Elevator control system and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of shortening a time until an elevator is restored, in diagnostic operation when an earthquake occurs.SOLUTION: After the earthquake sensor 40 senses an earthquake, the control section 21 issues an execution command for a diagnosis operation for causing the car 10 to travel in order to diagnose whether or not there is an abnormality in the elevator 1. In the diagnosis operation, the control unit 21 issues a command to cause the car 10 to run at a rated speed in a running section in which the displacement amount of rolling suppressed by the vibration damping device 19 is equal to or less than a threshold value, and to cause the car 10 to run in a low-speed operation in a running section in which the displacement amount of rolling suppressed by the vibration damping device 19 exceeds the threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When an earthquake occurs and the earthquake sensor installed in the elevator detects a certain level of shaking, an earthquake control operation is implemented, in which the elevator car travels to the nearest floor and then the doors open. If the earthquake is of a certain magnitude, a diagnostic operation is implemented to determine whether the elevator can be restored.

[0003] For example, the elevator may be operated back and forth between the lowest and highest floors during diagnostic operation, and if the result shows that the elevator is operating normally, the elevator may be restored, allowing passengers to use the elevator again.

[0004] Patent Publication No. 2021-84744 (Patent Document 1) discloses an elevator diagnostic system that selects the speed of the elevator's diagnostic operation after an earthquake occurs based on the magnitude of shaking at the elevator car's stopping position after an earthquake occurs and the magnitude of risk at a preset car height position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-84744 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2019 / 220670 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned elevator diagnostic system, when a low speed is selected as the diagnostic operation speed, the diagnostic operation is performed at a low speed, which causes a problem that it takes a long time to complete the diagnostic operation.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can shorten the time it takes for an elevator to be restored during diagnostic operation when an earthquake occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The elevator control system according to the present disclosure includes a control unit and a vibration damping device. The control unit controls the operation of a rope-type elevator in which a car is suspended by a main rope. The vibration damping device suppresses lateral sway of a long object including the main rope. The long object is connected to the car and is provided in a hoistway in which the car ascends and descends. The elevator is provided with an earthquake sensor that detects earthquakes. After the earthquake sensor detects an earthquake, the control unit issues a command to execute a diagnostic operation in which the car runs to diagnose whether or not there is an abnormality in the elevator. During the diagnostic operation, the control unit issues a command to run the car at a rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement suppressed by the vibration damping device is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and to run the car at a speed slower than the rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement suppressed by the vibration damping device exceeds the predetermined value.

[0009] A control method according to the present disclosure is a control method for an elevator control system including a control unit that controls the operation of a rope-type elevator in which a car is suspended by main ropes, and a vibration damping device that suppresses lateral sway of a long object including the main rope. The long object is connected to the car and is provided in a hoistway through which the car ascends and descends. The elevator is equipped with an earthquake sensor that detects earthquakes. The control method includes the steps of: after the earthquake sensor detects an earthquake, issuing a command to execute a diagnostic operation in which the car runs to diagnose whether or not there is an abnormality in the elevator; and issuing a command in the diagnostic operation to run the car at a rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement suppressed by the vibration damping device is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and to run the car at a speed slower than the rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement exceeds the predetermined value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the time required for an elevator to be restored can be shortened in connection with diagnostic operations during an earthquake. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an elevator control system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an elevator control system. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the suppression of lateral vibration of a long object by a vibration damping device. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram for explaining the suppression of lateral vibration of the main rope A by the vibration damping device. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining car speed control during diagnostic operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table for a main rope A. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table for a control cable A. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by the elevator control system. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart of a process executed by an elevator control system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an elevator control system 100. The elevator control system 100 includes a monitoring device 300, a communication device 50, an elevator control device 20, and a vibration damping device 19 (Fig. 2).

[0014] The monitoring device 300 is installed in an information center 3 of a maintenance company that maintains elevators. The monitoring device 300 managed by this maintenance company manages elevators 1 installed in multiple buildings (in this example, buildings 2, 2a, and 2b). The monitoring device 300 is configured to be able to communicate with these multiple elevators 1. The monitoring device 300 monitors the occurrence of earthquakes in each elevator 1 and manages earthquake recovery responses for each elevator 1.

[0015] The monitoring device 300 accesses a weather information server 500 (for example, a server of the Japan Meteorological Agency) that distributes earthquake information for the area, and acquires earthquake information for the area (information on seismic intensity for each region). For example, the monitoring device 300 may acquire emergency earthquake alerts, long-period earthquake vibration forecast information, etc. from the weather information server 500.

[0016] When the earthquake sensor 40 installed in the elevator 1 detects an earthquake (for example, a P wave, which is a preliminary tremor) while the car 10 of the elevator 1 is traveling, the elevator control device 20 executes earthquake control operation, which causes the car 10 to travel to the nearest floor and then opens the doors of the car 10. By the car 10 opening the doors at the nearest floor, passengers can disembark. For example, if the above-mentioned shaking is detected while the car 10 is traveling between the first and second floors, the doors will open after the car 10 has traveled to the nearest floor, the first or second floor.

[0017] After the earthquake detector 40 detects an earthquake, the elevator control device 20 performs a diagnostic operation in which the car 10 runs to diagnose whether there is an abnormality in the elevator 1. For example, the diagnostic operation causes the car 10 to run back and forth from the lowest floor to the top floor, and diagnoses whether there is an abnormality in the elevator 1, such as the running state of the car 10 and the opening and closing of the doors. If the result of the diagnostic operation of the elevator 1 is normal, the car 10 is temporarily restored without being shut down. This makes the car 10 available for use.

[0018] The elevator 1 includes an elevator control device 20 that controls the elevator 1, an elevator device 30 (FIG. 2), and an earthquake sensor 40 that detects earthquakes. If multiple elevators 1 are installed in a building 2, each elevator 1 is provided with its own earthquake sensor 40, elevator control device 20, and communication device 50.

[0019] The following will be described in detail using the building 2 shown in Fig. 1 as an example. The elevator control device 20 is a control board that controls the elevator device 30. The elevator device 30 is configured to include a hoisting machine 250, hall devices (not shown) installed at halls on each floor from the first floor to the top floor, a car device (not shown) installed in the car 10, and various sensors and switches used in the elevator 1.

[0020] The hoist 250 is a motor that drives the car 10 of the elevator 1 to raise and lower it. The car device is various devices installed in the car 10, including a destination floor button (car call button) (not shown) for registering a destination floor. The hall device is various devices installed at the halls on each floor, including a hall call button (not shown) for registering a hall call.

[0021] The car 10 is installed in an elevator shaft 8 provided in the building 2. The car 10 moves up and down in the elevator shaft 8 to move between a plurality of floors. In this embodiment, the car 10 can stop at each floor from the first floor to the top floor. A machine room 5 is provided directly above the elevator shaft 8. The machine room 5 contains a hoisting machine 250, an elevator control device 20, an earthquake sensor 40, and a communication device 50.

[0022] In this embodiment, the elevator 1 is a rope-type elevator in which a car 10 is suspended by main ropes 11. The elevator 1 further comprises, as an elevator device 30, a car 10, a counterweight (balance weight) 12, main ropes 11, a deflector sheave 13, and a control cable 15. The main ropes 11 are hung on the hoist 250 and the deflector sheave 13. The car 10 and counterweight 12 are suspended from both ends of the main ropes 11.

[0023] The elevator 1 can drive the hoisting machine 250 to cause the car 10 installed in the hoistway 8 to travel in an upward direction (also referred to as the "UP direction") or a downward direction (also referred to as the "DN direction"). A shock absorber (buffer) 14 is installed in the pit 6, which is the bottom of the hoistway 8. The shock absorber 14 is a device that absorbs the impact of the car 10 falling if an abnormality occurs.

[0024] The elevator control device 20 is connected to the car 10 via a control cable 15. Within the control cable 15, a plurality of signal lines for communication between the elevator control device 20 and the car 10 are bundled.

[0025] The long object 16 is configured to include the main rope 11 and the control cable 15. The long object 16 is connected to the car 10 and is provided in the hoistway 8 through which the car 10 ascends and descends. The long object 16 may also include a governor rope (not shown). The governor rope is a rope for transmitting the ascending and descending speed of the car 10 to a governor that detects abnormal speed of the car 10. The long object 16 may also be another cable, rope, etc. installed in the hoistway 8.

[0026] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the elevator control system 100. The elevator control device 20 includes a control unit 21. The control unit 21 includes a processor, a memory, and a communication interface (IF), all of which are not shown, and these are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0027] The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory may be configured to include a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage unit. The storage unit is a non-volatile storage device. The storage unit may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0028] The processor loads programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes them to realize various functions of the elevator control device 20. The processor executes processes to control the elevator 1. The ROM stores programs that describe the processing procedures of the processes executed by the elevator control device 20. The RAM serves as a working area when the processor executes the programs, and temporarily stores programs, data used when executing the programs, etc. The communication IF has the function of communicating with various devices connected to the elevator control device 20.

[0029] The monitoring device 300 includes a control unit 301. Similar to the control unit 21, the control unit 301 also includes a processor (CPU), memory (ROM, RAM), and a communication IF (not shown), which are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0030] The monitoring device 300 has a function of acquiring and storing control information notified (transmitted) by the communication IF of the elevator control device 20 via the communication device 50. The monitoring device 300 acquires information from the elevator control device 20 provided in each elevator 1 installed in each building, and monitors the elevators 1 in each building.

[0031] The communication device 50 transmits (issues an alert) various pieces of information about the elevator 1 acquired from the elevator control device 20 to the monitoring device 300. The communication device 50 also includes a processor (CPU), memory (ROM, RAM), and a communication IF (not shown). These are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The communication device 50 also includes an acceleration sensor 51. The acceleration sensor 51 detects the shaking of the elevator shaft 8.

[0032] The earthquake sensor 40 is a device that detects earthquakes. The elevator control device 20 acquires earthquake signals from the earthquake sensor 40 (for example, a signal that identifies P waves or S waves and a signal that identifies the strength of the earthquake (seismic intensity, weak, strong, etc.)).

[0033] The elevator control device 20 can cause the car 10 to perform an operation (earthquake control operation) based on the earthquake signal detected by the earthquake sensor 40. Specifically, when the elevator control device 20 detects an earthquake signal, it causes the car 10 to travel to the nearest floor. Furthermore, the elevator control device 20 executes the above-mentioned diagnostic operation.

[0034] The monitoring device 300 communicates with elevators 1 (elevator control devices 20) installed in each building, such as buildings 2a and 2b, managed by the information center 3, via the communication devices 50 of each elevator 1. The communication devices 50 issue (transmit) various elevator signals, including earthquake signals detected by earthquake sensors 40, to the monitoring device 300. The monitoring device 300 acquires this various information.

[0035] This allows the monitoring device 300 to acquire various types of elevator information and to know that an earthquake has occurred in the building the elevator is installed in. The signals acquired by the monitoring device 300 are not limited to earthquake signals (P waves, S waves, earthquake magnitude, etc.), but may also include signals indicating that the elevator is out of service due to the occurrence of an earthquake, signals that can identify the state of entrapment, etc.

[0036] The monitoring device 300 stores specifications for each building, such as buildings 2a and 2b, managed by the information center 3 (maintenance company), and the elevators 1 installed in each building, as well as map information including the location information of each building. The monitoring device 300 also stores information issued by each earthquake sensor 40 (for example, earthquake signals such as P waves and S waves), abnormality information acquired from the elevators 1, and the history of controlled operation during earthquakes.

[0037] The vibration damping device 19 includes magnet units 191 and 192, a sensor 193, and a control unit 194. Like the control unit 21, the control unit 194 also includes a processor (CPU), memory (ROM, RAM), and a communication IF (not shown). The control unit 194 controls the vibration damping device 19. Details of the operation of the vibration damping device 19 will be described using FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0038] 3 is a diagram for explaining the suppression of lateral vibration of the elongated object 16 by the vibration damping device 19. The vibration damping device 19 executes control to suppress lateral vibration of the elongated object 16 including the main ropes 11 and the control cables 15.

[0039] In this embodiment, six vibration damping devices 19 are installed. Here, of the main ropes 11, the rope portion between the hoisting machine 250 (sheave) and the car 10 is referred to as the "main rope A," and the rope portion between the deflector pulley 13 and the counterweight 12 is referred to as the "main rope B." Of the control cables 15, the cable portion between the lowest part and the elevator control device 20 is referred to as the "control cable A," and the cable portion between the lowest part and the car 10 is referred to as the "control cable B."

[0040] In order to suppress lateral vibration of the main ropes A, vibration damping devices 19 are provided on the floor of the machine room 5 and on the top of the car 10. The vibration damping devices 19 may be installed on either the floor of the machine room 5 or the top of the car 10.

[0041] In order to suppress lateral vibration of the main rope B, vibration damping devices 19 are provided on the floor of the machine room 5 and on the top of the counterweight 12. The vibration damping devices 19 may be installed on either the floor of the machine room 5 or on the top of the counterweight 12.

[0042] In order to suppress the lateral vibration of the control cable A, a vibration suppression device 19 is provided at the top of the hoistway 8. This vibration suppression device 19 may also be installed on the floor of the machine room 5. In order to suppress the lateral vibration of the control cable B, a vibration suppression device 19 is provided at the bottom of the car 10. The vibration suppression device 19 may also be installed on the above-mentioned governor rope, and configured to suppress the lateral vibration of the governor rope.

[0043] When lateral shaking occurs due to an earthquake, the main ropes A and B and the control cables A and B (long objects 16) sway laterally (horizontally) as shown in Figure 3. Each vibration control device 19 operates to suppress the lateral shaking of these long objects 16.

[0044] However, if an earthquake occurs that is large enough that the vibration control device 19 cannot suppress the lateral swaying of the long object 16, or if resonance occurs, the long object 16 may shake violently, causing the long object 16 to come into contact with the equipment installed in the elevator shaft 8 or the equipment of the elevator 1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "equipment").

[0045] For example, if the maximum displacement Y at the position where the lateral swaying of the main rope A is maximum exceeds the threshold YL, the main rope A will come into contact with the equipment, and if the maximum displacement Y is below the threshold YL, the main rope A will not come into contact with the equipment.

[0046] In this embodiment, the system is configured to perform diagnostic operation at the rated speed when the long object 16 does not come into contact with equipment. On the other hand, when the long object 16 comes into contact with equipment, the system is configured to perform diagnostic operation at a speed slower than the rated speed (low-speed operation) for safety reasons. In other words, when any one of the main ropes A, B and the control cables A, B comes into contact with equipment, diagnostic operation is performed at low speed. In the example of Figure 3, the maximum displacement Y of the main rope A exceeds the threshold YL (the main rope A comes into contact with equipment), so in this case diagnostic operation is performed at low speed.

[0047] 4 is a diagram for explaining how the vibration damping device 19 suppresses lateral vibration of the main ropes A. As described above, the vibration damping device 19 includes the magnet units 191 and 192, the sensor 193, and the control unit 194.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the vibration control device 19 is installed such that the magnet unit 191 and the magnet unit 192, which are provided on the floor 5a of the machine room, sandwich the main rope A. When no earthquake occurs, the displacement amount X at a specific position of the main rope A (referred to as the "specific displacement amount X") = 0. The specific displacement amount X is measured by a sensor 193 (not shown). The sensor 193 is a measuring device that measures the specific displacement amount (first displacement amount) at a specific position of the long object 16.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the specific displacement amount X=X1 due to lateral shaking caused by an earthquake. The vibration control device 19 acts on the main rope A to control it so that the specific displacement amount X=0. Specifically, the magnet units 191 and 192 are controlled so that the main rope A moves in the direction of the magnet unit 192 so that the specific displacement amount X1 becomes 0 (the attractive force of the permanent magnet of the magnet unit 192 is increased). If the specific displacement amount X1<0, the magnet units 191 and 192 are controlled so that the main rope A moves in the direction of the magnet unit 191 (the attractive force of the permanent magnet of the magnet unit 191 is increased).

[0050] The maximum displacement Y shown in Figure 3 can be estimated based on the specific displacement X. A method for estimating the maximum displacement Y from the specific displacement X will be described later using Figure 6. Furthermore, if the range is -threshold XL < specific displacement X < threshold XL, the range is -threshold YL < maximum displacement Y < threshold YL. In other words, if the specific displacement X exceeds threshold XL, the maximum displacement Y exceeds threshold YL, and the main rope A will come into contact with the equipment.

[0051] The vibration damping device 19 disclosed in this embodiment is merely an example, and any known technology may be used to suppress lateral vibration of a long object. For example, a vibration damping device may be configured based on the technology disclosed in International Publication No. 2019 / 220670. Whether the specific displacement amount X exceeds the threshold value XL may be detected by capturing an image with a camera or by using some kind of sensor. For simplicity, this embodiment is configured to control lateral vibration in the X direction shown in FIG. 4, but it may also be configured to control lateral vibration in a direction rotated 90 degrees on a horizontal plane from the X direction. Similarly, two magnet units and a sensor 193 are installed to control lateral vibration in this direction.

[0052] 5 is a diagram for explaining the speed control of the car 10 during diagnostic operation. In this embodiment, the ascending / descending process from the first floor to the top floor along which the car 10 travels is divided into N running sections from the first running section to the Nth running section. In this example, the ascending / descending process from the first floor to the fourth floor is defined as the first section, the ascending / descending process from the fourth floor to the seventh floor as the second section, and the ascending / descending process including the top floor as the Nth running section.

[0053] The control unit 21 issues a command to execute a diagnostic operation. In the diagnostic operation, the control unit 21 issues a command to run the car 10 at the rated speed in a running section where the amount of displacement of lateral shaking suppressed by the vibration damping device 19 is equal to or less than a threshold value (a predetermined value), and to run the car 10 at a speed slower than the rated speed (low-speed operation) in a running section where the amount of displacement of lateral shaking suppressed by the vibration damping device 19 exceeds the threshold value.

[0054] More specifically, the control unit 21 calculates the maximum displacement amount (second displacement amount) at the position of the long object 16 where the lateral shaking is maximum, based on the specific displacement amount measured during the diagnostic operation. During the diagnostic operation, the control unit 21 issues a command to run the car 10 at the rated speed in the running section where the calculated maximum displacement amount is equal to or less than the threshold, and to run the car 10 at a low speed in the running section where the calculated maximum displacement amount exceeds the threshold.

[0055] In the example of Fig. 5, it is assumed that the specific displacement amount X of the main rope A exceeds the threshold value XL while traveling in the second traveling section (in this case, the maximum displacement amount Y of the main rope A exceeds the threshold value YL). As a result, in the diagnostic operation, the car 10 travels at a low speed while traveling in the second traveling section.

[0056] On the other hand, in all sections other than the second running section, the maximum displacement amount does not exceed the threshold value in either the main ropes A and B or the control cables A and B. In this case, during diagnostic operation, the car 10 runs at the rated speed while traveling in sections other than the second running section.

[0057] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the conversion table 91 for the main rope A. The conversion table 91 for the main rope A is a table showing the correspondence between the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 51 and the specific displacement amount X and maximum displacement amount Y in the main rope A.

[0058] The conversion table 91 for the main rope A may be created by measuring the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 51 and the specific displacement amount X and maximum displacement amount Y at that time while vibration control is being performed by the vibration control device 19.

[0059] For example, by using the conversion table 91, if the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 51 is α1, and the car 10 is traveling in the first traveling section, it can be estimated that the specific displacement amount X=A11 and the maximum displacement amount Y=B11. If the acceleration=α1, and the car 10 is traveling in the second traveling section, it can be estimated that the specific displacement amount X=A21 and the maximum displacement amount Y=B21. If the acceleration=α1, and the car 10 is traveling in the Nth traveling section, it can be estimated that the specific displacement amount X=An1 and the maximum displacement amount Y=Bn1.

[0060] For example, when acceleration = α2 and the car 10 is traveling in the first traveling section, it is estimated that the specific displacement amount X = A12 and the maximum displacement amount Y = B12. When acceleration = αm and the car 10 is traveling in the first traveling section, it is estimated that the specific displacement amount X = A1m and the maximum displacement amount Y = B1m.

[0061] It is also possible to estimate the value of the maximum displacement amount Y based on the value of the specific displacement amount X. For example, when the car 10 is traveling in the first traveling section, if the specific displacement amount X=A11, the maximum displacement amount Y is estimated to be B11. When the car 10 is traveling in the second traveling section, if the specific displacement amount X=A22, the maximum displacement amount Y is estimated to be B22.

[0062] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the conversion table 92 for the control cable A. The conversion table 92 for the control cable A is a table showing the relationship between the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 51 and the specific displacement amount X and the maximum displacement amount Y for the control cable A.

[0063] As in FIG. 6, the conversion table 92 for the control cable A may be created by measuring the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 51 and the specific displacement amount X and maximum displacement amount Y at that time while the vibration control is being performed by the vibration control device 19.

[0064] For example, if the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 51 is α1, and the car 10 is traveling in the first traveling section, it is estimated that the specific displacement amount X in the control cable A is C11 and the maximum displacement amount Y is D11. If the acceleration is α1, and the car 10 in the control cable A is traveling in the second traveling section, it is estimated that the specific displacement amount X is C21 and the maximum displacement amount Y is D21. Although not shown, the main rope B and the control cable B also have conversion tables similar to those described above.

[0065] The following description will be made using a flowchart. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the processing executed by the elevator control system 100. Hereinafter, "step" may also be simply referred to as "S".

[0066] Before diagnostic driving, control unit 21 estimates the amount of lateral sway displacement for each travel section based on the detection value of acceleration sensor 51. If the estimated amount of lateral sway displacement is equal to or less than a threshold value in all travel sections, control unit 21 issues a command to start diagnostic driving at rated speed, and if the estimated amount of lateral sway displacement exceeds the threshold value in one or more travel sections, control unit 21 issues a command to start diagnostic driving at low speed. Specifically, this is achieved by the following method of S101 to S105.

[0067] When this process starts, the control unit 21 acquires acceleration information and the like from the acceleration sensor 51 (S101). In addition to the acceleration information from the acceleration sensor 51, information from the earthquake detector 40, an emergency earthquake alert obtained from the weather information server 500, long-period earthquake vibration prediction information, and the like may also be acquired.

[0068] The control unit 21 estimates each maximum displacement based on the conversion table (S102). Here, the maximum displacement Y of the main rope A in each traveling section is calculated based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 51 and the conversion table 91 for the main rope A. If the detected acceleration is α5, the maximum displacement Y of the first traveling section is calculated as Y=B15, the maximum displacement Y of the second traveling section as Y=B25, ..., the maximum displacement Y of the Nth traveling section as Y=Bn5. Similar calculations are made for the main rope B and the control cables A and B.

[0069] The maximum displacement amount is not limited to being estimated based on acceleration as described above, but may be estimated by taking into consideration information from earthquake sensors 40, emergency earthquake warnings, long-period earthquake vibration prediction information, etc. For example, each maximum displacement amount may be estimated based on a future seismic intensity prediction included in an emergency earthquake warning.

[0070] If there is a maximum displacement amount that exceeds the threshold value (YES in S103), the control unit 21 starts diagnosis by operating at a low speed (S104). On the other hand, if there is a maximum displacement amount that exceeds the threshold value (NO in S103), the control unit 21 starts diagnosis at the rated speed (S105). For example, in the above example, assume that only the maximum displacement amount Y=B25 of the main rope A in the second traveling section exceeds the threshold value for the main rope A, and that the main rope B and the control cables A and B do not exceed the threshold value in any traveling section. In this case, it is determined that there is a maximum displacement amount that exceeds the threshold value, and diagnostic operation by operating at a low speed is started.

[0071] The diagnostic operation is, for example, a round trip in which the car 10 travels from the lowest floor to the top floor, and then travels from the top floor to the bottom floor. At this time, various diagnoses are performed to check for any abnormalities in the elevator 1. Note that the processes of S101 to S105 may not be executed, and only the processes of S106 to S112 described below may be executed upon the start of the diagnostic operation. Alternatively, only the processes of S101 to S105 may be executed, without executing the processes of S106 to S112.

[0072] The control unit 21 acquires each specific displacement amount (S106). Each specific displacement amount is a value acquired in real time from the sensors 193 of the six vibration damping devices 19 shown in FIG.

[0073] If there is a location where the maximum displacement amount corresponding to the specific displacement amount exceeds the threshold value (YES in S107), the control unit 21 sets the traveling section where the vehicle is traveling to low speed operation (S108). On the other hand, if there is no location where the maximum displacement amount corresponding to the specific displacement amount exceeds the threshold value (NO in S107), the control unit 21 sets the traveling section where the vehicle is traveling to rated speed (S109).

[0074] For example, suppose the measured value of the specific displacement X of the main rope A in the second traveling section is A2m. In this case, the corresponding maximum displacement Y is calculated as B2m (see Figure 6), and this value exceeds the threshold. In this case, the second traveling section in operation is set to low speed operation. Also, for example, if none of the maximum displacement Ys exceeds the threshold while traveling in the third traveling section, the third traveling section in operation is set to rated speed.

[0075] When the car 10 has completed its reciprocating travel and the diagnostic operation has ended (YES in S110), the control unit 21 proceeds to the process in S111. On the other hand, when the reciprocating travel has not been completed and the diagnostic operation is continuing (NO in S110), the control unit 21 returns the process to S106. In other words, while the diagnostic operation is being carried out, the processes of S106 to S109 are repeatedly executed.

[0076] The control unit 21 issues a command to suspend the car 10 if the amount of displacement of lateral shaking exceeds the threshold in all running sections. Specifically, when the diagnostic operation is terminated (YES in S110), if the threshold is exceeded in all running sections (all of the first running section to the Nth running section) (YES in S111), the control unit 21 decides to suspend operation (S112) and terminates this processing. On the other hand, if there is a running section where the threshold is not exceeded (NO in S111), the control unit 21 terminates this processing as is. If the suspension of operation is not decided, the car 10 becomes available for use, but if the suspension of operation is decided, the car 10 cannot be used due to the suspension.

[0077] As described above, the elevator control system 100 includes the control unit 21 and the vibration damping device 19. The control unit 21 controls the operation of the rope-type elevator 1 in which the car 10 is suspended by the main ropes 11. The vibration damping device 19 suppresses lateral vibration of the long object 16 including the main ropes 11. The long object 16 is connected to the car 10 and is provided in the hoistway 8 in which the car 10 ascends and descends. The elevator 1 is provided with an earthquake sensor 40 that detects earthquakes. After the earthquake sensor 40 detects an earthquake, the control unit 21 issues a command to execute a diagnostic operation in which the car 10 is caused to run in order to diagnose whether or not there is an abnormality in the elevator 1. During diagnostic operation, the control unit 21 commands the car 10 to run at the rated speed in the running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement suppressed by the vibration control device 19 is below a threshold value (a predetermined value), and to run the car 10 at a speed slower than the rated speed (low-speed operation) in the running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement suppressed by the vibration control device 19 exceeds the threshold value.

[0078] In this way, during diagnostic operation, the lateral vibration of the car 10 is suppressed by the vibration damping device 19. Then, for the running section where the lateral vibration is sufficiently suppressed by the vibration damping device 19, diagnostic operation is quickly performed at the rated speed. On the other hand, for only the running section where the amount of lateral vibration displacement suppressed by the vibration damping device 19 exceeds the threshold value and the lateral vibration cannot be suppressed even by the vibration damping device 19, diagnostic operation is safely performed by operating at a low speed. In this way, the time until the elevator 1 is restored during diagnostic operation in the event of an earthquake can be shortened. This improves convenience for users of the elevator 1.

[0079] The vibration damping device 19 includes a measuring device (sensor 193) that measures a specific displacement amount (first displacement amount) at a specific position of the long object 16. Based on the specific displacement amount measured during diagnostic operation, the control unit 21 calculates a maximum displacement amount (second displacement amount) at a position of the long object 16 where lateral shaking is maximum. During diagnostic operation, the control unit 21 commands the car 10 to run at the rated speed in a running section where the calculated maximum displacement amount is equal to or less than a threshold, and to run at a low speed in a running section where the calculated maximum displacement amount exceeds the threshold. This allows the diagnostic operation to be performed safely by running at a low speed when it is predicted that the long object 16 will come into contact with equipment or the like in the elevator shaft 8 (when the maximum displacement amount exceeds the threshold).

[0080] When the displacement of the lateral sway exceeds the threshold value in all running sections, the control unit 21 issues a command to stop the car 10. As a result, when it is not possible to run safely in all sections, the car 10 is stopped, thereby ensuring the safety of users of the car 10.

[0081] The elevator control system 100 further includes an acceleration sensor 51 that detects the sway of the hoistway 8. Before diagnostic operation, the control unit 21 estimates the amount of lateral sway displacement for each running section based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor 51. If the estimated amount of lateral sway displacement is equal to or less than a threshold value in all running sections, the control unit 21 issues a command to start diagnostic operation at the rated speed, and if the estimated amount of lateral sway displacement exceeds the threshold value in one or more running sections, the control unit 21 issues a command to start diagnostic operation at a low speed. This allows diagnostic operation to be started at an appropriate speed based on the current sway state of the hoistway 8.

[0082] [Variations] 9 is a flowchart of processing executed by elevator control system 100 according to a modified example. In this embodiment, the specific displacement amount is acquired in real time by sensor 193 during diagnostic operation, and car 10 is configured to run at a low speed for a running section where the maximum displacement amount corresponding to this specific displacement amount exceeds a threshold. In contrast, in the modified example, the running speed for each running section is determined in advance based on the detection value of acceleration sensor 51 acquired before diagnostic operation.

[0083] Specifically, before diagnostic operation, the control unit 21 estimates the amount of lateral sway displacement for each running section based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor 51. During diagnostic operation, the control unit 21 issues a command to make the car 10 run at the rated speed in running sections where the amount of lateral sway displacement estimated before diagnostic operation is equal to or less than a threshold, and to make the car 10 run at a low speed in running sections where the amount of lateral sway displacement estimated before diagnostic operation exceeds the threshold.

[0084] When this process starts, the control unit 21 acquires acceleration information and the like from the acceleration sensor 51 (S201). In addition to the acceleration information from the acceleration sensor 51, information from the earthquake detector 40, an emergency earthquake alert obtained from the weather information server 500, long-period earthquake vibration prediction information, and the like may also be acquired.

[0085] The control unit 21 sets i=0 (S202). The control unit 21 adds 1 to i (S203). The control unit 21 estimates the maximum displacement amount corresponding to each specific displacement amount in the i-th traveling section based on the conversion table (S204).

[0086] For example, when i=1, the specific displacement X and maximum displacement Y of the main rope A in the first running section are calculated based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 51 and the conversion table 91 for the main rope A. When the detected acceleration is α2, the specific displacement X=A12 and the maximum displacement Y=B12. Also, the specific displacement X=C12 and the maximum displacement Y=D12 of the control cable A in the first running section.

[0087] If there is a location where the maximum displacement amount corresponding to each specific displacement amount exceeds the threshold (YES in S205), the control unit 21 sets the i-th traveling section to low speed operation (S206). On the other hand, if there is no location where the maximum displacement amount corresponding to each specific displacement amount exceeds the threshold (NO in S205), the control unit 21 sets the i-th traveling section to rated speed (S207).

[0088] For example, in the example of the first traveling section, if none of the calculated maximum displacement amounts Y (B12, D12, etc.) exceeds the corresponding threshold value, the first traveling section is set to the rated speed. As a result, when the diagnostic operation starts, the car 10 travels at the rated speed in the first traveling section.

[0089] If i=N (YES in S208), the control unit 21 proceeds to S209. On the other hand, if i=N is not true (NO in S208), the control unit 21 returns the process to S203. As a result, the processes of S204 to S207 are repeated for all of the driving sections from the first driving section to the Nth driving section.

[0090] For example, when i=2, based on the acceleration α2 detected by the acceleration sensor 51 and the conversion table 91 for the main rope A, the specific displacement X of the main rope A in the second traveling section becomes A22 and the maximum displacement Y becomes B22. Also, the specific displacement X of the control cable A in the second traveling section becomes C22 and the maximum displacement Y becomes D22. Since the specific displacement X of the main rope A = A22 > the corresponding threshold, the second traveling section is set to low-speed operation. As a result, when diagnostic operation starts, the car 10 travels at a low speed in the second traveling section. The same process is performed for the third traveling section and thereafter, and the traveling speeds for all traveling sections are determined.

[0091] If the displacement amount of lateral shaking estimated before diagnostic operation exceeds the threshold value in all running sections, the control unit 21 issues a command to suspend operation of the car 10 without starting diagnostic operation. Specifically, if the threshold value is exceeded in all running sections (YES is returned in S205 in all running sections and low-speed operation is set), the control unit 21 decides to suspend operation (S211) and terminates this processing. On the other hand, if NO is returned in S209 (NO is returned in S205 in one or more running sections and the rated speed is set), the control unit 21 executes diagnostic operation (S210) and terminates this processing.

[0092] In other words, if the threshold is exceeded in all driving sections, driving is suspended without performing diagnostic driving. If there is one or more driving sections where the threshold is not exceeded, diagnostic driving is performed at a preset driving speed in each driving section.

[0093] The maximum displacement amount is not limited to being estimated based on acceleration as described above, but may be estimated by taking into account information from earthquake sensors 40, emergency earthquake warnings, long-period earthquake vibration prediction information, etc. For example, each maximum displacement amount may be estimated based on a future seismic intensity prediction included in an emergency earthquake warning. This makes it possible to perform diagnostic operation taking into account the magnitude of earthquakes that may occur during diagnostic operation.

[0094] As explained above, before diagnostic operation, the control unit 21 estimates the amount of lateral sway displacement for each running section based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor 51. During diagnostic operation, the control unit 21 issues a command to run the car 10 at the rated speed in running sections where the amount of lateral sway displacement estimated before diagnostic operation is equal to or less than a threshold, and to run the car 10 at a low speed in running sections where the amount of lateral sway displacement estimated before diagnostic operation exceeds the threshold.

[0095] In this way, for a running section where it is estimated that lateral vibration will be sufficiently suppressed by the vibration damping device 19 based on the detection value of the acceleration sensor 51, a diagnostic operation is quickly performed at the rated speed. On the other hand, for a running section where the amount of lateral vibration displacement suppressed by the vibration damping device 19 exceeds the threshold value and it is estimated that the lateral vibration cannot be suppressed even by the vibration damping device 19, a diagnostic operation is safely performed at a low speed. In this way, the time until the elevator 1 is restored during diagnostic operation in the event of an earthquake can be shortened. This improves convenience for users of the elevator 1.

[0096] If the displacement of the lateral sway estimated before the diagnostic operation exceeds the threshold value in all travel sections, the control unit 21 issues a command to stop the car 10 without starting the diagnostic operation. This stops the car 10 when it is not possible to travel safely in all sections, thereby ensuring the safety of users of the car 10.

[0097] [Note] The above-described embodiment is a specific example of the following additional notes.

[0098] (Appendix 1) a control unit that controls the operation of a rope-type elevator in which a car is suspended by a main rope; A vibration control device is provided to suppress lateral vibration of a long object including the main rope, The elongated object is connected to the car and is provided in a hoistway through which the car moves up and down, The elevator is provided with an earthquake sensor that detects earthquakes, The control unit After the earthquake detector detects an earthquake, a diagnostic operation execution command is issued to run the car to diagnose whether or not there is an abnormality in the elevator; an elevator control system that, during the diagnostic operation, commands the car to run at a rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement suppressed by the vibration damping device is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and commands the car to run at a speed slower than the rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement suppressed by the vibration damping device exceeds the predetermined value.

[0099] (Appendix 2) the vibration damping device includes a measuring device that measures a first displacement amount at a specific position of the elongated object, The control unit calculating a second displacement amount at a position of the elongated object where the lateral vibration is maximum based on the first displacement amount measured during the diagnostic operation; 2. The elevator control system of claim 1, wherein, during the diagnostic operation, a command is issued to run the car at a rated speed in a running section where the calculated second displacement amount is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and to run the car at a speed slower than the rated speed in a running section where the calculated second displacement amount exceeds a predetermined value.

[0100] (Appendix 3) 3. The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit issues a command to stop the car when the amount of displacement of the lateral sway exceeds a predetermined value in all running sections.

[0101] (Appendix 4) Further provided is a sensor for detecting the sway of the elevator shaft, The control unit Before the diagnostic operation, the amount of displacement of the lateral vibration for each traveling section is estimated based on the detection value of the sensor; 4. The elevator control system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein, if the estimated lateral sway displacement amount is equal to or less than a predetermined value in all running sections, a command is issued to start the diagnostic operation at the rated speed, and if the estimated lateral sway displacement amount exceeds a predetermined value in one or more running sections, a command is issued to start the diagnostic operation at a speed slower than the rated speed.

[0102] (Appendix 5) Further provided is a sensor for detecting the sway of the elevator shaft, The control unit Before the diagnostic operation, the amount of displacement of the lateral vibration for each traveling section is estimated based on the detection value of the sensor; 2. The elevator control system of claim 1, wherein during the diagnostic operation, a command is issued to run the car at a rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement estimated before the diagnostic operation is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and to run the car at a speed slower than the rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement estimated before the diagnostic operation exceeds a predetermined value.

[0103] (Appendix 6) The elevator control system described in Appendix 5, wherein the control unit issues a command to stop the car without starting the diagnostic operation if the amount of lateral sway displacement estimated before the diagnostic operation exceeds a predetermined value in all running sections.

[0104] (Appendix 7) A control method for an elevator control system including a control unit that controls the operation of a rope-type elevator in which a car is suspended by a main rope, and a vibration control device that suppresses lateral vibration of a long object including the main rope, comprising: The elongated object is connected to the car and is provided in a hoistway through which the car moves up and down, The elevator is provided with an earthquake sensor that detects earthquakes, The control method includes: a step of issuing a command to execute a diagnostic operation for running the car to diagnose whether or not there is an abnormality in the elevator after the earthquake sensor detects an earthquake; and during the diagnostic operation, issuing a command to run the car at a rated speed in a running section where the amount of displacement of the lateral sway suppressed by the vibration control device is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and to run the car at a speed slower than the rated speed in a running section where the amount of displacement of the lateral sway exceeds the predetermined value.

[0105] The embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples and are not limited to the above. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 elevator, 2, 2a, 2b building, 3 information center, 5 machine room, 6 pit, 8 elevator shaft, 10 car, 11 main rope, 12 counterweight, 13 deflector, 14 buffer, 15 control cable, 16 long object, 19 vibration control device, 20 elevator control device, 21 control unit, 30 elevator device, 40 earthquake detector, 50 communication device, 51 acceleration sensor, 91, 92 conversion table, 100 elevator control system, 191, 192 magnet unit, 193 sensor, 194 control unit, 250 hoist, 300 monitoring device, 301 control unit, 500 weather information server.

Claims

1. a control unit that controls the operation of a rope-type elevator in which a car is suspended by a main rope; A vibration control device is provided to suppress lateral vibration of a long object including the main rope, The elongated object is connected to the car and is provided in a hoistway through which the car moves up and down, The elevator is provided with an earthquake sensor that detects earthquakes, The control unit After the earthquake detector detects an earthquake, a diagnostic operation execution command is issued to run the car to diagnose whether or not there is an abnormality in the elevator; an elevator control system that, during the diagnostic operation, commands the car to run at a rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement suppressed by the vibration damping device is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and commands the car to run at a speed slower than the rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement suppressed by the vibration damping device exceeds the predetermined value.

2. the vibration damping device includes a measuring device that measures a first displacement amount at a specific position of the elongated object, The control unit calculating a second displacement amount at a position of the elongated object where the lateral vibration is maximum based on the first displacement amount measured during the diagnostic operation; 2. The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein, during the diagnostic operation, a command is issued to run the car at the rated speed in a running section where the calculated second displacement amount is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and to run the car at a speed slower than the rated speed in a running section where the calculated second displacement amount exceeds the predetermined value.

3. 2. The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit issues a command to stop the car when the amount of displacement of the lateral sway exceeds a predetermined value in all running sections.

4. Further provided is a sensor for detecting the sway of the elevator shaft, The control unit Before the diagnostic operation, the amount of displacement of the lateral vibration for each traveling section is estimated based on the detection value of the sensor; 4. The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein, when the estimated amount of displacement of lateral sway is equal to or less than a predetermined value in all running sections, a command is issued to start the diagnostic operation at the rated speed, and when the estimated amount of displacement of lateral sway exceeds a predetermined value in one or more running sections, a command is issued to start the diagnostic operation at a speed slower than the rated speed.

5. Further provided is a sensor for detecting the sway of the elevator shaft, The control unit Before the diagnostic operation, the amount of displacement of the lateral vibration for each traveling section is estimated based on the detection value of the sensor; 2. The elevator control system according to claim 1, wherein, during the diagnostic operation, a command is issued to run the car at the rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement estimated before the diagnostic operation is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and to run the car at a speed slower than the rated speed in a running section where the amount of lateral sway displacement estimated before the diagnostic operation exceeds a predetermined value.

6. 6. The elevator control system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit issues a command to stop the car without starting the diagnostic operation when the amount of displacement of the lateral sway estimated before the diagnostic operation exceeds a predetermined value in all running sections.

7. A control method for an elevator control system including a control unit that controls the operation of a rope-type elevator in which a car is suspended by a main rope, and a vibration control device that suppresses lateral vibration of a long object including the main rope, comprising: The elongated object is connected to the car and is provided in a hoistway through which the car moves up and down, The elevator is provided with an earthquake sensor that detects earthquakes, The control method includes: a step of issuing a command to execute a diagnostic operation for running the car to diagnose whether or not there is an abnormality in the elevator after the earthquake sensor detects an earthquake; and during the diagnostic operation, issuing a command to run the car at a rated speed in a running section where the amount of displacement of the lateral sway suppressed by the vibration control device is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and to run the car at a speed slower than the rated speed in a running section where the amount of displacement of the lateral sway exceeds the predetermined value.

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