-1 on the car side. The second main sling section 202 extends from the sheave 161 to the top pulley 150-2 on the counterweight side. The third main sling section 203 extends from the counterweight pulley 140 to the top pulley 150-2 on the counterweight side. Furthermore, an overlap allowance (corresponding to the Japanese term "kakari-dai") 204 and a center point 205 are defined on the main sling 130. The overlap allowance 204 is the allowable overlap between the sheave 161 and the main sling 130 at the stop position of the car 110 on the floor to be inspected. The center point 205 is the point representing the center of the overlap allowance 204. In addition, in this embodiment, the location of the center point 205 of the overlap tolerance 204 of the main sling 130 (for example, the center point 205 is at the same height as the chest of the maintenance personnel 103) is described as a location that is easy to inspect.

[0040] If the car 110 moves from the lowest level hall 102-1 to the highest level hall 102-3, the center point 205 of the overlap allowance 204 moves along the first main sling section 201, the second main sling section 202, and the third main sling section 203. Therefore, maintenance personnel 103 can inspect the condition of the main slings 130 while boarding the car 112 and operating the car 110.

[0041] Next, the formulas used to calculate the maintenance location will be explained. Formulas (1) to (4) below are used to determine which of the following main sling sections (1, 201, 202, and 303) the maintenance location (e.g., center point 205) is located in. If parameter X satisfies (Formula 1), the maintenance location is determined to be within the 1st main sling section 201. If parameters X satisfy (Formula 2) and (Formula 3), the maintenance location is determined to be within the 2nd main sling section 202. If parameter X satisfies (Formula 4), the maintenance location is determined to be within the 3rd main sling section 203.

[0042]

Mathematical Formula 1

[0043]

[0044]

Mathematical Formula 2

[0045]

[0046]

Mathematical Expression 3

[0047]

[0048]

Mathematical Expression 4

[0049]

[0050] Thus, the location of the maintenance section is determined based on the positional relationship of the equipment involved in the lifting and lowering of the car 110 (car 110, top pulley 150, rope sheave 161, etc., equipment involved in the elevator).

[0051] Equations (5) to (7) below are formulas used to calculate the maintenance location. When a maintenance area is determined to be within the first main sling section 201, Equation (5) is used to calculate the maintenance location (parameter Y). When a maintenance area is determined to be within the second main sling section 202, Equation (6) is used to calculate the maintenance location (parameter Y). When a maintenance area is determined to be within the third main sling section 203, Equation (7) is used to calculate the maintenance location (parameter Y).

[0052]

Mathematical Expression 5

[0053]

[0054]

Mathematical Expression 6

[0055]

[0056]

Mathematical Expression 7

[0057]

[0058] Here, the parameters involved in (Equation 1) to (Equation 7) are shown in the following.

[0059] H1: Height from the floor level of the lowest foyer 102-1 to the bottom of the traction machine 160

[0060] H2: Height from the lower end of the traction machine 160 to the sheave core of the sheave 161

[0061] H3: The height from the sheave core to the point where the main sling 130 extends outwards towards the traction machine 160.

[0062] H4: Height from the pulley core of the top pulley 150-2 on the counterweight side to the top of the lifting channel 101

[0063] H5: Height from the floor of car 110 to the handrail 113 on the upper part of the car + α

[0064] α: Height from the handrail 113 on the car to the center point 205 when the marker 131 is set on the main sling 130

[0065] D1: Diameter of pulley 161

[0066] D2: Diameter of the top pulley on the counterweight side, 150-2 mm.

[0067] ST: Travel distance (height from the floor level of the lowest foyer 102-1 to the floor level of the highest foyer 102-3)

[0068] OH: Overhead (the height from the floor level of the uppermost foyer 102-3 to the top of the elevator shaft 101)

[0069] X: The height from the floor level of the lowest lobby 102-1 to the floor level of car 110 when car 110 stops at the floor of the object being inspected.

[0070] Y: Center point 205 is the height from the floor plane of the lowest level hall 102-1 to the floor plane of the car 110 when the height from the floor surface of the car 110 to the handrail 113 of the car is the same as α.

[0071] LI: Length of the main hoisting cable 130 from sheave 161 to top pulley 150-1 on the side of the car.

[0072] L2: Length of the main sling 130 hanging from the pulley 161

[0073] L3: Length of the main sling 130 from pulley 161 to top pulley 150-2 on the counterweight side.

[0074] L4: The length of the 130mm main sling hanging from the top pulley 150-2 on the counterweight side.

[0075] L5: Length of the main sling 130 from the top pulley 150-2 on the counterweight side to the counterweight pulley 140.

[0076] Thus, based on the positional relationship of the equipment involved in the lifting and lowering of the car 110, the position (maintenance position) of the car 110 when the center point 205 of the overlap allowable amount of the main sling 130 on the floor to be inspected intersects with the position of the handrail 113+α on the car 112 is calculated.

[0077] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure inside the elevator channel 101 when viewed from above.

[0078] As shown in Figure 3, the main sling 130 is configured to surround the car 110. Main sling 130-1 represents the main sling 130 of the first main sling section 201, main sling 130-2 represents the main sling 130 of the second main sling section 202, and main sling 130-3 represents the main sling 130 of the third main sling section 203. According to this configuration, operators can mark the main sling 130 of any main sling section from the car 112.

[0079] Figure 4 is an example of the processing flow involved in calculating the maintenance location.

[0080] In S401, maintenance personnel 103 set the parameters related to the inspection location. For example, maintenance personnel 103 connects maintenance tool 104 to IND box 190 via second communication cable 182, and operates maintenance tool 104 to set the parameters used in calculating the inspection location on control unit 180-3 of control panel 180. Furthermore, if there are multiple floors for the inspection target, maintenance personnel 103 can set parameter X for each floor of the inspection target.

[0081] In S402, the control panel 180 determines the main sling section where the maintenance part is located. For example, the control panel 180 uses the parameters set in S401 to determine which of (Equation 1) to (Equation 4) is satisfied, and determines which main sling section of the first main sling section 201, the second main sling section 202, and the third main sling section 203 the maintenance part of each maintenance object is located on the floor of each maintenance object.

[0082] In S403, the control panel 180 calculates the inspection location. For example, for the floor of the unprocessed inspection object, the control panel 180 selects the formula corresponding to the main sling interval determined in S402 from (Equation 5) to (Equation 7), inputs the parameters set in S401 into the selected formula, and calculates the parameter Y.

[0083] In S404, the control panel 180 stores the main sling sections and maintenance locations. For example, the control panel 180 associates and stores information representing the first main sling section 201, the second main sling section 202, or the third main sling section 203 with information representing the maintenance location corresponding to that main sling section.

[0084] In S405, the control panel 180 determines whether the inspection location has been calculated for all floors of the object under inspection. If the control panel 180 determines that the inspection location has been calculated for all floors of the object under inspection, the process will end; if the control panel 180 determines that the inspection location has not been calculated for any floor of the object under inspection, the process will be transferred to S403.

[0085] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow involved in marking operations.

[0086] In S501, maintenance personnel 103 moves to the top of the lift channel 101. For example, maintenance personnel 103 climbs from the lobby 102 onto the car 112, connects the maintenance tool 104 to the tool box 114 via the second communication cable 182, and operates the maintenance tool 104 to move to the top of the lift channel 101 at a low speed.

[0087] In S502, maintenance personnel 103 operate maintenance tool 104 to set a maintenance mode on the control section 180-3 of control panel 180. The maintenance mode controls the travel pattern of car 110 to stop car 110 in a maintenance position. When a maintenance operation mode is set, for example, when control panel 180 is running at low speed and downwards, control is performed to stop car 110 in a maintenance position stored on control panel 180.

[0088] In S503, maintenance personnel 103 move the car 110 to the maintenance position. For example, maintenance personnel 103 operate maintenance tool 104 (press a button, icon, etc. for moving to the next maintenance position) to move the car 110 downwards at a low speed until it automatically stops at the maintenance position stored in the control panel 180.

[0089] In S504, maintenance personnel 103 reads the main sling section containing the inspection area from maintenance tool 104. For example, when the car 110 is stopped in the inspection position, maintenance tool 104 displays information indicating the main sling section (the main sling 130 marked as the inspection position). For example, maintenance tool 104 displays a screen as shown in Figure 3, indicating the structure of the elevator shaft 101 as viewed from above, in which images of the main sling 130 marked as the inspection area (main sling 130-1 of the first main sling section 201, main sling 130-2 of the second main sling section 202, or main sling 130-3 of the third main sling section 203) are highlighted.

[0090] Furthermore, the method for outputting information indicating the main sling 130 to be marked is not limited to the above. For example, when the car 110 is stopped in the maintenance position, the buzzer on the car can notify the maintenance personnel 103 of which main sling section has a maintenance location with a given sound pattern.

[0091] Based on the above structure, maintenance personnel 103 can know which of the following sections—the first main sling section 201, the second main sling section 202, or the third main sling section 203—can be used for maintenance.

[0092] In S505, maintenance personnel 103 sets a check mark 131 on the main sling 130, which is read from maintenance tool 104 in S504. At this time, maintenance personnel 103 can set the check mark 131 to indicate the inspection range. The inspection range is set, for example, to a range of 500mm above and below the center point 205, that is, a range of 1m centered on the center point 205.

[0093] In S506, maintenance personnel 103 confirms whether all floors of the target area have been marked. If all floors of the target area have been marked, maintenance personnel 103 ends the marking process. If not all floors of the target area have been marked, maintenance personnel 103 transfers the process to S503 to perform marking work on the next floor of the target area.

[0094] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the control panel 180 involved in marking operations. This processing begins, for example, when maintenance personnel 103 operates maintenance tool 104 in S503.

[0095] In S601, control panel 180 determines whether it is in maintenance mode. If control panel 180 determines that it is in maintenance mode, it transfers the process to S602; if it determines that it is not in maintenance mode, it ends the process.

[0096] In S602, the control panel 180 moves the car 110 to the maintenance position. For example, the control panel 180 uses position information indicating the position of the car 110 managed by the control unit 180-3 to control the car 110 to move to the maintenance position closest to that position below it.

[0097] In S603, the control panel 180 determines whether the car 110 has stopped automatically. If the control panel 180 determines that the car 110 has stopped automatically, the process is transferred to S604; if the control panel 180 determines that the car 110 has not stopped automatically, the process is returned to S603.

[0098] In S604, the control panel 180 notifies the maintenance tool 104 of the information indicating the main sling section corresponding to the maintenance position where automatic stop is performed, and the process is completed.

[0099] The structure of the device involved in this embodiment is not limited to the structure shown in FIG1. ​​For example, it can be the structure shown in FIG7, or other structures.

[0100] In the case of the structure shown in Figure 7, the control panel 180 calculates the amount of movement of the car 110 until the part hanging on the sheave 161 (the maintenance part) moves through the car 110 to the same height as the maintenance height of the main sling 130 on the car 112, based on the position information of the sheave 161, etc. and the maintenance height information of the main sling 130 on the car 112 when the car 110 stops.

[0101] At this point, with the dimensions (diameter, etc.) of the pulley 161 set, the control panel 180 can calculate the amount of movement more accurately. Furthermore, with the height of the car 110 when it stops set, the control panel 180 can more accurately calculate the height of the car 110 when the maintenance area is at the same height as the main sling 130 that can be maintained. Moreover, by constraining the range of movement of the main sling 130 and the car 110, the control panel 180 can calculate in which section of the main sling the aforementioned interlacing conditional expression occurs.

[0102] For example, in the case of a 2:1 rope roping method, if the movement of the car 110 is set as Z, then the movement of the main sling 130 becomes 2×Z. Therefore, regarding the position Y of the car 110 when the center point 205 of the overlap tolerance 204 of the main sling 130 intersects with the position +α above the handrail 113 of the car 112, given that the diameter and positional relationship of the sheave 161 and pulley (in this example, the counterweight pulley 140) suspended by the main sling 130 are clear, Y can be calculated based on X. That is, by giving the diameter and positional relationship of the sheave 161 and pulley, and X, the position Y (maintenance position) where the car 110 automatically stops can be calculated. Furthermore, by constraining the possible range of movement of the main sling 130 and the car 110, it is possible to calculate in which section of the main sling the aforementioned interlacing conditional expression is generated.

[0103] When the equipment involved in the lifting of the car 110 is configured as shown in Figure 7, and the diameter of the sheave 161 and the height of the sheave 161 from the lowest hall 102-1 are known, since the movement of the main sling 130 is 2×Z when the car 110 moves in a Z-shape, the position of the center point 205 of the overlap tolerance 204 of the main sling 130 after movement (the position from the lowest hall 102-1) can be known.

[0104] For example, the position of the sheave 161 is 10000mm from the lowest level hall 102-1, and the diameter of the sheave 161 is 400mm. The car 110 moves by Z = +1000mm from the position (X = 0) of the lowest level hall 102-1. At this time, the center point 205 of the overlap tolerance 204 of the main sling 130 moves towards the counterweight 120 by 2 × 1000 = 2000mm. Therefore, the position of the center point 205 of the overlap tolerance 204 in the sheave 161 after the movement can be obtained as the height of the lowest level hall 102-1 + 10000 - (2 × 1000 - 400 × π / 4). Similarly, the position of the car 110 is 1000mm away from the lowest level hall 102-1.

[0105] Thus, since the positions of the main sling 130 and the car 110 can be calculated, the relationship between X and Y can be obtained based on the condition that their positions are equal when they intersect.

[0106] Furthermore, assuming that the possible range of movement of the car 110 is between the lowest level hall 102-1 and the highest level hall 102-3, then for the obtained Y, we can obtain a conditional expression such as 0≤Y≤ST. Therefore, we can determine where the main suspension cable intervals intersect based on the conditional expression.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the main sling can be easily inspected regardless of the location of the traction machine.

[0108] (II) Notes

[0109] The above-described implementation includes, for example, the following.

[0110] The above embodiments describe the application of the present invention to an elevator system, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be widely used in various other systems, devices, methods and procedures.

[0111] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe the scenario where maintenance personnel set the parameters related to the maintenance position in S401, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, some or all of the parameters related to the maintenance position may be set by maintenance personnel or personnel other than maintenance personnel at a point in time prior to S401.

[0112] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe the determination of the main sling interval based on parameters on the S402 control panel 180, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the main sling interval can also be determined and set by a person (e.g., a maintenance personnel).

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the output of information is not limited to displaying on a monitor. The output of information may also be sound output based on a speaker, output to a document, printing on paper media by a printing device, projection onto a screen by a projector, or other methods.

[0114] Furthermore, as described above, the programs, tables, files, and other information that implement each function can be placed in storage devices such as memory, hard disks, SSDs (Solid State Drives), or recording media such as IC cards, SD cards, and DVDs.

[0115] The above-described embodiments have, for example, the following characteristic structures.

[0116] (1)

[0117] An elevator system (e.g., elevator system 100) for performing maintenance on the portion of the sling (e.g., main sling 130) wound around the traction machine (e.g., traction machine 160) at the floor of the object to be maintained includes: a calculation unit (e.g., calculation unit 180-1, control panel 180, circuitry) that calculates the stopping position of the car (i.e., maintenance position) when performing maintenance on the portion of the sling, based on the position information of the traction machine and the position information of the car (e.g., car 110) when it stops at the floor of the object to be maintained; a storage unit (e.g., storage unit 180-2, control panel 180, circuitry) that stores the maintenance position calculated by the calculation unit; and a control unit (e.g., control unit 180-3, control panel 180, circuitry) that moves the car based on the maintenance position stored in the storage unit.

[0118] In the above structure, for example, maintenance personnel calculate the maintenance position by setting the position information of the traction machine and the car, so that the car can stop at the maintenance position. Therefore, it is not necessary to visit the traction machine and set a mark at the maintenance location in advance, and the slings can be maintained regardless of the setting position of the traction machine. Furthermore, according to the above structure, for example, since the car automatically stops at the maintenance position even if a mark is not set on the slings, maintenance personnel can perform sling maintenance.

[0119] (2)

[0120] A counterweight (e.g., counterweight 120) is provided for balancing the weight of the car. A first pulley (e.g., top pulley 150-1 on the car side) is provided on the car side, and a second pulley (e.g., top pulley 150-2 on the counterweight side) is provided on the counterweight side. The two ends of the sling are supported at the top of the lifting channel (e.g., lifting channel 101). The sling is supported by the pulley of the car (e.g., lower pulley 170 on the car side), the first pulley, and the sheave of the traction machine (e.g., sheave 16). 1) The calculation unit determines which of the following is included in the first sling section (e.g., the first main sling section 201) located between the first pulley and the rope sheave, the second sling section (e.g., the second main sling section 202) located between the rope sheave and the second pulley, and the third sling section (e.g., the third main sling section 203) located between the second pulley and the counterweight pulley:

[0121] In the above structure, it is determined which sling section the sling to be inspected is located in among the slings configured with multiple pulleys. Based on this structure, for example, when the output indicates the first sling section, the second sling section, or the third sling section, maintenance personnel can easily determine which sling should be inspected.

[0122] (3)

[0123] The elevator system described above has an interface (e.g., interface 180-4, control panel 180, circuit) that can communicate with a maintenance tool (e.g., maintenance tool 104). When the car moves to the maintenance position based on a movement instruction to the maintenance position from the maintenance tool via the control unit, the interface notifies the maintenance tool of information indicating the sling interval determined by the calculation unit (e.g., refer to Figures 1 and 6).

[0124] According to the above structure, for example, when maintenance personnel climb onto the top of the car and move to the maintenance position, the maintenance tool displays information indicating the sling section of the object to be maintained. Therefore, the slings in the sling section of the object to be maintained can be marked, and subsequent sling maintenance can be easily carried out.

[0125] (4)

[0126] The elevator system described above includes an interface (e.g., interface 180-4, control panel 180, circuitry) capable of communicating with maintenance tools (e.g., maintenance tool 104). This interface receives from the maintenance tool information representing the following heights: from the floor plane of the lowest hallway to the lower end of the traction machine (e.g., parameter H1); from the lower end of the traction machine to the sheave core of the rope pulley (e.g., parameter H2); from the sheave core to the point where the sling extends outward from the traction machine (e.g., parameter H3); and from the floor of the car to the handrail on the car. The calculation unit determines, based on the information received from the interface unit, which of the following is included: the height of the car (e.g., parameter H5-parameter α), the height of the car when it is in the maintenance position, the height of the center point from the handrail on the car to the center of the center of the allowable overlap of the sheave and the sling on the floor indicating the maintenance target (e.g., parameter α), and the length of the sling hanging from the sheave (e.g., parameter L2).

[0127] (5)

[0128] The elevator system described above has an interface (e.g., interface 180-4, control panel 180, circuit) that can communicate with maintenance tools (e.g., maintenance tool 104), and is equipped with a counterweight (e.g., counterweight 120) for balancing the weight of the car. A first pulley (e.g., car-side top pulley 150-1) is provided on the car side, and a second pulley (e.g., counterweight-side top pulley 150-2) is provided on the counterweight side. The two ends of the sling are supported at the top of the lifting channel (e.g., lifting channel 101). The sling is supported by the pulleys of the car (e.g., car lower pulley 170), the first pulley, the rope sheave of the traction machine (e.g., rope sheave 161), the second pulley, and the pulley of the counterweight (e.g., counterweight pulley 140). The calculation unit calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e., the maintenance position, when the sling is inspected, based on the information received from the interface.

[0129] Based on the above structure, for example, maintenance personnel can set the position information of the traction machine and the car at the maintenance site using maintenance tools.

[0130] (6)

[0131] The aforementioned interface receives from the aforementioned maintenance tool the following heights when the car is stopped at the floor of the target inspection area: from the floor plane of the lowest lobby to the floor surface of the car (e.g., parameter X); from the floor plane of the lowest lobby to the lower end of the traction machine (e.g., parameter H1); from the lower end of the traction machine to the sheave core of the sheave (e.g., parameter H2); from the floor surface of the car to the handrail on the car (e.g., parameters H5-α); and from the handrail on the car to the height when the car is in the inspection position. The information includes the height of the center point of the center of the overlap tolerance between the sheave and the sling on the floor to be inspected (e.g., parameter α) and the length of the sling hanging from the sheave (e.g., parameter L2). When the sling is located in the first sling section between the first pulley and the sheave, or in the second sling section between the sheave and the second pulley, the calculation unit calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e., the inspection position, when the sling is being inspected, based on the information received from the interface unit.

[0132] Based on the above structure, for example, if the part of the sling used for maintenance among the slings arranged with multiple pulleys is the first sling section or the second sling section, the maintenance location can be calculated.

[0133] (7)

[0134] The interface receives from the maintenance tool the following heights when the car is stopped at the floor of the target inspection area: from the floor plane of the lowest lobby to the floor plane of the car (e.g., parameter X); from the core of the second pulley to the top of the elevator shaft (e.g., parameter H4); from the floor plane of the car to the handrail on the car (e.g., parameters H5-α); the height when the car is in the inspection position; from the handrail on the car to the center point of the center of the allowable overlap of the sheave and the sling at the floor of the target inspection area (e.g., parameter α); and from the floor plane of the lowest lobby to the floor plane of the highest lobby. The calculation unit receives information on the height of the surface (e.g., parameter ST), the height from the floor of the uppermost lobby to the top of the elevator shaft (e.g., parameter OH), the length of the sling hanging from the sheave (e.g., parameter L2), the length of the sling from the sheave to the second pulley (e.g., parameter L3), and the length of the sling hanging from the second pulley (e.g., parameter L4). When the sling is in the third sling section between the second pulley and the counterweight pulley, the calculation unit calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e., the maintenance position, when maintenance of the sling is performed.

[0135] Based on the above structure, for example, if the part of the sling that is being inspected among the slings that are suspended from multiple pulleys is the third sling section, the inspection location can be calculated.

[0136] (8)

[0137] A counterweight (e.g., counterweight 120) is provided for balancing the weight of the car. The traction machine is positioned above the floor level of the uppermost hallway. The two ends of the slings are supported at the top of the lifting channel (e.g., lifting channel 101).

[0138] Based on the above structure, for example, even if the traction machine is not located on the lowest level, maintenance personnel can easily inspect and repair the slings.

[0139] (9)

[0140] The calculation unit calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e. the maintenance position, when the sling is being maintained, based on the position information of the traction machine, the size information of the sheave of the traction machine (e.g., parameter D1), and the position information of the car when it stops at the floor of the object to be maintained (see Figure 7 for example).

[0141] Based on the above structure, for example, the calculation unit can more accurately calculate the amount of movement of the maintenance part by using the size information of the rope pulley.

[0142] (10)

[0143] The calculation unit calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e. the maintenance position, when the sling is being repaired, based on the position information of the traction machine, the height information of the car (e.g., parameter H5), and the position information of the car when it stops at the floor of the object being repaired (see Figure 7 for example).

[0144] Based on the above structure, for example, maintenance personnel can set a maintenance location at a height that is easy to perform maintenance by setting the desired height.

[0145] Furthermore, the above-described structure can be appropriately modified, adapted, combined, or omitted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0146] Items in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” are intended to be understood as meaning (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

Claims

1. An elevator system for performing maintenance on a portion of the suspension cable wound around a traction machine at a floor where maintenance is required, characterized in that it comprises: a calculation unit that calculates a stopping position of the car, i.e., a maintenance position, when performing maintenance on the suspension cable portion, based on position information of the traction machine and position information of the car when it stops at the floor where maintenance is required; a storage unit that stores the maintenance position calculated by the calculation unit; and a control unit that moves the car based on the maintenance position stored in the storage unit, wherein the elevator system is provided with a mechanism for weighing the car. The sling has a balancing counterweight, a first pulley on the car side and a second pulley on the counterweight side, and both ends of the sling are supported at the top of the lifting channel. The sling is mounted on the pulley of the car, the first pulley, the rope sheave of the traction machine, the second pulley and the counterweight pulley. The calculation unit determines which of the following is included in the sling: a first sling interval located between the first pulley and the rope sheave, a second sling interval located between the rope sheave and the second pulley, and a third sling interval located between the second pulley and the counterweight pulley.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elevator system has an interface that can communicate with a maintenance tool. When the car moves to the maintenance position based on a movement instruction to the maintenance position from the maintenance tool via the control unit, the interface notifies the maintenance tool of information indicating the sling interval determined by the calculation unit.

3. The elevator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elevator system has an interface that can communicate with a maintenance tool. The interface receives from the maintenance tool information indicating the following heights: from the floor plane of the lowest lobby to the lower end of the traction machine; from the lower end of the traction machine to the sheave core; from the sheave core to the point where the sling extends outward from the traction machine; from the floor of the car to the handrail on the car; when the car is in the inspection position, the height from the handrail on the car to the center point of the center of the allowable overlap of the sheave and the sling at the floor indicating the inspection target; and the length of the sling hanging from the sheave. The calculation unit determines, based on the information received from the interface, which of the first, second, and third sling intervals the portion of the sling is included in.

4. The elevator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elevator system has an interface that can communicate with maintenance tools. The calculation unit calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e. the maintenance position, when performing maintenance on the sling.

5. The elevator system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The interface unit receives from the maintenance tool information indicating the height of the car from the floor plane of the lowest lobby to the floor of the car when the car is stopped at the floor of the object under maintenance, the height from the floor plane of the lowest lobby to the lower end of the traction machine, the height from the lower end of the traction machine to the sheave core of the rope sheave, the height from the floor of the car to the handrail on the car, the height from the handrail on the car to the center point of the center of the allowable overlap of the rope sheave and the sling at the floor of the object under maintenance when the car is in the maintenance position, and the length of the sling hanging from the rope sheave. When the portion of the sling is in the first sling section between the first pulley and the rope sheave or in the second sling section between the rope sheave and the second pulley, the calculation unit calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e., the maintenance position, when maintenance is performed on the portion of the sling.

6. The elevator system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The interface receives from the maintenance tool the following heights: from the floor plane of the lowest lobby to the floor of the car when the car is stopped at the floor of the object under maintenance; from the core of the second pulley to the top of the lifting channel; from the floor of the car to the handrail on the car; from the handrail on the car to the center point of the center of the allowable overlap of the rope sheave and the sling at the floor of the object under maintenance when the car is in the maintenance position; and from the floor plane of the lowest lobby to the floor of the highest lobby. The calculation unit calculates the car's stopping position, i.e., the maintenance position, when the portion of the sling is located in the third sling section between the second pulley and the counterweight pulley, based on the information received from the interface unit, including the height of the plane, the height from the floor of the uppermost lobby to the top of the elevator shaft, the length of the sling hanging from the sheave, the length of the sling from the sheave to the second pulley, and the length of the sling hanging from the second pulley.

7. The elevator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The traction machine is positioned higher than the floor level of the uppermost foyer.

8. The elevator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calculation unit calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e. the maintenance position, when the sling is being repaired, based on the position information of the traction machine, the size information of the traction machine's sheave, and the position information of the car when it stops at the floor of the object being repaired.

9. The elevator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calculation unit calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e. the maintenance position, when the sling is being repaired, based on the position information of the traction machine, the height information of the car, and the position information of the car when it stops at the floor of the object being repaired.

10. A method for inspecting slings in an elevator system, comprising inspecting the portion of the slings wound around the traction machine at the floor where the inspection is to be performed, the method being characterized by comprising: The calculation unit calculates the stopping position of the car, i.e., the maintenance position, when performing maintenance on the sling section, based on the position information of the traction machine and the position information of the car when it stops at the floor of the object under maintenance. The storage unit stores the maintenance position calculated by the calculation unit. The control unit moves the car based on the maintenance position stored in the storage unit. The elevator system is equipped with a counterweight for balancing the weight of the car. A first pulley is provided on the car side, and a second pulley is provided on the counterweight side. The two ends of the sling are supported at the top of the elevator shaft. The sling is supported by the pulleys of the car, the first pulley, the rope sheave of the traction machine, the second pulley, and the counterweight pulley. The calculation unit determines which of the following is included in the sling section: a first sling section between the first pulley and the rope sheave, a second sling section between the rope sheave and the second pulley, and a third sling section between the second pulley and the counterweight pulley.

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