Elevator control device

Abstract

An elevator control system is provided that can limit the effect of a car's positional deviation, even in cases where the length of a coded tape changes over time. In a control system (8), a coded tape (9) is placed in a shaft (3), with its vertical end pieces serving as a fixed end (14) and a movable end (15). A reader (10) installed in a car (7) reads information indicating a longitudinal position added to the coded tape (9). A detection device (11) detects that the car (7) is in a reference position when a detection switch (17) installed in the reference position on the movable end (15) side of the shaft (3) detects a detection target cam (16) installed in the car (7). A controller (13) performs control processing using the position read by the reader (10) as the absolute position of the car (7).The control unit (13) corrects the absolute position of the cabin (7) using the longitudinal position read by the reader (10) at the time of detection by the detection device (11).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator control system. [State of the art]

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses an example of an elevator. In the elevator, a magnetic tape is arranged in a shaft. A car position detection device detects the position of a car in the shaft by reading data on the magnetic tape with a magnetic sensor. When adjusting the car position detection device, the car is moved to the top floor and the bottom floor by manual operation, and the data of the top floor and bottom floor positions are read. The preset positions of the floors are corrected based on any error between the read data and the preset design positions of the lower floor and upper floor. [Citation list][Patent literature]

[0003] [PTL 1] JP 2015-113180 A [Summary of the invention][Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the length of a code tape used for car position detection, such as the magnetic tape installed in the shaft, may change over time due to expansion or contraction caused by, for example, a temperature change in the shaft. In the elevator of Patent Literature 1, the position of the car corresponding to each floor, which is adjusted by manual operation, can be largely shifted by changing over time.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a solution to such a problem. The present disclosure provides an elevator control system that can mitigate the effect of the positional deviation of the car even in a case where the length of a code tape changes over time. [Means of solving the problem]

[0006] An elevator control system according to the present disclosure comprises: a code tape, on which information indicating a longitudinal position in a longitudinal direction is added, which is placed so that the longitudinal direction is aligned in a vertical direction in a shaft extending over a plurality of floors of a building, and comprising one end part in the vertical direction installed so as to be fixed to the shaft as a fixed end, and another end part in the vertical direction installed so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the shaft as a movable end; a reader installed in a car traveling through the shaft in the vertical direction, which reads the information indicating the longitudinal position added to the code tape;a detection device including a detection target and a detector that detects the detection target, one of the detection target and the detector being installed in the car, and another of the detection target and the detector being installed in a reference position set in advance on the movable end side in the vertical direction of the shaft, the detector detecting the detection target to detect that the car is in the reference position; and a controller that performs control processing of the car using the longitudinal position read by the reader as an absolute position of the car in the vertical direction in the shaft, and corrects the absolute position of the car using the longitudinal position read by the reader when the detection device detects that the car is in the reference position. [Advantageous effect of the invention]

[0007] The elevator control system according to the present disclosure can limit the effect of the position deviation of the car even in a case where the length of a code tape changes over time. [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the control system according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of the control system according to Embodiment 1. [Description of the embodiment]

[0008] A mode for implementing the subject matter of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are simplified or omitted accordingly. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the present embodiment, and any component of the embodiment may be deformed or omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiment 1

[0009] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] The elevator 1 is used in a building 2 that has, for example, a plurality of floors. A shaft 3 of the elevator 1 is provided in the building 2. The shaft 3 is a vertically long space extending across the plurality of floors. A hall 4 for the elevator 1 is provided on each floor of the building 2. The hall 4 is located adjacent to the shaft 3. The elevator 1 includes a traction machine 5, a main rope 6, a car 7, and a control system 8.

[0011] The traction machine 5 includes a motor and a pulley. The traction machine 5 is provided, for example, in an upper or lower part of the shaft 3. If a machine room of the elevator 1 is provided in the upper part of the shaft 3, the traction machine 5 can be provided, for example, in the machine room. The motor of the traction machine 5 is a device for generating a driving force. The pulley of the traction machine 5 is connected to a rotating shaft of the motor of the traction machine 5. The pulley of the traction machine 5 is rotated by the driving force generated by the motor of the traction machine 5.

[0012] The main rope 6 is wound around the sheave of the tractor 5. The main rope 6 moves in such a way that it is pulled up or paid out by the rotation of the sheave of the tractor 5. The main rope 6 supports the load of the cabin 7 on one side of the sheave of the tractor 5.

[0013] The car 7 is inserted into the shaft 3. The car 7 travels vertically through the shaft 3 as the traction machine 5 moves the main rope 6. The car 7 is a device that transports passengers between the multiple floors by traveling vertically through the shaft 3. A stopping position is set at each floor. A stopping position at a floor of the building 2 is a position on the floor in the vertical direction of the building 2 at which the car 7 is to be stopped.

[0014] The control system 8 comprises a code tape 9, a reader 10, a recognition device 11, a temperature sensor 12 and a controller 13.

[0015] The code tape 9 is a tape-shaped piece of equipment extending in one direction. On the code tape 9, information indicating positions in the longitudinal direction of the code tape 9 is affixed across the longitudinal direction of the code tape 9. For example, in a case where the code tape 9 is a magnetic tape, information indicating a longitudinal position is added to the code tape 9 as magnetic data. Alternatively, information indicating a longitudinal position may be added to a surface of the code tape 9 as a coded image or the like, including, for example, a two-dimensional code. The code tape 9 is placed in the tray 3 so that the longitudinal direction is oriented in the vertical direction. One end part in the vertical direction of the code tape 9 is attached so as to be fixed to the tray 3 as a fixed end 14.In addition, the other end part in the vertical direction of the code tape 9 is mounted as a movable end 15, which is movable in the vertical direction relative to the shaft 3. In this example, an upper end part of the code tape 9 is installed as a fixed end 14. In this example, the fixed end 14 is directly attached to the structure of the building 2. The structure of the building 2 includes, for example, an inner wall of the shaft 3, a pillar, a beam, or the like. In addition, a lower end part of the code tape 9 is mounted as a movable end 15. The movable end 15 is attached via a spring in order to be able to put the code tape 9 under tension, for example. Alternatively, the movable end 15 can be supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction by a sliding bearing or the like.

[0016] Reader 10 is a device that reads information indicating a longitudinal position added to code tape 9. Reader 10 is installed in car 7. Reader 10 moves vertically in shaft 3 along with car 7. Reader 10 reads information about a longitudinal position from code tape 9 using a magnetic sensor, a camera, other equipment, or the like, for example. Reader 10 is connected to controller 13 to output the reading result.

[0017] A reference position is set in advance in the controller 8. The reference position is set on the side of the movable end 15 in the vertical direction of the shaft 3. The reference position is a vertical position in building 2. In this example, the lower end part of the code tape 9 is installed as the movable end 15, and therefore the reference position is set on the lower side of the shaft 3. For example, the reference position is set lower than a middle part of the shaft 3. The reference position is set near a frequently stopped floor, for example. A frequently stopped floor is a floor set in advance as a floor where the car 7 stops more frequently than other floors. For example, a frequently stopped floor is a floor or the like where the car 7 stops more frequently than the average stop frequency of the floors in building 2.A frequently stopped floor is a reference floor, a floor at the main entrance, a floor in the entrance hall, a floor on the ground floor, or the like of Building 2. A frequently stopped floor may, for example, be a floor where a reception is provided. For example, the surroundings of a frequently stopped floor are an area from a position of stopping of the car 7 on a frequently stopped floor to a position of stopping of the car 7 on a floor adjacent to the frequently stopped floor. Here, the area may include the position of stopping on the frequently stopped floor. The reference position may be set at the stop position of the frequently stopped floor.

[0018] The detection device 11 includes a detection target and a detector. The detector is equipment for detecting the detection target. One of the detection target and the detector is installed in the car 7. The other detection target and the detector are installed at the reference position in the shaft 3. One of the detection target and the detector, installed in the car 7, moves through the shaft 3 in the vertical direction along with the travel of the car 7. The detection device 11 detects that the car 7 is at the reference position when the detector detects the detection target. The detector is connected to the controller 13 to output the detection result. In this example, the detection device 11 includes a detection target cam 16 and a detection switch 17. The detection target cam 16 is an example of a detection target.The detection target cam 16 is installed in the car 7. The detection switch 17 detects the detection target cam 16 by contact when the car 7 passes the reference position. The detection switch 17 is an example of a detector. The detection switch 17 is installed in the reference position. In this example, the detection switch 17 is directly attached to the structure of the building 2. Note that the detection device 11 may include a detector that detects the detection target body without contact. For example, the detection device 11 may include an iron plate and a magnetic sensor, a light reflection plate and a photoelectric sensor, a maker and a camera, or the like as the detection target body and detector. Furthermore, the detection target body may be installed in the reference position. At this time, the detection target body is directly attached to the structure of the building 2, for example.Additionally, the detector is installed in the cabin 7. In this example, the control system 8 controls only one set of the detection target body and the detector of the detection device 11.

[0019] The temperature sensor 12 is located in the shaft 3. The temperature sensor 12 measures the temperature within the shaft 3. The temperature sensor 12 is connected to the controller 13 in order to output the measurement result.

[0020] The controller 13 is, for example, a control panel or the like of the elevator 1. The controller 13 is provided, for example, in the upper or lower part of the shaft 3. For example, if the machine room of the elevator 1 is provided in the upper part of the shaft 3, the controller 13 can be provided in the machine room. The controller 13 is connected to the traction machine 5 to transmit a control signal or the like. The controller 13 includes a control processing unit 18 and a correction processing unit 19.

[0021] The control processing unit 18 is a part equipped with a function for performing control processing of the elevator 1. The control processing includes motion control, safety monitoring, or the like of the elevator 1. The motion control of the elevator 1 includes, for example, controlling or the like the running and stopping of the car 7. The safety monitoring of the elevator 1 includes, for example, speed control of the terminal including an emergency limit device for the speed of the terminal, and motion control of the elevator 1 based on the monitoring of a safety device such as a limit switch, a door open operation protection device (accidental movement of the car), and the like, and the monitoring result.In this example, an absolute position of the car 7 is detected based on a longitudinal position on the code tape 9, which the reader 10 reads from the code tape 9. That is, the control processing of the elevator 1 is performed by the control processing unit 18 using a longitudinal position read from the code tape 9 as the absolute position of the car 7 in the vertical direction of the shaft 3.

[0022] The correction processing unit 19 is a part equipped with the function of correcting the absolute position of the car 7. The correction processing unit 19 corrects the absolute position of the car 7 when the detection device 11 detects that the car 7 is located, for example, in the reference position. The correction processing unit 19 calculates a correction coefficient C, for example, according to the following expression (1). [Math. 1] C=X0−X*y0−y*

[0023] Here, y0 represents the longitudinal position of the fixed end 14 of the code tape 9. Then y * the longitudinal position of the code tape 9, which is read by the reader 10 when the detection device 11 detects that the car 7 is in the reference position. That is, y0-y * represents a length of the code tape 9 from the fixed end 14 to a part where the reader 10 reads information indicating the longitudinal position when the detection device 11 detects that the car 7 is in the reference position. In addition, x0 represents the installation position of the fixed end 14 of the code tape 9 in the building 2. Then, x represents * the reference position. That is, x0-x *represents a length in building 2 from the installation position of the fixed end 14 to the reference position. The correction coefficient C is calculated as the ratio between these lengths. Note that the position y0 of the fixed end 14 of the code tape 9 on the code tape 9 and the installation position x0 of the fixed end 14 of the code tape 9 in building 2 are specified in the controller 8, for example, by a setting value or the like.

[0024] In this example, the correction processing unit 19 corrects an absolute position x of the car 7 from a longitudinal position y on the code tape 9 using the following expression (2) and the like. [Math. 2] x=x0−C(y0−y)

[0025] When a natural number equal to or less than the number of floors of the building 2 n, x(n) represents a position held on an nth floor of the building 2. The nth floor of the building 2 is a frequently stopped floor or another floor. The stop position x(n) on each floor is predetermined in the control system 8 by a setting value, adjustment at the beginning of installation, learning, or the like. For example, the control processing unit 18 controls the corrected absolute position x of the car 7 using the stop position x(n) of the nth floor as the target position to keep the car 7 at the stop position of the floor.

[0026] It should be noted that the correction processing unit 19 cannot perform correction strictly proportional to the length in building 2 or the length on the code tape 9. For example, the correction processing unit 19 can perform the correction step by step according to the length in building 2 or the length on the code tape 9. If the distribution characteristics of the code tape 9 are known, the correction processing unit 19 can perform the correction according to the distribution characteristics. Distribution characteristics of the code tape 9 are characteristics that indicate, for example, the longitudinal distribution of the material, the value of the physical property, the dimension, the shape, the tension, or the like of the code tape 9.

[0027] The following is based on Fig. 2 describes an example of an operation of the control system 8.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the control system 8 according to Embodiment 1.

[0029] In step S01, the correction processing unit 19 judges whether the current time satisfies a predetermined time condition. A time condition related to the current time is a condition when, for example, the current time coincides with a preset correction time. The correction time may be a periodically set time. Alternatively, a time condition related to the current time may be a condition when, for example, a preset time interval has passed since the time of the last correction by the correction processing unit 19. If the current time satisfies the time condition, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S02. If the current time does not satisfy the time condition, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S03.

[0030] In step S02, the control processing unit 18 generates a call for the car 7 to travel through or to the reference position. In this case, if the reference position is a range from the stop position on a frequently stopped floor to the stop position on an adjacent floor, the call generated by the control processing unit 18 is a call to travel through the frequently stopped floor toward the adjacent floor, for example. If the reference position is the stop position on the frequently stopped floor, the call generated by the control processing unit 18 is a call for the car 7 to travel to the frequently stopped floor, a call for the car 7 to travel through the frequently stopped floor, or the like, for example.The control processing unit 18 causes the car 7 to travel through the shaft 3 to respond to a call generated by the control processing unit 18 and to a call registered by the user. Thereafter, the processing of the control system 8 continues with step S03.

[0031] Note that when the control processing unit 18 causes the car 7 to respond to the call generated by the control processing unit 18, the control processing unit 18 may cause the car 7 to travel by reducing the speed of the car 7 so that the car 7 passes the reference position at a lower speed than the traveling speed during normal operation. At this time, the control processing unit 18 may cause the car 7 to respond to the call after confirming that no user is riding the car 7. The fact that no user is riding the car 7 is confirmed based on a load or the like measured by, for example, a weighing device (not shown) provided in the car 7.

[0032] In step S03, the correction processing unit 19 judges whether the detection device 11 has detected that the car 7 is in the reference position. At this time, the car 7 may travel in response to a call registered by the user. Alternatively, the car 7 may travel in response to a call generated by the control processing unit 18. Alternatively, the car 7 may travel to move to a position where it does not respond to a call. If the detection device 11 does not detect that the car 7 is in the reference position, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S01. If the detection device 11 detects that the car 7 is in the reference position, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S04.

[0033] In step S04, the correction processing unit 19 judges whether the traveling speed of the car 7, when the detection device 11 detects that the car 7 is located at the reference position, satisfies a predetermined speed condition. A speed condition related to the traveling speed of the car 7 is satisfied, for example, when the traveling speed is lower than a preset speed threshold. Here, the speed threshold is set to a speed that can reduce an error in reading the absolute position of the car 7 due to the effect of the detection delay in the detection device 11 to be equal to or less than an allowable error required, for example, for the entire control system 8.For example, the speed threshold is set to a speed lower than the rated speed between floors during normal operation of the car 7. Alternatively, the speed threshold may be a speed after deceleration when the car 7 decelerates to stop at a frequently stopped floor. If the car 7 stops at the frequently stopped floor, the speed condition is met. If the speed of the car 7 does not satisfy the speed condition, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S01. If the traveling speed of the car 7 satisfies the speed condition, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S05.

[0036] In step S05, the reader 10 reads the longitudinal position y* on the code tape 9. The correction processing unit 19 stores the longitudinal position y* on the code tape 9 read by the reader 10.Thereafter, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S06.

[0034] In step S06, the correction processing unit 19 calculates the correction coefficient C using expression (1) and the like, for example. After that, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S07.

[0035] In step S07, the correction processing unit 19 calculates an amount of change in the current absolute position of the car 7 before and after calculating the correction coefficient C. Alternatively, the correction processing unit 19 may calculate an amount of change in the absolute position of the car 7 corresponding to the stop position on any floor including the frequently stopped floor of the building 2 before and after calculating the correction coefficient C. For example, the correction processing unit 19 calculates, as the amount of change, a difference between the absolute position x of the car 7 obtained by expression (2) before recalculating the correction coefficient C in step S06 and the absolute position x of the car 7 obtained by expression (2) after recalculating the correction coefficient C in step S06.Note that the correction processing unit 19 may calculate the change amount of the absolute position of the car 7 according to the stop position on another floor. Alternatively, the correction processing unit 19 may calculate the change amount of the absolute position of the car 7 according to the reference position. The correction processing unit 19 judges whether the calculated change amount is within a preset allowable range. Note that the correction processing unit 19 may calculate the change amount for each function of the control processing unit 18 that requires the absolute position of the car 7. In the correction processing unit 19, the allowable range of the change amount can be set for each function of the control processing unit 18 that requires the absolute position of the car 7.For example, when monitoring the final speed, the change amount or the allowable range of travel can be used for judgment. Alternatively, with respect to the car accidental movement prevention device, the change amount or the allowable range for the floor closest to the movable end 15 of the code tape 9 can be used for judgment. If the change amount is within the allowable range, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S08. If the change amount is not within the allowable range, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S09.

[0036] In step S08, the correction processing unit 19 corrects the absolute position of the car 7 by, for example, updating the correction coefficient C used using expression (2). After that, the processing of the control system 8 proceeds to step S01.

[0037] In step S09, the control processing unit 18 judges that an abnormality has occurred in the control system 8. For example, the control processing unit 18 judges that an abnormality has occurred in the code band 9. The control processing unit 18 may issue a notification of the abnormality. The notification is issued to an information center or the like (not shown) that collects information about the elevator 1 through a communication network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the notification is issued to a mobile terminal or the like belonging to an administrator of the elevator 1 through a communication network such as the Internet. After that, the processing of the control system 8 is completed.

[0038] As described above, the control system 8 according to Embodiment 1 includes the code tape 9, the reader 10, the recognition device 11, and the controller 13. In the code tape 9, information indicating a longitudinal position is added along the longitudinal direction. The code tape 9 is placed so that the longitudinal direction is aligned vertically in the shaft 3 extending across the plurality of floors of the building 2. One end part in the vertical direction of the code tape 9 is attached so as to be fixed to the shaft 3 as a fixed end 14. The other end part in the vertical direction of the code tape 9 is attached so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the shaft 3 as a movable end 15. The reader 10 is installed in the car 7 that travels vertically through the shaft 3. The reader 10 reads information indicating the longitudinal position added to the code tape 9.The detection device 11 includes the detection target cam 16 and the detection switch 17 that detects the detection target cam 16. The detection switch 17 is installed in the car 7. The detection target cam 16 is installed in the reference position. The reference position is a position set in advance on the movable end 15 side in the vertical direction of the shaft 3. The detection device 11 detects that the car 7 is in the reference position when the detection switch 17 detects the detection target cam 16. The controller 13 performs control processing of the car 7 using the longitudinal position read by the reader 10 as the absolute position of the car 7 in the vertical direction of the shaft 3. The controller 13 corrects the absolute position of the car 7 using the longitudinal position read by the reader 10 when the detection device 11 detects that the car 7 is in the reference position.

[0039] With such a configuration, the control system 8 can correct the absolute position of the car 7 each time the car 7 passes through or approaches the reference position. This can limit the effect of a position deviation of the car 7 even if the length of the code tape 9 changes over time. The length of the code tape 9 may change over time, for example, due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes in the shaft 3. For example, in a case where the elevator 1 is a high-rise elevator with a glass shaft 3, such as a transparent elevator for observation, the temperature change in the shaft 3 may become large. In such an elevator 1, the temperature change over time of about one hour may become very large, and the expansion and contraction of the code tape 9 may be, for example, 5 mm or more in about one hour.If this is the case, the effect of the expansion and contraction of the code tape 9 becomes too large to ignore. In the control system 8, the absolute position of the car 7 can be corrected based on the information read from the code tape 9 when the car 7 passes through or approaches the reference position. Therefore, even if the length of the code tape 9 changes over time, its effect can be limited by the correction. As a result, the position of the landing of the car 7 is less likely to deviate, and the user can use the elevator 1 more comfortably. In addition, the detection target or the detector of the detection device 11 does not need to be on-site for each floor of the building 2. Only adjustment of the detection target and the detector of the detection device 11 is required.Therefore, even for a high-rise elevator 1 that stops at a large number of floors, the cost of equipment installation and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0040] Additionally, in the control system 8, the reference position is set to a range between the stop position of a frequently stopped floor and the stop position of an adjacent floor. The range includes the position of the frequently stopped floor. The frequently stopped floor is set in advance as a floor where the car 7 stops more frequently than other floors.

[0041] With such a configuration, the car 7 frequently moves through or to the reference position during normal operation. This means that the control system 8 frequently has the opportunity to correct the absolute position of the car 7 during normal operation. As a result, even if the length of the code tape 9 changes over time, the effect of the position deviation of the car 7 can be more effectively limited.

[0042] In addition, the controller 13 generates a call for the car 7 to pass through or approach the reference position when the current time meets a predetermined time condition.

[0043] With such a configuration, even if the car 7 travels in an area distant from the reference position, such as a high floor, due to a user's call, the control system 8 has the ability to correct the absolute position of the car 7 at a predetermined time. As a result, a long period of time can be prevented from passing without the absolute position being corrected. Even if the length of the code tape 9 changes over time, the effect of the position deviation of the car 7 can be more effectively limited.

[0044] It should be noted that the control system 8 may include the temperature sensor 12. The temperature sensor 12 is installed in the shaft 3. At this time, the control processing unit 18 of the controller 13 may generate a call for the car 7 to travel through or to the reference position when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 12 meets a predetermined temperature condition. The temperature condition related to the temperature of the shaft 3 measured by the temperature sensor 12 is a condition when the temperature of the shaft 3 exceeds a preset threshold, for example, or when the temperature of the shaft 3 falls within a preset temperature range.

[0045] With such a configuration, the control system 8 is given the opportunity to correct the absolute position of the car 7 when necessary due to a temperature change in the shaft 3. As a result, there are fewer cases where no correction of the absolute position is performed, even when there is a temperature change in the shaft 3. Even if the length of the code tape 9 changes over time, the effect of the position deviation of the car 7 can be effectively limited. It should be noted that the control system 8 can generate a call based on both time and temperature. The control system 8 can generate a call based on either the time or the temperature condition. Alternatively, the control system 8 need not generate a call based on the time or temperature condition.

[0046] In addition, the controller 13 corrects the absolute position of the car 7 corresponding to the stop position at each floor, under the condition that the speed of the car 7 when passing through the reference position is lower than a predetermined speed threshold. At this time, the controller 13 uses the longitudinal position read by the reader 10 when the detection device 11 detects that the car 7 is in the reference position when the condition is met.

[0047] With such a configuration, the reading of the absolute position of the car 7 used for correction is less likely to be affected by the detection delay in the detection device 11. Therefore, information used for correction can be obtained with higher accuracy, and the accuracy of the correction can be increased. Note that the controller 13 can correct the absolute position every time the car 7 passes through or to the reference position, regardless of the speed of the car 7.

[0048] In addition, the controller 13 calculates, as a correction coefficient, a ratio between a length from the fixed end 14 to a position where the reader 10 reads information indicating the longitudinal position when the detection device 11 detects that the car 7 is located at the reference position and a length from the installation position of the fixed end 14 to the reference position. The controller 13 corrects the absolute position of the car 7 using a value obtained by multiplying a length based on the fixed end 14 by the calculated correction coefficient.

[0049] In such a configuration, the calculation of a single correction coefficient simplifies the correction of the absolute position of the car 7 and the like.

[0050] In addition, the controller 13 judges whether the change amount of the absolute position of the car 7, which corresponds to at least one of the stop positions of each floor and the reference position before and after the absolute positioning correction, is within a predetermined allowable range. If the change amount is within the allowable range, the controller 13 corrects the absolute position of the car 7.

[0051] With such a configuration, an abnormality occurring in the code band 9 is detected in the control system 8. Since abnormalities occurring in the code band 9 are easier to handle, the elevator 1 is operated more stably.

[0052] Note that, after calculating the correction coefficient, the control processing unit 19 of the controller 13 may calculate an error in the absolute position of the car 7 corresponding to the positioning on any floor of the building 2. For example, the correction processing unit 19 calculates a difference between the stop position on a frequently stopped floor and the absolute position of the car 7 corresponding to the stop position as an error. Note that the correction processing unit 19 may calculate an error in the absolute position of the car 7 corresponding to the stop position of another floor. Alternatively, the correction processing unit 19 may calculate an error in the absolute position of the car 7 corresponding to the reference position. The correction processing unit 19 judges whether the calculated error is within a preset allowable range.The allowable range set for the error and the amount of the difference before and after correcting the absolute position of the car 7 may be different or similar to each other. If the error is within the allowable range, the controller 13 corrects the absolute position of the car 7. However, if the error is not within the allowable range, the controller 13 allows it to judge that an abnormality has occurred in the control system 8.

[0053] Even with such a configuration, an abnormality occurring in the code band 9 is detected in the control system 8. Note that the control system 8 can judge whether an abnormality has occurred based on both the change amount and the error of the absolute position of the car 7. The control system 8 can judge whether an abnormality has occurred based on the change amount or the error of the absolute position of the car 7. Alternatively, the control system 8 does not need to judge whether an abnormality has occurred based on the change amount or the error of the absolute position of the car 7.

[0054] In addition, the fixed end 14 of the code tape 9 is attached to the structure of the building 2. In the detection device 11, one of the bodies of the detection target body and the detector installed in the reference position is fixed to the structure of the building 2.

[0055] With such a configuration, the installation position of the fixed end 14 of the code tape 9 and the reference position are shifted by shrinkage of the building 2 itself or the like, and therefore, the effect of the shrinkage of the building 2 itself or the like is incorporated into the correction of the absolute position of the car 7. As a result, deviation of the position of the landing of the car 7 and the like is less likely, and the user can ride the elevator 1 more comfortably.

[0056] It should be noted that the code tape 9 can be installed in the shaft 3, using the lower end portion as the fixed end 14. At this time, the code tape 9 is installed in the shaft 3, using the upper end portion as the movable end 15. If the reference position is set at the top of the shaft 3, the code tape 9 can be placed in the shaft. In addition, the frequently stopped floor, for example, in a transfer floor, can be set in an upper part of the shaft 3.

[0057] Additionally, in the examples described above, the correction processing unit 19 corrects the absolute position of the car 7 using the correction coefficient C to convert the position y on the code tape 9 into the position x in the building 2. However, the process for correcting the absolute position of the car 7 is not limited to this. The correction processing unit 19 may correct the absolute position of the car 7 by updating the target position corresponding to the stop position on each floor using a correction coefficient C', for example, as described below. The correction processing unit 19 calculates the correction coefficient C', for example, using the following expression (3). [Math. 3] C′−y0−y*x0−x*

[0058] With the next expression (4), the correction processing unit 19 uses the correction coefficient C' to update a longitudinal position y(n) on the code tape 9 corresponding to the stop position on the n-th floor of the building 2. [Math. 4] y(n)=y0−C′(x0−x(n))

[0059] At this time, the control processing unit 18 controls the position of the car 7 by using the position y(n) on the code tape 9 corresponding to the n-th floor as the target position of the longitudinal position y read by the reader 10, which moves, for example, together with the car 7, thereby stopping the car at the stop position on the floor.

[0060] The following is based on Fig. 3 describes an example of a hardware configuration of the control system 8. Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of the control system 8 according to Embodiment 1.

[0061] Each function of the control system 8 can be implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit comprises at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. The processing circuit can comprise at least one dedicated hardware 200 together with the processor 100a and the memory 100b or instead of these components.

[0062] In a case where the processing circuit includes processor 100a and memory 100b, functions of control system 8 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. The program is stored in memory 100b. Processor 100a reads the program stored in memory 100b and executes it to implement the functions of control system 8.

[0063] The processor 100a is also referred to as a central processing unit (CPU), a processing device, an arithmetic operation device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, and a DSP. The memory 100b is configured from a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory or the like, such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, an EEPROM, and the like.

[0064] If the processing circuitry includes the dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry is implemented by a single circuit, a complex circuit, a programmed processor, a processor subject to parallel programming, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination of these components.

[0065] Each function of the control system 8 can be implemented by a processing circuit. Alternatively, the functions of the control system 8 can be implemented collectively by a processing circuit. It is also possible to implement some functions of the control system 8 by the dedicated hardware 200 and implement the other functions of the control system 8 by software or firmware. Thus, the processing circuit implements the functions of the control system 8 by the dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these components. [Industrial applicability]

[0066] The control system according to the present disclosure is applicable to an elevator. [List of reference symbols]

[0067] 1 Elevator, 2 Building, 3 Shaft, 4 Hall, 5 Traction machine, 6 Main rope, 7 Cabin, 8 Control system, 9 Code tape, 10 Reader, 11 Detection device, 12 Temperature sensor, 13 Controller, 14 Fixed end, 15 Movable end, 16 Detection cam, 17 Detection switch, 18 Control processing unit, 19 Correction processing unit, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Dedicated hardware QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2015-113180 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Elevator control system comprising: a code tape having added thereon information indicating a longitudinal position in a longitudinal direction, which is placed so that the longitudinal direction is aligned in a vertical direction in a shaft extending over a plurality of floors of a building, and which includes one end part in the vertical direction installed so as to be fixed to the shaft as a fixed end, and another end part in the vertical direction installed so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the shaft as a movable end; a reader installed in a car traveling vertically through the shaft, which reads the information indicating the longitudinal position added to the code tape; a detection device comprising a detection target body and a detector that detects the detection target body, one of the detection target body and the detector being installed in the car, another of the detection target body and the detector being installed in a reference position set in advance on the movable end side in the vertical direction of the shaft, the detector detecting the detection target body to detect that the car is in the reference position; and a controller that performs control processing of the car using the longitudinal position read by the reader as an absolute position of the car in the vertical direction in the shaft, and corrects the absolute position of the car using the longitudinal position read by the reader when the detection device detects that the car is in the reference position. [2] The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein the reference position is set in a range from a stop position on a frequently stopped floor, which is set in advance as a floor where the car stops more frequently than other floors, to a position on an adjacent floor. [3] An elevator control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller generates a call for the car to travel through or to the reference position if a current time satisfies a preset time condition. [4] An elevator control system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a temperature sensor installed in the shaft, wherein the controller generates a call for the car to travel through or to the reference position if a temperature measured by the temperature sensor satisfies a preset temperature condition. [5] The elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, under the condition that a speed of the car when passing through the reference position is lower than a preset speed threshold, the controller corrects the absolute position of the car using the longitudinal position read by the reader when the detection device detects that the car is in the reference position if the condition is met. [6] The elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller calculates, as a correction coefficient, a ratio between a length from the fixed end to a part at which the reader reads information indicating the longitudinal position when the detection device detects that the car is in the reference position and a length from an installation position of the fixed end to the reference position, and corrects the absolute position of the car using a value obtained by multiplying a length based on the fixed end by the correction coefficient. [7] The elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller judges whether an amount of change in the absolute position of the car corresponding to at least one stop position of each of the plurality of floors and the reference position before and after the correction is within a preset allowable range, and corrects the absolute position of the car in a case where the amount of change is within the allowable range. [8] The elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller judges whether an amount of change in the absolute position of the car corresponding to at least one stop position of each of the plurality of floors and the reference position before and after the correction is within a preset allowable range, and judges that an abnormality has occurred in a case where the amount of change is not within the allowable range. [9] The elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller judges whether an error of the absolute position of the car corresponding to at least one stop position of each of the plurality of floors and the reference position is within a preset allowable range, and corrects the absolute position of the car in a case where the error is within the allowable range. [10] The elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller judges whether an error of the absolute position of the car corresponding to at least one of the positions of a stop position of each of the plurality of floors and the reference position is within a preset allowable range, and judges that an abnormality has occurred in a case where the error is not within the allowable range. [11] Elevator control system according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fixed end is attached to a structure of the building, and the detection target or detector installed in the reference position is fixed to the structure of the building.

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