Elevator system

Abstract

To provide an elevator system capable of improving safety when a car is made to travel in maintenance work even when abnormality occurs in a system for detecting a position of the car.SOLUTION: Each unit of the elevator system is provided with a position detection system including a code tape and a reader. When the abnormality of the position detection system 9a is detected, the control device 10a stops the running of the car. The controller 5b of the normal unit 10b moves the car to the position of the car read by the reader 13a immediately before the abnormality is detected. The control device 10b makes the car travel interlockingly with the car after the positioning. The control device 10a controls the travel of the car so as to suppress the deviation of the motion state from the limit range based on the position of the car read by the reading device 13b after the alignment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator. The elevator includes a car that travels in a hoistway and a system that detects the position of the car. The system that detects the position of the car includes a magnetic tape on which position information is recorded and a magnetic sensor that reads the position information on the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape is adjusted while the car is automatically traveling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-113180 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the elevator of Patent Document 1, if an abnormality occurs in the system itself that detects the car's position, which includes the magnetic tape and magnetic sensor, the car's motion information, such as its position and speed, cannot be obtained. As a result, the car cannot be operated safely during maintenance work such as repairs or adjustments.

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to solving such problems and provides an elevator system that can improve safety when running a car during maintenance work, even if an abnormality occurs in the system that detects the car's position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An elevator system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of units, each of which includes a car that travels up and down in a hoistway throughout its ascending and descending stroke, a code tape that is arranged with its longitudinal direction oriented vertically throughout the ascending and descending stroke of the hoistway and has vertical position information assigned along its longitudinal direction, and a position detection system that is provided in the car and includes a reader that reads the vertical position from the code tape, and a control device that controls the travel of the car based on the vertical position read by the reader, wherein when an abnormality in the position detection system is detected in a first unit of the plurality of units, the control device of the first unit stops the travel of the car of the first unit, and the control device of a second unit of the plurality of units in which no abnormality in the position detection system is detected When a command for alignment is input, alignment is performed by moving the car of the second unit to the vertical position read by the reading device of the first unit immediately before an abnormality in the position detection system is detected in the first unit, and the control device of the second unit, after the alignment, causes the car of the second unit to run in conjunction with the car of the first unit and outputs the position read by the reading device of the second unit to the control device of the first unit, and the control device of the first unit, after the alignment, controls the running of the car of the first unit based on the position read by the reading device of the second unit so as to suppress deviation of the movement state from a preset limit range including at least either the vertical position or a time change in the vertical position of first order or more. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the elevator system of the present disclosure, even if an abnormality occurs in the system for detecting the position of the car, safety when running the car during maintenance work can be further improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of alignment in the elevator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an elevator system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of an elevator system according to a first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any component of the embodiments may be modified or omitted within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] An elevator system 1 is applied to, for example, a building having multiple floors. A hoistway 2 for the elevator system 1 is provided in the building. The hoistway 2 is a long space extending vertically across multiple floors. A hall 3 for the elevator system 1 is provided on each floor of the building. The hall 3 is located adjacent to the hoistway 2. A hall operating panel 4 is provided at each hall 3. The hall operating panel 4 is a device that accepts operations such as hall call registration from users at the hall 3. The elevator system 1 includes multiple units 5. Each unit 5 includes a hoisting machine 6, a main rope 7, a car 8, a position detection system 9, and a control device 10.

[0012] The hoisting machine 6 includes a motor and a sheave. The hoisting machine 6 is provided, for example, at the upper or lower part of the hoistway 2. For example, when a machine room is provided at the upper part of the hoistway 2, the hoisting machine 6 may be arranged in the machine room. The motor of the hoisting machine 6 is a device that generates drive torque. The sheave of the hoisting machine 6 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor of the hoisting machine 6. The sheave of the hoisting machine 6 rotates by the drive torque generated by the motor of the hoisting machine 6.

[0013] The main ropes 7 are wound around the sheaves of the hoisting machine 6. The main ropes 7 move so as to be wound up on either side of the sheaves of the hoisting machine 6 as the sheaves of the hoisting machine 6 rotate. The main ropes 7 support the load of the car 8 on either side of the sheaves of the hoisting machine 6.

[0014] The car 8 is disposed in the hoistway 2. The hoist 6 moves the main rope 7, causing the car 8 to travel up and down in the hoistway 2 over an ascent and descent stroke. The ascent and descent stroke is the range over which the car 8 ascends and descends in the hoistway 2. In this example, the ascent and descent strokes of each unit 5 in the elevator system 1 are the same. The car 8 is a device that travels up and down in the hoistway 2 to transport passengers and other passengers between multiple floors. The car 8 is equipped with a car operation panel 11. The car operation panel 11 is a device inside the car 8 that accepts operations such as registering car calls from passengers. A landing position is set for each floor of the building to which the elevator system 1 is applied. The landing position for a floor of the building is the vertical position at which the car 8 stops at that floor.

[0015] The position detection system 9 corresponds to a car 8 of the same unit 5. The position detection system 9 is a system that detects the vertical position of the corresponding car 8. The position detection system 9 is, for example, an APS (Absolute Positioning System). The position detection system 9 includes a code tape 12 and a reader 13.

[0016] The code tape 12 is a tape-like device that is long in one direction. Information representing a longitudinal position on the code tape 12 is provided along the length of the code tape 12. For example, if the code tape 12 is a magnetic tape, the information representing the longitudinal position is provided to the code tape 12 as magnetic data. Alternatively, the information representing the longitudinal position may be provided on the surface of the code tape 12 as an encoded image including a two-dimensional code. The code tape 12 is placed in the hoistway 2 so that its longitudinal direction faces the vertical direction. One vertical end of the code tape 12 is fixed to the hoistway 2 as a fixed end 14. The other vertical end of the code tape 12 is adjustable to the hoistway 2 as an adjustable end 15. In this example, the upper end of the code tape 12 is provided as the fixed end 14. In this example, the fixed end 14 is directly attached to the building structure. The building structure may include, for example, the interior walls, columns, or beams of the hoistway 2. The lower end of the cord tape 12 is set as an adjustable end 15. The adjustable end 15 is set, for example, via a spring so as to apply tension to the cord tape 12. Alternatively, the adjustable end 15 may be supported by a slide bearing or the like so as to be slidable in the up and down direction.

[0017] The reading device 13 is a device that reads information indicating the longitudinal position given to the code tape 12. The reading device 13 is installed in the car 8 of the same unit 5. The reading device 13 is installed, for example, outside the car 8, such as on the car. The reading device 13 moves up and down in the elevator shaft 2 together with the car 8. The reading device 13 reads the longitudinal position information from the code tape 12 as information on the vertical position of the car 8, for example, by using a magnetic sensor, a camera, or other device. The reading device 13 is connected to the control device 10 of the same unit 5 so as to be able to output the reading result.

[0018] The control device 10 corresponds to a car 8 of the same unit 5. The control device 10 controls the operation of the corresponding car 8. Controlling the operation of the car 8 includes managing calls registered in the car 8 and controlling the car's running, such as making and stopping calls in response to the calls. The control device 10 is provided, for example, at the top or bottom of the elevator shaft 2. For example, when a machine room is provided at the top of the elevator shaft 2, the control device 10 may be located in the machine room. The control device 10 controls the operation of the car 8 based on the position read by a reading device 13 provided in the corresponding car 8. The control device 10 controls the running of the car 8 based, for example, on the motion state of the car 8. The motion state of the car 8 is information including at least one of the vertical position of the car 8 or a linear or higher time change in the vertical position. The linear or higher time change in the position includes speed, acceleration, jerk, etc. In this example, the control device 10 sets a limit range for the operating state of the car 8. The limit range is, for example, a range of motion states that is set in advance as an allowable motion state. The limit range includes, for example, a range of positions of the car 8 and a range of speeds of the car 8. The control device 10 controls the running of the car 8 so as to suppress deviation of the operating state of the car 8 from the limit range.

[0019] The elevator system 1 includes a group control device 16. The group control device 16 is a device that controls the operation of the elevator system 1. The group control device 16 has, for example, a function of assigning registered hall calls to one of the units 5. The group control device 16 is connected to the control devices 10 of each unit 5 so as to be able to communicate information. The group control device 16 may also have a function of relaying communication of control information and the like between the units 5.

[0020] The elevator system 1 may have a function to report information to the outside. For example, when the control device 10 or the group control device 16 detects an abnormality in the elevator system 1, information about the detected abnormality is reported. The report may be sent to, for example, a control room in the building that manages the elevator system 1. The report may also be sent to, for example, a building manager in a remote location or an information center that collects information about the elevator system 1 via a communication network such as the Internet or a telephone line network.

[0021] In the elevator system 1, if an abnormality occurs in the position detection system 9 of any of the units 5, the control device 10 of that unit 5 stops the corresponding car 8. The unit 5 in which the abnormality occurred is an example of the first unit. After that, alignment is performed to move the car 8 of another normal unit 5 to the position of the abnormality. The normal unit 5 for which alignment is performed is an example of the second unit. After alignment, the car 8 of the unit 5 in which the abnormality occurred and the car 8 of the normal unit 5 run in conjunction with each other. At this time, the control device 10 of the unit 5 in which the abnormality occurred controls the running of the corresponding car 8 using information on the position detected by the position detection system 9 of the normal unit 5.

[0022] Next, an example of alignment in the elevator system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of alignment in the elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Of the multiple units 5, Figure 2 shows units 5a and 5b. Note that the main ropes 7 and other components of units 5a and 5b are not shown. Unit 5a includes a hoist 6a, a car 8a, a position detection system 9a, and a control device 10a. The position detection system 9a includes a code tape 12a and a reading device 13a. Unit 5b includes a hoist 6b, a car 8b, a position detection system 9b, and a control device 10b. The position detection system 9b includes a code tape 12b and a reading device 13b. Note that units 5a and 5b may be simply referred to as units 5 when there is no need to distinguish between them. Similarly, when there is no need to distinguish between the equipment of units 5a and 5b, units 5a and 5b may be referred to as control device 10 and car 8.

[0024] In this example, an abnormality occurs in the position detection system 9a. The abnormality that occurs in the position detection system 9a may be, for example, a malfunction of the reading device 13a, or damage, misalignment, or stretching of the code tape 12a that exceeds a preset tolerance. When an abnormality occurs in the position detection system 9a, information on the position of the car 8a that was read immediately before by the reading device 13a is stored.

[0025] Thereafter, a worker performing maintenance work on a normal unit 5b gets into car 8b. The worker performs an operation to start alignment inside car 8b. Then, control device 10b causes car 8b to travel to the position of car 8a that was previously read by reading device 13a. Through this alignment, car 8a and car 8b are positioned in the same vertical direction.

[0026] After that, cars 8a and 8b run in tandem so that their vertical positions remain the same. In this example, group control device 16 relays control signals and the like between unit 5a and unit 5b so that cars 8a and 8b can run in tandem. Because cars 8a and 8b run in tandem, control device 10a can control the running of car 8a using position information detected by position detection system 9b. A maintenance worker can, for example, move onto car 8a and run car 8a, and perform maintenance work such as replacing position detection system 9a that has experienced an abnormality.

[0027] Next, an example of maintenance work for the position detection system 9 in the elevator system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0028] In each unit 5, the control device 10 includes a travel control unit 17, a monitoring unit 18, an abnormality detection unit 19, and a linking unit 20.

[0029] The running control unit 17 is a part equipped with a function to control the running of the corresponding car 8, such as starting and stopping. The running control unit 17 controls the running of the car 8 by outputting a drive command and a stop command to the hoisting machine 6.

[0030] The monitoring unit 18 is a part equipped with a function to monitor the motion state of the corresponding car 8. The monitoring unit 18 is connected to the reading device 13 so as to acquire a detection signal indicating the position of the car 8 read from the code tape 12. The monitoring unit 18 acquires the motion state of the car 8 based on the position of the car 8 read by the reading device 13. The monitoring unit 18 may acquire the motion state of the car 8, for example, by performing a first-order or higher-order time differentiation of the position of the car 8. In this example, the monitoring unit 18 continuously stores the vertical position of the car 8 read by the reading device 13 while updating it each time it acquires a detection signal from the reading device 13. The monitoring unit 18 is an example of a storage unit. The monitoring unit 18 detects deviation of the acquired motion state from a limit range. When detecting deviation from the limit range, the monitoring unit 18 outputs the detection result to the traveling control unit 17. At this time, the traveling control unit 17 outputs a stop command to the hoist 6, for example, to stop the traveling of the car 8.

[0031] The abnormality detection unit 19 is a circuit or other component equipped with a function for detecting an abnormality in the corresponding position detection system 9. In this example, the reading device 13 outputs an abnormality signal when it detects an abnormality. The abnormality detection unit 19 detects an abnormality in the position detection system 9, for example, based on the output of the abnormality signal from the reading device 13. Note that the reading device 13 may continuously output a normal signal when operating normally. In this case, the abnormality detection unit 19 may detect an abnormality in the position detection system 9, for example, when the normal signal from the reading device 13 is interrupted. When the abnormality detection unit 19 detects an abnormality in the position detection system 9, it outputs the detection result to the traveling control unit 17. At this time, the traveling control unit 17 outputs a stop command to the hoist 6 to stop the traveling of the car 8, for example. If the detection signal from the reading device 13 is interrupted due to an abnormality in the position detection system 9, the position of the car 8 stored in the monitoring unit 18 will no longer be updated from the information stored immediately before the abnormality in the reading device 13 was detected. At this time, if the car 8 stops due to the occurrence of an abnormality in the reading device 13, the position of the car 8 stored in the monitoring unit 18 corresponds to the position where the car 8 stopped.

[0032] The linking unit 20 is a part equipped with a function for processing linkage between its own unit 5 and other units 5. The processing for linkage between units 5 includes, for example, processing for aligning the positions of the units 5. The linking unit 20 exchanges control signals and position information read by the reading device 13 between the units 5. The linking unit 20 exchanges signals via the group management device 16, for example.

[0033] During normal operation, the reading device 13 reads information about the vertical position from the code tape 12. The reading device 13 outputs the read position information to the monitoring unit 18 as a detection signal. The monitoring unit 18 continuously stores the vertical position of the car 8 read by the reading device 13, updating it every time it acquires a detection signal from the reading device 13. The monitoring unit 18 outputs the position information of the car 8 acquired from the reading device 13 to the traveling control unit 17. The traveling control unit 17 controls the traveling of the car 8 by outputting drive commands and stop commands based on the input position information of the car 8.

[0034] Here, an abnormality occurs in the reading device 13a. In this example, the reading device 13a stops outputting the detection signal. At this time, the information stored in the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10a is the information on the vertical position of the car 8a that was read by the reading device 13a immediately before the abnormality of the reading device 13a was detected. The reading device 13a outputs an abnormality signal to the abnormality detection unit 19 of the control device 10a. The abnormality detection unit 19 detects the abnormality in the position detection system 9a. The abnormality detection unit 19 outputs information about the occurrence of the abnormality to the traveling control unit 17. The traveling control unit 17 outputs a stop signal to the hoisting machine 6a. At this time, the car 8a stops where it is. The control device 10a issues a report of the abnormality that has occurred in the position detection system 9a. During this time, the unit 5b, in which no abnormality has occurred, may continue normal operation.

[0035] After receiving a report from the control device 10a, a worker performing maintenance work in response to an abnormality in the position detection system 9a arrives at a hall 3 or the like of the building where the elevator system 1 is installed. The worker enters the car 8b of a unit 5b where no abnormality is occurring from the hall 3 of any floor. The worker performs an operation to start positioning using a command output device 21. The command output device 21 is a device equipped with a function to output a positioning command. The command output device 21 may be provided, for example, on the car operating panel 11 of the car 8b, or on other equipment in the car 8b, or may be a maintenance work terminal device that the worker carries into the car 8b. The command output device 21 outputs a positioning command to the linking unit 20 of the control device 10b.

[0036] The coordinating unit 20 of the control device 10b requests information on the position of the car 8a acquired immediately before the occurrence of the abnormality from the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10a of the unit 5a in which the abnormality occurred, via the group management device 16. Based on the information on the position of the car 8a acquired by the coordinating unit 20 from the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10a, the travel control unit 17 of the control device 10b automatically drives the car 8b carrying the worker to the relevant position.

[0037] Thereafter, the worker uses the manual driving device 22b to manually operate the car 8b. The manual driving device 22b is provided in the car 8b and is equipped with a function for accepting manual driving operations for the car 8b. The manual driving device 22b is an example of a second manual operation unit. A plurality of manual driving devices 22b may be provided in the car 8b. The manual driving device 22b may be provided, for example, on the car operation panel 11 of the car 8b, on other equipment in the car 8b, or on the car 8b itself. In this example, the worker operates the manual driving device 22b provided in the car 8b. The manual driving device 22b outputs information on the received operation as a manual driving command to the driving control unit 17 of the control device 10b. The driving control unit 17 outputs a drive command or the like to the hoist 6b based on the input operation information, thereby causing the car 8b to travel. Furthermore, the manual operation device 22b outputs information about the received operation as a manual operation command to the travel control unit 17 of the control device 10a. The operation information is input to the travel control unit 17 of the control device 10a, for example, through the linkage unit 20 of the control device 10b, the group management device 16, and the linkage unit 20 of the control device 10a. The travel control unit 17 of the control device 10a outputs a drive command or the like to the hoist 6a based on the input operation information, thereby causing the car 8a to travel. In this way, information about the operation performed by the manual operation device 22b is output to both the travel control unit 17 of the control device 10a and the travel control unit 17 of the control device 10b, so that the cars 8a and 8b travel in conjunction with each other.

[0038] When car 8a travels in conjunction with car 8b, the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10a acquires the position information read by the reading device 13b. This information is input to the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10a, for example, via the monitoring unit 18 and linking unit 20 of the control device 10b, the group management device 16, and the linking unit 20 of the control device 10a. Because cars 8a and 8b travel in conjunction with each other after their vertical positions are aligned, the position of car 8a corresponds to the position of car 8b. Therefore, the control device 10a can acquire the motion status of car 8a by treating the position of car 8b as the position of car 8a. When the motion status of car 8a deviates from the limit range, the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10a outputs the deviation detection result to the manual driving device 22b. At this time, the manual driving device 22b restricts the manual driving operation received from the operator. This prevents car 8a from deviating from the limit range. At this time, the car 8b is also prevented from deviating from the restricted range.

[0039] Thereafter, the worker uses the manual operation device 22b to stop the cars 8b and 8a at the landing positions on any floor. The worker then gets off the car 8b at the landing 3 on that floor.

[0040] Thereafter, the worker uses the manual driving device 22c to manually operate the cars 8a and 8b. The manual driving device 22c is provided separately from both the cars 8a and 8b and is equipped with a function for accepting manual driving instructions for the cars 8a and 8b. The manual driving device 22c is an example of a third manual operation unit. The manual driving device 22c may be provided, for example, in the hall operating panel 4, in a machine room, in the group management device 16, or as a maintenance work terminal device brought in by a worker. The manual driving device 22c outputs the received operation information as a manual driving command to both the driving control unit 17 of the control device 10a and the driving control unit 17 of the control device 10b. The operation information is input to the driving control unit 17, for example, via the group management device 16 and the linking unit 20 of the control device 10. The traveling control unit 17 outputs drive commands and the like to the corresponding hoisting machine 6 based on the input operation information, thereby causing the car 8 to travel. In this way, information on the operation performed by the manual operation device 22c is output to both the traveling control unit 17 of the control device 10a and the traveling control unit 17 of the control device 10b, so that the cars 8a and 8b travel in conjunction with each other.

[0041] When car 8a is traveling in conjunction with car 8b, the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10a acquires the motion state of car 8a by treating the position of car 8b read by the reading device 13b as the position of car 8a. When the motion state of car 8a deviates from the restricted range, the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10a outputs the detection result of the deviation to the manual operation device 22c. At this time, the manual operation device 22c restricts the manual operation of the car 8a received from the operator. This prevents car 8a from deviating from the restricted range. At this time, car 8b is also prevented from deviating from the restricted range.

[0042] Thereafter, the worker uses the manual driving device 22c to stop the cars 8b and 8a at a position where the worker can get on from the hall 3. The worker then gets on to the car 8a from the hall 3. Note that, for example, the linking unit 20 of the unit 5b may automatically perform the processes from alignment to stopping the cars 8b and 8a at a position where the worker can get on from the hall 3, without relying on the manual driving operation of the worker. When maintenance work is performed by multiple workers, one worker may get on to the car 8a from the hall 3 while another worker gets on to the car 8a.

[0043] Thereafter, the worker uses the manual driving device 22a to manually operate the car 8a. The manual driving device 22a is provided in the car 8a and is equipped with a function for accepting manual driving operations for the car 8a. The manual driving device 22a is an example of a first manual operation unit. A plurality of manual driving devices 22a may be provided in the car 8a. The manual driving device 22a may be provided, for example, on the car operation panel 11 of the car 8a, on other equipment in the car 8a, or on the car 8a itself. In this example, the worker operates the manual driving device 22a provided on the car 8a. The manual driving device 22a outputs information on the received operation as a manual driving command to the driving control unit 17 of the control device 10a. The driving control unit 17 outputs a drive command or the like to the hoist 6a based on the input operation information, thereby causing the car 8a to travel. Furthermore, the manual driving device 22a outputs information about the received operation as a manual driving command to the traveling control unit 17 of the control device 10b. The information about the operation is input to the traveling control unit 17 of the control device 10b, for example, through the linking unit 20 of the control device 10a, the group management device 16, and the linking unit 20 of the control device 10b. The traveling control unit 17 of the control device 10b outputs a drive command or the like to the hoisting machine 6b based on the input information about the operation, thereby causing the car 8b to travel. In this way, information about the operation performed by the manual driving device 22a is output to both the traveling control unit 17 of the control device 10a and the traveling control unit 17 of the control device 10b, so that the cars 8a and 8b travel in conjunction with each other.

[0044] When the car 8a is traveling in conjunction with the car 8b, the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10a acquires the motion state of the car 8a by treating the position of the car 8b read by the reading device 13b as the position of the car 8a. When the motion state of the car 8a deviates from the limited range, the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10a outputs the detection result of the deviation to the manual driving device 22a. At this time, the manual driving device 22a restricts the manual driving operation received from the worker. This prevents the car 8a from deviating from the limited range. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10b acquires the motion state of the car 8b using the position of the car 8b read by the reading device 13b. When the motion state of the car 8b deviates from the limited range, the monitoring unit 18 of the control device 10b outputs the detection result of the deviation to the manual driving device 22a. At this time, the manual driving device 22a restricts the manual driving operation received from the worker. This simultaneously prevents the car 8b from deviating from the limited range.

[0045] A worker performs maintenance work such as repairing or replacing the position detection system 9a while manually operating the car 8a on the car. During this time, the motion status of the car 8a is monitored from the position of the car 8b detected by the position detection system 9b. This allows the car 8a to be manually operated while monitoring for deviations from the limit range, further improving safety when operating the car 8a during maintenance work.

[0046] After restoring the position detection system 9a, the worker gets off the car of the car 8a and goes down to the hall 3. The worker then returns the units 5a and 5b to normal operation. The command to return to normal operation is issued, for example, via the command output device 21. After that, the cars 8a and 8b run independently of each other and perform operations such as responding to calls from users.

[0047] Note that car 8a and car 8b may be adjacent cars in hoistway 2, or may be cars in the same bank but not adjacent. When elevator system 1 includes three or more units 5, an operator may select unit 5b to be aligned from among the units 5 other than unit 5a. Alternatively, the selection of unit 5 to be aligned may be performed automatically by group control device 16 or another device, depending on the operating status of each unit 5. Elevator system 1 may accept an operation for manual operation of car 8 from a device other than manual driving device 22a, manual driving device 22b, and manual driving device 22c. Here, when no particular distinction is made between manual driving device 22a, manual driving device 22b, and manual driving device 22c, they may be simply referred to as manual driving device 22.

[0048] Next, an example of the operation of the elevator system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0049] In step S01, the abnormality detection unit 19 of each unit 5 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the code tape 12 of the corresponding position detection system 9. If no abnormality has occurred, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S02. On the other hand, if an abnormality has occurred, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S03.

[0050] In step S02, the abnormality detection unit 19 of each unit 5 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the reading device 13 of the corresponding position detection system 9. If no abnormality has occurred, the elevator system 1 continues normal operation. On the other hand, if an abnormality has occurred, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S03.

[0051] In step S03, the travel control unit 17 of the unit 5 in which the abnormality has occurred outputs a stop command to the corresponding hoisting machine 6. The hoisting machine 6 stops the travel of the car 8. After that, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S04.

[0052] In step S04, the monitoring unit 18 of the unit 5 in which the abnormality occurred stores the vertical position of the car 8 read by the corresponding reading device 13 immediately before the abnormality was detected as the stopping position of the car 8. Thereafter, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S05.

[0053] In step S05, the monitoring unit 18 of the unit 5 in which the abnormality occurred outputs the stop position of the corresponding car 8 to the group control device 16. The group control device 16 stores the input information on the stop position. After that, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S06.

[0054] In step S06, the cooperation unit 20 of the normal unit 5 determines whether an alignment command has been input from the command output device 21. If an alignment command has been input, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S07. On the other hand, if an alignment command has not been input, the unit 5 in which the abnormality has occurred continues to be in the abnormal state. In this case, the processing of the elevator system 1 may then proceed again to step S06, for example.

[0055] In step S07, the linking unit 20 of the normal unit 5 executes a positioning process. The linking unit 20 of the normal unit 5 acquires information on the stopping position of the car 8 of the abnormal unit 5 from the group control device 16. Thereafter, the linking unit 20 of the normal unit 5 causes the corresponding car 8 to travel to the acquired stopping position using the travel control unit 17. Thereafter, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S08.

[0056] In step S08, the linking unit 20 of the normal unit 5 determines whether the alignment process has been completed successfully. For example, if the corresponding car 8 cannot be stopped at the stop position, the linking unit 20 determines that the alignment process has not been completed successfully. If the alignment process has been completed successfully, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S09. On the other hand, if the alignment process has not been completed successfully, the unit 5 in which the abnormality occurred continues to be in the abnormal state. In this case, the processing of the elevator system 1 may then proceed again to step S06, for example.

[0057] In step S09, the linkage unit 20 of the unit 5 in which the abnormality has occurred determines whether a manual operation command has been input from the manual operation device 22. If a manual operation command has been input, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if a manual operation command has not been input, the unit 5 in which the abnormality has occurred continues to be in the abnormal state. In this case, the processing of the elevator system 1 may then proceed again to step S09, for example.

[0058] In step S10, the travel control units 17 of the unit 5 in which the abnormality has occurred and the normal unit 5 that has performed the alignment process each run the corresponding car 8 in response to a manual travel operation. At this time, the car 8 of the unit 5 in which the abnormality has occurred and the car 8 of the normal unit 5 run in conjunction with each other by exchanging control signals via, for example, the linking unit 20. Thereafter, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S11.

[0059] In step S11, the monitoring unit 18 of the unit 5 in which the abnormality has occurred starts monitoring the motion state of the corresponding car 8 by treating the position of the car 8 detected by the position detection system 9 of the normal unit 5 as the position of the corresponding car 8. Thereafter, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S12.

[0060] In step S12, the coordination unit 20 of the normal unit 5 determines whether the reading device 13 of the normal unit 5 has normally detected a change in the position of the corresponding car 8 in response to the manual travel operation for the abnormal unit 5. If a change in the position of the car 8 has not been normally detected, the coordination unit 20 of the normal unit 5 determines that the linked manual travel has failed, and adds 1 to the number of retries, which represents the number of times the process to start manual travel is attempted. Here, the initial value of the number of retries is set to 0, for example. Thereafter, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if a change in the position of the car 8 has been normally detected, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S14.

[0061] In step S13, the linking unit 20 of the normal unit 5 determines whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than a preset specified value. If the number of retries is less than the specified value, the processing of the elevator system 1 proceeds to step S09. On the other hand, if the number of retries is equal to or greater than the specified value, the elevator system 1 suspends the manual travel processing with the interlocked car 8. Furthermore, the unit 5 in which the abnormality occurred continues to be in the abnormal state. At this time, the elevator system 1 may perform processing such as issuing a notification to suspend the manual travel processing.

[0062] In step S14, the travel control units 17 of the car 8 of the unit 5 in which the abnormality occurred and the normal units 5 that have performed the alignment process operate the corresponding car 8 in accordance with the manual travel operation for the maintenance work. During this time, the monitoring units 18 of each unit 5 monitor the motion state of the corresponding car 8 based on the position of the car 8 detected by the position detection systems 9 of the normal units 5. Thereafter, the processing of the elevator system 1 for the maintenance work ends. At this time, the elevator system 1 returns to, for example, normal operation.

[0063] As described above, the elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of units 5. Each unit 5 includes a car 8, a position detection system 9, and a control device 10. The car 8 travels up and down in the hoistway 2 during its ascending and descending stroke. The position detection system 9 includes a code tape 12 and a reading device 13. The code tape 12 is arranged with its longitudinal direction facing up and down during its ascending and descending stroke in the hoistway 2. Up and down position information is provided on the code tape 12 along its longitudinal direction. The reading device 13 is provided in the car 8. The reading device 13 reads the up and down position from the code tape 12. The control device 10 controls the travel of the car 8 based on the up and down position read by the reading device 13. When an abnormality in the position detection system 9a is detected in unit 5a, the control device 10a of unit 5a stops the travel of the car 8a of unit 5a. Here, no abnormality in the position detection system 9b is detected in unit 5b. When a positioning command is input, the control device 10b of the unit 5b performs positioning of the car 8b of the unit 5b. Positioning of the car 8b of the unit 5b is a process of moving the car 8b of the unit 5b to the vertical position read by the reading device 13a of the unit 5a immediately before an abnormality in the position detection system 9a of the unit 5a is detected. After positioning, the control device 10b of the unit 5b runs the car 8b of the unit 5b in conjunction with the car 8a of the unit 5a, and outputs the position read by the reading device 13b of the unit 5b to the control device 10a of the unit 5a. After positioning, the control device 10a of the unit 5a controls the running of the car 8a of the unit 5a based on the position read by the reading device 13b of the unit 5b so as to suppress deviation from the limited range of the motion state. The motion state of the car 8 includes at least either the vertical position of the car 8 or a time change in the vertical position that is linear or greater. The limit range is a range that is set in advance for the motion state of the car 8.

[0064] With this configuration, the motion state of the car 8a of the unit 5a in which an abnormality has occurred is known from the position of the car 8b detected by the position detection system 9b of the unit 5b which is functioning normally. As a result, the car 8a is manually operated while being monitored for deviation from the limit range, which further improves safety when operating the car 8a during maintenance work.

[0065] The elevator system 1 also includes a monitoring unit 18 of the unit 5a. The monitoring unit 18 of the unit 5a stores the vertical position read by the reading device 13a of the unit 5a while updating it. During alignment, the control device 10b of the unit 5b moves the car 8b of the unit 5b to the vertical position stored by the monitoring unit 18 of the unit 5a immediately before an abnormality in the position detection system 9a of the unit 5a is detected. With this configuration, even if a signal from the reading device 13a cannot be obtained due to a communication abnormality or the like, the position of the car 8a immediately before the abnormality is detected can be obtained. This allows the process of aligning the car 8b to be performed more accurately.

[0066] The elevator system 1 also includes a manual driving device 22. The manual driving device 22 receives manual driving instructions for at least one of the cars 8a and 8b. After alignment, the manual driving device 22 outputs information about the driving instructions received by the manual driving device 22 directly or indirectly to both the control device 10a of the unit 5a and the control device 10b of the unit 5b. Each of the control devices 10 of the units 5a and 5b drives the corresponding car 8 based on the driving instructions received from the manual driving device 22. This configuration enables the car 8a of the unit 5a in which an abnormality has occurred and the car 8b of the unit 5b in which the car is functioning normally to be driven manually in conjunction with each other.

[0067] Furthermore, after alignment, each of the control devices 10 of the units 5a and 5b monitors the motion state of the corresponding car 8 based on the position read by the reading device 13b of the unit 5b. When the control device 10 detects that the motion state of the car 8 has deviated from the limited range, it causes the manual operation device 22 to limit the operations it accepts. For example, the control device 10 causes the manual operation device 22 to limit the acceptance of operations so that it does not accept any operations other than stopping. With this configuration, manual operation of running the car 8 is limited when the motion state of the car 8 deviates from the limited range, thereby further improving safety when running the car 8 during maintenance work even if an abnormality occurs in the position detection system 9a.

[0068] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the elevator system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of the elevator system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0069] Each function of the elevator system 1 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes at least one processor 100 a and at least one memory 100 b. The processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200 in addition to or in place of the processor 100 a and the memory 100 b.

[0070] When the processing circuit includes the processor 100a and the memory 100b, each function of the elevator system 1 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a realizes each function of the elevator system 1 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b. The program may be a program package including multiple subprograms, modules, libraries, or the like. The program may be a product itself, such as a program product, or may be included in the product.

[0071] The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is configured by, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0072] Where the processing circuitry comprises dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry may be implemented, for example, as a single circuit, multiple circuits, a programmed processor, parallel programmed processors, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0073] Each function of the elevator system 1 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the elevator system 1 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the elevator system 1 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the elevator system 1 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0074] To summarize the above explanation, possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Appendix 1) It has multiple units, Each of the plurality of units comprises: A car that travels up and down the elevator shaft throughout its ascent and descent. a code tape arranged with its longitudinal direction facing the vertical direction throughout the ascending and descending stroke of the elevator shaft, and having vertical position information assigned along the longitudinal direction; and a reading device provided in the car for reading the vertical position from the code tape; a location detection system including: a control device that controls the travel of the car based on the vertical position read by the reading device; Equipped with when an abnormality in the position detection system is detected in a first unit of the plurality of units, the control device of the first unit stops travel of the car of the first unit; When a positioning command is input, the control device of a second unit among the plurality of units in which no abnormality has been detected in the position detection system performs positioning by moving the car of the second unit to the vertical position read by the reading device of the first unit immediately before the abnormality in the position detection system of the first unit is detected, After the alignment, the control device of the second unit causes the car of the second unit to travel in conjunction with the car of the first unit, and outputs the position read by the reading device of the second unit to the control device of the first unit; After the alignment, the control device of the first unit controls the travel of the car of the first unit based on the position read by the reading device of the second unit so as to suppress deviation of a motion state including at least one of a vertical position or a time change amount of the vertical position of first order or more from a preset limit range. Elevator system. (Appendix 2) a storage unit that stores, while updating, the vertical position read by the reading device of the first unit; Equipped with In the positioning, the control device of the second unit moves the car of the second unit to the vertical position stored in the memory unit immediately before an abnormality in the position detection system of the first unit is detected. 10. The elevator system of claim 1. (Appendix 3) a first manual operation unit provided in the car of the first unit and configured to accept an operation for manual traveling of the car of the first unit; Equipped with the first manual operation unit outputs information of the operation received by the first manual operation unit after the alignment to both the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit; each of the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit causes the corresponding car to travel based on operation information received from the first manual operation unit; 1. The elevator system of claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) the control device of the first unit, after the alignment, limits operations accepted by the first manual operation unit when detecting a deviation of the motion state of the car of the first unit from the limited range based on the position read by the reading device of the second unit; 10. The elevator system of claim 3. (Appendix 5) the control device of the second unit, after the alignment, limits operations accepted by the first manual operation unit when detecting a deviation of the motion state of the car of the second unit from the limited range based on the position read by the reading device of the second unit; 10. The elevator system of claim 3 or 4. (Appendix 6) a second manual operation unit provided in the car of the second unit and configured to accept an operation for manual traveling of the car of the second unit; Equipped with the second manual operation unit outputs information of the operation received by the second manual operation unit after the alignment to both the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit; each of the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit causes the corresponding car to travel based on operation information received from the second manual operation unit; 6. The elevator system of any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) the control device of the first unit, after the alignment, limits operations accepted by the second manual operation unit when detecting a deviation of the motion state of the car of the first unit from the limited range based on the position read by the reading device of the second unit; 10. The elevator system of claim 6. (Appendix 8) a third manual operation unit that is provided separately from both the car of the first unit and the car of the second unit and that receives operations for manual traveling of the car of the first unit and the car of the second unit; Equipped with the third manual operation unit outputs information of the operation received by the third manual operation unit after the alignment to both the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit; each of the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit causes the corresponding car to travel based on operation information received from the third manual operation unit; 8. The elevator system of any one of claims 1 to 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 elevator system, 2 hoistway, 3 landing, 4 landing operation panel, 5, 5a, 5b unit, 6, 6a, 6b hoisting machine, 7 main rope, 8, 8a, 8b car, 9, 9a, 9b position detection system, 10, 10a, 10b control device, 11 car operation panel, 12, 12a, 12b code tape, 13, 13a, 13b reading device, 14 fixed end, 15 adjustment end, 16 group control device, 17 travel control unit, 18 monitoring unit, 19 abnormality detection unit, 20 cooperation unit, 21 command output device, 22, 22a, 22b, 22c manual operation device, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 dedicated hardware

Claims

1. It has multiple units, Each of the plurality of units comprises: A car that travels up and down the elevator shaft throughout its ascent and descent. a code tape arranged with its longitudinal direction facing the vertical direction throughout the ascending and descending stroke of the elevator shaft, and having vertical position information assigned along the longitudinal direction; and a reading device provided in the car for reading the vertical position from the code tape; a location detection system including: a control device that controls the travel of the car based on the vertical position read by the reading device; Equipped with when an abnormality in the position detection system is detected in a first unit of the plurality of units, the control device of the first unit stops travel of the car of the first unit; When a positioning command is input, the control device of a second unit among the plurality of units in which an abnormality in the position detection system has not been detected performs positioning by moving the car of the second unit to the vertical position read by the reading device of the first unit immediately before the abnormality in the position detection system of the first unit is detected, After the alignment, the control device of the second unit causes the car of the second unit to travel in conjunction with the car of the first unit, and outputs the position read by the reading device of the second unit to the control device of the first unit; After the alignment, the control device of the first unit controls the travel of the car of the first unit based on the position read by the reading device of the second unit so as to suppress deviation of a motion state including at least one of a vertical position or a time change amount of the vertical position of first order or more from a preset limit range. Elevator system.

2. a storage unit that stores, while updating, the vertical position read by the reading device of the first unit; Equipped with In the positioning, the control device of the second unit moves the car of the second unit to the vertical position stored in the memory unit immediately before an abnormality in the position detection system of the first unit is detected.

10. The elevator system of claim 1.

3. a first manual operation unit provided in the car of the first unit and configured to accept an operation for manually traveling the car of the first unit; Equipped with the first manual operation unit outputs information of the operation received by the first manual operation unit after the alignment to both the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit; each of the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit causes the corresponding car to travel based on operation information received from the first manual operation unit; 3. The elevator system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the control device of the first unit, after the alignment, limits operations accepted by the first manual operation unit when detecting a deviation of the motion state of the car of the first unit from the limited range based on the position read by the reading device of the second unit; 4. The elevator system of claim 3.

5. the control device of the second unit, after the alignment, limits operations accepted by the first manual operation unit when detecting a deviation of the motion state of the car of the second unit from the limited range based on the position read by the reading device of the second unit; 4. The elevator system of claim 3.

6. a second manual operation unit provided in the car of the second unit and configured to accept an operation for manual traveling of the car of the second unit; Equipped with the second manual operation unit outputs information of the operation received by the second manual operation unit after the alignment to both the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit; each of the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit causes the corresponding car to travel based on operation information received from the second manual operation unit; 3. The elevator system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the control device of the first unit, after the alignment, limits operations accepted by the second manual operation unit when detecting a deviation of the motion state of the car of the first unit from the limited range based on the position read by the reading device of the second unit; 7. The elevator system of claim 6.

8. a third manual operation unit that is provided separately from both the car of the first unit and the car of the second unit and that receives operations for manual traveling of the car of the first unit and the car of the second unit; Equipped with the third manual operation unit outputs information of the operation received by the third manual operation unit after the alignment to both the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit; each of the control device of the first unit and the control device of the second unit causes the corresponding car to travel based on operation information received from the third manual operation unit; 3. The elevator system according to claim 1 or 2.

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