Action confirmation device and action confirmation method for electric actuator of emergency stop device

Abstract

Disclosed is an operation confirmation device for an emergency stop device electric actuator that improves the maintainability of an electrical equipment section. The operation confirmation device for the emergency stop device electric actuator confirms the operation of an electric actuator that operates a drive mechanism that drives an elevator emergency stop device (10), and is provided with: a movable member (34a, 34b, 34c) that is mechanically connected to the drive mechanism; an electromagnet (35a, 35b) that opposes the movable member; and a mechanism section (36, 41) that converts the rotation of a motor (37) into the linear movement of the electromagnet. The operation confirmation device for the emergency stop device electric actuator is provided with: a position detector (109) that detects the position of the movable member; and a controller (7) that detects the failure of the motor based on a position detection signal from the position detector, instructs the rotation of the motor at the standby time of the electric actuator, and then detects the failure of the motor based on the position detection signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an action confirmation device and method for an electric actuator that operates the drive mechanism of an emergency stop device for an elevator. Background Technology

[0002] In elevator systems, a speed controller and an emergency stop device are included to continuously monitor the car's ascending and descending speed and to bring the car to an emergency stop if it falls into a given overspeed state. Generally, the car and the speed controller are connected by a speed controller rope. If an overspeed state is detected, the speed controller will activate the emergency stop device on the car side by tightening the speed controller rope, thus bringing the car to an emergency stop.

[0003] In such elevator systems, the long governor rope laid within the elevator shaft makes it difficult to achieve space-saving and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, vibration of the governor rope can easily interfere with the structures within the elevator shaft and the governor rope itself.

[0004] In contrast, an emergency stop device that operates electrically without using a speed governor rope is proposed. As prior art related to such an emergency stop device, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0005] In this prior art, the car is equipped with: a drive shaft for driving an emergency stop device; and an electric actuator for operating the drive shaft. The electric actuator includes: a movable iron core mechanically connected to the drive shaft; and an electromagnet for attracting the movable iron core. The drive shaft is driven by a spring, but normally, because the electromagnet is energized and attracts the movable iron core, the movement of the drive shaft is restricted by the electric actuator.

[0006] In an emergency, the electromagnet is demagnetized, releasing the drive shaft from its restraints. The drive shaft is then driven by the force of the drive spring. This activates the emergency stop device, bringing the car to an emergency stop.

[0007] Furthermore, when returning the emergency stop device to its normal state, the electromagnet is moved closer to the movable iron core that moved during the emergency. The electromagnet has a feed nut that engages with the feed screw shaft. If the feed screw shaft is rotated by a motor, the electromagnet moves toward the movable iron core. When the electromagnet comes into contact with the movable iron core, the movable iron core is attracted to the electromagnet. Then, with the movable iron core attracted to the electromagnet, the electromagnet is moved to return both the movable iron core and the electromagnet to their normal standby position.

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: JP 2021-130550 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] In the maintenance of the aforementioned prior art emergency stop devices, it is necessary not only to inspect the mechanical parts such as the brake components (wedges), but also to check the electrical equipment of the electric actuator, such as the electromagnets and motors, for any abnormalities or deterioration. Therefore, in electrically operated emergency stop devices, there is a challenge to improve the maintainability of the electrical equipment.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention provides an operation confirmation device and an operation confirmation method for an electric actuator for an emergency stop device that can improve the maintainability of electrical equipment.

[0014] Methods for solving problems

[0015] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention provides an operation confirmation device for an electric actuator used in an emergency stop device, wherein the electric actuator operates the drive mechanism of the elevator emergency stop device and includes: a movable member mechanically connected to the drive mechanism; an electromagnet opposite to the movable member; and a mechanism for converting the rotation of the motor into linear movement of the electromagnet. The operation confirmation device for the electric actuator used in the emergency stop device includes: a position detector for detecting the position of the movable member; and a controller for detecting motor malfunctions based on position detection signals from the position detector. The controller commands the rotation of the motor when the electric actuator is in standby mode, and then detects motor malfunctions based on the position detection signals.

[0016] To address the aforementioned issues, an operation verification method for an emergency stop device's electric actuator is provided. This electric actuator activates the drive mechanism of the elevator's emergency stop device and includes: a movable member mechanically connected to the drive mechanism; an electromagnet opposite the movable member; and a mechanism that converts the rotation of the motor into linear movement of the electromagnet. The electric actuator is controlled to rotate the motor during standby. Subsequently, a fault in the motor is detected based on the position of the movable member.

[0017] The effects of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, the operation of the electric motor can be quickly and accurately confirmed. Therefore, the maintainability of the electrical equipment in the electrically operated emergency stop device is improved.

[0019] Other issues, structures, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified through the following description of the implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the elevator device in an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2This is a top view (standby state) showing the mechanical parts and electrical equipment of the electric actuator 10.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of the electric motor 10, showing the operating state of the electric motor 10 when the operation of the electric motor 37 is confirmed.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a top view of the electric motor 10, showing the operating state of the electric motor 10 when the motor 37 is activated (immediately following). Figure 3 (The action state of the action state).

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of confirming the operation of the electric motor in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, an elevator device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings through examples. Furthermore, in the figures, components with the same reference numerals represent the same components or components having similar functions.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an elevator device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the elevator system includes a car 1, speed sensors (5, 6), electric actuators 10, drive mechanisms (12-20), lifting rods 21, and an emergency stop device 2.

[0028] The car 1 is suspended in the elevator shaft located in the building by a main rope (not shown), and can be slidably engaged with the guide rail 4 via a guide device. If the main rope is driven by friction by a drive device (traction machine: not shown), the car 1 will rise and fall within the elevator shaft.

[0029] In this embodiment, the speed sensor is mounted on the car 1 and includes a rotary detector 6 and a roller 5 connected to the rotation shaft of the rotary detector 6. In this embodiment, the roller 5 is connected to the rotation shaft of the rotary detector 6 such that the rotation shaft of the roller 5 and the rotation shaft of the rotary detector 6 are coaxial. For example, a rotary encoder can be used as the rotary detector 6.

[0030] Roller 5 contacts guide rail 4. Therefore, if car 1 moves up or down, roller 5 rotates, and thus rotation detector 6 rotates. The safety controller, described later, monitors the travel speed of car 1 based on the rotation position signal output by rotation detector 6 as it rotates.

[0031] Alternatively, an image sensor can be used as the speed sensor. In this case, the position and speed of the car 1 are detected based on image information of the surface state of the guide rail 4 obtained by the image sensor. For example, the speed is calculated based on the distance traveled by image feature quantities over a given time.

[0032] In this embodiment, the electric actuator 10 is an electromagnetic actuator, disposed on the upper part of the car 1. The electromagnetic actuator, for example, includes a movable plate or movable rod that operates via a solenoid or electromagnet. The electric actuator 10 operates when a given overspeed condition of the car 1 is detected by speed sensors (5, 6). At this time, the lifting rod 21 is pulled up by a drive mechanism (12-20) mechanically connected to the operating lever 11. As a result, the emergency stop device 2 is put into a braking state.

[0033] Furthermore, the drive mechanisms (12-20) will be described later.

[0034] One emergency stop device 2 is installed on each side of the car 1. Each emergency stop device 2 has a pair of brake components (not shown) that are movable between a braking position and a non-braking position, clamping the guide rail 4 in the braking position. Furthermore, if the emergency stop device 2 rises relative to the car 1 due to the car 1 descending, braking force is generated by the friction between the brake components and the guide rail 4. Thus, the emergency stop device 2 activates when the car 1 becomes overspeeding, bringing the car 1 to an emergency stop.

[0035] The elevator device of this embodiment has a so-called cordless speed controller system that does not use a speed controller rope. If the lifting speed of the car 1 exceeds the rated speed and reaches a first overspeed (for example, a speed not exceeding 1.3 times the rated speed), the power supply to the drive unit (traction machine) and the power supply to the control device controlling the drive unit are cut off. Furthermore, if the descent speed of the car 1 reaches a second overspeed (for example, a speed not exceeding 1.4 times the rated speed), the electric actuator 10 provided in the car 1 is electrically driven to activate the emergency stop device 2, thereby stopping the car 1 in an emergency.

[0036] In this embodiment, the cordless speed controller system comprises the aforementioned speed sensors (5, 6) and a safety controller that determines the overspeed state of the car 1 based on the output signals of the speed sensors. The safety controller measures the speed of the car 1 based on the output signals of the speed sensors. If it determines that the measured speed has reached a first overspeed, it outputs a command signal to cut off the power to the drive unit (traction machine) and the power to the control device controlling the drive unit. Furthermore, if the safety controller determines that the measured speed has reached a second overspeed, it outputs a command signal to activate the electric actuator 10.

[0037] As described above, if the pair of brakes of the emergency stop device 2 are pulled by the lifting rod 21, the pair of brakes clamp the guide rail 4. The lifting rod 21 is driven by the drive mechanism (12-20) connected to the electric actuator 10.

[0038] The structure of the drive mechanism is described below.

[0039] The operating lever 11 and the first working plate 16 of the electric actuator 10 are connected to form a generally T-shaped first connecting member. The operating lever 11 and the first working plate 16 respectively form the head and leg of the T. The generally T-shaped first connecting member is rotatably supported at the crosshead 50 via the first working shaft 19 at the connection between the operating lever 11 and the first working plate 16. The end of one of a pair of lifting rods 21 (left side in the figure) is connected to the end of the first working plate 16, which forms the leg of the T, opposite to the end of the connection between the operating lever 11 and the first working plate 16.

[0040] Connecting piece 17 and second working piece 18 are connected to form a generally T-shaped second connecting member. Connecting piece 17 and second working piece 18 respectively form the head and leg of the T. The generally T-shaped second connecting member is rotatably supported at the crosshead 50 via the second working shaft 20 at the connection between connecting piece 17 and second working piece 18. The other end (left side in the figure) of a pair of lifting rods 21 is connected to the end of the second working piece 18, which forms the leg of the T, opposite to the connection between connecting piece 17 and second working piece 18.

[0041] The end of the operating lever 11 extending outward from the inside of the housing 30, and the end of the connecting piece 17 that is closer to the upper part of the car 1 than the second working shaft 20, are respectively connected to one end (left side in the figure) and the other end (right side in the figure) of the drive shaft 12, which is horizontally placed on the car 1. The drive shaft 12 slidably passes through the fixing part 14, which is fixed to the crosshead 50. In addition, the drive shaft 12 passes through the pressing member 15, which is fixed to the drive shaft 12. Furthermore, the pressing member 15 is located on the side of the second connecting member (connecting piece 17, second working piece 18) of the fixing part 14. The drive spring 13, which is an elastic body, is located between the fixing part 14 and the pressing member 15, and the drive spring 13 is inserted through the drive shaft 12.

[0042] When the electric actuator 10 is activated, that is, when the energization of the electromagnet in this embodiment is cut off, the electromagnetic force that restrains the movement of the operating lever 11 against the force of the drive spring 13 disappears. Therefore, the drive shaft 12 is driven along its long side by the force of the drive spring 13 applied to the pressing member 15. As a result, the first connecting member (operating lever 11, first working piece 16) rotates about the first working shaft 19, and the second connecting member (connecting piece 17, second working piece 18) rotates about the second working shaft 20. Consequently, the lifting rod 21 connected to the first working piece 16 of the first connecting member is driven and lifted, and the lifting rod 21 connected to the second working piece 18 of the second connecting member is driven and lifted.

[0043] Figure 2 This refers to the mechanical part and electrical equipment part of the electric actuator 10 in this embodiment. Figure 1 The top view in the settings menu. Additionally, Figure 2 The electric actuator 10 shown is in Figure 1 It is stored inside the outer casing 30 ( Figure 3 , 4 (The same applies).

[0044] exist Figure 2 The circuit structure used to control the electrical equipment section is also described in the text. Figure 3 , 4 (The same applies). In Figure 2 In the middle, emergency stop device 2 ( Figure 1 () is in the non-braking state, and the electric actuator 10 is in the standby state. That is, the elevator device is in the normal operating state.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, in the standby state, the movable parts (34a, 34b, 34c), which are movable components connected to the operating lever 11, are attracted by electromagnetic force to the electromagnets 35a and 35b, which are energized by energizing the coil. This counteracts the force transmitted via the drive shaft 12 ( Figure 1 ) and the driving spring 13 acting on the movable part by the operating lever 11. Figure 1 The force F acting against the drive spring 13 restrains the movement of the movable part. Therefore, the electric actuator 10 restrains the drive mechanism (12-20) by resisting the force of the drive spring 13. Figure 1 (Activities)

[0046] The movable part includes: an adsorption portion 34a that is adsorbed onto the magnetic pole surfaces of electromagnets 35a and 35b; and a support portion 34b that is fixed to the adsorption portion 34a and connected to the operating lever 11. The operating lever 11 is rotatably connected to the support portion 34b of the movable part via a connecting bracket 38. In the electric actuator 10, a movable part detection switch 109 is provided at the position where the adsorption portion 34a of the movable part is located when in standby mode.

[0047] The movable member also has a cam portion 34c fixed to the adsorption portion 34a. When the movable member is in the standby position, the movable member detection switch 109 is operated by the cam portion 34c. If the movable member detection switch 109 is operated by the cam portion 34c, it transitions from an on state to an off state, or from an off state to an on state. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the movable member is in the standby position according to the state of the movable member detection switch 109. In this embodiment, the safety controller 103 determines whether the movable member is in the standby position based on the state of the movable member detection switch 109.

[0048] In this embodiment, at least the adsorption part 34a in the movable parts (34a, 34b, 34c) contains a magnetic material. Soft magnetic materials such as low-carbon steel or permalloy (iron-nickel alloy) are preferably used as the magnetic material.

[0049] about Figure 2 Other departments (36, 37, 39, 41) will be described later.

[0050] Electromagnets 35a and 35b are energized by a DC power supply 111. In the energizing circuit of electromagnet 35a, one end of the coil of electromagnet 35a is connected to the high-potential side of DC power supply 111 via series-connected electrical contacts 104a and 105a and fuse 107a, and the other end of the coil of electromagnet 35a is connected to the low-potential side of DC power supply 111. In the energizing circuit of electromagnet 35b, one end of the coil of electromagnet 35b is connected to the high-potential side of DC power supply 111 via series-connected electrical contacts 104b and 105a and fuse 107b, and the other end of the coil of electromagnet 35b is connected to the low-potential side of DC power supply 111.

[0051] In addition, fuses 107a and 107b are installed in the excitation circuit for overcurrent protection of electromagnets 35a and 35b, respectively.

[0052] Electrical contacts 104a, 105a, 104b, and 105b are controlled to be switched on / off by safety controller 103. In the standby state of the electric actuator 10, safety controller 103 controls electrical contacts 104a, 105a, 104b, and 105b to be switched on. Consequently, since the coils of electromagnets 35a and 35b are energized, electromagnets 35a and 35b generate electromagnetic force.

[0053] Furthermore, electrical contacts 104a, 105a, 104b, and 105b are each composed of contacts found in electromagnetic relays, electromagnetic contactors, electromagnetic switches, etc. Additionally, in each excitation circuit of electromagnets 35a and 35b, multiple ( Figure 2The two electrical contacts are connected in series, so even if a connection failure occurs at one contact when multiple contacts are controlled to the open state to activate the emergency stop device 2, as described later, the energization of the electromagnet will be cut off. Therefore, the reliability of the operation of the electric actuator 10 is improved. Furthermore, a connection failure can occur, for example, through the welding of the contacts.

[0054] Regarding other electrical equipment sections (37, 112), details will follow. Figure 3 , 4 In addition, signal lines 106a and 106b are used to input response signals from the excitation circuits of electromagnets 35a and 35b to the safety controller 103.

[0055] The response signal (hereinafter referred to as "response signal (106a)") input to the safety controller 103 via signal line 106a represents the potential of the end of the coil of electromagnet 35a that is connected to the high-potential side of DC power supply 111 via electrical contacts 104a and 105a. Therefore, if electromagnet 35a is energized, the response signal (106a) represents the potential of the high-potential side of DC power supply 111 (high potential (HIGH)), and if electromagnet 35a is not energized, the response signal (106a) represents the potential of the low-potential side of DC power supply 111 (low potential (LOW)). The safety controller 103 detects the energization state of electromagnet 35a based on the potential represented by such response signal (106a).

[0056] The response signal (hereinafter referred to as "response signal (106b)") input to the safety controller 103 via signal line 106b represents the potential of the end of the coil of electromagnet 35b connected to the high-potential side of DC power supply 111 via electrical contacts 104b and 105b. Therefore, if electromagnet 35b is energized, the response signal (106b) represents the potential of the high-potential side of DC power supply 111 (high potential (HIGH)), and if electromagnet 35b is not energized, the response signal (106b) represents the potential of the low-potential side of DC power supply 111 (low potential (LOW)). The safety controller 103 detects the energization state of electromagnet 35b based on the potential represented by such response signal (106b).

[0057] Next, the operation of the electric actuator 10 when the emergency stop device 2 is working will be explained.

[0058] If the safety controller 103 detects a given overspeed state (the aforementioned second overspeed) of the car 1 based on the rotational position signal from the rotational detector 6, it outputs a disconnect command to each of the electrical contacts 104a, 105a, 104b, and 105b. Through the disconnect command, the electrical contacts 104a, 105a, 104b, and 105b change from the on state (…). Figure 2The electromagnetic force acting on the movable parts (34a, 34b, 34c) disappears as the excitation of electromagnets 35a and 35b ceases. Consequently, the attraction of the movable part 34a to the electromagnets 35a and 35b is released, and the movable part is released by the force of the driving spring 13. Figure 2 (F in the middle) and from the position in standby mode ( Figure 2 It moves in the direction of the force of the driving spring 13 (to the right in the figure).

[0059] With the release of the restraints on the movable part, the pressing member 15 of the drive shaft 12 ( Figure 1 The force received by the fixed part 14 ( Figure 1 ) to the pressing component ( Figure 1 ) direction of drive spring 13 ( Figure 1 The force of the action of the first connecting member (operating lever 11 and first working plate 16) drives the drive shaft 12. Figure 1 ) around the first working axis 19 ( Figure 1 ) rotates. This causes the lifting rod 21 (connected to the first working piece 16) to rotate. Figure 1 The second connecting member (connecting piece 17 and the second working piece 18) connected to the drive shaft 12 is lifted. Furthermore, if the drive shaft 12 is driven, the second connecting member (connecting piece 17 and the second working piece 18) connected to the drive shaft 12 is lifted. Figure 1 ) around the second working axis 20 ( Figure 1 ) rotates. This causes the lifting rod 21 (connected to the second working piece 18) to rotate. Figure 1 ) was lifted up.

[0060] Next, the recovery action of the electric actuator 10 will be explained.

[0061] In order to restore the electric actuator 10 from the working state to Figure 2 The standby state shown is described below, through... Figure 2 The omitting descriptions of the mechanism parts (36, 37, 39, 41) and electrical equipment parts (37, 112) cause the movable parts (34a, 34b, 34c) to move from the moved position (…). Figure 3 Position P) Return to the standby position ( Figure 2 ).

[0062] The electric actuator 10 has a feed screw 36 for driving the movable parts. The feed screw 36 is coaxially connected to the rotation shaft of the electric motor 37 and is rotatably supported by the support member 41. Electromagnets 35a and 35b are fixed to an electromagnet support plate 39 having a feed nut portion (not shown). The feed nut portion in the electromagnet support plate 39 is screwed onto the feed screw 36. The feed screw 36 is rotated by the electric motor 37. The electric motor 37 is driven by the electric motor controller 112.

[0063] The motor controller 112 has a drive circuit for the motor 37 and controls the rotation of the motor 37 in accordance with control commands from the elevator controller 7. The motor 37 can be either a DC motor or an AC motor.

[0064] In addition, the elevator controller 7 controls the normal operation of the car 1 and has information related to the operating status of the car 1. In this embodiment, as described above, the elevator controller 7 also has the function of controlling the motor 37 of the electric actuator 10 and confirming the operation of the motor 37.

[0065] When the electric actuator 10 is returned to standby mode, the elevator controller 7 sends a rotation command for the motor 37 to the motor controller 112. Upon receiving the rotation command, the motor controller 112 drives the motor 37 to rotate the feed screw 36. The rotation of the motor 37 is converted into linear movement of the electromagnets 35a and 35b along the axial direction of the feed screw 36 by the rotating feed screw 36 and the feed nut portion of the electromagnet support plate 39. As a result, the electromagnets 35a and 35b move closer to... Figure 3 The movable position P of the movable parts (34a, 34b, 34c) shown is in contact with the movable parts.

[0066] The motor controller 112 monitors the motor current for controlling the motor 37. If the electromagnets 35a and 35b come into contact with the movable parts as described above, the load on the motor 37 increases, and therefore the motor current increases. If the motor current increases and exceeds a given value, the motor controller 112 determines that the electromagnets 35a and 35b are in contact with the movable parts. The motor controller 112 sends this determination to the safety controller 103 and the elevator controller 7.

[0067] If the safety controller 103 receives a judgment result from the motor controller 112, it outputs a connection command to the electrical contacts 104a, 105a, 104b, and 105b respectively. Through the connection command, the electrical contacts 104a, 105a, 104b, and 105b transition from an open state to a connected state. Therefore, the electromagnets 35a and 35b are energized. The adsorption part 34a in the movable part acts on the electromagnetic force generated by the energized electromagnets 35a and 35b, thereby attracting them.

[0068] If the elevator controller 7 receives the aforementioned determination result from the motor controller 112, it sends a reversal command for the motor 37 to the motor controller 112. If the motor controller 112 receives the reversal command, it reverses the rotation direction of the motor 37, causing the feed screw 36 to reverse. Consequently, the movable parts attracted to the electromagnets 35a and 35b, while being acted upon by the drive spring 13, move together with the electromagnets 35a and 35b towards their standby position (…). Figure 2 )move.

[0069] If the movable part reaches the standby position, the movable part detection switch 109 is operated by the cam portion 34c of the movable part. If the movable part detection switch 109 is operated, the elevator controller 7 determines that the movable part is in the standby position. Based on this determination, the elevator controller 7 sends a stop command to the motor controller 112. If the motor controller 112 receives the stop command, it stops the rotation of the motor 37.

[0070] In addition, the output capacitance of the motor 37 is set by taking into account the friction between the feed screw 36 and the feed nut caused by the weight of the electromagnets 35a, 35b and the movable parts, as well as the force of the drive spring 13.

[0071] In this embodiment, each of the electromagnets 35a and 35b possesses an electromagnetic force sufficient to counteract the force of the drive spring 13 and restrain the movement of the movable part, even if only one of the electromagnets 35a and 35b fails. Therefore, even if one of the electromagnets 35a and 35b fails, the operation of the emergency stop device 2 can be maintained. This improves the reliability of the operation of the electric actuator 10.

[0072] Next, the means of confirming the operation of the electric motor 37 of the electric worker 10 will be explained.

[0073] Figure 3 This indicates the operating state of the electric actuator 10 when the motor 37 is activated. Figure 2 Top view of the same electric worker 10.

[0074] When the elevator controller 7 confirms the operation of the motor 37, it enters a standby state. Figure 2 The rotation command of motor 37 is sent to motor controller 112 to make motor 37 rotate (forward).

[0075] Since it is in standby mode, electromagnets 35a and 35b are energized, attracting movable parts (34a, 34b, 34c). Therefore, if motor 37 rotates normally, the movable parts (34a, 34b, 34c) move together with electromagnets 35a and 35b in direction A as shown in the figure. Therefore, since the cam part 34c releases the operation of the movable part detection switch 109, the on / off state of the movable part detection switch 109 transitions from the standby state (on state in this embodiment) to the state when it is not operated by the cam part 34c (off state in this embodiment).

[0076] Therefore, the elevator controller 7 detects the on / off state of the movable part detection switch 109 and determines whether there is an abnormality in the motor 37 based on the detected on / off state.

[0077] In this embodiment, after sending a rotation command to the motor 37, the elevator controller 7 detects the on / off state of the movable part detection switch 109. If, after sending the rotation command, the movable part detection switch 109 remains on without transitioning to the off state even after a given time has elapsed, the elevator controller 7 determines that the motor 37 is faulty. Here, the given time is at least set to the time required for the cam portion 34c to move away from the movable part detection switch 109 when the motor 37 is functioning normally. Furthermore, the given time is set to be shorter than the time required for the movable part of the motor 37 to move to position P where the emergency stop device 2 operates when the motor 37 is functioning normally.

[0078] In this way, by attracting the movable part to electromagnets 35a and 35b and rotating the motor 37 (forward rotation), the movement of the movable part from its standby position is detected, thereby determining a fault in the motor 37. Furthermore, since the movable part is attracted to electromagnets 35a and 35b, a load commensurate with the normal output is applied to the motor 37. Therefore, faults in the motor 37 can be determined with high reliability.

[0079] It can also replace the movable part detection switch 109 and use other position detection sensors, such as photoelectric position sensors, magnetic position sensors, proximity sensors (capacitive type, inductive type), etc.

[0080] Figure 4 This indicates the operating state of the electric actuator 10 when the motor 37 is activated. Figure 2 Top view of the same electric worker 10. Figure 4 Indicates immediately following Figure 3 The operating state of the electric actuator 10 shown.

[0081] Elevator controller 7 as described above ( Figure 3If the motor 37 is rotated (forward) in this manner, and if it is determined that the motor 37 is not faulty, the rotation command of the motor 37 sent to the motor controller 112 is updated to make the motor 37 rotate in reverse. As a result, the movable parts (34a, 34b, 34c) and electromagnets 35a, 35b are moved to their standby positions.

[0082] If motor 37 rotates normally (in reverse), the movable parts (34a, 34b, 34c) and electromagnets 35a, 35b move together in direction A' as shown in the diagram, returning to their standby position. Figure 2 Therefore, since the movable part detection switch 109 is operated by the cam portion 34c, the on / off state of the movable part detection switch 109 transitions from the state when it is never operated by the cam portion 34c (the off state in this embodiment) to the standby state (the on state in this embodiment).

[0083] Therefore, the elevator controller 7 detects the on / off state of the movable part detection switch 109 and determines whether there is an abnormality in the motor 37 based on the detected on / off state.

[0084] In this embodiment, after updating the rotation command of the motor 37, the elevator controller 7 detects the on / off state of the movable element detection switch 109. If, after updating the rotation command, the movable element detection switch 109 remains in the off state and does not transition to the on state even after a given time has elapsed, the elevator controller 7 determines that the motor 37 is faulty. Here, the given time is set to the time required for the movable element to return to the standby position and for the cam unit 34c to operate the movable element detection switch 109 when the motor 37 is functioning normally, from the time the rotation command is updated. In this embodiment, it is set to the same as described above. Figure 3 The given time value is the same as the given time value.

[0085] Thus, by attracting the movable part to electromagnets 35a and 35b and rotating (reversing) the motor 37, the movement of the movable part up to its standby position is detected, thereby determining a fault in the motor 37. Furthermore, since the movable part is attracted to electromagnets 35a and 35b, a load commensurate with the normal output is applied to the motor 37. Therefore, a fault in the motor 37 can be determined with high reliability. Moreover, by rotating the motor 37 in both directions to confirm its operation, a fault in the motor 37 can be determined with high reliability.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movable part detection switch 109, as described above, is used when restoring the electric actuator 10 from the working state to the standby state and when confirming the operation of the motor 37. Therefore, the elevator controller 7 can have the function of confirming the operation of the motor 37 without installing a new position detection sensor.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation confirmation process of the motor 37 in this embodiment.

[0088] In this embodiment, the action confirmation process is mainly handled by the elevator controller 7 ( Figure 2 In addition, in this embodiment, the elevator controller 7 performs action confirmation processing by executing a given program using a computer system such as a microcomputer.

[0089] The following is for reference. Figure 2 To explain Figure 5 .in addition, Figure 5 The action confirmation process shown is executed periodically. Furthermore, at the start time of the process, the electric actuator 10 is in a standby state. Figure 2 ).

[0090] In addition, Figure 5 In this context, motor 37 is referred to as the recovery motor.

[0091] If the elevator controller 7 starts processing, it first determines in step S1 whether the reset motor (motor 37) has not rotated during a given period. Here, the given period is set as the time interval between the elevator controller 7 performing the action confirmation of the reset motor, for example, 1 day (24 hours).

[0092] The elevator controller 7 is equipped with a timing unit, which is used to measure the time elapsed since the reset motor has not rotated, i.e. the time elapsed since the reset motor operation confirmation has not been performed, and to determine whether the measured value is longer than a given period.

[0093] If the elevator controller 7 determines that the motor for resuming operation has not rotated within a given period (step S1 "Yes"), then step S2 is executed. If it determines that the motor for resuming operation has rotated within a given period (step S1 "No"), then the series of processes ends and the series of processes starting from step S1 is executed again.

[0094] In step S2, the elevator controller 7 determines whether the car 1 is stopped with the doors closed, i.e., whether it is in a closed standby state, based on the data related to the operating status of the car 1 that the elevator controller 7 possesses. If the elevator controller 7 determines that it is in a closed standby state (step S2 "Yes"), then step S3 is executed. If it determines that it is not in a closed standby state (step S2 "No"), then the series of processes ends, and the series of processes starting from step S1 is executed again.

[0095] In step S3, the elevator controller 7 disables the response to hall calls from car 1. This allows confirmation of the restart motor's operation even when car 1 is stopped and there are no passengers. If the elevator controller 7 executes step S3, it then proceeds to step S4.

[0096] In step S4, the elevator controller 7 sends a rotation command to the motor controller 112, causing the recovery motor to rotate forward. If the elevator controller 7 executes step S4, it then executes step S5.

[0097] In step S5, it is determined whether the movable part detection switch 109 has transitioned from the ON state (standby state) to the OFF state. If the elevator controller 7 determines that the movable part detection switch 109 has transitioned to the OFF state (step S5 "Yes"), then step S8 is executed. If it determines that the movable part detection switch 109 has not transitioned to the OFF state and remains in the ON state (step S5 "No"), then step S6 is executed.

[0098] In step S6, the elevator controller 7 determines whether a given time has elapsed since the reset motor was started to rotate forward in step S4. The given time is at least set to the time (e.g., a few seconds) required for the cam 34c to move away from the movable part detection switch 109 and for the movable part detection switch 109 to transition to the off state when the reset motor is operating normally.

[0099] If the elevator controller 7 determines that the given time has elapsed (step S6 "Yes"), then step S7 is executed. If it determines that the given time has not elapsed (step S6 "No"), then the series of processes ends and the series of processes starting from step S1 are executed again.

[0100] In step S7, the elevator controller 7 determines that a recovery motor malfunction has occurred. Then, the elevator controller 7 reports this recovery motor malfunction to an external party (such as a maintenance operator). Furthermore, the elevator controller 7 is not limited to recovering motor malfunctions; it also has the function of reporting any abnormalities that occur in the elevator's operating state.

[0101] If elevator controller 7 executes step S7, then it will proceed to step S13.

[0102] In step S8, the elevator controller 7 updates the rotation command to the motor controller 112, i.e., sends a reverse command to reverse the recovery motor. If the elevator controller 7 executes step S8, it then executes step S9. At the time of executing step S8, the elevator controller 7 determines that the movable part detection switch 109 has transitioned to the off state. That is, the elevator controller 7 determines that the forward rotation of the recovery motor is normal. Therefore, the elevator controller 7 then confirms the reverse rotation of the recovery motor after step S8.

[0103] If elevator controller 7 executes step S8, then it will proceed to step S9.

[0104] In step S9, the elevator controller 7 determines whether the movable part detection switch 109 has transitioned from the off state to the on state. If the elevator controller 7 determines that the movable part detection switch 109 has transitioned to the on state (step S9 "Yes"), then step S13 is executed to determine whether the movable part detection switch 109 has not transitioned to the on state and remains in the off state (step S9 "No"), and then step S10 is executed.

[0105] In step S10, the elevator controller 7 determines whether a given time has elapsed since the reset motor was reversed in step S8. The given time is at least set to the time required for the movable member to return to the standby position under normal conditions, and for the movable member detection switch 109 to transition to the on state by the operation of the movable member detection switch 109 by the cam unit 34c. (For example, a few seconds). In this embodiment, the given time in step S6 and the given time in step S10 are set to the same time value.

[0106] If the elevator controller 7 determines that the given time has elapsed (step S10 "Yes"), then proceed to step S11. If it determines that the given time has not elapsed (step S10 "No"), then the series of processes ends and the series of processes starting from step S1 are executed again.

[0107] In step S10, the elevator controller 7 determines that a recovery motor malfunction has occurred. Then, the elevator controller 7 reports this recovery motor malfunction to an external party (such as a maintenance operator). If the elevator controller 7 has executed step S11, it proceeds to step S12.

[0108] In step S12, the elevator controller 7 stops the elevator system. If the elevator controller 7 executes step S12, it ends a series of processes and keeps the elevator system in a stopped state until the maintenance work is completed.

[0109] In step S13, the elevator controller 7 stops the reverse rotation of the recovery motor. As a result, the electric actuator 10 enters a standby state. Figure 2 If elevator controller 7 executes step S13, then it will proceed to step S14.

[0110] In step S14, the elevator controller 7 permits the response to the hall call of car 1. Thus, car 1 returns to its normal state. If the elevator controller 7 executes step S14, it ends the series of processes and resumes the series of processes that began in step S1.

[0111] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the foregoing embodiments have been described in detail for ease of understanding of the present invention, but are not necessarily limited to having all the described structures. In addition, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced in a part of the structure of the embodiments.

[0112] For example, the electric actuator 10 can be located not only at the top of the car 1, but also at the bottom or side.

[0113] In addition, elevator units can have a machine room or be so-called machine room-less elevators without a machine room.

[0114] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0115] 1…Car, 2…Emergency stop device, 3…Position sensor, 4…Guide rail, 5…Roller, 6…Rotation detector, 7…Elevator controller, 10…Electric actuator, 11…Operating lever, 12…Drive shaft, 13…Drive spring, 14…Fixing part, 15…Pressing member, 16…First working plate, 17…Connecting plate, 18…Second working plate, 19…First working shaft, 20…Second working shaft, 21…Lifting rod, 30…Outer shell, 34a…Adsorption part, 34b…Support 34c…cam section, 35a, 35b…electromagnet, 36…feed screw, 37…motor, 38…connecting bracket, 39…electromagnet support plate, 41…support component, 50…crosshead, 103…safety controller, 104a, 105a, 104b, 105b…electrical contacts, 106a, 106b…signal lines, 107a, 107b…fuse, 109…movable part detection switch, 111…DC power supply, 112…motor controller.

Claims

1. An operation confirmation device for an electric actuator used in an emergency stop device, for confirming the operation of the electric actuator. The electric actuator operates the drive mechanism of the emergency stop device for the elevator, and includes: a movable member mechanically connected to the drive mechanism; an electromagnet opposite to the movable member; and a mechanism that converts the rotation of the electric motor into linear movement of the electromagnet. The action confirmation device for the electric actuator of the emergency stop device is characterized by having: A position detector that detects the position of the movable part; and A controller that detects faults in the motor based on position detection signals from the position detector. The controller commands the motor to rotate when the electric actuator is in standby mode, and then detects faults in the motor based on the position detection signal.

2. The action confirmation device for the electric actuator of the emergency stop device according to claim 1, wherein, The movable part is attracted to the electromagnet when in standby mode.

3. The action confirmation device for the electric actuator of the emergency stop device according to claim 1, wherein, If the controller determines that the movable part is in the standby position based on the position detection signal, the controller determines that the motor is faulty.

4. The action confirmation device for the electric actuator of the emergency stop device according to claim 1, wherein, If the controller determines, based on the position detection signal, that the movable part has moved from the standby position, it commands the motor to reverse. Then, it detects a fault in the motor based on the position detection signal.

5. The action confirmation device for the electric actuator of the emergency stop device according to claim 3, wherein, The position detector is located at the standby position of the movable member.

6. The action confirmation device for the electric actuator of the emergency stop device according to claim 5, wherein, The position detector is composed of a position detection switch. The position detection switch is operated by the cam portion of the movable member.

7. A method for confirming the operation of an electric actuator for an emergency stop device, wherein the operation of the electric actuator is confirmed. in, The electric actuator operates the drive mechanism of the emergency stop device for the elevator, and includes: a movable member mechanically connected to the drive mechanism; an electromagnet opposite to the movable member; and a mechanism that converts the rotation of the electric motor into linear movement of the electromagnet. The method for confirming the action of the electric actuator used in the emergency stop device is characterized in that... Control is performed when the electric actuator is in standby mode to cause the motor to rotate. Next, the fault of the motor is detected based on the position of the movable part.

8. The method for confirming the operation of the electric actuator for the emergency stop device according to claim 7, wherein, If the movable part is in the standby position, the motor is determined to be faulty.

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