Elevator control system, elevator, and elevator car control method

Abstract

To provide an elevator control system, an elevator, and an elevator car control method that can quickly move a car that has stopped due to the occurrence of an earthquake.SOLUTION: An elevator control system 1 according to the present disclosure comprises an operation switch 108 that can select only the automatic mode from among a plurality of control methods for a car 102 in a control device 107, and a safety switch 110 for the car 102. When the operation switch 108 selects the automatic mode and the safety switch 110 continues to output a signal indicating that the car 102 is in a state where it can move safely for a certain period of time, the control device 107 moves the car 102 in the automatic mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator control system, an elevator, and an elevator car control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a control device is known that allows an elevator car that has stopped due to an earthquake to resume movement by having a manager operate an earthquake slow-speed operation switch while a passenger inside the car operates a specific operation button inside the car (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 038775 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With conventional control systems, even if a car that has stopped due to an earthquake becomes able to move again, it is necessary to wait for the caretaker to act, which means that the car cannot be moved quickly.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide an elevator control system, an elevator, and an elevator car control method that can quickly move a car that has stopped due to an earthquake. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The elevator control system of the present disclosure comprises a control device that controls the movement of an elevator car, an operation switch that can select at least only automatic mode from among multiple control methods for the car in the control device, and a safety switch that can output a signal indicating whether the car is in a state where it can move safely, and the control device receives signals from the operation switch and the safety switch, and when the operation switch selects automatic mode and the safety switch outputs a signal indicating that the car is in a state where it can move safely for a certain period of time, the control device moves the car in automatic mode.

[0007] The elevator according to the present disclosure includes the elevator control system according to the present disclosure, a car, a hanging weight, and a main rope connecting the car and the hanging weight, and the car has a plurality of in-car operation switches installed inside the car and an alarm device that notifies information inside the car.

[0008] The elevator car control method according to the present disclosure includes a control method confirmation step in which, using the elevator control system according to the present disclosure, the control device confirms the signal of the operation switch input to the control device, and an automatic car movement step in which, after the control method confirmation step, the control device moves the car in automatic mode if the operation switch has selected automatic mode and the safety switch has been outputting a signal indicating that the car is in a state where it can move safely for a certain period of time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the elevator control system, elevator, and elevator car control method disclosed herein, a car that has stopped due to an earthquake can be moved quickly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an elevator control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the inside of the car of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an operation switch of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the safety switch of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart showing a car control method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the control device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing a control system 1 for an elevator 101 according to embodiment 1. One elevator 101 is installed inside a building 200, which is a structure having multiple floors.

[0012] A vertically extending elevator shaft 201 is installed in a building 200. Landing places 202 are installed on specific floors of the building 200. Each landing place 202 is formed with an entrance (not shown) that leads to the elevator shaft 201. Each landing place 202 is installed with an entrance door (not shown) that can close the entrance.

[0013] An operating device (not shown) for calling the car 102 is installed at each landing 202. The car 102 and the counterweight 103 are movable vertically along a hoistway 201 installed in the building 200. The car 102 and the counterweight 103 will be described later.

[0014] A control room 203 for the elevator 101 is installed in the building 200. Display devices (not shown), such as a monitor and lamps, are installed in the control room 203, which can communicate information obtained by the control device 107 to workers. Input devices including an operation switch 108 are installed in the control room 203, and signals output by the input devices are input to the control device 107. The control device 107 and the operation switch 108 will be explained later.

[0015] An operator who manages the elevator 101 can enter the control room 203. In the control room 203, the operator can grasp the status of the elevator 101 as grasped by the control device 107, and can issue instructions to the control device 107 using an input device.

[0016] The elevator 101 comprises one car 102, a hanging weight 103, a main rope 104 connected to both ends of the car 102 and the hanging weight 103, a hoist 105 around which the main rope 104 is wound, a hoist encoder 105a that detects the rotation of the rotating shaft of the hoist 105, a speed governor 106, a control device 107 that controls the hoist 105, an operation switch 108 that outputs a signal to be input to the control device 107, an earthquake detector 109, and one or more safety switches 110.

[0017] The control system 1 includes a control device 107, an operation switch 108, and a safety switch 110 of the elevator 101. In other words, the control system 1 is included in the elevator 101, and the devices that make up the control system 1 are the devices that make up the elevator 101.

[0018] The car 102 can accommodate passengers who wish to use the elevator 101. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the car 102 of Figure 1.

[0019] The car 102 has a car body 102a, a car door 102b that can close the passageway opened in the car body 102a, an in-car operation switch 102c installed inside the car body 102a, a display device 102d, and an audio device 102e. The in-car operation switch 102c includes, for example, a destination floor button for specifying a destination floor, a door open button for opening and closing the door of the car 102, and a door close button 102c1.

[0020] The display device 102d is a display panel that can display the destination floor of the car 102, the direction of movement, and other information related to the elevator 101. The sound device 102e is a speaker that emits sounds such as voice guidance. The display device 102d and the sound device 102e are notification devices that can notify the status of the elevator 101, including the status of the car 102, inside the car 102. Note that as a notification device, an indicator lamp can be added to each in-car operation switch 102c, and the status of the elevator 101 can be notified depending on the lighting status of the lamp.

[0021] Returning to Figure 1, the explanation will continue. The hoisting machine 105 and the control device 107 are installed at the top of the hoistway 201. When the hoisting machine 105 rotates, the car 102 connected to the main rope 104 moves. In more detail, the hoisting machine 105 is provided with a main sheave (not shown) that rotates together with the rotating shaft, and the main rope 104 is wound around the main sheave.

[0022] A hoisting machine encoder 105a that rotates in synchronization with a rotating shaft (not shown) of the hoisting machine 105 is installed on the rotating shaft of the hoisting machine 105. The hoisting machine encoder 105a is connected to a control device 107, and a signal output from the hoisting machine encoder 105a is input to the control device 107. The control device 107 will be described later.

[0023] The governor 106 has a governor sheave 106a installed at the top of the elevator shaft 201, a governor encoder 106b installed so as to synchronize with the rotation axis of the governor sheave 106a, a tension wheel 106d installed at the bottom of the elevator shaft 201, and an endless governor rope 106c hung on the governor sheave 106a and the tension wheel 106d.

[0024] The governor rope 106c is connected to the car 102 and can move together with the car 102. The governor rope 106c moves together with the movement of the car 102, causing the governor sheave 106a to rotate. The governor encoder 106b, which is synchronized with the rotating shaft of the governor sheave 106a, can detect the rotation of the governor sheave 106a and output a signal corresponding to the rotation.

[0025] The governor encoder 106b is connected to the control device 107, and the signal output from the governor encoder 106b is input to the control device 107. The moving speed of the car 102 can be calculated based on the signal from the governor encoder 106b.

[0026] The control device 107 is electrically connected to a plurality of sensors that detect various states of the elevator 101, and is capable of inputting and outputting signals from each sensor.

[0027] The control device 107 is connected to each of the in-car operation switches 102c installed in the car 102, operation devices installed at each landing 202, and input devices installed in the control room 203 including the operation switch 108, and is capable of inputting signals output from each of these devices. The control device 107 is also connected to the display device 102d and the audio device 102e so as to be able to output signals to each of them. The operation switch 108 will be described later.

[0028] The control device 107 controls the hoist 105 based on signals from the in-car operating switches 102c installed in each car 102, the operating devices installed at each landing 202, and the input device installed in the control room 203, and can move the car 102.

[0029] The control device 107 can detect an idling state of the drive mechanism, in which the drive mechanism of the car 102 is idling, based on signals input from the hoist encoder 105a and the governor encoder 106b. The drive mechanism of the car 102 is a mechanism for moving the car 102, and is made up of the main rope 104 and the hoist 105 around which the main rope 104 is reeled.

[0030] The freewheeling state is a state in which the rotational force of the hoist 105 is not transmitted to the main rope 104. This may be due to the main rope 104 slipping relative to the hoist 105 around which it is reeled, but it may also be due to other causes. A method for detecting the freewheeling state will be explained later.

[0031] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the operation switch 108 of FIG. 1. The operation switch 108 selects from a plurality of control methods for the car 102 in the control device 107 when the car 102 is restored after being stopped due to an earthquake. The operation switch 108 can output either an ON or OFF signal. The signal output by the operation switch 108 is input to the control device 107.

[0032] There are two control methods. When the operation switch 108 outputs an ON signal, the control device 107 recognizes that only the manual mode has been selected by the operation switch 108. When the operation switch 108 outputs an OFF signal, the control device 107 recognizes that only the automatic mode has been selected by the operation switch 108.

[0033] When the operator applies force to the operation switch 108 to turn it on, the operation switch 108 outputs an ON signal. When the force applied by the operator is removed, the operation switch 108 returns to the OFF state. In other words, when no operation is performed on the operation switch 108, the operation switch 108 always outputs an OFF signal. The manual mode and automatic mode will be explained later.

[0034] Returning to Figure 1, the explanation will continue. The earthquake detector 109 can constantly detect shaking and output a signal corresponding to the shaking. The earthquake detector 109 is connected to the control device 107. The signal output from the earthquake detector 109 is input to the control device 107. The control device 107 can constantly grasp shaking by the signal from the earthquake detector 109.

[0035] The safety switch 110 serves as an interlock during normal movement of the car 102. The safety switch 110 is a collection of sensors attached to various safety devices required for normal movement of the car 102. Each of the various sensors detects a state in which the car 102 can move safely, i.e., a safe state of the car 102, and outputs a signal indicating that state.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the safety switch 110 of Fig. 1. The safety switch 110 includes, for example, a door closing sensor 111, an emergency stop detection switch 112, a property damage switch 113, and an end point switch 114.

[0037] The outputs of the various sensors are output as outputs of the safety switch 110. The signals output from the safety switch 110 are input to the control device 107. The outputs of the respective sensors are input to the control device 107, and the control device 107 determines the safety state of the car 102 by taking into account the respective signals.

[0038] When the safety switch 110 outputs a signal indicating that the car 102 is in a safe state, the control device 107 allows the car 102 to move normally.

[0039] The safety switch 110 may combine the signals from sensors attached to various safety devices into one signal and output a signal indicating a safe state.

[0040] The door closing sensor 111 can detect, for example, whether the car door 102b of the car 102 and the doors installed at each landing 202 are closed. Since the door closing sensor 111 is in a safe state when the doors are closed, when the door closing sensor 111 outputs a signal indicating that the doors are closed, the control device 107 can move the car 102 normally.

[0041] The emergency stop detection switch 112 can detect whether the elevator 101 is in an emergency stop state. When the emergency stop detection switch 112 outputs a signal indicating that the elevator 101 is not in an emergency stop state, the control device 107 can move the car 102 normally.

[0042] Here, the elevator 101 is in an emergency stop state when, for example, an emergency stop button (not shown) is pressed, or when an emergency stop circuit (not shown) detects a similar emergency stop state. The emergency stop circuit (not shown) may be constructed with hard contacts and may be configured by detecting the outputs of various sensors.

[0043] The damage switch 113 can detect the falling off and breakage of parts such as plates used in the elevator 101. In other words, when the damage switch 113 outputs a signal indicating that there are no broken parts, the control device 107 can move the car 102 normally.

[0044] There may be a plurality of damage switches 113 corresponding to a plurality of parts, respectively, or the damage switch 113 may be a switch that combines the outputs of the damage switches corresponding to a plurality of parts.

[0045] The end point switches 114 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the elevator shaft 201, and detect when the car 102 has gone too far. That is, when the end point switches 114 output a signal indicating that they have not detected that the car 102 has gone too far, the control device 107 allows the car 102 to move normally.

[0046] There are multiple end point switches 114 installed, but each end point switch 114 may be included in the safety switch 110, or the outputs of the end point switches may be combined into one end point switch 114 and included in the safety switch 110. Furthermore, the safety switch 110 may also include switches that detect various events related to the elevator 101 in addition to those described above.

[0047] Returning to Figure 1, the explanation will continue. Elevator 101 is installed in building 200, which is a high-rise building. In the high-rise building, car 102 is configured to pass through specific consecutive floors of building 200 without stopping.

[0048] Since the car 102 passes through the specific consecutive floors, the section corresponding to the specific consecutive floors is called an express zone. No platform 202 is installed on the floor corresponding to the express zone.

[0049] That is, building 200 is provided with stopping floors where car 102 can stop and passengers can disembark, and passing floors where passengers cannot disembark and car 102 must pass through. The express zone is a section where passing floors are provided consecutively.

[0050] In contrast to the express zone, a section where the car 102 can stop at each floor is called a local zone. The maximum moving speed of the car 102 during normal operation is set to be faster in the express zone than in the local zone.

[0051] In such an elevator 101, if an earthquake with a high seismic intensity occurs, the car 102 will stop, but it will be necessary to restore the car 102 afterwards. An earthquake with a high seismic intensity is, for example, an earthquake with a seismic intensity of 5 or higher. Note that the earthquake with a high seismic intensity is not limited to the above and can be set freely.

[0052] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a car control method according to embodiment 1. Fig. 5 shows a control flow for restoring a car 102 that has stopped due to the occurrence of an earthquake in the car 102. Below, based on Fig. 5, the restoration sequence when an earthquake occurs and thereafter for a car 102 moving in an express zone will be explained.

[0053] <Earthquake detection process> In step S01, an earthquake detection step is carried out. In this earthquake detection step, the control device 107 detects the occurrence of an earthquake. The control device 107 constantly monitors signals from the earthquake detector 109.

[0054] The control device 107 can identify the magnitude of the earthquake based on the signal from the earthquake detector 109. A threshold value for the magnitude of the earthquake is set in advance in the control device 107. When an earthquake of a magnitude equal to or greater than the threshold occurs, the control device 107 detects the occurrence of a large earthquake. This ends the processing of step S01.

[0055] <Car stopping process> In step S02, a car stopping process is carried out. The car stopping process is a process in which the control device 107 stops the car 102 moving in the express zone. When the control device 107 detects the occurrence of a large earthquake, it immediately stops the car 102 moving in the express zone. This ends the processing of step S02.

[0056] <Control method confirmation process> In step S03, a control method confirmation step is carried out. The control method confirmation step is a step in which the control device 107 confirms the control method determined by the output signal of the operation switch 108. The control device 107 monitors the state of the operation switch 108. If the output of the operation switch 108 input to the control device 107 is ON, that is, if the manual mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if the output of the operation switch 108 input to the control device 107 is OFF, that is, if the automatic mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0057] <Manual cart moving process> In step S10, a manual car movement process is carried out. The manual car movement process is a process in which the control device 107 moves the car 102 in manual mode. That is, the manual car movement process is started when the operator operates the operation switch 108 at the operator's discretion, and the car 102 is moved at the operator's discretion.

[0058] In the manual mode, when the operation switch 108 is turned on and a door close button 102c1, which is one of the in-car operation switches 102c in the car 102, is pressed, the control device 107 moves the car 102.

[0059] Here, the operation switch 108 and the door close button 102c1, which is one of the in-car operation switches 102c, are operated by a person. Next, the operation will be specifically described.

[0060] The worker is in the control room 203 and monitors the status of the elevator 101. If there is a passenger in the car 102, and the worker determines that the car 102 can be moved after the car 102 has stopped, the worker cooperates with the passenger in the car 102 to move the car 102.

[0061] The worker calls out to the passengers in the car 102 using an intercom (not shown) installed in the car 102 to move the stopped car 102. When the passengers respond to the call, the worker turns on the operation switch 108 to select manual mode.

[0062] In response to this, the passenger presses the door close button 102c1 under the instruction of the worker. Since the operation switch 108 is ON and the door close button 102c1 is pressed, the control device 107 moves the car 102.

[0063] At this time, the control device 107 determines that the car 102 should be moved in a direction that increases the vertical distance between the car 102 and the counterweight 103. Thereafter, the control device 107 sets the nearest stopping floor in the determined moving direction of the car 102 as the designated floor, and moves the car 102 to the designated floor.

[0064] Here, the nearest stopping floor is the stopping floor that is closest to the current position of the car 102, i.e., the position of the car 102 that has stopped due to the occurrence of an earthquake. The control device 107 knows the position of the car 102, and can set the stopping floor that is closest to the position of the car 102 that has stopped due to the occurrence of an earthquake as the designated floor.

[0065] The moving speed of the car 102 at this time is a recovery speed, which is slower than the normal moving speed of the car 102 in the express zone. The normal moving speed is the cruising speed in the express zone when the elevator 101 is operating normally.

[0066] Immediately before or simultaneously with the movement of the car 102, the control device 107 may use the display device 102d and the alarm device, which is the sound device 102e, to notify the passengers in the car 102 that the car 102 is moving.

[0067] When the car 102 arrives at the designated floor, the control device 107 stops the car 102 and opens the car door 102b and the door installed at the landing 202. This completes the recovery work for the car 102 in the manual mode.

[0068] On the other hand, if the output of the operation switch 108 is OFF in the control method confirmation process of step S03, that is, if the automatic mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0069] <Safety switch check process> In step S20, a safety switch confirmation process is performed. In the safety switch confirmation process, the control device 107 confirms the state of the safety switch 110. The control device 107 determines whether the signal from the safety switch 110 indicates that the car 102 is in a safe state.

[0070] If the control device 107 determines that the signal from the safety switch 110 indicates that the car 102 is in a safe state, the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if the control device 107 determines that the signal from the safety switch 110 does not indicate that the car 102 is in a safe state, the process proceeds again to step S03.

[0071] <Automatic cart moving process> In step S21, an automatic car movement process is carried out. The automatic car movement process is a process in which the control device 107 automatically moves the car 102.

[0072] The control device 107 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the car 102 is in a safe state has been continuously output from the safety switch 110 for a certain period of time. In the first embodiment, the certain period of time is set to 60 seconds. If a signal indicating that the car 102 is in a safe state has been continuously output from the safety switch 110 for 60 seconds or more, the control device 107 moves the car 102.

[0073] At this time, the control device 107 determines that the car 102 should be moved in a direction that increases the vertical distance between the car 102 and the counterweight 103. Thereafter, the control device 107 designates the nearest stopping floor in the determined direction of movement of the car 102 as the designated floor, and moves the car 102 to the designated floor. The moving speed of the car 102 at this time is the recovery speed.

[0074] Immediately before or simultaneously with the movement of the car 102, the control device 107 may use the display device 102d and the alarm device, which is the sound device 102e, to notify the passengers in the car 102 that the car 102 is moving.

[0075] In the automatic car movement process of step S21, after the car 102 has moved, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0076] <Idling detection process> In step S22, an idling state detection process is carried out. The idling state detection process is a process in which the control device 107 determines whether or not an idling state has occurred between the main rope 104 and the hoist 105, which are the drive mechanism of the car 102, while the car 102 is moving.

[0077] The detection of the idling state is performed based on the signal from the hoist encoder 105a and the signal from the governor encoder 106b. The control device 107 can detect the idling state by comparing the output signal from the control device 107 to the hoist 105, the signal input from the hoist encoder 105a, and the signal input from the governor encoder 106b.

[0078] The first example of detecting a spin state is when the control device 107 detects that the car 102 does not move even though the control device 107 has output a command to drive the hoist 105 to move the car 102.

[0079] In this case, the hoist 105 rotates in response to a command from the control device 107, and while the signal input from the hoist encoder 105a indicates that the hoist is rotating, the signal input from the governor encoder 106b does not indicate that the hoist is rotating, resulting in a free-wheeling state. The control device 107 can detect the free-wheeling state based on the command output by itself and the signals from the hoist encoder 105a and the governor encoder 106b.

[0080] Next, an example of detecting a spin state is when the control device 107 detects that the movement speed of the car 102 does not increase even though the control device 107 has output a command to drive the hoist 105 to move the car 102.

[0081] In this case, the hoist 105 rotates in response to a command from the control device 107, and the signals input from the hoist encoder 105a and the governor encoder 106b indicate that they are both rotating. However, when the moving speed of the car 102 calculated based on the signal input from the governor encoder 106b is slower than the moving speed of the car 102 calculated based on the signal input from the hoist encoder 105a, the control device 107 determines that the car is in an idling state.

[0082] In the idling state detection process, the control device 107 detects the idling state of the hoisting machine 105 while the car 102 is moving.

[0083] In the slip state detection step, if a slip state is detected, the control device 107 immediately stops the car 102. The process returns to step S03 again.

[0084] In this case, just before or at the same time as the car 102 stops, the control device 107 may use the display device 102d and the alarm device, which is the sound device 102e, to notify the passengers in the car 102 that the car 102 is stopping.

[0085] If a wheel spin state is not detected in the wheel spin state detection process, the control device 107 continues the movement of the car 102 and moves the car 102 to the designated floor. After the car 102 moves to the designated floor, the control device 107 stops the car 102 and opens the car door 102b and the door installed at the landing 202. This completes the recovery work for the car 102 in the automatic mode.

[0086] While the automatic car movement process of step S21 is being carried out, that is, until the car 102 arrives at the designated floor, the control device 107 is constantly carrying out the idling state detection process. That is, the control device 107 is constantly detecting the idling state while the car 102 is moving.

[0087] Even during the automatic car movement process of step S21 and the idle state detection process of step S22, the control device 107 monitors the signal from the safety switch 110. If the signal from the safety switch 110 indicates that the car 102 is not in a safe state, the control device 107 immediately stops the car 102. At this time, the process returns to step S03.

[0088] In this case, just before or at the same time as the car 102 stops, the control device 107 may use the display device 102d and the alarm device, which is the sound device 102e, to notify the passengers in the car 102 that the car 102 is stopping.

[0089] In addition, when the processing moves to step S21, the cage 102 will move after a certain period of time, 60 seconds, so the control device 107 may use the display device 102d and the alarm device, which is the sound device 102e, to notify the passengers in the cage 102 that "The cage will move in 60 seconds."

[0090] If the operation switch 108 outputs a signal indicating the manual mode between steps S20 and S22, the control device 107 immediately suspends the processing that has been carried out up to that point. If the car 102 is moving at this time, the control device 107 stops the car 102.

[0091] In this case, just before or at the same time as the car 102 stops, the control device 107 may use the display device 102d and the alarm device, which is the sound device 102e, to notify the passengers in the car 102 that the car 102 is stopping.

[0092] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S10, where the manual or pawn moving step of step S10 is carried out.

[0093] The control system 1 for the elevator 101 according to the first embodiment includes a control device 107 that controls the movement of the car 102 of the elevator 101, an operation switch 108 that can select at least the automatic mode from among multiple control methods for the car 102 in the control device 107, and a safety switch 110. The safety switch 110 can output a signal indicating whether the car 102 is in a state where it can move safely. The control device 107 receives signals from the operation switch 108 and the safety switch 110. The control device 107 moves the car 102 in the automatic mode when the operation switch 108 selects the automatic mode and the safety switch 110 continues to output a signal indicating that the car 102 is in a state where it can move safely for a certain period of time. As a result, in the automatic mode, the control device 107 can move the car 102 that has stopped due to an earthquake without the assistance of an operator. This allows the car that has stopped due to the occurrence of an earthquake to be moved as quickly as possible. This allows passengers trapped in the car 102 to be released as quickly as possible.

[0094] According to the control system 1 for the elevator 101 of the first embodiment, the multiple control methods are a manual mode and an automatic mode, and the operation switch 108 can select either the manual mode only or the automatic mode only. Furthermore, when the control device 107 and the operation switch 108 select the manual mode and an arbitrary in-car operation switch 102c installed in the car 102 is pressed, the car 102 is moved in the manual mode. This allows the car 102 to be controlled in the manual mode, in which the car 102 is moved at the discretion of the operator, and in the automatic mode. Therefore, the car 102 can be controlled by two control methods. Therefore, if the car 102 has stopped due to an earthquake, a more effective operation method can be applied to move the car 102.

[0095] According to the control system 1 for the elevator 101 of the first embodiment, each of the plurality of control methods moves a car 102 that has stopped in an express zone due to an earthquake for recovery. The express zone is a section of the car that corresponds to a series of floors that the car 102 passes through without stopping in a building 200, which is a structure having multiple floors and in which the elevator 101 is installed. This allows the car 102 that has stopped in the express zone to be moved more quickly to a floor at which passengers can disembark. Therefore, the car that has stopped due to the occurrence of an earthquake can be moved quickly, and passengers trapped in the car 102 can be released quickly.

[0096] According to the control system 1 for the elevator 101 of the first embodiment, the moving speed of the car 102 in each of the plurality of control methods is slower than the moving speed of the car 102 in the express zone under normal circumstances. This allows the car 102 to move more safely.

[0097] According to the control system 1 for the elevator 101 of the first embodiment, the control device 107 can detect a free-spin state in which the mechanism for moving the car 102 is free-spinning. Furthermore, when control is being performed in automatic mode, the control device 107 stops the car 102 upon detecting a free-spin state. This allows the car 102 to be stopped safely in a free-spin state. Therefore, even when there are passengers inside the car 102, the car 102 can be controlled with the safety of the passengers as the top priority.

[0098] According to the control system 1 for the elevator 101 of the first embodiment, if the operation switch 108 no longer selects the automatic mode while the control device 107 is executing control in the automatic mode, the control device 107 stops the car 102. This allows the operation of the operation switch 108 to stop the movement of the car 102 in the automatic mode. Therefore, the car 102 can be moved based on the judgment of an operator in the control room 203.

[0099] According to the control system 1 for the elevator 101 of the first embodiment, the control device 107 stops the car 102 at the nearest floor where the car 102 can stop and where passengers can disembark. This allows passengers in the car 102 to disembark quickly.

[0100] According to the control system 1 for the elevator 101 of the first embodiment, the hanging weight 103 is connected to the car 102 via the main rope 104. Furthermore, the control device 107 can move the car 102 in a direction that increases the vertical distance between the hanging weight 103 and the car 102 in each of the control methods, which are the automatic mode and the manual mode. This makes it possible to prevent the car 102 and the hanging weight 103 from passing each other. Therefore, even if an earthquake causes a situation in which the car 102 and the hanging weight 103 interfere with each other when passing each other, the car 102 and the hanging weight 103 will not pass each other, and the car 102 can be moved more safely.

[0101] According to the control system 1 for the elevator 101 of the first embodiment, when the control device 107 moves or stops the car 102 in each of the automatic mode and manual mode, which are a plurality of control methods, the control device 107 can notify the inside of the car 102 that the car 102 is moving or stopping. This makes it possible to notify the behavior of the car 102 at the timing of the movement of the car 102, and therefore passengers in the car 102 can determine whether the movement of the car 102 is scheduled or not. This can alleviate the anxiety of passengers in the car 102.

[0102] The elevator 101 according to the first embodiment includes the control system 1 of the present disclosure, a car 102, a hanging weight 103, and a main rope 104 connecting the car 102 and the hanging weight 103. The car 102 also has a plurality of in-car operation switches 102c installed inside, a display device 102d serving as an alarm device for notifying information inside the car 102, and an audio device 102e. This allows the car to be quickly moved if it stops due to an earthquake. This also allows passengers trapped in the car 102 to be quickly released.

[0103] According to the elevator car control method of the first embodiment, the control system 1 for the elevator 101 of the present disclosure is used. The control device 107 also includes a control method confirmation step in which the control device 107 confirms a signal from the operation switch 108. After the control method confirmation step, the control device 107 also includes an automatic car movement step in which the control device 107 moves the car 102 in automatic mode. In the automatic car movement step, the control device 107 moves the car 102 in automatic mode when the operation switch 108 selects automatic mode and the safety switch 110 continues to output a signal indicating that the car 102 is safe to move for a certain period of time. This allows the control device 107 to move the car 102 in automatic mode without the assistance of an operator in the automatic mode. Therefore, the car stopped due to the occurrence of an earthquake can be moved as quickly as possible. This allows passengers trapped in the car 102 to be released as quickly as possible.

[0104] In the first embodiment, one elevator 101 is installed in the building 200. However, this is not limited to this. For example, multiple elevators 101 may be installed in the building 200. In this case, one operation switch 108 may be installed for each of the installed elevators 101. That is, the control disclosed in the first embodiment may be performed for each individual elevator 101. Furthermore, for example, multiple elevators 101 may be installed in the building 200, and one operation switch 108 may be installed for each of the installed elevators 101. That is, the single operation switch 108 may be used to collectively select whether the control method for the cars 102 of the multiple elevators 101 is automatic mode or manual mode. In this way, by operating one operation switch 108, the control of all the cars 102 is set to manual mode, allowing the operator's intention to be immediately reflected.

[0105] In addition, in the first embodiment, the operation switch 108 can be set to a state in which it outputs an ON signal when a force is applied, and to a state in which it outputs an OFF signal when no force is applied. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the operation switch 108 may be configured to maintain a state in which it outputs an ON signal or an OFF signal even when no force is applied. In this manner, once an operator switches the operation switch 108 to output an ON signal, the ON state, i.e., manual mode, can be maintained even when the operator is unable to use their hands. This reduces the operator's workload. In such cases, the position of the operation switch 108 may be determined by operation so that it always indicates automatic mode. Furthermore, the operation switch 108 may be a key switch operated using a key. In this manner, only those with the key can operate the operation switch 108, improving the maintainability of the elevator 101.

[0106] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the control device 107 detects the occurrence of an earthquake based on a signal from the earthquake detector 109 and a seismic intensity threshold value input in advance. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the earthquake detector 109 may detect an earthquake with a high seismic intensity, and output the result as the earthquake detector 109. In other words, the control device 107 may receive an input from the earthquake detector 109 indicating that an earthquake with a high seismic intensity has occurred. In this way, the control load on the control device 107 can be reduced.

[0107] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the control device 107 detects an earthquake based on a signal from the earthquake detector 109. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the control device 107 may detect an earthquake with a high seismic intensity based on earthquake detection information obtained from an external source, such as an earthquake early warning, instead of from the earthquake detector 109. Furthermore, the control device 107 may detect an earthquake with a high seismic intensity by using both the earthquake detector 109 and earthquake detection information obtained from an external source.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the car 102 is moved by pressing the door close button 102c1 during the manual car movement process. However, this is not limited to this. One of the in-car operation switches 102c can be used to move the car 102 during the manual car movement process.

[0109] The functions of the first embodiment are realized by a processing circuit. Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the control device 107 of the first embodiment.

[0110] Furthermore, the processing circuit 300 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0111] 7 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the control device 107 according to the first embodiment. The processing circuit 310 of the second example includes a processor 311 and a memory 312.

[0112] In the processing circuit 310, the functions of the control device 107 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 312. The processor 311 realizes the functions by reading and executing the programs recorded in the memory 312.

[0113] It can also be said that the programs stored in memory 312 cause the computer to execute the procedures or methods of the above-mentioned sections. Here, memory 312 refers to non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). Magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidisks, DVDs, and the like also fall under memory 312.

[0114] It should be noted that the functions of the control device 107 described above may be partially realized by dedicated hardware and partially realized by software or firmware.

[0115] In this manner, the processing circuitry can implement the functions of the control device 107 described above by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0116] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0117] (Appendix 1) a control device that controls the movement of the elevator car; an operation switch capable of selecting at least an automatic mode from among a plurality of control methods for the car in the control device; a safety switch capable of outputting a signal indicating whether the car is in a state where it is safe to move; Equipped with A signal from the operation switch and a signal from the safety switch are input to the control device, the control device moves the car in the automatic mode when the operation switch selects the automatic mode and the safety switch outputs a signal indicating that the car is in a state where it can be moved safely for a certain period of time. Elevator control system. (Appendix 2) the plurality of control methods are a manual mode and an automatic mode; The operation switch can select either the manual mode only or the automatic mode only; When the operation switch is in a state where the manual mode is selected and an arbitrary in-car operation switch installed in the car is pressed, the control device moves the car in the manual mode. 1. An elevator control system as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) each of the plurality of control methods is for moving the car stopped in the express zone due to an earthquake for recovery; The express zone is a section in a building having a plurality of floors in which the elevator is installed, through which the car moves, corresponding to a plurality of consecutive floors through which the car passes without stopping. 1. An elevator control system as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) a moving speed of the car in each of the plurality of control methods is slower than a moving speed of the car in the express zone under normal circumstances; 1. An elevator control system as described in Appendix 3. (Appendix 5) The control device can detect an idle state in which a mechanism for moving the car is idle, When the control device is performing control in the automatic mode and detects the idling state, the control device stops the car. 5. The elevator control system of claim 1. (Appendix 6) When the control device is performing control in the automatic mode, if the operation switch no longer selects the automatic mode, The control device stops the car. 6. An elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) the control device stops the car at the nearest floor where the car can stop and passengers can disembark; 7. An elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) A hanging weight is connected to the car via a main rope, the control device moves the car in a direction that increases the vertical distance between the hanging weight and the car in each of the plurality of control methods. 8. An elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) When the control device moves or stops the car in each of the plurality of control methods, the control device notifies an inside of the car that the car will move or stop. 1. An elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) An elevator control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9; Basket, A counterweight, a main rope connecting the car and the hanging weight; Equipped with The car includes a plurality of in-car operation switches installed inside the car, and an alarm device that notifies information inside the car; It has Elevator. (Appendix 11) Using the elevator control system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, a control method confirmation step in which the control device confirms a signal of the operation switch input to the control device; an automatic car movement step in which, after the control method confirmation step, when the operation switch is in a state where the automatic mode is selected and the safety switch is outputting a signal indicating that the car is in a state where it can be moved safely continues for a certain period of time, the control device moves the car in the automatic mode; Equipped with Elevator car control method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 control system, 101 elevator, 102 cage, 102a cage body, 102b cage door, 102c cage in-cab operation switch, 102c1 door close button, 102d display device (alarm device), 102e sound device (alarm device), 103 lifting weight, 104 main rope (drive mechanism), 105 hoist (drive mechanism), 105a hoist encoder, 106 governor, 106a governor sheave, 106b governor encoder, 106c governor rope, 106d tension wheel, 107 control device, 108 operation switch, 109 earthquake detector, 110 safety switch, 111 door close sensor, 112 emergency stop detection switch, 113 property damage switch, 114 end switch, 200 building (structure), 201 elevator shaft, 202 landing, 203 control room, 300 processing circuit, 310 processing circuit, 311 processor, 312 memory.

Claims

1. a control device that controls the movement of the elevator car; an operation switch capable of selecting at least an automatic mode from among a plurality of control methods for the car in the control device; a safety switch capable of outputting a signal indicating whether the car is in a state where it is safe to move; Equipped with A signal from the operation switch and a signal from the safety switch are input to the control device, the control device moves the car in the automatic mode when the operation switch selects the automatic mode and the safety switch outputs a signal indicating that the car is in a state where it can be moved safely for a certain period of time. Elevator control system.

2. the plurality of control methods are a manual mode and an automatic mode; The operation switch can select either the manual mode only or the automatic mode only; When the operation switch is in a state where the manual mode is selected and an arbitrary in-car operation switch installed in the car is pressed, the control device moves the car in the manual mode. The elevator control system of claim 1 .

3. each of the plurality of control methods is for moving the car stopped in the express zone due to an earthquake for recovery; The express zone is a section in a building having a plurality of floors in which the elevator is installed, through which the car moves, corresponding to a plurality of consecutive floors through which the car passes without stopping. The elevator control system of claim 1 .

4. a moving speed of the car in each of the plurality of control methods is slower than a moving speed of the car in the express zone under normal circumstances; 4. The elevator control system according to claim 3.

5. The control device can detect an idle state in which a mechanism for moving the car is idle, When the control device is performing control in the automatic mode and detects the idling state, the control device stops the car. The elevator control system of claim 1 .

6. When the control device is performing control in the automatic mode, if the operation switch no longer selects the automatic mode, The control device stops the car. The elevator control system of claim 1 .

7. the control device stops the car at the nearest floor where the car can stop and passengers can disembark; The elevator control system of claim 1 .

8. A hanging weight is connected to the car via a main rope, the control device moves the car in a direction that increases the vertical distance between the hanging weight and the car in each of the plurality of control methods. The elevator control system of claim 1 .

9. When the control device moves or stops the car in each of the plurality of control methods, the control device notifies an inside of the car that the car will move or stop.

10. The elevator control system of claim 1.

10. The elevator control system according to claim 1; Basket, A counterweight, a main rope connecting the car and the hanging weight; Equipped with The car includes a plurality of in-car operation switches installed inside the car, and an alarm device that notifies information inside the car; It has Elevator.

11. Using the elevator control system according to claim 1, a control method confirmation step in which the control device confirms a signal of the operation switch input to the control device; an automatic car movement step in which, after the control method confirmation step, when the operation switch is in a state where the automatic mode is selected and the safety switch is outputting a signal indicating that the car is in a state where it can be moved safely continues for a certain period of time, the control device moves the car in the automatic mode; Equipped with Elevator car control method.

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