Elevator device

Abstract

To provide an elevator device capable of determining the presence or absence of abnormality in a guide rail.SOLUTION: An elevator device 1 comprises a car 15, a guide roller 26, an actuator 28, an acceleration sensor 17, a vibration control unit 41, and a first determination unit 43. The vibration control unit 41 controls the actuator 28 based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 17 to adjust a pressing force and perform the vibration control of the car 15. The first determination unit 43 determines whether or not there is abnormality in a guide rail 13 based on a current value generated in a drive circuit 29 at a second mode without the vibration control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to elevator systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an elevator device. The elevator device described in Patent Document 1 includes an actuator that applies a pressing force to a guide roller against a guide rail. In this elevator device, the actuator is used to vibrate the car, thereby determining whether or not there is an abnormality in an acceleration sensor provided in the car. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-246213 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The elevator device described in Patent Document 1 can determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the acceleration sensor provided in the car, but cannot determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the guide rail.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an elevator device that can determine whether or not there is an abnormality in a guide rail. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The elevator system according to the present disclosure includes an elevator car, a guide roller mounted on the car that rotates while in contact with a guide rail as the car moves, an actuator that generates a pressing force to press the guide roller against the guide rail, an acceleration sensor mounted on the car, a vibration-damping control unit that controls the actuator based on acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor to adjust the pressing force and thereby perform vibration-damping control of the car, and a first determination unit. The vibration-damping control unit is switchable between a first mode in which vibration-damping control is performed and a second mode in which vibration-damping control is not performed. The actuator includes a circuit that generates an induced current when the guide roller is displaced horizontally relative to the car in the second mode. The first determination unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the guide rail based on the value of the current generated in the circuit in the second mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] With an elevator device according to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the guide rail. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevator device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the function of the elevator apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line AA. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the elevator apparatus in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the elevator apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the elevator apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of running of a car unit during diagnostic operation. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating displacement of a guide roller when distortion occurs in a guide rail. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating displacement of a guide roller when distortion occurs in a guide rail. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the elevator apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of hardware resources of a control device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of hardware resources of a control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following detailed description will be given with reference to the drawings. Duplicate descriptions will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. In each drawing, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevator apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the function of the elevator apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. The elevator apparatus 1 includes a car unit 2 and a counterweight unit 3. The car unit 2 moves up and down in a hoistway 4. The hoistway 4 is a vertically extending space formed in a building. As an example, a landing where the car unit 2 can stop is provided on each floor of the building. The car unit 2 and the counterweight unit 3 are suspended from the hoistway 4 by a rope 5. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a 1:1 roping type elevator apparatus 1.

[0011] The rope 5 is wound around a drive sheave of the hoisting machine 6. The hoisting machine 6 is controlled by a control device 7. When the drive sheave of the hoisting machine 6 rotates, the rope 5 moves in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the drive sheave rotates. The car unit 2 moves up or down the hoistway 4 depending on the direction in which the rope 5 moves. The counterweight unit 3 moves in the direction opposite to the direction in which the car unit 2 moves. The hoisting machine 6 is an example of a device that drives the car unit 2. The movement of the car unit 2 is controlled by the control device 7.

[0012] The hoisting machine 6 is equipped with an encoder 8. The encoder 8 outputs a rotation signal corresponding to the rotation direction and rotation angle of the traction sheave. The rotation signal output from the encoder 8 is input to the control device 7. The control device 7 can detect the position of the car unit 2 based on the rotation signal from the encoder 8. The encoder may be provided in the speed governor.

[0013] A communication device 9 is connected to the control device 7. The communication device 9 communicates with an external device 11 via a network 10. The external device 11 may be a server device managed by a maintenance center for the elevator device 1. The network 10 may be the Internet.

[0014] The elevator device 1 may include an earthquake sensor 12. The earthquake sensor 12 may be disposed inside the elevator shaft 4. The earthquake sensor 12 outputs a detection signal when it detects a preset acceleration. The earthquake sensor 12 may output a detection signal at multiple levels. For example, the detection signal from the earthquake sensor 12 is input to the control device 7 via the communication device 9.

[0015] The car unit 2 includes a car 15, a guide unit 16, an acceleration sensor 17, a weighing device 18, and a control device 19. The car 15 includes a car chamber 21, a car frame 22, and an elastic body 23.

[0016] A space for passengers to ride is formed in the car chamber 21. The car frame 22 has a rectangular ring shape as a whole and is arranged so as to surround the car chamber 21 from above, below, left and right. The car chamber 21 is supported by the car frame 22 via elastic bodies 23.

[0017] The guide unit 16 is provided on the car 15. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the guide unit 16 is provided on the car frame 22. The guide unit 16 is a device for guiding the movement of the car unit 2. A pair of guide rails 13 is provided in the elevator shaft 4 over the movement range of the car unit 2. The car unit 2 moves up and down while keeping the guide unit 16 in contact with the guide rails 13.

[0018] The car unit 2 is disposed between a pair of guide rails 13 in a plan view. Fig. 1 shows an example in which guide units 16 are provided at four locations on the top, bottom, left, and right of the car frame 22. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the upper right guide unit 16 and the lower right guide unit 16 are disposed so as to face one of the guide rails 13. The upper left guide unit 16 and the lower left guide unit 16 are disposed so as to face the other guide rail 13.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the guide rail 13 includes a fixed portion 13a and a guide portion 13b. The fixed portion 13a is fixed to a structure of the elevator shaft 4 via a fixing member such as a clip or a bracket. The guide portion 13b is provided on the fixed portion 13a so as to protrude toward the other guide rail 13. The guide portion 13b is formed with guide surfaces 13c, 13d, and 13e for guiding the car unit 2.

[0020] Guide surface 13c, guide surface 13d, and guide surface 13e are each vertical flat surfaces. Guide surface 13c is a surface parallel to the depth direction (Y axis) of car 15 and perpendicular to the frontage direction (X axis) of car 15. The X axis and Y axis are both horizontal axes and perpendicular to each other. Guide surface 13c is arranged to face the other guide rail 13. Guide surface 13d and guide surface 13e are each surfaces parallel to the frontage direction (X axis) of car 15 and perpendicular to the depth direction (Y axis) of car 15. Guide surface 13d and guide surface 13e are arranged to face opposite each other.

[0021] The guide unit 16 includes a support member 25 (see FIG. 1), a guide roller 26, a shaft 27, and an actuator 28. The support member 25 is provided on the car 15. The guide roller 26, the shaft 27, and the actuator 28 are supported by the support member 25. That is, the guide roller 26, the shaft 27, and the actuator 28 are provided on the car 15 via the support member 25.

[0022] 3 shows an example in which the guide unit 16 includes three sets of guide rollers 26, shafts 27, and actuators 28. In the following description, as necessary, as shown in FIG. 3, α to γ ​​are added after the reference numerals of the guide rollers 26, shafts 27, and actuators 28 to clearly indicate the components included in the same set.

[0023] Guide roller 26α is supported by support member 25 so as to be rotatable around axis 27α parallel to the Y-axis. Guide roller 26α is disposed so that its outer circumferential surface faces guide surface 13c. Guide roller 26α is constantly subjected to a force in a direction approaching guide surface 13c by an elastic body (not shown), such as a spring. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of guide roller 26α comes into contact with guide surface 13c. When car 15 is moved by hoisting machine 6, guide roller 26α rotates while coming into contact with guide surface 13c.

[0024] The guide roller 26α is supported by the support member 25 so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction relative to the car 15. Specifically, the guide roller 26α is displaceable in a direction parallel to the X-axis relative to the car 15. The actuator 28α generates a pressing force for pressing the guide roller 26α against the guide surface 13c of the guide rail 13. As an example, the actuator 28α is a voice coil motor (VCM) and includes a drive circuit 29α. The actuator 28α generates a pressing force according to the current flowing through the drive circuit 29α.

[0025] Guide roller 26β is supported by support member 25 so as to be rotatable around axis 27β parallel to the X-axis. Guide roller 26β is disposed so that its outer circumferential surface faces guide surface 13d. Guide roller 26β is constantly subjected to a force in a direction approaching guide surface 13d by an elastic body (not shown), such as a spring. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of guide roller 26β contacts guide surface 13d. When car 15 is moved by hoisting machine 6, guide roller 26β rotates while contacting guide surface 13d.

[0026] Guide roller 26β is supported by support member 25 so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction relative to car 15. Specifically, guide roller 26β is displaceable in a direction parallel to the Y-axis relative to car 15. Actuator 28β generates a pressing force for pressing guide roller 26β against guide surface 13d of guide rail 13. As an example, actuator 28β is a voice coil motor (VCM) and includes drive circuit 29β. Actuator 28β generates a pressing force according to the current flowing through drive circuit 29β.

[0027] The guide roller 26γ is supported by the support member 25 so as to be rotatable around an axis 27γ parallel to the X-axis. The guide roller 26γ is disposed so that its outer circumferential surface faces the guide surface 13e. The guide roller 26γ is constantly subjected to a force in a direction approaching the guide surface 13e by an elastic body (not shown), such as a spring. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the guide roller 26γ comes into contact with the guide surface 13e. When the car 15 is moved by the hoisting machine 6, the guide roller 26γ rotates while coming into contact with the guide surface 13e.

[0028] The guide roller 26γ is supported by the support member 25 so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction relative to the car 15. Specifically, the guide roller 26γ is displaceable in a direction parallel to the Y-axis relative to the car 15. The actuator 28γ generates a pressing force for pressing the guide roller 26γ against the guide surface 13e of the guide rail 13. As an example, the actuator 28γ is a voice coil motor (VCM) and includes a drive circuit 29γ. The actuator 28γ generates a pressing force according to the current flowing through the drive circuit 29γ.

[0029] Each guide unit 16 has the same configuration. As another example, each guide unit 16 may be provided with only the actuator 28α as the actuator 28.

[0030] The acceleration sensor 17 is provided in the car 15. The acceleration sensor 17 detects horizontal acceleration generated in the car 15. For example, the acceleration sensor 17 detects acceleration in a direction parallel to the X-axis. The acceleration sensor 17 detects acceleration in a direction parallel to the Y-axis. The acceleration sensor 17 outputs an acceleration signal corresponding to the horizontal acceleration of the car 15. The acceleration signal output from the acceleration sensor 17 is input to the control device 19.

[0031] The weighing device 18 is provided on the car 15. The weighing device 18 measures the load of the car 15. The weighing device 18 outputs a weighing signal corresponding to the load of the car 15. The weighing signal output from the weighing device 18 is input to the control device 7.

[0032] The control device 19 is provided in the car 15. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the control device 19 is provided above the car room 21. Power to the control device 19 is supplied from the control device 7 via a cable (not shown). The control device 19 includes a memory unit 40, a vibration damping control unit 41, an acquisition unit 42, a first determination unit 43, a second determination unit 44, and a communication unit 45.

[0033] 2, the control device 7 includes a memory unit 30, an operation control unit 31, an alarm control unit 32, and a notification control unit 33. The operation control unit 31 controls each operation mode. The operation modes controlled by the operation control unit 31 include normal operation, diagnostic operation, and earthquake control operation.

[0034] Normal operation is an operation in which the car unit 2, i.e., the car 15, responds sequentially to registered calls. When normal operation is performed, passengers can travel from one floor to another in the car 15 by registering a call. Diagnostic operation is an operation to automatically diagnose whether there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13. Earthquake control operation is an operation to stop the car unit 2 at the nearest floor immediately after an earthquake occurs and evacuate passengers in the car 15.

[0035] Next, functions of the elevator system 1 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 9. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the elevator system 1 in the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the operation flow of the control device 19 when normal operation is performed.

[0036] The control device 19 determines whether normal operation is being performed (S101). If normal operation is being performed by the operation control unit 31, a Yes determination is made in S101. If a Yes determination is made in S101, the vibration damping control unit 41 performs vibration damping control of the car 15 (S102).

[0037] As described above, the actuator 28 generates a pressing force for pressing the guide roller 26 against the guide rail 13. The vibration suppression control unit 41 controls the actuator 28 to adjust the pressing force and thereby perform vibration suppression control to suppress vibrations generated in the car 15. The vibration suppression control unit 41 controls the actuator 28 based on the horizontal acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 17. For example, the vibration suppression control unit 41 converts the acceleration signal from the acceleration sensor 17 into a current control signal for the drive circuit 29, and operates the actuator 28 to cancel out vibrations generated in the car 15.

[0038] In the example shown in the present embodiment, actuator 28α is controlled based on the acceleration in a direction parallel to the X-axis detected by acceleration sensor 17. Actuators 28β and 28γ are controlled based on the acceleration in a direction parallel to the Y-axis detected by acceleration sensor 17.

[0039] The vibration damping control unit 41 can switch between a first mode in which vibration damping control is performed and a second mode in which vibration damping control is not performed. As shown in Fig. 4, when normal driving is performed by the driving control unit 31, the mode is switched to the first mode. This allows vibration damping control to be performed to improve ride comfort.

[0040] 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing other operation examples of the elevator apparatus 1 in embodiment 1. Fig. 5 shows the operation flow of the control device 7 when a diagnostic operation is performed. Fig. 6 shows the operation flow of the control device 19 when a diagnostic operation is performed.

[0041] The control device 7 determines whether or not a start condition is met (S201). The start condition is a condition for starting a diagnostic operation. As an example, the start condition is met when it is late at night on a specific day of the week. This example is a condition for periodically performing a diagnostic operation. The start condition may be met when the communication device 9 receives a specific signal such as a recovery investigation command from the external device 11. The start condition may also be met in other cases. If the start condition is met, a Yes is determined in S201. If a Yes is determined in S201, the operation control unit 31 starts a diagnostic operation (S202).

[0042] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of running of the car unit 2 during diagnostic operation. When diagnostic operation is started, first, it is determined whether or not the car unit 2 is stopped (S401). As an example, the determination in S401 is made based on the rotation signal from the encoder 8. If the car unit 2 is stopped, a Yes determination is made in S401. If a Yes determination is made in S401, it is determined whether or not there is a person in the car 15 (S402). As an example, the determination in S402 is made based on a scale signal from the scale device 18. If there is no person in the car 15, a No determination is made in S402.

[0043] If S401 is determined as Yes and S402 is determined as No, the operation control unit 31 causes the car unit 2 to travel at a first speed and stop at the landing on the lowest floor (S403). As an example, the first speed is the same as the speed at which the car unit 2 travels in normal operation.

[0044] Next, the operation control unit 31 causes the car unit 2 to travel at the second speed and stop at the landing on the top floor (S404). As an example, the second speed is slower than the first speed.

[0045] Next, the operation control unit 31 causes the car unit 2 to travel at the first speed and stop at the landing on the lowest floor (S405). Note that in the diagnostic operation, the travel of the car unit 2 may end in S404. The doors may remain closed while the travel shown in S403 to S405 is being performed.

[0046] Meanwhile, the control device 19 determines whether or not a diagnostic operation has started (S301). When the diagnostic operation has started in S202, a Yes determination is made in S301. When a Yes determination is made in S301, the mode is switched to a second mode in which vibration damping control is not performed (S302). That is, when a Yes determination is made in S301, the vibration damping control unit 41 disables vibration damping control.

[0047] As described above, the actuator 28 is, for example, a voice coil motor. Therefore, when the guide roller 26 moves horizontally relative to the car 15 in the second mode, an induced current is generated in the drive circuit 29. When the mode is switched to the second mode in S302, the acquisition unit 42 acquires the value of the current generated in the drive circuit 29 (S303). Information indicating the value of the current acquired by the acquisition unit 42 (hereinafter also referred to as current value information) is stored in the memory unit 40.

[0048] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the displacement of guide roller 26 when distortion occurs in guide rail 13. FIG. 8 shows an example in which distortion occurs in guide rail 13 in the X-axis direction. When distortion occurs in guide rail 13 in the X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 8, guide roller 26α moves in response to the distortion. Therefore, if the second mode is selected, an induced current is generated in drive circuit 29α of actuator 28α when guide roller 26α passes through the distorted portion.

[0049] Similarly, Fig. 9 shows an example in which distortion in the Y-axis direction occurs in guide rail 13. When distortion in the Y-axis direction occurs in guide rail 13 as shown in Fig. 9, guide rollers 26β and 26γ move in response to the distortion. Therefore, if the second mode is selected, induced currents are generated in drive circuit 29β of actuator 28β and drive circuit 29γ of actuator 28γ when guide rollers 26β and 26γ pass through the distorted portion.

[0050] When the mode is switched to the second mode in S302, the acquisition unit 42 may further acquire the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 17 (S304). Information indicating the acceleration acquired by the acquisition unit 42 (hereinafter also referred to as acceleration information) is stored in the storage unit 40.

[0051] The acquisition unit 42 may further acquire information indicating the position of the car unit 2 (hereinafter also referred to as position information) from the control device 7. In such a case, the position information and the current value information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 40. When the process shown in S304 is performed, the position information and the acceleration information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 40.

[0052] The acquisition of the current value, the acceleration, and the position information by the acquisition unit 42 is continuously performed at least from the time the car unit 2 departs from the bottom floor until it arrives at the top floor in S404. The acquisition may also be continuously performed from the time the car unit 2 departs from the top floor until it arrives at the bottom floor in S405.

[0053] The first determination unit 43 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13 based on the current value acquired by the acquisition unit 42 in S303, i.e., the value of the induced current generated in the drive circuit 29 in the second mode (S305). For example, if the current value acquired by the acquisition unit 42 in S303 falls outside a first reference range, the first determination unit 43 determines that there is an abnormality in the current value, i.e., that there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13. The first reference range for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the current value is set in advance.

[0054] As an example, immediately after the elevator device 1 is installed, an operation similar to this diagnostic operation is performed, and the value of the induced current generated in the drive circuit 29 in the second mode is acquired. The first reference range may be set based on the value acquired during this operation. When the acquisition unit 42 acquires the value of the current generated in the drive circuit 29 and position information of the car unit 2, the first reference range may be set taking into account the position information. For example, consider a case where the current value is 100 mA at a point 1,000 mm from the lowest floor during an operation performed immediately after the elevator device 1 is installed. In this case, if the range considered normal is ±50 mA, the first reference range at that point is set to 50 mA to 150 mA.

[0055] When the first determination unit 43 determines that there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13, a Yes determination is made in S305. When the Yes determination is made in S305, the communication unit 45 transmits a first abnormality occurrence signal to the control device 7 (S306). The first abnormality occurrence signal is a signal indicating that it has been determined that there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13 based on the value of the induced current.

[0056] The second determination unit 44 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13 based on the acceleration acquired by the acquisition unit 42 in S304 (S307). For example, if the acceleration acquired by the acquisition unit 42 in S304 falls outside the second reference range, the second determination unit 44 determines that there is an acceleration abnormality, i.e., that there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13. The second reference range for determining whether or not there is an acceleration abnormality is set in advance.

[0057] As an example, immediately after the elevator device 1 is installed, an operation similar to this diagnostic operation is performed, and the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 17 is acquired. The second reference range may be set based on the acceleration acquired in this operation. When the acquisition unit 42 acquires the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 17 and the position information of the car unit 2, the second reference range may be set taking into consideration the position information. For example, in an operation performed immediately after the elevator device 1 is installed, if the acceleration in the Y-axis direction at a point 2000 mm from the bottom floor is +5 cm / s 2 In this case, the normal range is ±10cm / s. 2 Then, the second reference range in the Y-axis direction at that point is -5cm / s 2 ~+15cm / s 2 is set to

[0058] If the second determination unit 44 determines that there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13, a Yes determination is made in S307. If a Yes determination is made in S307, the communication unit 45 transmits a second abnormality occurrence signal to the control device 7 (S308). The second abnormality occurrence signal is a signal indicating that it has been determined that there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13 based on the acceleration.

[0059] The processes shown in S303 to S308 are repeatedly performed until the running of the car unit 2 shown in Fig. 7 is completed. As another example, the processes shown in S305 to S308 may be performed after the running of the car unit 2 shown in Fig. 7 is completed, that is, after all data has been acquired.

[0060] Furthermore, when the control device 7 starts the diagnostic operation in S202, it determines whether or not a first abnormality occurrence signal has been received from the control device 19 (S203). When the control device 7 receives the first abnormality occurrence signal transmitted by the communication unit 45 in S306, the determination in S203 is Yes.

[0061] If S203 returns Yes, the fact that a first abnormality occurrence signal has been received is recorded (S204). For example, the current value information outside the first reference range and the position information at which the current value was detected are stored in association with each other in the storage unit 30. Furthermore, if S203 returns Yes, the alarm control unit 32 issues an alarm to the external device 11 via the communication device 9 that an abnormality has occurred in the guide rail 13, i.e., that an abnormality in the guide rail 13 based on the current value has been detected (S204).

[0062] When the process shown in S304 is performed by the control device 19, when the control device 7 starts the diagnostic operation in S202, it determines whether or not a second abnormality occurrence signal has been received from the control device 19 (S205). When the control device 7 receives the second abnormality occurrence signal transmitted by the communication unit 45 in S308, the determination in S205 is Yes.

[0063] If S205 returns Yes, the fact that a second abnormality occurrence signal has been received is recorded (S206). For example, the acceleration information outside the second reference range and the position information at which the acceleration was detected are associated and stored in the storage unit 30. Furthermore, if S205 returns Yes, the alert control unit 32 alerts the external device 11 via the communication device 9 that an abnormality has occurred in the guide rail 13, i.e., that an abnormality in the guide rail 13 based on the acceleration has been detected (S206).

[0064] The processing shown in S203 to S206 is repeatedly performed until the running of the car unit 2 shown in Fig. 7 is completed. As another example, the processing shown in S203 to S206 may be performed after the running of the car unit 2 shown in Fig. 7 is completed, that is, after all data has been acquired.

[0065] When the running of the car unit 2 shown in Fig. 7 is completed, a Yes determination is made in S207. If a Yes determination is made in S207, the operation control unit 31 ends the diagnostic operation (S208).

[0066] In the control device 19, when the running of the car unit 2 shown in Fig. 7 is completed and a Yes decision is made in S309, the control device 19 may switch from the second mode to the first mode at that point. That is, when a Yes decision is made in S309, the vibration damping control unit 41 may enable vibration damping control at that point.

[0067] In the example shown in the present embodiment, the first determination unit 43 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13 based on the value of the induced current generated in the drive circuit 29 in the second mode. Therefore, in the elevator device 1 equipped with a so-called active roller guide including the actuator 28, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13.

[0068] In the example shown in this embodiment, the distortion occurring in the guide rail 13 can be detected by using the drive circuit 29 for generating the pressing force, so there is no need to provide a special sensor just for detecting abnormalities in the guide rail 13. Therefore, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the guide rail 13 can be determined with a simple configuration.

[0069] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of operation of the elevator system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 10 shows the operation flow of the control device 7 when earthquake control operation is performed.

[0070] The control device 7 determines whether an earthquake has occurred (S501). When the occurrence of an earthquake is detected, that is, when a detection signal is input from the earthquake sensor 12, the determination in S501 is Yes. When the determination in S501 is Yes, the operation control unit 31 starts earthquake control operation (S502).

[0071] When earthquake control operation is started, first, it is determined whether or not the car unit 2 is stopped within the door zone (S503). The door zone is the range in which the doors can be opened and closed. As an example, the determination in S503 is made based on the rotation signal from the encoder 8. For example, if the car unit 2 is stopped at a certain landing, the determination in S503 is Yes. If the determination in S503 is Yes, the operation control unit 31 does not move the car unit 2, but opens and closes the door to allow passengers to disembark (S512). When the door is closed in S512, earthquake control operation ends (S513).

[0072] If S503 returns No, the operation control unit 31 causes the car unit 2 to travel at a third speed toward one of the nearest floors (S504). As an example, the third speed is slower than the first speed. At this time, the operation control unit 31 may cause the car unit 2 to travel toward the upper nearest floor, or toward the lower nearest floor. The operation control unit 31 may cause the car unit 2 to travel toward the floor that is closer between the upper nearest floor and the lower nearest floor. The operation control unit 31 may cause the car unit 2 to travel toward the floor between the upper nearest floor and the lower nearest floor, whichever floor moves the car unit 2 away from the counterweight unit 3. An example in which the car unit 2 starts traveling toward the upper nearest floor in S504 will be described below.

[0073] The control device 19 performs the same processing as that shown in Fig. 6. Regarding the control device 19, processing that differs from the processing shown in Fig. 6 will be described in detail.

[0074] In S301, it is determined whether earthquake control operation has started. When earthquake control operation has started in S502, a Yes determination is made in S301. When a Yes determination is made in S301, the system switches to a second mode in which vibration suppression control is not performed (S302). After switching to the second mode in S302, the control device 19 performs the same processing as that shown in S303 to S309 in FIG. 6.

[0075] When travel upward toward the nearest floor is started in S504, the control device 7 determines whether or not a first abnormality occurrence signal has been received from the control device 19 (S505). Also, it determines whether or not a second abnormality occurrence signal has been received from the control device 19 (S506). If the first determination unit 43 determines in S305 that there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13 while the car unit 2 is traveling upward toward the nearest floor, a Yes determination is made in S505. Similarly, if the second determination unit 44 determines in S307 that there is an abnormality in the guide rail 13, a Yes determination is made in S506.

[0076] Furthermore, when travel to the nearest upper floor is started in S504, the control device 7 determines whether the car unit 2 has stopped at the nearest floor (S507). If the car unit 2 stops at the nearest upper floor without determining Yes in both S505 and S506, a Yes determination is made in S507. If a Yes determination is made in S507, the operation control unit 31 opens and closes the doors to allow passengers to disembark (S512). When the doors are closed in S512, earthquake control operation ends (S513).

[0077] If the determination in S505 or S506 is Yes, the operation control unit 31 stops the car unit 2 (S508). If the determination in S505 is Yes, the same processing as the recording processing performed in S204 is performed. If the determination in S506 is Yes, the same processing as the recording processing performed in S206 is performed.

[0078] When car unit 2 stops in S508, it is determined whether the running direction of car unit 2 has been reversed during earthquake control operation (S509). If the process of reversing the running direction has not been performed since earthquake control operation began in S502, the determination in S509 is No. If the determination in S509 is No, the operation control unit 31 reverses the running direction of car unit 2 (S510). In this example, the operation control unit 31 causes car unit 2 to run downward toward the nearest floor.

[0079] When the running direction is reversed in S510 and car unit 2 starts running downward toward the nearest floor, the processes shown in S505 to S508 are performed. For example, if car unit 2 stops at the nearest floor downward without determining Yes in both S505 and S506, Yes is determined in S507. If Yes is determined in S507, the operation control unit 31 opens and closes the door to allow passengers to disembark (S512). When the door is closed in S512, earthquake control operation ends (S513).

[0080] If a Yes decision is made in S505 or S506 while the car unit 2 is traveling downward toward the nearest floor, the operation control unit 31 stops the car unit 2 (S508). In such a case, a Yes decision is made in S509. If a Yes decision is made in S509, the reporting control unit 32 reports to the external device 11 via the communication device 9 that an abnormality has occurred in the guide rail 13 (S511). If a Yes decision is made in S505, a report may be made in S511 that an abnormality in the guide rail 13 has been detected based on the current value. If a Yes decision is made in S506, a report may be made in S511 that an abnormality in the guide rail 13 has been detected based on the acceleration.

[0081] Furthermore, if the determination in S509 is Yes, the notification control unit 33 may notify the inside of the car 15 that an abnormality has occurred in the guide rail 13. For example, if the determination in S509 is Yes, the notification control unit 33 may display on a display in the car 15 that the car cannot travel any further because an abnormality has occurred in the guide rail 13. The notification in S511 may be made by voice announcement.

[0082] After that, the earthquake control operation ends (S513). In such a case, the passengers in the car 15 are rescued by elevator maintenance personnel.

[0083] In addition, if the earthquake control operation is terminated in S513 by judging Yes in S507, the above-mentioned diagnostic operation may then be performed automatically or by receiving a recovery investigation command from the external device 11.

[0084] The first determination unit 43 may determine whether or not there is an abnormality, for example, based only on the value of the induced current from the lower guide unit 16. However, when earthquake control operation is being performed, it is preferable that the determination be made based on at least the value of the induced current from the upper guide unit 16 during ascent, and based on the value of the induced current from the lower guide unit 16 during descent.

[0085] 11 is a diagram showing an example of hardware resources of the control device 19. The control device 19 includes, as hardware resources, a processing circuit 50 including a processor 51 and a memory 52. ​​The processing circuit 50 may include multiple processors 51. The processing circuit 50 may include multiple memories 52.

[0086] In this embodiment, the units denoted by reference numerals 40 to 45 represent functions possessed by the control device 19. The function of the storage unit 40 is realized by a memory 52. ​​The functions of the units denoted by reference numerals 41 to 45 can be realized by software written as a program, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The program is stored in the memory 52. ​​The control device 19 realizes the functions of the units denoted by reference numerals 41 to 45 by executing the program stored in the memory 52 using a processor 51 (computer).

[0087] The processor 51 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 52 may be a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD. Usable semiconductor memories include RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

[0088] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of hardware resources of the control device 19. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the control device 19 includes a processing circuit 50 including a processor 51, a memory 52, and dedicated hardware 53. Fig. 12 shows an example in which some of the functions of the control device 19 are realized by the dedicated hardware 53. All of the functions of the control device 19 may also be realized by the dedicated hardware 53. The dedicated hardware 53 may be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0089] The hardware resources of the control device 7 are similar to those shown in FIG. 11 or 12. The control device 7 includes, as its hardware resources, a processing circuit including a processor and a memory. The processing circuit may include multiple processors. The processing circuit may include multiple memories. The function of the storage unit 30 is realized by the memory. The control device 7 realizes the functions of the units indicated by the reference numerals 31 to 33 by executing a program stored in the memory using a processor (computer). The control device 7 may include, as its hardware resources, a processing circuit including a processor, a memory, and dedicated hardware. Some or all of the functions of the control device 7 may be realized by dedicated hardware. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 elevator device, 2 car unit, 3 counterweight unit, 4 hoistway, 5 rope, 6 hoisting machine, 7 control device, 8 encoder, 9 communication device, 10 network, 11 external device, 12 earthquake detector, 13 guide rail, 13a fixed part, 13b guide part, 13c-13e guide surface, 15 car, 16 guide unit, 17 acceleration sensor, 18 weighing device, 19 control device, 21 car room, 22 car frame, 23 elastic body, 25 support member, 26 guide roller, 27 shaft, 28 actuator, 29 drive circuit, 30 memory unit, 31 operation control unit, 32 alarm control unit, 33 notification control unit, 40 memory unit, 41 Vibration suppression control unit, 42 acquisition unit, 43 first determination unit, 44 second determination unit, 45 communication unit, 50 processing circuit, 51 processor, 52 memory, 53 dedicated hardware

Claims

1. Elevator car, a guide roller provided on the car and rotating while contacting a guide rail when the car moves; an actuator that generates a pressing force for pressing the guide roller against the guide rail; an acceleration sensor provided in the car; a vibration damping control unit that controls the actuator based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, thereby adjusting the pressing force and performing vibration damping control of the car; a first determination unit; Equipped with the vibration damping control unit is switchable between a first mode in which the vibration damping control is performed and a second mode in which the vibration damping control is not performed, the actuator includes a circuit that generates an induced current when the guide roller is displaced horizontally relative to the car in the second mode; The first determination unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the guide rail based on the value of the current generated in the circuit in the second mode.

2. 2. The elevator apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the guide rail based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor in the second mode.

3. an operation control unit that controls a normal operation in which the car responds to a registered call, and an earthquake control operation in which the car stops at the nearest floor immediately after an earthquake occurs; 3. The elevator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode is switched to the first mode during the normal operation, and is switched to the second mode when the earthquake control operation is started.

4. 4. The elevator apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, during the earthquake control operation, when an earthquake is detected, the operation control unit causes the car to travel toward either the nearest upper floor or the nearest lower floor, and when the first determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the guide rail while the car is traveling toward either the nearest upper floor or the nearest lower floor, causes the car to travel toward the other of the nearest upper floor or the nearest lower floor.

5. 5. The elevator apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an alarm control unit that issues an alarm indicating that an abnormality has occurred when the first determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the guide rail while the car is traveling toward the other direction.

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