Counterweight detachment detection device

Abstract

To provide a counterweight detachment detection device capable of reliably detecting a counterweight detachment with a simple configuration and capable of reducing the burden on workers required for installations and maintenance.SOLUTION: A counterweight detachment detection device 300 comprises a metal ring 307 having an annular shape and attached to a counterweight 105 in the state in which the ring opens upward and downward in the vertical direction, a detection wire 303 stretched along the vertical direction over a longer range than the up and down movement range of the counterweight 105 in a hoistway, and passing through the metal ring 307 in the state separated from the metal ring 307 when the counterweight 105 is in the normal position, a hitch 304 made of an insulating material, attached to the upper end part and the lower end part of the detection wire 303, and insulating the detection wire 303 from the surroundings, a relay 309 connected electrically to the detection wire 303, and a power source 308 to supply the power to the relay 309.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a counterweight detachment detection device for detecting counterweight detachment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an elevator equipped with a function that can automatically perform diagnostic operation and temporarily restore the elevator operation when the elevator stops due to an earthquake. Specifically, conventionally, for example, a floor for self-diagnosing abnormal door opening and closing of an elevator in a stopped state due to an earthquake is preset, self-diagnosis is performed on the preset floor as the diagnosis target, the floor where abnormal door opening and closing is detected is registered as a non-stop floor, the elevator operation is resumed with the floors where abnormal door opening and closing is not detected as the stop floors available for users, the boarding area and the in-car operation device notify the users that the floors registered as non-stop floors cannot be used, and self-diagnosis is performed on the floors above and below the floor where abnormal door opening and closing is detected (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] Also, when the elevator stops operating due to an earthquake, it is assumed that the counterweight has come off the guide rail. If the car is moved with the counterweight off the guide rail, it is assumed that the counterweight will swing and contact the car and surrounding facilities, causing secondary damage. Therefore, prior to temporarily restoring the elevator operation, it is checked whether the counterweight has come off the guide rail.

[0004] Specifically, conventionally, for example, there has been a technique related to a derailment detection device including a magnet arranged at intervals toward a guide rail that supports a counterweight, a detection mechanism that detects that the counterweight has come off the guide rail by utilizing the magnetic force action of the magnet on the guide rail, and a wireless communication device that operates by receiving power supply from a battery and transmits a derailment detection signal when the detection mechanism detects that the counterweight has come off the guide rail (see, for example, Patent Document 2 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the conventional technology for detecting that the counterweight has come off the guide rail, so-called "counterweight detachment", has problems in that the structure is complex and the burden on workers for installation and maintenance is large. In addition, since the hoistway of the elevator is narrow, if the structure is complex, there is a problem that the burden on workers for installation and maintenance is even greater.

[0007] Further, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2 above, since the derailment detection device operates with a battery, it is necessary to regularly perform battery maintenance to prepare for an earthquake that is difficult to predict, which is troublesome. As a countermeasure, using a battery with a large capacity has a problem that the burden on workers for attaching and detaching the battery is large.

[0008] In order to solve the problems of the prior art described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a counterweight detachment detection device that can reliably detect counterweight detachment with a simple configuration and can reduce the burden on workers for installation and maintenance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a counterweight detachment detection device according to the present invention is a counterweight detachment detection device that detects detachment of a counterweight that slides along a counter rail provided in an elevator hoistway from the counter rail, and includes a metal ring that has an annular shape and is attached to the counterweight in a state where the ring is open upward and downward in the vertical direction, a detection wire that is stretched along the vertical direction over a range longer than the range in which the counterweight moves up and down in the hoistway and passes through the metal ring in a state of being separated from the metal ring when the counterweight is in a normal position, hitches that are formed of a material having at least a surface with insulating properties and are provided at the upper end and the lower end of the detection wire, respectively, to insulate the detection wire from the surroundings, a relay that is electrically connected to the detection wire, and a power supply that supplies power to the relay.

[0010] Further, the counterweight detachment detection device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, it includes a spring that applies a tensile force along the vertical direction to the detection wire.

Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the counterweight detachment detection device of the present invention, it is possible to reliably detect counterweight detachment with a simple configuration and to reduce the burden on workers for installation and maintenance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] With reference to the attached drawings below, a preferred embodiment of a counterweight detachment detection device according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0014] (Configuration of Elevator) First, the configuration of the elevator will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the elevator. As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator 100 can be realized by, for example, a rope type (traction type) elevator. The elevator 100 is installed, for example, in a building such as a multi-story building.

[0015] The elevator 100 includes a car (riding car) 101 for carrying people and goods. One car 101 is provided for each elevator 100. The car 101 is provided in a hoistway (not shown) that penetrates each floor in the building in the vertical direction, that is, along the moving direction of the car 101.

[0016] In the hoistway, guide rails (not shown) for guiding the lifting position of the car 101 are provided at positions on both sides of the car 101 in a state where the user faces the elevator 100 at the landing 110. The guide rails can be realized by, for example, steel materials having a substantially T-shaped cross section orthogonal to the length direction. The guide rails are arranged with the substantially T-shaped foot portions (rail portions) facing each other with the car 101 in between, and are fixed in a state of standing with the longitudinal direction along the vertical direction.

[0017] In addition, the hoistway is provided at the bottom with a shock absorber 102 for cushioning the impact in case the car 101 accidentally falls and collides with the bottom surface of the hoistway. The shock absorber 102 may be a spring-type shock absorber that utilizes the elastic force of a spring to cushion the impact, or an oil-filled shock absorber that utilizes hydraulic resistance to cushion the impact. The shock absorber 102 may also be provided on the ceiling surface of the hoistway.

[0018] The car 101 is connected to one end of a rope 103. The rope 103 is wound around a pulley (not shown) in a pulley system and the rope wheel 104a of a hoisting machine (traction machine) 104, and the other end is connected to a counterweight 105. Specifically, the rope 103 can be realized by, for example, a steel wire.

[0019] The counterweight 105 may be arranged at a position on the side of the car 101 (side counterweight type) in a state where the user faces the elevator 100 at the landing 110, or may be arranged at a position on the back of the car 101 (back counterweight type) in a state where the user faces the elevator 100 at the landing 110.

[0020] In addition to the guide rails installed at positions on the sides of the car 101 in the hoistway, guide rails for the counterweight 105 (see reference numeral 301 in FIG. 3) for guiding the lifting position of the counterweight 105 are installed. The guide rails for the counterweight 105 (hereinafter referred to as "counter rails") are provided at positions on both sides of the counterweight 105 in a state where the counterweight 105 faces the car 101.

[0021] The hoisting machine 104 in the rope-type elevator 100 is installed, for example, in the machine room provided at the top of the elevator 100. The hoisting machine 104 can be provided at the top of the elevator 100 regardless of the presence or absence of a machine room. Alternatively, when the elevator 100 is of a type without a machine room, the hoisting machine 104 may be provided at the lower part of the elevator 100.

[0022] The hoisting machine 104 is controlled using, for example, an inverter, and is driven and controlled by the control panel 106 so as to stop rotating at the floor where the car 101 stops. In the rope-type elevator 100, the car 101 is raised and lowered by utilizing the frictional force (traction) between the rope 103 and the pulley generated by driving the hoisting machine 104.

[0023] The hoisting machine 104 is provided with an encoder (not shown), and the control panel 106 can determine the rotation speed and rotation position of the hoisting machine 104 based on the output signal from the encoder. The encoder may use, for example, an absolute encoder or an incremental encoder. The encoder may be provided at the time of installation of the elevator 100, or may be retrofitted after installation.

[0024] In addition, the elevator 100 is provided with an electromagnetic brake 107, a speed regulator (governor machine) 108, a limit switch 109, etc. The electromagnetic brake 107 is provided with a coil, and uses the electromagnetic force generated by driving and controlling the coil by the control panel 106 to energize the coil to stop the rotation of the hoisting machine 104. The electromagnetic brake 107 can hold the state where the rotation of the hoisting machine 104 is stopped.

[0025] The electromagnetic brake 107 stops the rotation of the hoisting machine 104 when the power supply is stopped due to a power failure or the like. Specifically, the electromagnetic brake 107 can use, for example, a non-excitation operation type electromagnetic brake 107 that operates by the force of a spring when the power supply to the coil is cut off during a power failure or the like to stop the rotation of the hoisting machine 104.

[0026] The speed governor 108 detects an overspeed of the cage 101. The speed governor 108 can be realized by, for example, a centrifugal speed governor including a governor rope 108a, a governor pulley 108b, a rotating weight (not shown), etc. In such a speed governor 108, the governor rope 108a is interlocked with the operation of the cage 101. The governor pulley 108b rotates in conjunction with the operation of the governor rope 108a.

[0027] The rotating weight operates according to the rotation speed of the governor pulley 108b, that is, the magnitude of the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the governor pulley 108b. Specifically, the rotating weight operates to open to the outer peripheral side of the governor pulley 108b when the rotation speed of the governor pulley 108b is high, and operates to close to the inner peripheral side of the governor pulley 108b when the rotation speed of the governor pulley 108b is low.

[0028] The limit switch 109 includes a switch lever (not shown) that switches the supply / shutdown of power to the hoist 104. The switch lever is normally positioned at a position where power is supplied to the hoist 104, and is displaced to a position where the supply of power to the hoist 104 is cut off when urged by the rotating weight of the speed governor 108.

[0029] The rotating weight of the speed governor 108 urges the switch lever so that when the lifting / lowering speed of the cage 101 reaches a speed equal to or higher than the rated speed, the switch lever is displaced to a position where the supply of power to the hoist 104 is cut off. Thereby, when an overspeed occurs in the cage 101, the operation of the hoist 104 can be stopped and the cage 101 can be stopped.

[0030] Furthermore, the elevator 100 may be equipped with an emergency stop device. The emergency stop device forcibly stops the movement of the car 101 when the movement of the car 101 and the movement of the governor rope 108a differ, that is, when the car 101 is moving even though the governor rope 108a has stopped. The emergency stop device can be easily realized using various known techniques, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] The cage 101 is equipped with a door 101a. The cage 101 is also equipped with a motor (door opening / closing motor: see reference numeral 211 in FIG. 2) for opening and closing the door 101a, a door opening / closing sensor (not shown) for detecting the open / closed state of the door 101a, an operation panel 101b, etc. The door opening / closing motor is driven and controlled by a control panel 106 to open and close the door 101a.

[0032] The output of the door open / close sensor changes depending on whether the door 101a or the door 110a is open or closed, depending on the state of the safety shoe located between the door 101a and the door 110a. The door open / close sensor can be realized by, for example, a microswitch or a photoelectric sensor. The door open / close sensor is connected to the control panel 106 via a wire, and the signal output from the door open / close sensor is input to the control panel 106 via the wire.

[0033] Doors 110a are provided at positions (landings) 110 in the elevator shaft corresponding to each floor. The doors 110a provided at the landings 110 are locked by a device called an interlock (not shown). The interlock engages with the opening / closing mechanism of the door 101a of the car 101 to release the lock only when the door opening / closing motor is driven after the elevator 100 has arrived at a stop floor. This allows only the door 110a provided at the landing 110 on the floor where the car 101 is located to be opened and closed in conjunction with one another among the doors 110a provided at each floor.

[0034] In addition, at each position (landing) 110 corresponding to each floor in the hoistway, there is provided a plate (not shown) for detecting the position of the car 101. A plurality of plates are provided in the length direction of the hoistway, that is, in the vertical direction. The car 101 is provided with a car position detection sensor 101c for detecting the position of the car 101 using the plate.

[0035] The car position detection sensor 101c is provided, for example, outside the car 101, on the ceiling or wall surface of the car 101. The car position detection sensor 101c includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element provided at a position facing the light emitting element. The car position detection sensor 101c outputs a signal according to the light receiving state of the light receiving element. Specifically, as the car 101 moves, when a plate is positioned between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the car position detection sensor 101c, and when the light receiving element receives the light emitted by the light emitting element, different signals are output to the control panel 106.

[0036] The plate is provided, for example, at a position that blocks the light between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the car position detection sensor 101c when the car 101 is positioned at the landing position (landing 110) on each floor. Further, the plate may be provided, for example, at a position that blocks the light between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the car position detection sensor 101c when the car 101 passes through a position a predetermined distance away from the position where the car 101 stops on each floor. Thereby, the position of the car 101 can be specified before the car 101 reaches the target floor.

[0037] Each landing 110 is provided with an operation panel 111 including a landing call button 111a, a display 111b for displaying the floor where the car 101 is located, and the like. Each operation panel 111 includes a control board 111c for the operation panel 111 and is connected to the control panel 106 via the control board 111c.

[0038] Various sensors including the operation panel 101b, the car position detection sensor 101c, and the door opening / closing sensor, the hoist 104, the electromagnetic brake 107, the speed controller 108, the limit switch 109, and the operation panel 111 (control board 111c) and other parts are connected to the control panel 106 via the cable 112.

[0039] In addition, the elevator 100 is provided with a seismic sensor (refer to the reference numeral 210 in FIG. 2). The seismic sensor can use, for example, an electronic seismic sensor using an acceleration sensor that senses (detects) initial micro tremors (P waves), major motions (S waves), and long-period earthquakes with a capacitance sensor. The seismic sensor detects an acceleration caused by an earthquake in advance and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to the control panel 106. A mechanical seismic sensor may be used as the seismic sensor.

[0040] (Hardware Configuration of Elevator 100) Next, the hardware configuration of the elevator 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of the elevator 100.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the control panel 106 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a memory 202, a communication I / F (InterFace) 203, an input terminal 204, an output terminal 205, and the like. Each part 201 to 205 constituting the control panel 106 is connected by a bus 200, respectively.

[0042] The CPU 201 controls each part provided in the elevator 100 and is in charge of the overall control of the elevator 100. The memory 202 stores programs, data, etc. used for the control of each part provided in the elevator 100. Specifically, the memory 202 stores, for example, a program (refer to FIG. 4) to be executed when the counterweight 105 comes off the counter rail 301, the first threshold value, the second threshold value, and the like.

[0043] The first threshold value can be set to an acceleration value (gal) that is, for example, equal to or greater than a very low gal value and less than a low gal value. Specifically, for example, in the case of elevator 100 installed in a building with a height of 60 m, an acceleration value that is 80 gal or more and less than 150 gal can be set as the first threshold value. Further, the first threshold value may specify the type of wave (acceleration) to be detected, such as a P wave (initial microtremor) or an S wave that is equal to or greater than a very low gal value and less than a low gal value.

[0044] The second threshold value is an acceleration value higher than the first threshold value and can be set to an acceleration value (gal) of a value generally referred to as a "high gal wave", for example. Specifically, for example, a value corresponding to an acceleration corresponding to an earthquake of seismic intensity 4 or higher can be set as the second threshold value. More specifically, for example, in the case of elevator 100 installed in a building with a height of 60 m, acceleration values such as 150 gal and 200 gal can be set as the second threshold value.

[0045] Communication I / F 203 is connected to a communication network such as the Internet. Thereby, elevator 100 can perform communication (data communication) with devices connected to the communication network, such as a management server computer, via communication I / F 203.

[0046] Specifically, communication I / F 203 can be realized, for example, by an interface for wireless communication such as a mobile phone line (for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution)). Further, communication I / F 203 may be realized by an interface for wired communication such as a modem or a LAN adapter.

[0047] In addition to the communication network for performing data communication, communication I / F 203 may be connected to a public voice network, which is a network for performing voice communication. Thereby, a person in car 101 of elevator 100 can directly talk to an operator of the maintenance management company of elevator 100.

[0048] The input terminal 204 is a connection terminal (hardware interface) that connects the control panel 106 and each part of the elevator 100, receives the input of signals output from each part of the elevator 100, and outputs the received signals to the CPU 201. The input terminal 204 receives the input of signals output from each part of the elevator 100 to the control panel 106, so-called "up signals". The connection between the input terminal 204 and each part of the elevator 100 may be wired or wireless.

[0049] The input terminal 204 is provided for each part that outputs a signal to the CPU 201 among each part of the elevator 100, such as the hoist 104, the operation panels 101b and 113, the car position detection sensor 101c, the earthquake sensor 210, and the door open / close sensor. The control panel 106 may receive signals from a plurality of operation panels 113 provided on each floor with one input terminal.

[0050] The output terminal 205 is a connection terminal (hardware interface) that connects the control panel 106 and each part of the elevator 100, and outputs the signals output from the CPU 201 to the corresponding parts among each part of the elevator 100. The output terminal 205 outputs signals output to each part driven and controlled by the CPU 201, so-called "down signals". The connection between the output terminal 205 and each part of the elevator 100 may be wired or wireless.

[0051] The output terminal 205 is provided for each part that operates according to the signals output from the CPU 201 among each part of the elevator 100, such as the hoist 104, the electromagnetic brake 107, the operation panels 101b and 113, the limit switch 109, and the door open / close motor 211. The control panel 106 may output a signal indicating the floor where the car 101 is located, which is displayed on the operation panel 101b or the display 113b, etc., from one output terminal 205 to each part.

[0052] (Configuration of the counterweight detachment detection device) Next, the configuration of the counterweight detachment detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the counterweight detachment detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the counterweight detachment detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown partially schematically.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, the counter rail 301 can be realized, for example, by a steel material having a substantially T-shaped cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The counter rail 301 is arranged with the substantially T-shaped leg portions (rail portions) facing each other with the counterweight 105 in between, and is fixed in a standing state with its longitudinal direction along the vertical direction.

[0054] In the counterweight 105, guide shoes 302 are provided at positions facing the counter rail 301. The guide shoes 302 have a substantially U-shaped cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The guide shoes 302 are provided on both side surfaces of the counterweight 105 so as to expose the groove portions. A plurality of guide shoes 302 (two in the vertical direction in this embodiment) are provided in the same plane of the counterweight 105.

[0055] The counterweight 105 is arranged such that the groove portions of the guide shoes 302 are fitted into the rail portions of the counter rail 301. The counterweight 105 moves up and down in the direction opposite to the up and down movement of the cage 101 according to the operation of the hoist 104. That is, when the cage 101 rises, the counterweight 105 descends, and when the cage 101 descends, the counterweight 105 rises.

[0056] When the counterweight 105 moves up and down, the guide shoe 302 slides along the counter rail 301 while being fitted to the counter rail 301. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the counterweight 105 from swaying (vibrating) so as to move away from the counter rail 301 during the up and down movement, and the counterweight 105 can be reliably moved along the guide rail. The counterweight 105, the counter rail 301, and the guide shoe 302 are at the ground potential.

[0057] The counterweight detachment detection device 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a detection wire 303, a hitch 304, a spring 305, a double nut 306, a metal ring 307, a power supply 308, and a relay 309.

[0058] The detection wire 303 is arranged along the vertical direction. The detection wire 303 is arranged over a range longer than the range in which the counterweight 105 moves up and down. Specifically, the detection wire 303 is installed from the uppermost part (near the uppermost part) to the lowermost part (near the lowermost part) of the hoistway.

[0059] A plurality of detection wires 303 are provided. It is preferable that the number of detection wires 303 is equal to or more than the number of counter rails 301 (in this embodiment, two). The detection wires 303 are not limited to two, and three or more may be arranged. The plurality of detection wires 303 are arranged along the width direction of the counterweight 105 (the opposing direction of the counter rail 301).

[0060] The detection wire 303 can be formed using a metal wire having a high tension (tensile force). The detection wire 303 has metal exposed on its surface and exhibits conductivity. It is preferable to use a metal wire having a light weight for the detection wire 303. Specifically, the detection wire 303 can be realized by, for example, a steel wire such as a piano wire or a wire having a predetermined diameter.

[0061] The hitch 304 is provided at the upper and lower ends of the detection wire. The hitch 304 is formed using a non-conductor with low conductivity. Preferably, the hitch 304 is formed using an insulator with extremely low conductivity. In this embodiment, a hitch (insulating hitch) 304 formed using an insulator is used.

[0062] The spring 305 is provided between the hitch 304 provided at the upper end of the detection wire 303 in the vertical direction and the ceiling of the hoistway. As the spring 305, a coil spring (tension coil spring) that acts under a tensile load can be used. Thereby, an appropriate tension can be applied to the detection wire 303 to prevent the detection wire 303 from deflecting and maintain a linear posture of the detection wire 303 along the vertical direction. The spring 305 may also be a coil spring (compression coil spring) that stores elastic energy under a compressive load.

[0063] The double nut 306 is provided above the spring 305 and below the hitch 304 provided below in the vertical direction, respectively. The double nut 306 is composed of two nuts stacked vertically, and a tensile force (axial force) is applied between the two nuts. By tightening the nuts against each other, the play of the bolt can be eliminated, and the deflection of the detection wire 303 can be prevented. By providing double nuts 306 on the upper and lower sides of the detection wire 303, respectively, the position of the detection wire 303 can be fixed, and the tension applied to the detection wire 303 can be maintained.

[0064] The double nut 306 provided on the upper side in the vertical direction is tightened, for example, to a bolt 310 fixed at a predetermined position such as a machine beam (not shown) of the elevator 100. The double nut 306 provided on the lower side in the vertical direction is tightened, for example, to a bolt 311 fixed to the bottom of the hoistway.

[0065] The metal ring 307 is annular and is fixed to the counterweight 105 with the rings opening upward and downward in the vertical direction. The metal ring 307 is formed using a material that exhibits conductivity. Specifically, the metal ring 307 can be formed using a metal material such as stainless steel. The metal ring 307 is electrically connected to the counterweight 105.

[0066] A plurality of metal rings 307 are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of guide shoes 302. Specifically, in this embodiment, the counterweight 105 includes four guide shoes 302, and a total of four metal rings 307 are provided, one corresponding to the vicinity of each guide shoe 302.

[0067] The detection wire 303 described above is arranged so as to penetrate inside the ring of the metal ring 307. A plurality of metal rings 307 are provided such that one detection wire 303 penetrates through the plurality of metal rings 307. In this embodiment, each detection wire 303 penetrates through two metal rings 307.

[0068] The inner diameter of the metal ring 307 is sized such that it does not contact the detection wire 303 during normal running. The shape of the opening of the metal ring 307 is preferably circular. Thereby, the distance between the detection wire 303 and the inner peripheral surface of the metal ring 307 becomes equal over the entire circumference of the detection wire 303. The detection wire 303 is fixed via a hitch 304 with insulation ensured at the upper and lower ends, and is in an insulated state because it does not contact the metal ring 307 during normal running.

[0069] The power supply 308 is electrically connected to the relay 309. The power supply 308 can use, for example, a DC power supply. The power supply 308 is grounded. Since metal is exposed on the surface of the detection wire 303, the power supply 308 is preferably a low-voltage power supply and is provided with an output short-circuit protection circuit (output protection function) so as not to be damaged even when a ground fault occurs due to the electrical connection between the detection wire 303 and the metal ring 307.

[0070] The relay 309 is normally in the ON state when connected to the power supply 308. The relay 309 is grounded and drops when the voltage drops. The relay 309 is electrically connected to the detection wire 303 in addition to the power supply 308. The relay 309 can use a non-contact relay (solid state relay (SSR)). When using a non-contact relay as the relay 309, since the relay generates heat due to the ON resistance when current flows, it is preferable to take heat dissipation measures. The output signal of the relay 309 is output to the control panel 106.

[0071] Conventionally, in an elevator that does not have a communication function with an external device such as a remote management server computer during installation, by connecting a remote monitoring support device with a communication function to the elevator, remote monitoring of the elevator is realized through the remotely attached remote monitoring support device after installation. There is a technology for this. In an elevator to which such a remote monitoring support device is connected, the output signal of the relay 309 may be output to the remote monitoring support device.

[0072] The counterweight detachment detection device 300 may include a bracket 312. The bracket 312 can be realized by, for example, a flat plate or an L-shaped member formed of steel. The bracket 312 is attached to the counter rail 301, for example. The bracket 312 is attached to each of the two counter rails 301 so as to be at the same height. Thereby, the centering operation of the hitch 304 described above can be easily performed.

[0073] (Detection operation of the counterweight detachment detection device 300) Next, the detection operation of the counterweight detachment detection device 300 will be described. The counterweight detachment detection device 300 detects that the guide shoe 302 fitted to the counter rail 301 has come off the counter rail 301 and the counterweight 105 has deviated from the normal position (between the counter rails), that is, "counterweight detachment".

[0074] In the state where counterweight detachment has occurred due to an earthquake, the metal ring 307 deviates from the normal position (the position where the metal ring 307 does not contact the detection wire 303) together with the counterweight 105, and the metal ring 307 contacts the detection wire 303.

[0075] The relay 309 is normally in the ON state with a voltage applied when energized from the power supply 308. At this time, the detection wire 303 is energized by the power supply 308, and the surface of the detection wire 303 is charged. Also, the counterweight 105, the counter rail 301, the guide shoe 302, the rope 103, etc. are at the ground potential.

[0076] Here, assume a case where the detection wire 303, which has become separated from the metal ring 307 due to counterweight detachment and has insulation ensured by the hitch 304, contacts the metal ring 307. Even when counterweight detachment occurs, due to the weight of the counterweight 105, the counterweight 105 or the guide shoe 302 is in a state of being supported by the counter rail 301.

[0077] Therefore, when the detection wire 303 contacts the metal ring 307, the detection wire 303 is in a grounded state (ground potential) via the counterweight 105, the guide shoe 302, and the counter rail 301 from the metal ring 307. As a result, the voltage of the relay 309 drops and the relay 309 falls. When the relay 309 falls, the output signal from the relay 309 changes.

[0078] Also, even when the counterweight 105 and the guide shoe 302 are completely separated from the counter rail 301 due to the detachment of the counterweight, the detection wire 303 is grounded (ground potential) from the metal ring 307 via the counterweight 105 and the rope 103. As a result, the voltage of the relay 309 drops and the relay 309 drops out. When the relay 309 drops out, the output signal from the relay 309 changes.

[0079] Thereby, the control panel 106 can detect that the guide shoe 302 has come off the counter rail 301 based on the change in the output signal from the relay 309. Even in the case of an elevator to which a remote monitoring support device is connected, the control panel 106 can detect the detachment of the counterweight based on the change in the output signal from the relay 309 in the same manner.

[0080] Also, by providing a metal ring 307 for each guide shoe 302 and making the shape of the opening of the metal ring 307 circular, it is possible to accurately detect the detachment of the counterweight when any guide shoe 302 comes off the counter rail 301.

[0081] (Processing procedure of the control panel 106) Next, the processing procedure of the control panel 106 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the control panel 106. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is realized by the CPU 201 executing various programs stored in the memory 202 based on signals output from each part provided in the elevator 100.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 4, first, based on the output signal from the earthquake detector 210, the control panel 106 determines whether or not an acceleration equal to or greater than a first threshold value, which is caused by an earthquake or the like, has been detected (step S401). In step S401, for example, it is determined whether or not an S wave equal to or greater than the first threshold value has been detected. Also, in step S401, for example, it may be determined whether or not a P wave (initial microtremor) has been detected.

[0083] In step S401, if an acceleration equal to or greater than the first threshold value has not been detected (step S401: No), the system waits as it is. On the other hand, in step S401, if an acceleration equal to or greater than the first threshold value has been detected (step S401: Yes), the hoist 104 and the electromagnetic brake 107 are driven (step S402), and the cage 101 is made to land on the nearest floor. Then, the door opening / closing motor 211 is driven (step S403) to open the doors 101a and 110a.

[0084] In step S402 or step S403, in parallel with the process of making the cage 101 land on the nearest floor or opening the doors 101a and 110a, it may be notified using the operation panel 101b, the display 111b, etc. that an earthquake has occurred and the elevator 100 has stopped.

[0085] Next, based on the output signal from the earthquake detector 210, it is determined whether or not an acceleration equal to or greater than a second threshold value has been detected (step S404). In step S404, for example, it is determined whether or not an S wave equal to or greater than the second threshold value has been detected. In step S404, if an acceleration equal to or greater than the second threshold value has not been detected (step S404: No), an automatic diagnostic operation is executed (step S405).

[0086] The automatic diagnostic operation in step S405 is executed, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the earthquake detector 210 starts operating and there is no further operation of the earthquake detector 210 or other safety devices. Specifically, in the automatic diagnostic operation in step S405, for example, the output signal from the relay 309 is acquired.

[0087] Also, in step S405, for example, after confirming that there is no user in the cage 101 based on the video of the surveillance camera, the weight of the cage 101, etc., the cage 101 is run between the top floor and the bottom floor, and it is diagnosed whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the elevator 100 based on whether the cage 101 runs normally between the top floor and the bottom floor.

[0088] Also, in step S405, for example, the driving data when the cage 101 is run between the top floor and the bottom floor may be compared with the driving data during normal operation to diagnose whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the elevator 100. Further, in step S405, for example, an automatic diagnosis operation may be performed while running the cage 101 at a low speed, and when no abnormality occurs, the automatic diagnosis operation may be performed while running the cage 101 at a high speed.

[0089] The automatic diagnosis operation in step S405 is, for example, to set a threshold value that is the upper limit of the magnitude of the earthquake shake such as a second threshold value, and based on the output signal from the earthquake sensor 210, to determine whether an acceleration equal to or greater than the second threshold value is detected, thereby confirming whether the hoist 104, the control panel 106, etc. have fallen or moved from their original positions. Also, the automatic diagnosis operation in step S405 diagnoses, for example, based on the torque, current, etc. of the hoist 104, whether various devices installed in the hoistway and long objects such as the rope 103 and various cables including the tail cord are caught.

[0090] Also, the automatic diagnosis operation in step S405 may diagnose, for example, based on the torque, current, etc. of the hoist, whether a collision between the cage 101 and the counterweight 105 has occurred. Regarding the catching of various devices installed in the hoistway and long objects and the collision between the cage 101 and the counterweight 105, the diagnosis may be performed using a dedicated sensor.

[0091] In addition, the automatic diagnostic operation in step S405 may diagnose the presence or absence of abnormalities in various devices provided in the hoistway 101 of the cage, such as the cage position detection sensor 101c, based on, for example, the landing operation during the automatic diagnostic operation. Further, the automatic diagnostic operation in step S405 may diagnose whether there are any abnormalities in the doors 101a and 110a by operating the door opening / closing motor 211 with the cage 101 stopped at the landing 110 and opening / closing the doors 101a and 110a.

[0092] Then, based on the result of the automatic diagnostic operation in step S405, it is determined whether the output signal from the relay 309 has changed from the normal running state according to the value of the output signal from the relay 309 (step S406). From the determination in step S406, it is possible to grasp whether the guide shoe 302 has deviated from the counter rail 301. In step S406, when the output signal from the relay 309 has changed from the normal running state (step S406: Yes), the process proceeds to step S409.

[0093] On the other hand, in step S406, when the output signal from the relay 309 has not changed from the normal running state (step S406: No), that is, when the guide shoe 302 has not deviated from the counter rail 301, it is determined whether there are any abnormalities in the results of other automatic diagnostic operations except whether it has deviated from the counter rail 301 based on the result of the automatic diagnostic operation in step S405 (step S407). In step S407, when there are abnormalities in the results of the automatic diagnostic operation (step S407: No), the process proceeds to step S409.

[0094] On the other hand, in step S407, when there are no abnormalities in the results of other automatic diagnostic operations (step S407: Yes), a temporary recovery operation is executed (step S408). When the guide shoe 302 has not deviated from the counter rail 301 and there are no abnormalities in the results of other automatic diagnostic operations, in step S408, for example, the elevator 100 is temporarily recovered (operated) until inspection by an operator.

[0095] This can avoid the situation where an elevator that does not interfere with operation becomes unavailable for long-term use. Also, in step S408, for example, the elevator 100 can be made available for use for a predetermined time after it is determined that there is no abnormality in the result of the automatic diagnostic operation, and after the elapse of the predetermined time, the doors 101a and 110a can be closed at a predetermined floor to restrict use.

[0096] On the other hand, in step S404, when an acceleration equal to or greater than the second threshold is detected (step S404: Yes), a signal indicating that an acceleration equal to or greater than the second threshold has been detected is output to the management server computer via the communication I / F 203 (step S409), and a series of processes is terminated. In step S409, a signal indicating the detected acceleration value may be output.

[0097] This can notify the management server computer of the possibility that the hoisting machine 104, the control panel 106, etc. in the elevator 100 have fallen or moved from their original positions. Also, when a signal indicating the detected acceleration value is output, the detected acceleration value can be used, for example, to determine the priority order of subsequent dispatching of workers.

[0098] In step S409 via step S406, a signal indicating that a counterweight detachment has occurred is output to the management server computer via the communication I / F 203 (step S409), and a series of processes is terminated.

[0099] In step S409 via step S407, a signal indicating that the guide shoe 302 has not come off the counter rail 301 and that there is an abnormality in the result of other automatic diagnostic operations is output to the management server computer via the communication I / F 203 (step S409), and a series of processes is terminated.

[0100] In the case of an elevator to which a remote monitoring support device is connected, an output signal from relay 309 may be output to the remote monitoring support device, and based on the output signal, the remote monitoring support device may determine whether the output signal from relay 309 has changed from the normal running state. And when the remote monitoring support device detects a counterweight deviation, a signal indicating that a counterweight deviation has occurred may be output from the remote monitoring support device to the management server computer.

[0101] Note that instead of an AC power supply, a low-frequency oscillator that generates a low-frequency voltage may be used as the power supply. In this case, instead of a non-contact relay, a frequency detector is used for the relay. Since the low-frequency oscillator oscillates a single-frequency sine wave, by using the low-frequency oscillator and the frequency detector, the detection accuracy of counterweight deviation by the relay can be improved.

[0102] As described above, the counterweight deviation detection device 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a counterweight deviation detection device 300 that detects the deviation of the counterweight 105 that slides along the counter rail 301 provided in the hoistway of the elevator 100 from the counter rail 301, and has an annular shape, and the ring is attached to the counterweight 105 in a state of opening upward and downward in the vertical direction. A metal ring 307, a detection wire 303 that is stretched along the vertical direction over a range longer than the range in which the counterweight 105 moves up and down in the hoistway and passes through the metal ring 307 while being separated from the metal ring 307 when the counterweight 105 is in a normal position, and at least the surface is formed of a material having insulating properties, and hitches 304 provided at the upper and lower ends of the detection wire 303 respectively to insulate the detection wire 303 from the surroundings, a relay 309 electrically connected to the detection wire 303, and a power supply 308 that supplies power to the relay 309.

[0103] According to the counterweight detachment detection device 300 of the embodiment related to this invention, when the detection wire 303 contacts the metal ring 307 due to the occurrence of counterweight detachment caused by an earthquake or the like, the relay 309 drops. Then, based on the fact that the relay 309 has dropped, it is possible to detect that counterweight detachment has occurred.

[0104] Thereby, it is possible to surely detect counterweight detachment with a simple configuration, and it is possible to reduce the burden on workers involved in installation and maintenance.

[0105] Moreover, the counterweight detachment detection device 300 of the embodiment related to this invention is characterized by including a spring 305 that applies a tensile force along the vertical direction to the detection wire 303.

[0106] According to the counterweight detachment detection device 300 of the embodiment related to this invention, it is possible to surely maintain the state in which the detection wire 303 is stretched linearly along the vertical direction, and it is possible to prevent false detection of counterweight detachment caused by the detection wire 303 inadvertently contacting the metal ring 307. Thereby, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of counterweight detachment.

[0107] Moreover, the counterweight detachment detection device 300 of the embodiment related to this invention includes a plurality of metal rings 307 corresponding to each of the plurality of guide shoes 302.

[0108] According to the counterweight detachment detection device 300 of the embodiment related to this invention, even when only the upper guide shoe 302 comes off the counter rail 301 or only the lower guide shoe 302 comes off the counter rail 301, it is possible to accurately detect counterweight detachment in the vertical direction of the counterweight 105.

[0109] In addition, the counterweight detachment detection device 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention arranges a plurality of detection wires 303 along the width direction of the counterweight 105 (the facing direction of the counter rail 301).

[0110] According to the counterweight detachment detection device 300 of the embodiment of the present invention, even when only the guide shoe 302 provided on one side surface of the counterweight 105 is detached from the counter rail 301, it is possible to accurately detect the detachment of the counterweight over the width direction of the counterweight 105.

Industrial Applicability

[0111] As described above, the counterweight detachment detection device according to the present invention is useful for a counterweight detachment detection device that detects the detachment of the counterweight of an elevator, and in particular, is suitable for a counterweight detachment detection device that detects the detachment of the counterweight of an elevator installed in an area where an earthquake is assumed to occur.

Explanation of Signs

[0112] 105 Counterweight 300 Counterweight detachment detection device 301 Counter rail 302 Guide shoe 303 Detection wire 304 Hitch 305 Spring 306 Double nut 307 Metal ring 308 Power supply 309 Relay 310, 311 Bolt 312 Bracket

Claims

1. A counterweight deviation detection device for detecting deviation of a counterweight that slides along a counter rail provided in an elevator hoistway from the counter rail, comprising: a metal ring having an annular shape and attached to the counterweight with the ring opening upward and downward in the vertical direction; a detection wire stretched along the vertical direction over a range longer than the range in which the counterweight moves up and down in the hoistway, and passing through the metal ring while being separated from the metal ring when the counterweight is in a normal position; hitches formed of a material having at least a surface with insulation properties, provided at the upper and lower ends of the detection wire respectively to insulate the detection wire from the surroundings; a relay electrically connected to the detection wire; a power supply for supplying power to the relay; and characterized by comprising the above components. A counterweight deviation detection device.

2. The counterweight deviation detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a spring for applying a tensile force along the vertical direction to the detection wire.

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