Elevator and elevator control method

Abstract

To provide an elevator capable of reducing power consumption by reducing an apparent weight difference between a car and a counterweight.SOLUTION: This elevator comprises a car, a counterweight, a load device, and a control device for controlling the operation of the load device. The control device includes an elevation direction detection unit configured to determine an elevation direction of the elevator car, a weight calculation unit configured to calculate a total weight of the elevator car based on information from the load weight measurement unit and determine whether a weight difference between the total weight of the elevator car and the weight of the counterweight is within a predetermined range, and a loading device control unit configured to determine an operation of the loading device based on the elevation direction of the elevator car detected by the elevation direction detection unit and the determination by the weight calculation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator and an elevator control method. [Background technology]

[0002] An elevator has been proposed that obtains stable power from a generator attached to the counterweight when the counterweight is raised or lowered (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This elevator includes a guide roller that grips the guide rail and a hub dynamo connected to the guide roller. The guide roller and the hub dynamo are connected to each other. The hub dynamo generates power using the rotational force of the guide roller. This elevator device obtains stable power from the generator attached to the counterweight when the counterweight is raised or lowered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-25561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If there is a large difference in weight between the car and the counterweight, the traction elevator will waste excessive power when ascending or descending or when stopped. The optimal operating condition for a traction elevator to ascend or descend is when it is operated with the rated load weight of the car balanced with the weight of the counterweight. The weight of the car and the counterweight is balanced when 50% of the passengers are on board compared to the rated load weight of the car. Hereinafter, this condition will be referred to as the appropriate weight condition.

[0005] When the elevator is at the correct weight, equal force is applied to both sides of the main rope being pulled by the hoist. In this state, the elevator can be operated with less power. For this reason, when operating an elevator with a large weight difference between the car and the counterweight, more power is required than when operating with the correct weight. Therefore, in order to reduce the amount of electrical energy consumed when operating an elevator, it is necessary to reduce the weight difference between the car and the counterweight.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an elevator and an elevator control method that can reduce power consumption by reducing the weight difference between the car and the counterweight.

[0007] The above and other objects of the present invention and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The elevator of the present invention includes a car, a counterweight that rises and falls in response to the rise and fall of the car, and a load device that applies a load to the rise and fall of the car and the counterweight. The elevator also includes a load weight measurement unit that measures the load weight in the car, and a control device that controls the rise and fall of the car and the operation of the load device. The control device includes a rise and fall direction detection unit that determines the rise and fall direction of the car, and a weight calculation unit that calculates the total weight of the car based on information from the load weight measurement unit and determines whether the difference between the total weight of the car and the weight of the counterweight is within a predetermined range. The control device also includes a load device control unit that determines the operation of the load device based on the rise and fall direction of the car detected by the rise and fall direction detection unit and the determination of the weight calculation unit.

[0009] The elevator control method of the present invention controls an elevator having a loading device that applies a load to the lifting and lowering of a car and a counterweight. The elevator control method determines the lifting and lowering direction of the car, calculates the total weight of the car, determines whether the difference between the total weight of the car and the weight of the counterweight is within a predetermined range, and determines the operation of the loading device based on the lifting and lowering direction of the car and the total weight of the car. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, an elevator and an elevator control method are provided that are capable of reducing power consumption by reducing the apparent weight difference between the elevator car and the counterweight.

[0011] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become clear from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the general configuration of a variable weight elevator. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an elevator car and the surrounding configuration of the car. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an elevator counterweight and the surrounding configuration of the counterweight. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an elevator control device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the force exerted by the load device when the car is raised. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the force exerted by the load device when the car is lowered. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing processing by an elevator control device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing processing by an elevator control device. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing processing by an elevator control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An example of an elevator and an elevator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following example. In each of the drawings described below, common components are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the drawings used in this specification, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations of these components may be omitted.

[0014] [Elevator configuration] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of a variable weight elevator as an example of an elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention. The variable weight elevator 100 shown in Figure 1 is a variable weight elevator using a load device 9. Figure 1 shows a machine room 1 and a hoistway interior 2 in the variable weight elevator 100.

[0015] In the machine room 1, a control device 3, a hoisting machine 4, an electric motor 5 for the hoisting machine, and a battery 6 for the hoisting machine are arranged. Arranged within the elevator shaft 2 are a main rope 7, a car 8, a load device 9, a guide rail 30 for the car, a counterweight 10, a weight loading section 11, a weight main body 12, and a guide rail 31 for the counterweight.

[0016] The control device 3 performs overall control of each component of the elevator 100. The detailed configuration of the control device 3 will be described later. The hoist 4 operates the main rope 7 to raise and lower the car 8 and counterweight 10 connected to the main rope 7. The electric motor 5 for the hoisting machine drives the hoisting machine 4. The electric motor 5 drives the hoisting machine 4, and the hoisting machine 4 operates the main rope 7. The hoisting machine battery 6 is provided next to the electric motor 5 and stores energy for operating the hoisting machine 4.

[0017] The main rope 7 connects the car 8 and the weight loading section 11 via the hoist 4. When the main rope 7 rises and falls, the car 8 and the counterweight 10 connected to both ends of the main rope 7 rise and fall. The load device 9 is provided on each of the car 8 and the counterweight 10. The load device 9 installed on the car 8 contacts the car guide rail 30. Furthermore, the load device 9 installed on the counterweight 10 contacts the counterweight guide rail 31. The load device 9 generates resistance (reverse torque) against movement in the powering direction (up or down) while in contact with the car guide rail 30 or the counterweight guide rail 31, thereby generating a load on the main rope 7 being raised and lowered by the hoist 4. Furthermore, the load device 9 generates torque in the powering direction (up or down) while in contact with the car guide rail 30 or the counterweight guide rail 31, thereby generating a load in the reverse direction against the raising and lowering of the main rope 7 being raised and lowered by the hoist 4. In this way, the load device 9 generates a load (negative load) in the direction along the powering direction or a load (positive load) in the opposite direction to the powering direction, thereby changing the apparent weight of the car 8 and the counterweight 10. In this embodiment, when simply referring to a "load," it refers to both a negative load and a positive load, or resistance to movement in the powering direction, and when referring to "powering," it refers to a load in the direction along the powering direction.

[0018] When the load device 9 generates a load (resistance) while the car 8 and the counterweight 10 are ascending, the apparent weight increases. Also, when the load device 9 is driven in the power running direction (power running) while the car 8 and the counterweight 10 are ascending, the apparent weight decreases. Furthermore, when the car 8 and the counterweight 10 are descending and a load (resistance) is generated by the load device 9, the apparent weight decreases. Furthermore, when the car 8 and the counterweight 10 are descending and the load device 9 is driven in the powering direction (power running), the apparent weight increases.

[0019] The car guide rails 30 guide the upward and downward movement of the car 8. The car 8 moves up and down in the elevator shaft 2 along the car guide rails 30. The counterweight 10 has a weight loading portion 11 and a weight main body 12. The weight loading portion 11 supports a pair of weight main bodies 12 on the left and right sides of the weight loading portion 11 so that the weight main body 12 can be raised and lowered. The counterweight 10 is connected to the weight loading portion 11 by the in-rope 7. This allows the counterweight 10 to rise and fall within the hoistway 2. The weight body 12 is a weight supported by the weight loading portion 11 for balancing the weight with the car 8. The counterweight guide rail 31 guides the vertical movement of the counterweight 10. The counterweight 10 moves up and down along the counterweight guide rail 31. The loaded weight measurement unit 14 measures the loaded weight in the car 8. The loaded weight measurement unit 14 includes, for example, a weighing scale provided on the floor surface of the car 8 and a control device for this weighing scale. The loaded weight measurement unit 14 outputs a signal (information) corresponding to the loaded weight from the weighing scale provided on the floor surface of the car 8 to the control device. Then, the control device, which receives the signal from the weighing scale, calculates the weight of the car 8. The loaded weight measurement unit 14 also outputs the calculated loaded weight to the control device 3.

[0020] [Car] Next, the configuration of the car 8 and the surrounding area of ​​the car 8 will be described. Fig. 2 shows the configuration of the car 8 and the surrounding area of ​​the car 8. As shown in Fig. 2, a door 15 is provided on the side of the car 8. A loaded weight measuring unit 14 is also provided on the bottom of the car 8. Load devices 9 are also provided on the top and bottom of the car 8.

[0021] The load device 9 installed on the car 8 is installed at the top of the car 8 in a position where it comes into contact with the car guide rail 30. The load device 9 is also installed at the bottom of the car 8 in a position where it comes into contact with the car guide rail 30. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the car guide rails 30 are arranged on both ends of the car 8. Therefore, the load devices 9 are arranged at both ends of the car 8 where they come into contact with the car guide rails 30 at the top and bottom of the car 8. That is, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the load devices 9 are installed in a total of four locations, at the top and bottom of the car 8.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2 , a car door multi-light sensor 16 is installed on the car door 15 of the car 8. The car door multi-light sensor 16 is provided at the end of the opening / closing portion of the car door 15. The car door multi-light sensor 16 is composed of, for example, an infrared light emitter and a light receiver, and detects people passing through the open door 15. The car door multi-light sensor 16 outputs information detecting people passing through the doors 15 to the control device 3. The control device 3 is configured to transmit the number of people entering and exiting the car 8 based on the information input from the car door multi-light sensor 16.

[0023] When measuring the load weight in the car 8 using the load weight measuring unit 14, accurate measurement is not possible if the passengers are located far away from the measuring unit in the car 8. For this reason, by detecting the number of passengers using the car door multi-photo sensor 16 in addition to measuring the weight using the load weight measuring unit 14, the load weight in the car 8 can be calculated more accurately.

[0024] [Counterweight] Next, the configuration of the counterweight 10 and the surrounding area of ​​the counterweight 10 will be described. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the counterweight 10 and the surrounding area of ​​the counterweight 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the counterweight 10 has a weight carrying portion 11 and a weight main body 12 held by the weight carrying portion 11. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of weight main bodies 12 are arranged below the counterweight main body 11. Furthermore, the counterweight main body 11 and the main rope 7 are connected by a main rope pitch 17.

[0025] The loading devices 9 attached to the counterweight 10 are respectively installed at the upper and lower parts of the counterweight 10. The loading devices 9 attached to the counterweight 10 are installed at the upper part of the counterweight loading section 11 in a position where they come into contact with the counterweight guide rails 31. The loading devices 9 attached to the counterweight are also installed at the lower part of the counterweight body 12 in a position where they come into contact with the counterweight guide rails 31. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the counterweight guide rails 31 are arranged on both ends of the counterweight 10. Therefore, the loading devices 9 are arranged at both ends of the counterweight 10 that come into contact with the counterweight guide rails 31 at the upper and lower parts of the counterweight 10. That is, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the loading devices 9 are installed at a total of four locations, at the upper and lower parts of the counterweight 10.

[0026] [Load device] Next, the configuration of the load device 9 in the elevator 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1-3 , the load device 9 is provided on the car 8 and the counterweight 10, and contacts the car guide rail 30 or the counterweight guide rail 31. The load device 9 has a wheel portion with a circular cross section, and the circumferential surface of the wheel portion contacts the car guide rail 30 or the counterweight guide rail 31. The load device 9 rolls on the surface of the car guide rail 30 or the counterweight guide rail 31 in accordance with the rise and fall of the car 8 and the counterweight 10. The load device 9 applies resistance to the rotation of the wheel portion when rolling, thereby generating a load on the rise and fall of the car 8 and the counterweight 102. The load device 9 also assists the elevator car 8 and the counterweight 10 in ascending and descending by driving the wheel portion to apply a rotational torque in the power running direction when the elevator car 8 rolls.

[0027] The load device 9 is not particularly limited as long as it can change the load of raising and lowering the car 8 and the counterweight 10 when raising and lowering the main rope 7. Various devices such as a hub dynamo or a disc brake can be used as the load device 9. The load device 9 may be any device that can change the apparent weight of the car 8 and the counterweight 10 by generating or driving a load.

[0028] For example, the load device 9 has a roller that contacts the car guide rail 30 or the counterweight guide rail 31. The roller has a metal bearing portion and a flexible outer periphery. The load device 9 also has a shaft inserted into the bearing portion and a disc brake fixed to the shaft. The disc brake has a disc rotor rotatably supported on the shaft and connected to the bearing portion, a brake caliper fixed to the shaft, and brake pads incorporated in the brake caliper. Therefore, when the roller of the load device 9 rotates, the disc rotor also rotates. At this time, the load device 9 drives the brake caliper to bring the brake pads into contact with the disc rotor, thereby braking the rotation of the roller. As a result, the load device 9 generates a load on the elevator car 8 and the counterweight 10 as they rise and fall.

[0029] The roller also has a metal bearing and a flexible outer periphery. The load device 9 also includes a shaft inserted into the bearing and a hub dynamo fixed to the shaft. The hub dynamo includes a coil fixed to the shaft, a hub rotatably supported on the shaft and connected to the bearing, and a magnet fixed to the inner periphery of the hub. Therefore, when the roller of the load device 9 rotates, the hub rotates and the magnet rotates around the coil. As a result, the hub dynamo generates electricity through electromagnetic induction. As a result, the load device 9 functions as a regenerative device. When current is supplied to the coil of the load device 9, the magnet rotates around the coil. This rotates the hub and the roller. As a result, the load device 9 functions as a motor and generates a load (power running) for the elevator car 8 and the counterweight 10 to rise and fall.

[0030] There is no particular limit to the number of load devices 9 that can be arranged on the car 8 and the counterweight 10. When only one load device 9 is arranged, the range of adjustment for the weight of the load applied is narrow. Furthermore, when only one load device 9 is arranged on the car 8, the load is applied to only one of the opposing car guide rails 30 (see Figure 2), resulting in a difference in apparent weight at both ends of the car 8. This causes the car 8 to tilt or sway. For this reason, it is preferable to install the load device 9 at a location where it can come into contact with each of the two opposing car guide rails 30 across the car 8. By installing one load device 9 on each of the two opposing car guide rails 30, the range of adjustment of the weight of the load can be increased compared to when there is only one load device 9, and tilting and shaking can be reduced. Similarly, the load device 9 installed on the counterweight 10 is preferably installed at a location where it can come into contact with at least each of the two counterweight guide rails 31 that face each other with the counterweight 10 in between.

[0031] Furthermore, it is desirable for the load device 9 to have a wide adjustment range for the weight of the load applied in order to maintain the appropriate specified weight. For this reason, it is preferable to place the load devices 9 above and below the car 8 and the counterweight 10. By adding load devices 9 above and below, the adjustment range for the weight of the load applied can be widened, and the appropriate specified weight can be maintained even when the load weight in the car 8 suddenly increases. By adding load devices 9 above and below, the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 can be reduced over a wider range, and the power consumption during operation of the elevator 100 can be reduced. Furthermore, there is often less equipment installed at the bottom of the car 8 than at the top. For this reason, it is easier to secure installation space for the load device 9 below the car 8.

[0032] (Regenerative device) The load device 9 is preferably a regenerative device. A regenerative device can convert a portion of rotational energy or kinetic energy into electrical energy. For example, when an elevator decelerates while ascending or descending, kinetic energy is lost as heat. In this case, the regenerative device converts the kinetic energy during deceleration into electrical energy.

[0033] If the load device 9 is not a regenerative device, power consumption can be reduced by using an operating method that matches the change in load weight and operating direction of the car 8, as described above. If the load device 9 is a regenerative device, in addition to the above effects, the rotational energy or kinetic energy generated when the load device 9 is activated can be effectively utilized. By using the load device 9 as a regenerative device, the rotational energy or kinetic energy generated when the load device 9 is activated, which could not be reused, can be converted into electrical energy and effectively utilized.

[0034] Furthermore, if the load device 9 only operates in the regenerative direction, the load may be insufficient, for example, when the difference between the total weight of the car 8 and the appropriate weight is large. For this reason, it is preferable that the load device 9 has a configuration that allows the regenerative device to be driven not only in the regenerative direction but also in the powering direction. For example, when the total weight of the car 8 is heavier than the appropriate weight and the car 8 moves upward, the regenerative device on the car 8 side operates in the powering direction and the regenerative device on the counterweight 10 side operates in the regenerative direction. This makes it possible to reduce a large difference between the apparent weight of the car 8 side and the apparent weight of the counterweight 10 side, compared to when the regenerative device only operates in the regenerative direction. In other words, compared to when the regenerative device only operates in the regenerative direction, operation with a high energy-saving effect is possible even when the difference between the total weight of the car 8 side and the appropriate weight is large.

[0035] Furthermore, if the load device 9 has a regenerative device, the generated power needs to be stored in order to effectively utilize the power generated by the regenerative device. The power obtained from the regenerative device is stored in a power storage device 22 (Fig. 4) that has a charge / discharge control mechanism. The power stored in the power storage device 22 can be used for operating the elevator 100, as electrical energy for driving the load device 9, and the like. Therefore, the elevator 100 can effectively utilize the energy obtained when the regenerative device operates in the regenerative direction.

[0036] It is preferable that the elevator 100 be equipped with a converter 27 (FIG. 4) that converts the regenerative current obtained from the regenerative device from AC to DC. In the above-described power storage method, the converter 27 is always in operation. Therefore, the above-described power storage method consumes excess power. The control unit 20 controls the converter 27 so that it operates only when it is determined that a regenerative current will be generated. This allows the elevator 100, which has a regenerative device, to improve the efficiency of power recovery and storage.

[0037] In the elevator 100, if the load device 9 having the regenerative device and the power storage device 22 are far apart, the electric wires may swing, becoming tangled or broken. For this reason, it is necessary to use a tail cord or an electric wire that can withstand movement as the electric wire connecting the regenerative device and the power storage device 22. This means that extra costs will be incurred for the elevator 100. For this reason, if the regenerative device is installed in the car 8, the power storage device 22 is also installed in the car 8. Furthermore, if the regenerative device is installed in the counterweight 10, the power storage device 22 is also installed in the counterweight 10. More preferably, when the load device 9 provided at the top of the car 8 includes a regenerative device, the power storage device 22 is also arranged at the top of the car 8. When the load device 9 provided at the top of the counterweight 10 includes a regenerative device, the power storage device 22 is also arranged at the top of the counterweight 10. When the load device 9 provided at the bottom of the car 8 includes a regenerative device, the power storage device 22 is also arranged at the bottom of the car 8. When the load device 9 provided at the bottom of the counterweight 10 includes a regenerative device, the power storage device 22 is also arranged at the bottom of the counterweight 10. With this configuration, the connecting wires between the load device 9 and the power storage device 22 are short, and special wires that can withstand movement are not required. As a result, an increase in the manufacturing cost of the elevator 100 can be suppressed.

[0038] Furthermore, the elevator 100 may be provided with a new power storage device 22 as described above, but the addition of additional equipment would increase the total weight of the car 8. Therefore, the elevator 100 may store the power obtained by the regenerative device of the load device 9 installed on the car 8 side in an intercom, a power outage light battery, or the like on the car 8. The elevator 100 may also store the power obtained by the regenerative device of the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side in a hoisting machine battery 6 or the like in the machine room 1. An elevator 100 configured in this manner does not need to add a new power storage device 22. When storing the power obtained by the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side in a hoisting machine battery 6 or the like in the machine room 1, it is preferable to install wiring from the counterweight 10 side to the machine room by running it along the counterweight guide rail 31. This allows wiring to the power storage device 22 without requiring special electrical wires that can withstand movement.

[0039] [Control device configuration] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the control device 3. The configuration of the control device 3 is shown in Fig. 4. The control device 3 shown in Fig. 4 includes a control unit 20 and a storage unit 21. The control unit 20 of the control device 3 is composed of a known arithmetic device, etc. The arithmetic device is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU is an example of a arithmetic unit related to the control device 3 of the elevator 100. The CPU centrally controls the operation of the elevator 100. The CPU reads out program code of software related to various processes of the elevator 100 stored in a ROM (an example of a recording medium) and expands it into the RAM. The CPU then controls the elevator 100 in accordance with the expanded program. Note that the elevator 100 may be equipped with another arithmetic unit, such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), as the arithmetic unit instead of a CPU.

[0040] The storage unit 21 is configured with a known storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 21 stores various information used by the control unit 20 for calculations and the calculation results calculated by the control unit 20. The control device 3 may also include a communication unit configured with a communication interface, etc. The communication interface is configured with, for example, a network interface card (NIC) or a modem, and establishes a connection with a communication partner device via a network such as a LAN, and executes transmission and reception of various data. Each arithmetic device is connected to other arithmetic devices via the communication interface, and transmits and receives information.

[0041] (Functional configuration of the control unit) Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the control unit 20 included in the control device 3. The control unit 20 executes various processes related to the operation of the elevator 100 by starting a program 21a stored in the storage unit 21. The control unit 20 also executes a start-up process for the load device 9, which will be described later. The control unit 20 has functional configurations related to the operation of the elevator 100 and the startup processing of the load device 9, including an ascent / descent direction detection unit 18, a weight calculation unit 23, a number of people detection unit 24, a torque calculation unit 19, a load device control unit 25, and a power storage control unit 26.

[0042] The lifting direction detection unit 18 detects the lifting direction of the car 8. The lifting direction detection unit 18 detects the lifting direction of the car 8 from, for example, the driving direction of the hoisting machine 4, the driving state of the electric motor 5 for the hoisting machine, etc. The weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the total weight of the car 8 is within a preset appropriate specified weight based on the load weight in the car 8 measured by the load weight measurement unit 14. The appropriate specified weight is a predetermined range of the total weight of the car 8 that is preset with respect to the appropriate weight of the car. If it is within the range of the appropriate specified weight, the difference between the total weight of the car 8 and the weight of the counterweight 10 becomes the allowable range for driving the elevator. The number of passengers detection unit 24 detects the number of passengers in the elevator car 8 based on information input from the elevator car door multi-photo sensor 16 that detects people passing between the doors 15 . The torque calculation unit 19 calculates the torque required to raise and lower the car 8 and the counterweight 10 from the current value required for the electric motor 5 for the hoisting machine.

[0043] The load device control unit 25 controls the operation of the load device 9. The load device control unit 25 controls the generation, release, and amount of load of the load device 9. Based on the weight of the car 8 acquired by the loaded weight measurement unit 14, the load device control unit 25 adjusts the load of the load device 9 so that the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 falls within a predetermined range. A power storage device 22 is connected to the load device 9. The power storage device 22 has a charge / discharge control mechanism. When the load device 9 includes a regenerative device described below, the power storage device 22 stores the electric power generated by the regenerative device using the charge / discharge control mechanism.

[0044] The power storage control unit 26 controls the operation of the power storage device 22 and the converter 27. If the load device 9 includes a regenerative device, the power storage control unit 26 controls the power storage device 22 so that the power generated by the regenerative device is stored in the power storage device 22. The power storage control unit 26 also controls the operation of the converter 27, and drives the converter 27 when a regenerative current is generated from the regenerative device. This causes the converter 27 to operate and convert the regenerative current obtained from the regenerative device from AC current to DC current. In this way, the power storage control unit 26 can increase the power storage efficiency by driving the converter only when a regenerative current is generated.

[0045] (Control method) Next, a method for controlling the elevator 100 by the above-described control unit 20 will be described. First, the weight calculation unit 23 acquires information on the car 8 and the loaded weight acquired by the car loaded weight measurement unit 14. Furthermore, the number of people detection unit 24 acquires information on the detection of people passing between the doors 15, which is input from the car door multi-light sensor 16. The number of people detection unit 24 detects the number of people riding in the car 8 based on the information acquired from the car door multi-light sensor 16. The number of people detection unit 24 inputs the detected number of people riding in the car 8 to the weight calculation unit 23. The weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within the appropriate specified weight based on the weight information acquired from the car load weight measurement unit 14 and the information on the number of passengers in the car 8 acquired from the number of passengers detection unit 24. Next, the ascending / descending direction detection unit 18 detects the ascending / descending direction of the car 8.

[0046] The load device control unit 25 determines the control content of the load device 9 based on the determination result by the weight calculation unit 23 and the ascending / descending direction of the car 8 detected by the ascending / descending direction detection unit 18. Specifically, the load device control unit 25 applies a load to the ascending / descending of the main rope 7 in either the load device 9 on the car 8 side or the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side based on the ascending / descending direction of the car 8 detected by the ascending / descending direction detection unit 18. The load device control unit 25 generates a load by the load device 9 when the total weight of the car 8 is not the appropriate specified weight, that is, when the weight difference is not within a predetermined range. The load device control unit 25 drives at least one of the load device 9 of the car 8 and the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side, for example, based on the lifting / lowering direction of the car 8 and a comparison of the weight of the car 8 with the appropriate specified weight. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the car 8 is ascending, if a load (resistance) is applied to the load device 9 of the car 8, the apparent weight of the car 8 becomes lighter. Similarly, if powering is applied, the apparent weight of the car 8 becomes heavier. If a load (resistance) is applied to the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side, the apparent weight of the counterweight 10 becomes lighter. If powering is applied, the apparent weight of the counterweight 10 becomes heavier. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, when the car 8 is descending, if a load (resistance) is applied to the load device 9 of the car 8, the apparent weight of the car 8 becomes lighter. Similarly, if powering is applied, the apparent weight of the car 8 becomes heavier. When a load (resistance) is applied to the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side, the apparent weight of the counterweight 10 becomes lighter. When powering is applied, the apparent weight of the counterweight 10 becomes heavier.

[0047] Therefore, based on the above relationship, the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 of the car 8 and the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side in a direction that eliminates the apparent weight difference. For example, when the weight of the car 8 is smaller than the appropriate specified weight, the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the car 8 side to generate a load (resistance) on the lifting and lowering. Furthermore, the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to generate a load (powering) on ​​the lifting and lowering. Furthermore, when the weight of the car 8 is larger than the appropriate specified weight, the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the car 8 side to generate a load (powering) on ​​the lifting and lowering. Furthermore, the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to generate a load (resistance) on the lifting and lowering.

[0048] If the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is large, the burden on the hoist 4 during lifting and lowering is large, and the power consumption of the hoist motor 5 increases. For this reason, the load device control unit 25 drives at least one of the load device 9 on the car 8 side and the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side, and applies a load to the lifting and lowering of the main rope 7 on the car 8 side or the counterweight 10 side. This increases the apparent weight of the car 8 or the counterweight 10 applied to the hoist motor 5 when lifting and lowering the main rope 7. Also, when lifting and lowering the main rope 7, decreases the apparent weight of the car 8 or the counterweight 10 applied to the hoist motor 5. As a result, even if the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is greater than the appropriate specified weight, the power consumption of the hoist 4 can be reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, if the load balance between the car 8 side and the counterweight 10 side in the hoist 4 is poor, the torque generated on the left and right sides of the hoist 4 will be different. This makes it difficult to stably control the raising and lowering of the main rope 7 in the hoist 4. To address this issue, reducing the apparent weight difference between the car 8 or counterweight 10 acting on the hoist motor 5 when raising and lowering the main rope 7 will improve the load balance on the left and right sides of the hoist 4. As a result, there is less wobble in the hoist 4 when the main rope 7 is raised and lowered, enabling stable speed control and improved ride comfort.

[0050] [flowchart] Next, the elevator control process performed by the elevator control device 3 will be described. (Elevator control process 1) A flowchart of elevator control processing by the elevator control device 3 is shown in Figure 7. The flowchart shown in Figure 7 shows elevator control processing only when the load device 9 applies a load by resistance to the lifting and lowering of the car 8 and counterweight 10.

[0051] First, the weight calculation unit 23 of the control unit 20 determines whether the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a predetermined range (step S101). The weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the total weight of the car 8 is heavier than the appropriate specified weight based on information from the load weight measurement unit 14 and the number of passengers detected by the number of passengers detection unit 24 from information from the car door multi-photosensor 16. The weight calculation unit 23 also detects the extent of the weight difference between the total weight of the car 8 and the counterweight 10.

[0052] If the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is not within a predetermined range (NO in step S101), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the total weight of the car 8 is heavier than the counterweight 10, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is rising (step S102).

[0053] If the total weight of the car 8 is not heavier than the counterweight 10 or the car 8 is not rising (NO in step S102), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the counterweight 10 is heavier than the total weight of the car 8, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is descending (step S103).

[0054] If the counterweight 10 is not heavier than the total weight of the car 8 or the car 8 is not descending (NO in step S103), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the counterweight 10 is lighter than the total weight of the car 8, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is ascending (step S104).

[0055] If the counterweight 10 is lighter than the total weight of the car 8 and the car 8 is rising (YES in step S104), the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to apply a load (resistance) and does not drive the load device 9 on the car 8 side to prevent a load from being generated (step S105). This generates a load (resistance) against the descent of the counterweight 10 and does not generate a load on the car 8 side. As a result, the apparent weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is reduced. At this time, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight has been reduced due to the load generated by the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side. Then, the weight calculation unit 23 compares the weight on the car 8 side with the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount of load generated by the load device 9 such that the weight difference, including the apparent weight, between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a specified value. Based on the amount of load generated by the load device 9 calculated by the weight calculation unit 23, the load device control unit 25 transmits a drive command to the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side for a torque that will result in the required amount of load.

[0056] If the counterweight 10 is not lighter than the total weight of the car 8 or the car 8 is not rising (NO in step S104), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the total weight of the car 8 is lighter than the counterweight 10, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is descending (step S106).

[0057] If the total weight of the cars 8 is lighter than the counterweight 10 and the car 8 is descending (YES in step S106), the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the car 8 side to apply a load (resistance) and does not drive the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to prevent a load from being generated (step S107). This generates a load (resistance) against the descent of the car 8 and prevents a load from being generated on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the apparent weight difference between the cars 8 and the counterweight 10 is reduced. At this time, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight has been reduced due to the load generated by the load device 9 on the car 8 side. Then, the weight calculation unit 23 compares the apparent weight on the car 8 side with the weight on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount of load generated by the load device 9 such that the weight difference, including the apparent weight, between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a specified value. Based on the amount of load generated by the load device 9 calculated by the weight calculation unit 23, the load device control unit 25 transmits a drive command to the load device 9 on the car 8 side for a torque amount that will result in the required load amount.

[0058] If the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a predetermined range (YES in step S101), if the total weight of the car 8 is heavier than the counterweight 10 and the car 8 is rising (NO in step S102), or if the counterweight 10 is heavier than the total weight of the car 8 and the car 8 is descending (NO in step S103), processing according to this flowchart is terminated after processing of the above-mentioned step S103.

[0059] (Elevator control process 2) Next, a flowchart showing the processing by the elevator control device 3 is shown in Figure 8. The flowchart shown in Figure 8 shows the control processing of the elevator when the load device 9 is used to regenerate power by the regenerative device as a load that resists the lifting and lowering of the car 8 and counterweight 10, and to drive the elevator in the power running direction.

[0060] First, the weight calculation unit 23 of the control unit 20 determines whether the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a predetermined range (step S201). The weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the total weight of the car 8 is heavier than the appropriate specified weight based on information from the load weight measurement unit 14 and the number of passengers detected by the number of passengers detection unit 24 from information from the car door multi-photosensor 16. The weight calculation unit 23 also detects the extent of the weight difference between the total weight of the car 8 and the counterweight 10.

[0061] If the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is not within a predetermined range (NO in step S201), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the total weight of the car 8 is heavier than the counterweight 10, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is rising (step S202).

[0062] If the total weight of the cars 8 is heavier than the counterweight 10 and the car 8 is rising (YES in step S202), the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the car 8 side to power it, and drives the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to regenerate (resist) (step S203). This assists the rise of the car 8 and generates a load (resistance) against the descent of the counterweight 10. As a result, the apparent weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is reduced. At this time, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the car 8 side has increased due to the regeneration (resistance) of the load device 9. Furthermore, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the car 8 side has decreased due to the powering of the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side. Then, the weight calculation unit 23 compares the apparent weight on the car 8 side with the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount of load by the load device 9 such that the weight difference, including the apparent weights of the car 8 and the counterweight 10, is within a specified value. Based on the amount of load generated by the load device 9 calculated by the weight calculation unit 23, the load device control unit 25 transmits drive commands for the load and the torque required for powering to the load device 9 on the car 8 side and the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side, respectively.

[0063] If the total weight of the car 8 is not heavier than the counterweight 10 or the car 8 is not rising (NO in step S202), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the counterweight 10 is heavier than the total weight of the car 8, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is descending (step S204).

[0064] If the counterweight 10 is heavier than the total weight of the car 8 and the car 8 is descending (YES in step S204), the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the car 8 side to regenerate (resist) and drives the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to power (step S205). This generates a load (resistance) against the descent of the car 8 and assists the ascent of the counterweight 10. As a result, the apparent weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is reduced. At this time, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the car 8 side is reduced due to the driving of the load device 9. Furthermore, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight is increased due to the load generated by the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side. Then, the weight calculation unit 23 compares the apparent weight on the car 8 side with the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount of load applied by the load device 9 so that the weight difference, including the apparent weights of the car 8 and the counterweight 10, is within a specified value. The load device control unit 25 transmits drive commands for the load and the torque required for powering to the load device 9 on the car 8 side and the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side, respectively, based on the amount of load generated by the load device 9 and the drive amount calculated by the weight calculation unit 23.

[0065] If the counterweight 10 is not heavier than the total weight of the car 8 or the car 8 is not descending (NO in step S204), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the counterweight 10 is lighter than the total weight of the car 8, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is ascending (step S206).

[0066] If the counterweight 10 is lighter than the total weight of the car 8 and the car 8 is rising (YES in step S206), the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the car 8 side to power it and drives the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to regenerate (resist) (step S207). This generates a load (resistance) against the descent of the car 8 and assists the rise of the counterweight 10. As a result, the apparent weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is reduced. At this time, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the car 8 side has increased due to the driving of the load device 9. Furthermore, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight has decreased due to the load generated by the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side. Then, the weight calculation unit 23 compares the apparent weight on the car 8 side with the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the load amount by the load device 9 such that the weight difference, including the apparent weights of the car 8 and the counterweight 10, is within a specified value. Based on the amount of load generated by the load device 9 and the drive amount calculated by the weight calculation unit 23, the load device control unit 25 transmits drive commands to the load device 9 on the car 8 side and the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side, for torque amounts that will result in the required load amount and drive amount, respectively.

[0067] If the counterweight 10 is not lighter than the total weight of the car 8 or the car 8 is not rising (NO in step S206), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the total weight of the car 8 is lighter than the counterweight 10, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is descending (step S208).

[0068] If the total weight of the cars 8 is lighter than the counterweight 10 and the car 8 is descending (YES in step S208), the load device 9 on the car 8 side is driven to power it, and the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side is driven to regenerate (resist) (step S209). This assists the ascent of the car 8 and generates a load (resistance) against the descent of the counterweight 10. As a result, the apparent weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is reduced. At this time, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the car 8 side has been reduced due to the load generated by the load device 9. Furthermore, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight has been increased due to the driving of the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side. Then, the weight calculation unit 23 compares the apparent weight on the car 8 side with the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount of load applied by the load device 9 so that the weight difference, including the apparent weights of the car 8 and the counterweight 10, is within a specified value. Based on the amount of load generated by the load device 9 calculated by the weight calculation unit 23, the load device control unit 25 transmits drive commands for the load and the torque required for powering to the load device 9 on the car 8 side and the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side, respectively.

[0069] If the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a predetermined range (YES in step S201), the process according to this flowchart ends after the process of step S203, step S205, step S207, step S208, or step S209 described above.

[0070] (Elevator control process 3) Next, a flowchart showing the processing by the elevator control device 3 is shown in Fig. 9. The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 shows the elevator control processing when the load device 9 only drives the car 8 and the counterweight 10 in the power running direction (power running) to raise and lower the car 8 and the counterweight 10.

[0071] First, the weight calculation unit 23 of the control unit 20 determines whether the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a predetermined range (step S301). The weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the total weight of the car 8 is heavier than the appropriate specified weight based on information from the load weight measurement unit 14 and the number of passengers detected by the number of passengers detection unit 24 from information from the car door multi-photosensor 16. The weight calculation unit 23 also detects the extent of the weight difference between the total weight of the car 8 and the counterweight 10.

[0072] If the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is not within a predetermined range (NO in step S301), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the total weight of the car 8 is heavier than the counterweight 10, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is rising (step S302).

[0073] If the total weight of the car 8 is heavier than the counterweight 10 and the car 8 is rising (YES in step S302), the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the car 8 side to power it upward, and drives the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to power it downward (step S303). This assists the rise of the car 8 and also assists the descent of the counterweight 10. As a result, the apparent weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is reduced. At this time, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the car 8 side has become lighter due to the powering of the load device 9 on the upward side. Furthermore, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side has become heavier and lighter due to the powering of the load device 9 on the downward side. Then, the weight calculation unit 23 compares the apparent weight on the car 8 side with the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the driving forces for powering by the load devices 9 on the car 8 side and the counterweight 10 side, respectively, such that the weight difference including the apparent weights of the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a specified value. The load device control unit 25 transmits drive commands for the torque required for powering to the load devices 9 on the car 8 side and the load devices 9 on the counterweight 10 side, respectively, based on the driving forces for powering by the load devices 9 calculated by the weight calculation unit 23.

[0074] If the total weight of the car 8 is not heavier than the counterweight 10 or the car 8 is not rising (NO in step S302), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the counterweight 10 is heavier than the total weight of the car 8, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is descending (step S304).

[0075] If the counterweight 10 is heavier than the total weight of the car 8 and the car 8 is descending (YES in step S304), the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the car 8 side to power it downward, and drives the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to power it upward (step S305). This assists the descent of the car 8 and also assists the upper layer of the counterweight 10. As a result, the apparent weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is reduced. At this time, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the car 8 side has increased due to the powering of the load device 9 on the downward side. Furthermore, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side has decreased due to the powering of the load device 9 on the upward side. Then, the weight calculation unit 23 compares the apparent weight on the car 8 side with the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the driving forces for powering by the load devices 9 on the car 8 side and the counterweight 10 side, respectively, such that the weight difference including the apparent weights of the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a specified value. The load device control unit 25 transmits drive commands for the torque required for powering to the load devices 9 on the car 8 side and the load devices 9 on the counterweight 10 side, respectively, based on the driving forces for powering by the load devices 9 calculated by the weight calculation unit 23.

[0076] If the counterweight 10 is not heavier than the total weight of the car 8 or the car 8 is not descending (NO in step S304), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the counterweight 10 is lighter than the total weight of the car 8, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is ascending (step S306).

[0077] If the counterweight 10 is lighter than the total weight of the car 8 and the car 8 is rising (YES in step S306), the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the car 8 side to power it downward, and drives the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to power it upward (step S307). This assists the descent of the car 8 and also assists the upper layer of the counterweight 10. As a result, the apparent weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is reduced. At this time, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight of the car 8 side has increased due to the powering of the load device 9 on the downward side. Furthermore, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight of the counterweight 10 side has decreased due to the powering of the load device 9 on the upward side. Then, the weight calculation unit 23 compares the apparent weight on the car 8 side with the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the driving forces for powering by the load devices 9 on the car 8 side and the counterweight 10 side, respectively, so that the weight difference, including the apparent weights of the car 8 and the counterweight 10, is within a specified value. Based on the driving forces for powering by the load devices 9 calculated by the weight calculation unit 23, the load device control unit 25 transmits drive commands for the torque required for powering to the load devices 9 on the car 8 side and the load devices 9 on the counterweight 10 side, respectively. If the counterweight 10 is not lighter than the total weight of the car 8 or the car 8 is not rising (NO in step S306), the weight calculation unit 23 determines whether the total weight of the car 8 is lighter than the counterweight 10, and the lifting direction detection unit 18 determines whether the car is descending (step S308).

[0078] If the total weight of the car 8 is lighter than the counterweight 10 and the car 8 is descending (YES in step S308), the load device control unit 25 drives the load device 9 on the car 8 side to power it upward, and drives the load device 9 on the counterweight 10 side to power it downward (step S309). This assists the ascent of the car 8 and assists the descent of the counterweight 10. As a result, the apparent weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is reduced. At this time, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the car 8 side has been reduced due to the powering of the load device 9 on the upward side. Furthermore, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the amount by which the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side has been reduced due to the powering of the load device 9 on the downward side. Then, the weight calculation unit 23 compares the apparent weight on the car 8 side with the apparent weight on the counterweight 10 side. As a result, the weight calculation unit 23 calculates the driving forces for powering by the load devices 9 on the car 8 side and the counterweight 10 side, respectively, such that the weight difference including the apparent weights of the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a specified value. The load device control unit 25 transmits drive commands for the torque required for powering to the load devices 9 on the car 8 side and the load devices 9 on the counterweight 10 side, respectively, based on the driving forces for powering by the load devices 9 calculated by the weight calculation unit 23.

[0079] If the weight difference between the car 8 and the counterweight 10 is within a predetermined range (YES in step S301), the process according to this flowchart ends after the process of step S303, step S305, step S307, step S308, or step S309 described above.

[0080] In the above flowchart, the load device 9 on either the car 8 side or the counterweight 10 side is regenerated to increase the apparent weight, and the other load device 9 is powered to decrease the apparent weight. Note that the elevator and elevator control method of this embodiment may be configured to simply increase the apparent weight by generating a load on one of the load devices 9 on either the car 8 side or the counterweight 10 side. Therefore, in the above flowchart, it is not essential to have a configuration in which the load device 9 on the car 8 side or the counterweight 10 side is driven to decrease the apparent weight of the other load device 9 that generates a load. In this case, in the above flowchart, the load devices 9 can be in a state where they are not driven and do not generate a load, for example, a state where they are freely rotating.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the car door multi-light sensor 16 is an example of a configuration for determining the number of passengers in the car 8. The configuration for determining the number of passengers in the car 8 is not limited to the car door multi-light sensor 16. For example, a device may be used that captures images of the inside of the car 8 using a camera or the like installed in the car 8 and analyzes the captured image data to determine the number of passengers in the car 8.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the loading device 9 is installed on both the car 8 and the counterweight 10, but the loading device 9 may be installed on either the car 8 or the counterweight 10. For example, in a configuration in which the loading device 9 is installed only on the car 8, a load can be applied to the car 8 if the car 8 is heavier than the appropriate specified weight. Similar effects can be obtained with the above. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the loading device 9 is installed only on the counterweight 10, a load can be applied to the counterweight 10 if the car 8 is lighter than the appropriate specified weight. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which no loading device is installed, under the above conditions, the apparent weight difference between the car and the counterweight can be reduced, thereby realizing an elevator and an elevator control method that can further reduce power consumption.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to embodiments including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment. It is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to delete part of the configuration of each embodiment, or to add or replace other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 machine room, 2 elevator shaft, 3 control device, 4 hoist, 5 electric motor, 6 hoist battery, 7 main rope, 8 elevator car, 9 load device, 10 counterweight, 11 weight loading section, 12 weight body, 14 load weight measurement section, 15 door, 16 door multi-light sensor, 17 main rope pitch, 18 lift direction detection section, 19 torque calculation section, 20 control section, 21 memory section, 21a program, 22 power storage device, 23 weight calculation section, 24 number of people detection section, 25 load device control section, 26 power storage control section, 27 converter, 30 elevator car guide rail, 31 counterweight guide rail, 100 elevator

Claims

1. A car, a counterweight that rises and falls in accordance with the rise and fall of the car; a load device that applies a load to the elevator car and the counterweight when the elevator car and the counterweight are raised and lowered; a load weight measurement unit that measures a load weight in the elevator car; An elevator comprising: a control device that controls the lifting and lowering of the car and the operation of the load device; The control device an elevation direction detection unit that determines an elevation direction of the elevator car; a weight calculation unit that calculates a total weight of the car based on information from the load weight measurement unit and determines whether a weight difference between the total weight of the car and the counterweight is within a predetermined range; a control unit that determines the operation of the load device based on the lifting direction of the elevator car detected by the lifting direction detection unit and the determination of the weight calculation unit. Elevator.

2. The load device is installed on the car and is installed so as to be able to come into contact with two car guide rails arranged opposite each other across the car. The elevator according to claim 1.

3. The load device is installed on the counterweight and is installed so as to be able to come into contact with two counterweight guide rails arranged opposite to each other across the counterweight. The elevator according to claim 1.

4. The load devices are installed on the upper part of the car, the lower part of the car, the upper part of the counterweight, and the lower part of the counterweight, respectively. The elevator according to claim 1.

5. The load device includes a regenerative device. The elevator according to claim 1.

6. The car and the counterweight are each provided with the load device, the control device has a load device control unit that controls the operation of the load device, When the weight difference between the car and the counterweight is greater than a specified appropriate weight, the load device control unit: When the car is heavier than the counterweight and the car moves in an upward direction, a load is generated by resistance in the load device on the car side, and a load is generated by powering in the load device on the counterweight side, When the counterweight is heavier than the car and the car moves downward, a load is generated by powering the load device on the car side, and a load is generated by resistance on the load device on the counterweight side, When the car is lighter than the counterweight and the car moves in an upward direction, the load device on the car side generates a load by powering, and the load device on the counterweight side generates a load by resistance, When the counterweight is lighter than the car and the car moves downward, a load is generated by resistance on the load device on the car side, and a load is generated by powering on the load device on the counterweight side. The elevator according to claim 1.

7. A power storage device is provided to store the power generated by the regenerative device.

6. The elevator according to claim 5.

8. a converter that converts the regenerative current obtained from the regenerative device from AC current to DC current and transmits the DC current to the power storage device; The control device has a power storage control unit that controls the converter to operate when the regenerative current is generated.

8. The elevator according to claim 7.

9. The car and the counterweight are each provided with the regenerative device and the power storage device.

8. The elevator according to claim 7.

10. The regenerative device and the power storage device are provided on the upper part of the car and the upper part of the counterweight, respectively.

10. The elevator according to claim 9.

11. The regenerative device and the power storage device are provided at the bottom of the car and the bottom of the counterweight, respectively.

10. The elevator according to claim 9.

12. a car door multi-photo sensor for detecting a person passing between the doors of the car; The control device has a passenger number detection unit that detects the number of passengers in the elevator car based on information from the elevator car door multi-photo sensor. The elevator according to claim 1.

13. A control method for an elevator having a car and a load device that applies a load to the lifting and lowering of a counterweight connected to the car, determining the ascending and descending direction of the car; Calculating the total weight of the car; determining whether a weight difference between the total weight of the elevator car and the counterweight is within a predetermined range; The operation of the load device is determined based on the lifting direction of the car and the total weight of the car. Elevator control method.

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