Elevator system

Abstract

The seismic probe (11) outputs a signal (s1) and a signal (s2). When the signal (s2) is not output from the seismic probe (11) and the signal (s1) is output, the operation control section (21) performs a post-seismic diagnosis operation. When the signal (s2) is output from the seismic probe (11), the first determination section (41) determines that the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor (30) is below a determination reference value, and the second determination section (42) determines that the seismic intensity indicated by the seismic intensity information acquired by the acquisition section (43) is below a reference seismic intensity, the operation control section (21) starts the post-seismic diagnosis operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to elevator systems. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an elevator system. The system described in Patent Document 1 includes a seismic detector. If the maximum acceleration output by the seismic detector is below a general reference value, diagnostic operation is performed. Even if the maximum acceleration output by the seismic detector exceeds the general reference value, diagnostic operation is performed if the value based on that acceleration meets a separate reference.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 134891 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the system described in Patent Document 1, a separate reference must be set for each elevator unit. This presents problems such as difficulty in determining the individual references and difficulty in applying them to the elevator units.

[0008] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems. The object of this invention is to provide an elevator system that can perform diagnostic operation and is easily deployed even when acceleration greater than a specific reference value is detected.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The elevator system of the present invention includes: a car that moves in a shaft; an earthquake detector installed in a building forming the shaft, which outputs a first signal when it detects an acceleration greater than a first reference value, and outputs a second signal when it detects an acceleration greater than a second reference value; an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration; an operation control unit that performs post-earthquake diagnostic operation when the earthquake detector outputs the first signal instead of the second signal; a first determination unit that determines whether the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is below a determination reference value when the earthquake detector outputs the second signal; an acquisition unit that acquires seismic intensity information of the area where the building exists; and a second determination unit that determines whether the seismic intensity shown in the seismic intensity information acquired by the acquisition unit is below a reference intensity. The second reference value is greater than the first reference value. The determination reference value is greater than the second reference value. When the first determination unit determines that the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is below the determination reference value, and the second determination unit determines that the seismic intensity shown in the seismic intensity information acquired by the acquisition unit is below the reference intensity, the operation control unit begins post-earthquake diagnostic operation.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] The elevator system according to the present invention can perform diagnostic operation even when an acceleration greater than a specific reference value is detected. Furthermore, the system is easy to deploy. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevator system according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate the functions of an elevator system.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an elevator system.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an elevator system.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of server actions.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart representing other actions of the server.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of server hardware resources.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram representing other examples of server hardware resources. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following detailed description is based on the accompanying drawings. Repetitive descriptions have been simplified or omitted where appropriate. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts.

[0022] Implementation Method 1

[0023] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevator system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate the functions of an elevator system.

[0024] An elevator system has an elevator assembly 1 installed in a specific building. A shaft 2 is formed in the building. The elevator assembly 1 has a car 3 and a counterweight 4. The car 3 moves up and down in the shaft 2. The counterweight 4 moves up and down in the shaft 2. The car 3 and the counterweight 4 are suspended in the shaft 2 by ropes 5.

[0025] Rope 5 is wound around traction machine 6. Traction machine 6 drives car 3. Control device 7 controls traction machine 6. That is, the movement of car 3 is controlled by control device 7. As a preferred example Figure 1 This illustrates an elevator device 1 using a 2:1 rope winding method. Figure 1In the example shown, the traction machine 6 and control device 7 are located at the top of the shaft 2. The traction machine 6 and control device 7 can also be located at the bottom of the shaft 2. If there is a machine room above the shaft 2, the traction machine 6 and control device 7 can also be located in the machine room.

[0026] Monitoring device 8 is connected to control device 7. Figure 1 In the example shown, monitoring device 8 is located at the top of shaft 2. Monitoring device 8 can also be located in the pit or machine room of shaft 2. Monitoring device 8 communicates with external devices via network 9. These external devices include server 10. As an example, server 10 is located in a remote information center managing elevator system 1.

[0027] Earthquake detector 11 was installed in the building. Figure 1 This illustrates an example where the seismic detector 11 is installed in the pit at the bottom of the shaft 2. The seismic detector 11 is connected to the monitoring device 8. The seismic detector 11 can also be connected to the control device 7.

[0028] Earthquake detector 11 detects the acceleration of a building. When earthquake detector 11 detects an acceleration greater than a specific first reference value, it outputs signal s1 to monitoring device 8. The first reference value is preset. When earthquake detector 11 detects an acceleration greater than a specific second reference value, it outputs signal s2 to monitoring device 8. The second reference value is greater than the first reference value. The second reference value is preset.

[0029] The seismic detector 11 can also output a signal sp to the monitoring device 8 when it detects an acceleration greater than a specific P-wave reference value. The P-wave reference value is smaller than a first reference value. The P-wave reference value is preset. For example, when a building experiences an acceleration greater than the first reference value but smaller than the second reference value, the seismic detector 11 outputs signals sp and s1.

[0030] The control device 7 includes an operation control unit 21 and an anomaly detection unit 22. The operation control unit 21 controls normal operation and diagnostic operation. Normal operation is used to make the car 3 respond to registered calls in sequence. Diagnostic operation is performed as needed after an earthquake. Diagnostic operation is the operation that performs diagnostics necessary to restore the elevator system 1 to normal operation after an earthquake.

[0031] The monitoring device 8 includes an acceleration sensor 30, an earthquake determination unit 31, and a communication unit 32. The acceleration sensor 30 detects acceleration. The elevator device 1 communicates with the server 10 via the communication unit 32 of the monitoring device 8. The server 10 includes a storage unit 40, a first determination unit 41, a second determination unit 42, an acquisition unit 43, and a communication unit 44.

[0032] The following also refers to Figures 3-5The functions of this elevator system are described in detail. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of elevator device 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It indicates a series of actions.

[0033] In elevator unit 1, operation control unit 21 performs normal operation (S101). During normal operation, car 3 responds to registered calls in sequence.

[0034] During normal operation, the earthquake determination unit 31 determines whether an earthquake has occurred. For example, the earthquake determination unit 31 determines whether a signal sp has been received from the earthquake detector 11 (S102). If the earthquake detector 11 does not detect an acceleration greater than the P-wave reference value, the earthquake detector 11 does not output a signal sp. In this case, the determination is "no" in S102. When the determination is "no" in S102, the operation control unit 21 performs normal operation.

[0035] When the seismic detector 11 detects an acceleration greater than the P-wave reference value, it outputs a signal sp. Therefore, it is determined to be "yes" in S102. When the determination is "yes" in S102, the seismic determination unit 31 determines whether it has received a signal s1 from the seismic detector 11 (S103).

[0036] When the seismic detector 11 detects an acceleration that is larger than the P-wave reference value but smaller than the first reference value, it outputs only the signal sp. In this case, it is determined to be "no" in S103. When it is determined to be "no" in S103, the operation control unit 21 stops the car 3 for a certain period of time (S104). After the certain period of time has elapsed, the seismic detector 11 is automatically reset (S105). When the seismic detector 11 is reset in S105, the operation control unit 21 resumes normal operation.

[0037] When the seismic detector 11 detects an acceleration greater than the first reference value, it outputs signals sp and s1. Therefore, it is determined to be "yes" in S103. When it is determined to be "yes" in S103, the earthquake determination unit 31 determines whether signal s2 has been received from the seismic detector 11 (S106).

[0038] When the seismic detector 11 detects an acceleration that is larger than the first reference value and smaller than the second reference value, only signals sp and s1 are output from the seismic detector 11. Signal s2 is not output from the seismic detector 11. In this case, the result is determined to be "No" in S106. When the result is determined to be "No" in S106, the operation control unit 21 performs diagnostic operation (S107). As an example, the diagnostic operation automatically starts when certain conditions are met after the control operation for rescuing passengers in the car 3 has ended.

[0039] During diagnostic operation, various data required for diagnosis are acquired. Additionally, during diagnostic operation, it is determined whether an abnormality is detected (S108). The abnormality detection unit 22 detects abnormalities based on the acquired data. When the abnormality detection unit 22 detects an abnormality ("Yes" in S108), the operation control unit 21 stops operating (S109). In this case, if the verification work by a professional technician has not been completed, a return to normal operation is not performed.

[0040] If the abnormality detection unit 22 detects no abnormality and the operation is considered complete (S108 "No"), the elevator unit 1 temporarily resumes operation (S110). During the temporary resumption, the operation control unit 21 operates the car 3 to respond to registered calls in sequence. Therefore, when the elevator unit is temporarily resumed, passengers can take the car 3 to their destination floor. Furthermore, during the temporary resumption, a specific display indicating that the resumption is temporary is shown at the landing 12. By observing this display, passengers can understand that the operation is not fully resumed. Then, after the confirmation work by professional technicians is completed, the elevator unit 1 officially resumes operation. That is, normal operation resumes.

[0041] On the other hand, when the seismic detector 11 detects an acceleration greater than the second reference value, it outputs signals sp, s1, and s2. Therefore, it is determined to be "yes" in S106. When it is determined to be "yes" in S106, the communication unit 32 sends an earthquake occurrence signal to the server 10 (S111). The earthquake occurrence signal contains information about the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 30.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of server 10. In server 10, it is determined whether an earthquake signal has been received (S201). When the communication unit 44 of server 10 receives the earthquake signal sent from monitoring device 8 in S111, it is determined to be "yes" in S201. That is, when signal s2 is output from earthquake detector 11, it is determined to be "yes" in S201.

[0043] As described above, the earthquake occurrence signal includes information about the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 30 when an earthquake occurs. When the determination is "yes" in S201, the first determination unit 41 determines whether the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 30 is below a determination reference value (S202). The determination reference value is greater than the second reference value. The determination reference value is preset. If the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 30 is below the determination reference value, the first determination unit 41 determines "yes" in S202.

[0044] Furthermore, conventionally, diagnostic operation was not performed when an acceleration equivalent to intensity 5 was detected. However, according to the applicant's investigation, if the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor installed at the top of the shaft 2 is in the range of 240 Gal to 520 Gal (equivalent to intensity 5), the elevator unit 1 shows almost no damage. To broaden the scope for diagnostic operation, it is preferable to select a value that falls within the range of 240 Gal to 520 Gal. To further broaden the scope for diagnostic operation, it is more preferable to select a value that falls within the upper 50% range of 240 Gal to 520 Gal, i.e., the range of 380 Gal to 520 Gal. More preferably, it is select a value that falls within the upper 25% range of 240 Gal to 520 Gal, i.e., the range of 450 Gal to 520 Gal.

[0045] When the condition is determined to be "yes" in S201, the acquisition unit 43 acquires the seismic intensity information of the area where the building exists (S203). Seismic intensity information is information indicating the intensity of shaking (seismicity) caused by an earthquake. In Japan, seismic intensity is represented by 10 levels from seismicity 0 to seismicity 7. The acquisition unit 43 acquires the seismic intensity information of the area from external agencies such as the Meteorological Bureau.

[0046] Next, the second determination unit 42 determines whether the seismic intensity shown in the seismic intensity information obtained by the acquisition unit 43 in S203 is below a specific reference seismic intensity (S204). The reference seismic intensity is preset. When the determination reference value is a value within the range of 240 Gal to 520 Gal, the reference seismic intensity is preferably intensity 5. If the seismic intensity shown in the seismic intensity information obtained by the acquisition unit 43 is below the reference seismic intensity, the second determination unit 42 determines "yes" in S204.

[0047] The determination in S202 can also be performed before the determination in S204. When the determination in both S202 and S204 is "yes", the communication unit 44 sends a permission start signal to the monitoring device 8 as a response to the earthquake occurrence signal received in S201 (S205).

[0048] On the other hand, if the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 30 is greater than the judgment reference value, the first judgment unit 41 determines "no" in S202. If the seismic intensity information obtained by the acquisition unit 43 shows a seismic intensity greater than the reference seismic intensity, the second judgment unit 42 determines "no" in S204. When "no" is determined in at least one of S202 or S204, the communication unit 44 sends a disallowed start signal to the monitoring device 8 as a response to the earthquake occurrence signal received in S201 (S206).

[0049] In monitoring device 8, such as Figure 4 As shown, when an earthquake occurrence signal is sent from the communication unit 32 in S111, it is determined, in response, whether a permission start signal has been received from the server 10 (S112). Furthermore, in the monitoring device 8, if no permission start signal is received from the server 10 ("No" in S112), it is determined, in response to the earthquake occurrence signal, whether a disallowed start signal has been received from the server 10 (S113).

[0050] When the communication unit 32 receives the permission start signal sent from the server 10 in S205, it determines "yes" in S112. That is, when both S202 and S204 determine "yes", it determines "yes" in S112. When it determines "yes" in S112, the operation control unit 21 begins diagnostic operation (S114).

[0051] The procedures shown in S115 to S117 after the diagnostic operation begins in S114 are the same as those shown in S108 to S110 after the diagnostic operation begins in S107. That is, during the diagnostic operation, it is determined whether an abnormality is detected (S115). When the abnormality detection unit 22 detects an abnormality ("Yes" in S115), the operation control unit 21 stops the operation (S116). In this case, if the confirmation work by the professional technician has not been completed, the return to normal operation will not be performed.

[0052] If the abnormality detection unit 22 detects no abnormality and the operation is considered complete (S115 "No"), the elevator unit 1 temporarily resumes operation (S117). During the temporary resumption, the operation control unit 21 operates the car 3 to respond to registered calls in sequence. Additionally, during the temporary resumption, a specific display indicating that it is a temporary resumption is shown at the landing 12. Then, after the confirmation work by a professional technician is completed, the elevator unit 1 officially resumes operation. That is, normal operation resumes.

[0053] On the other hand, when the communication unit 32 receives the disallowed start signal sent from the server 10 in S206, it determines "yes" in S113. That is, if it determines "no" in at least one of S202 or S204, it determines "yes" in S113. When it determines "yes" in S113, the operation control unit 21 stops operation (S116). Therefore, when it determines "yes" in S113, the operation control unit 21 does not start diagnostic operation. In this case, if the verification work of the professional technician has not been completed, the restoration to normal operation will not be performed.

[0054] In the example shown in this embodiment, diagnostic operation can be performed even if the seismic detector 11 detects an acceleration greater than the second reference value. Furthermore, when signal s2 is output from the seismic detector 11, diagnostic operation begins when both S202 and S204 are determined to be "yes". The system can be easily deployed without needing to set the conditions for starting diagnostic operation individually for each elevator unit.

[0055] The following describes other functions that this elevator system can employ.

[0056] The operation control unit 21 can also perform diagnostic operations in S114 that differ from the diagnostic operations performed in S107. For example, if the operation control unit 21 performs a diagnostic operation in S114, it initially moves the car 3 at a first speed. If no abnormality is detected when the car 3 is moved at the first speed, the operation control unit 21 then moves the car 3 at a second speed. The second speed is greater than the first speed.

[0057] If no abnormality is detected when the car 3 moves at the second speed, the operation control unit 21 then moves the car 3 at the third speed. The third speed is greater than the second speed. If no abnormality is detected when the car 3 moves at the third speed, it is determined as "no" in S115. That is, in the diagnostic operation performed in S114, the operation control unit 21 moves the car 3 at three different speed levels.

[0058] On the other hand, when the operation control unit 21 performs a diagnostic operation in S107, it initially moves the car 3 at a second speed. If no abnormality is detected when the car 3 is moved at the second speed, the operation control unit 21 then moves the car 3 at a third speed. If no abnormality is detected when the car 3 is moved at the third speed, a "no" result is determined in S108. That is, the operation control unit 21 can also move the car 3 at two different speed levels during the diagnostic operation performed in S107.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a flowchart representing other action examples of server 10. Figure 6The illustrated action sequence is equivalent to... Figure 5 The process shown in S207 is added to the illustrated action flow. Figure 6 In the example shown, information about multiple elevator devices with specific option contracts is stored in the storage unit 40 of server 10.

[0060] When the determination is "yes" in S201, the server 10 determines whether the elevator unit 1, which has a communication unit 32 that sent an earthquake signal, is stored in the storage unit 40 as an elevator unit that has signed the aforementioned option contract (S207). Figure 6 In the example shown, if elevator device 1 is not stored in storage unit 40 as an elevator device with the aforementioned option contract ("No" in S207), a permission start signal is not sent to monitoring device 8. In S206, a disallowed start signal is sent to monitoring device 8. When all of S207, S202, and S204 are determined to be "Yes", a permission start signal is sent in S205.

[0061] In this embodiment, the parts indicated by reference numerals 40 to 44 represent the functions of the server 10. Figure 7 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware resources of server 10. As hardware resources, server 10 has a processing circuit 50 that includes a processor 51 and a memory 52. ​​Server 10 executes the program stored in memory 52 via processor 51, thereby implementing the functions of the parts shown by reference numerals 41 to 44. The functions of storage unit 40 are implemented by memory 52. ​​Semiconductor memory or the like can be used as memory 52.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a diagram representing other examples of the hardware resources of server 10. In Figure 8 In the example shown, server 10 has processing circuitry 50 that includes processor 51, memory 52, and dedicated hardware 53. Figure 8 This illustrates an example of implementing a portion of the functionality of server 10 using dedicated hardware 53. All the functionality of server 10 can also be implemented using dedicated hardware 53. Dedicated hardware 53 can be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmable processor, a parallel programmable processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0063] The hardware resources of monitoring device 8 and Figure 7 or Figure 8The example shown is the same. As a hardware resource, the monitoring device 8 has processing circuitry including a processor and memory. The monitoring device 8 executes the program stored in the memory through the processor, thereby realizing the functions of the parts shown by reference numerals 31 and 32. As a hardware resource, the monitoring device 8 may also have processing circuitry including a processor, memory, and dedicated hardware. Some or all of the functions of the monitoring device 8 may also be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0064] Hardware resources of control device 7 and Figure 7 or Figure 8 The example shown is the same. As a hardware resource, the control device 7 has processing circuitry including a processor and memory. The control device 7 executes the program stored in the memory through the processor, thereby realizing the functions of the parts shown by reference numerals 21 and 22. As a hardware resource, the control device 7 may also have processing circuitry including a processor, memory, and dedicated hardware. Some or all of the functions of the control device 7 may also be implemented by dedicated hardware.

[0065] Furthermore, the elevator device 1 may also have some or all of the functions of the server 10. For example, the monitoring device 8 may also have some of the functions of the server 10.

[0066] Industrial availability

[0067] The elevator system of the present invention can be used as a system for diagnostic operation after an earthquake.

[0068] Label Explanation

[0069] 1: Elevator system; 2: Shaft; 3: Car; 4: Counterweight; 5: Rope; 6: Traction machine; 7: Control device; 8: Monitoring device; 9: Network; 10: Server; 11: Earthquake detector; 12: Floor; 21: Operation control unit; 22: Anomaly detection unit; 30: Accelerometer; 31: Earthquake determination unit; 32: Communication unit; 40: Storage unit; 41: First determination unit; 42: Second determination unit; 43: Acquisition unit; 44: Communication unit; 50: Processing circuit; 51: Processor; 52: Memory; 53: Dedicated hardware.

Claims

1. An elevator system, wherein, This elevator system has the following features: The elevator car moves within the shaft; An earthquake detector, installed inside a building with the well shaft, outputs a first signal when it detects an acceleration greater than a first reference value, and outputs a second signal when it detects an acceleration greater than a second reference value. An acceleration sensor, which is installed in the shaft or the machine room above the shaft, detects acceleration; The operation control unit performs post-earthquake diagnostic operation when the earthquake detector outputs the first signal instead of the second signal; The first determination unit determines whether the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is below the determination benchmark value when the second signal is output from the earthquake detector. The acquisition unit acquires seismic intensity information for the area where the building exists; as well as The second determination unit determines whether the seismic intensity shown in the seismic intensity information obtained by the acquisition unit is below the reference seismic intensity. The second reference value is larger than the first reference value. The determination benchmark value is larger than the second benchmark value. When the first determination unit determines that the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is below the determination reference value, and the second determination unit determines that the seismic intensity shown by the seismic intensity information obtained by the acquisition unit is below the reference seismic intensity, the operation control unit starts the post-earthquake diagnostic operation.

2. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein, The elevator system also features: The server has the first determination unit, the acquisition unit, and the second determination unit; as well as The first communication unit is used to communicate with the server. When the second signal is output from the earthquake detector, the first communication unit sends an earthquake occurrence signal, including information about the acceleration detected by the accelerometer, to the server. The server also has a second communication unit. When the first determination unit determines that the acceleration detected by the accelerometer is below the determination reference value, and the second determination unit determines that the seismic intensity shown in the seismic intensity information obtained by the acquisition unit is below the reference seismic intensity, the second communication unit sends a permission start signal as a response to the earthquake occurrence signal. When the first communication unit receives the permission start signal, the operation control unit begins post-earthquake diagnostic operation.

3. The elevator system according to claim 2, wherein, The server also has a storage unit. The storage unit stores information about elevator devices for which specific option contracts have been signed. If, as an elevator device with the aforementioned option contract, the storage unit does not store an elevator device with the first communication unit that has sent the earthquake occurrence signal, then the second communication unit will not send the permission start signal.

4. The elevator system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The elevator system also features: A traction machine, used to drive the car; Control device, having the aforementioned operation control unit; as well as The monitoring device includes the acceleration sensor and the first communication unit. The traction machine, the control device, and the monitoring device are located at the top of the shaft. The seismic detector is installed in the pit at the bottom of the well.

5. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, During the diagnostic operation performed by the operation control unit when the second signal was output from the earthquake detector, the car was moved sequentially at a first speed, a second speed greater than the first speed, and a third speed greater than the second speed. During diagnostic operation when the seismic detector outputs the first signal but not the second signal, the operation control unit causes the car to move sequentially at the second speed and the third speed.

6. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The determination benchmark value is a value that is included in the range of 380Gal to 520Gal.

7. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The determination benchmark value is a value that is included in the range of 450Gal to 520Gal.

Images