Elevator brake maintenance device

Abstract

The present invention provides an elevator brake maintenance device that can supply a cleaning current to a pair of brake contacts. [Solution] The elevator brake maintenance device is an elevator brake maintenance device that can be electrically connected to an elevator brake, wherein the elevator brake has a pair of brake contacts that open and close in conjunction with the brake opening and closing operation, and the elevator brake maintenance device has a cleaning circuit component that is electrically connected to the pair of brake contacts in order to configure a cleaning circuit that applies a cleaning voltage to the pair of brake contacts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to an elevator brake maintenance device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an elevator brake has a pair of brake contacts that open and close in conjunction with the brake opening and closing operation (for example, Patent Document 1). In the elevator brake according to Patent Document 1, when the brake is in the open state (released state), the pair of brake contacts are in the closed state, and when the brake is in the closed state (operating state), the pair of brake contacts are in the open state.

[0003] By the way, when the pair of brake contacts repeatedly open and close, for example, the brake contacts may oxidize and an oxide film may be formed on the brake contacts. As a result, poor contact of the pair of brake contacts occurs. Therefore, there is a desire to destroy the oxide film formed on the brake contacts by passing a cleaning current through the pair of brake contacts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the problem is to provide an elevator brake maintenance device that can pass a cleaning current through a pair of brake contacts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator brake maintenance device is an elevator brake maintenance device that can be electrically connected to an elevator brake, The elevator brake is equipped with a pair of brake contacts that open and close in conjunction with the brake opening and closing operation. The elevator brake maintenance device includes a cleaning circuit component that is electrically connected to the pair of brake contacts in order to form a cleaning circuit that applies a cleaning voltage to the pair of brake contacts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Elevator overview diagram [Figure 2] Overview diagram of elevator brakes [Figure 3] Enlarged view of region III in Figure 2 (a: diagram showing the closed state, b: diagram showing the open state) [Figure 4] Elevator wiring diagram [Figure 5] Wiring diagram of elevator brake maintenance device and elevator brake according to one embodiment [Figure 6] Circuit diagram of the elevator brake according to the same embodiment. [Figure 7] A circuit diagram of the elevator brake according to the same embodiment, showing the extent of each circuit and each circuit component. [Figure 8] A circuit diagram of an elevator brake according to the same embodiment, showing the applied state. [Figure 9] A circuit diagram of the elevator brake according to the same embodiment, showing the state in which the brake is stopped. [Figure 10] Circuit diagram of an elevator brake according to another embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] In each drawing, the dimensions of components may be enlarged or reduced from their actual dimensions for the sake of clarity, and the dimensional ratios between drawings may not be consistent. Furthermore, in each drawing, some components may be omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0009] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "1st," "2nd," etc., are used to describe various components, but these terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. Furthermore, the number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited; for example, there may be only one. Also, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0010] The following description will explain one embodiment of an elevator brake maintenance device with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the elevator brake maintenance device, and does not limit the configuration of the elevator brake maintenance device.

[0011] First, before explaining the various components of the elevator brake maintenance system, we will describe the elevator (specifically, the elevator brake) that is maintained by the elevator brake maintenance system. Note that the following explanation is illustrative and intended to aid in understanding the configuration of elevators and elevator brakes, and does not limit the possible configurations of elevators and elevator brakes.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the elevator 20 may include, for example, a car 21 for people (passengers) to ride in, a car rope 22 connected to the car 21, a counterweight 23 connected to the car rope 22, a hoisting machine 24 that drives the car rope 22 to move the car 21 and the counterweight 23 in the vertical direction D3, a car rail 25 that guides the car 21, a counterweight rail 26 that guides the counterweight 23, and a control panel 27 that controls each part of the elevator 20.

[0013] In FIG. 1, the first end of the cage rope 22 is fixed to the cage 21, and the second end of the cage rope 22 is fixed to the counterweight 23. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, both ends of the cage rope 22 may be fixed to the upper or lower part of the hoistway X1, respectively, and the cage rope 22 may be wound around the sheave of the cage 21 and the sheave of the counterweight 23, respectively, so that the cage rope 22 is connected to the cage 21 and the counterweight 23, respectively.

[0014] The hoisting machine 24 may include, for example, a sheave 24a around which the cage rope 22 is wound, a drive source 24b (e.g., a motor) for rotating the sheave 24a, and an elevator brake (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "brake") 30 for braking the sheave 24a. In FIG. 1, the hoisting machine 24 is arranged inside the machine room X2. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the machine room X2 may not be provided, and the hoisting machine 24 may be arranged inside the hoistway X1.

[0015] Also, in each figure, the first direction D1 is the first lateral direction D1, the second direction D2 is the second lateral direction D2 which is a lateral direction orthogonal to the first lateral direction D1, the third direction D3 is the vertical direction D3 which is orthogonal to each of the lateral directions D1 and D2, and is the hoisting and lowering direction in which the cage 21 and the counterweight 23 are hoisted and lowered.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the brake 30 may include, for example, a main body portion 31, a rotating portion 32 that rotates integrally with the sheave 24a, a braking portion 33 that presses against and contacts the rotating portion 32 to brake the sheave 24a, an operating portion 34 that operates (moves) the braking portion 33, and a detecting portion 35 that detects the opening and closing operation (specifically, the operation of the braking portion 33) of the brake 30.

[0017] Then, as shown in Fig. 3(a), when the braking part 33 is positioned at the operating position (closed position) where it presses against and contacts the rotating part 32, the brake 30 is in the closed state (operating state). On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3(b), when the braking part 33 is positioned at the release position (open position) where it separates from the rotating part 32, the brake 30 is in the open state (released state).

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, the operating part 34 may include, for example, a first operating source 34a that applies a force in the direction from the operating position to the release position (left direction in Fig. 3) to the braking part 33, and a second operating source 34b that applies a force in the direction from the release position to the operating position (right direction in Fig. 3) to the braking part 33.

[0019] The first operating source 34a may be, for example, an electromagnet 34a (e.g., electromagnetic coil) that applies an electromagnetic force to the braking part 33 by being energized. Also, the second operating source 34b may be, for example, an elastic body 34b (e.g., spiral spring) that applies an elastic restoring force to the braking part 33 by elastically deforming.

[0020] Thereby, when the electromagnet 34a is energized, the force of the electromagnet 34a, which is greater than the force of the elastic body 34b, is applied to the braking part 33, so the braking part 33 is positioned at the release position. On the other hand, when the energization of the electromagnet 34a is stopped, the force of the elastic body 34b is applied to the braking part 33, so the braking part 33 is positioned at the operating position.

[0021] In this way, the operating part 34 performs the brake opening and closing operation by being switched between the energized state where it is energized and the power-off state where the energization is stopped. Specifically, when the operating part 34 (electromagnet 34a) is in the energized state, the brake 30 is in the open state (released state), while when the operating part 34 (electromagnet 34a) is in the power-off state, the brake 30 is in the closed state (operating state).

[0022] The detection unit 35 may, for example, include a first detector 35a fixed to the braking unit 33, a second detector 35b rotatably connected to the main body 31, and a brake switch 36 fixed to the main body 31 that opens and closes in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the brake 30, as shown in Figure 3.

[0023] The brake switch 36 may include, for example, an actuator 36a that is pressed by the second detector 35b, and a pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b (see Figure 6) located inside that open and close in conjunction with the operation of the actuator 36a. The brake switch 36 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a microswitch or a limit switch.

[0024] Then, as shown in Figure 3(b), when the braking unit 33 is in the open position, the first detector 35a pushes the second detector 35b, which in turn pushes the actuator 36a of the brake switch 36. As a result, the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b (see Figure 6) come into contact with each other, and the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b close, causing the brake switch 36 to close.

[0025] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3(a), when the braking unit 33 is in the operating position, the second detector 35b moves away from the first detector 35a, and therefore the second detector 35b moves away from the actuator 36a of the brake switch 36. As a result, the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b (see Figure 6) move away from each other, and the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b become open, so the brake switch 36 becomes open.

[0026] Thus, the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b of the brake switch 36 open and close in conjunction with the brake opening and closing operation of the brake 30 (specifically, the operation of the braking unit 33). Specifically, when the operating unit 34 is energized and the brake 30 is in the open state (release state), the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b close, while when the operating unit 34 is de-energized and the brake 30 is in the closed state (operated state), the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b open.

[0027] In Figure 3, the brake 30 opens when the operating unit 34 is energized, and closes when the operating unit 34 is de-energized. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the brake 30 opens when the operating unit 34 is de-energized, and closes when the operating unit 34 is energized.

[0028] Furthermore, in Figure 3, the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b open when the brake 30 is closed, and the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b close when the brake 30 is open. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b open when the brake 30 is open, and the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b close when the brake 30 is closed.

[0029] Furthermore, although Figure 3 shows the braking portion 33 in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the rotating portion 32 under pressure, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the braking portion 33 may also be configured to contact the outer circumferential surface of the rotating portion 32 under pressure.

[0030] Furthermore, in Figure 3, the braking unit 33 presses against the inner (or outer) surface of the rotating unit 32, meaning that the brake 30 is a drum brake. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the braking unit 33 presses against the plate-shaped rotating unit 32 by sandwiching it in the thickness direction, meaning that the brake 30 is a disc brake.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the control panel 27 may include a processing unit 27a that processes information to control various parts of the elevator 20. The processing unit 27a may consist of a single device, or it may consist of multiple devices that can communicate with each other. In other words, the processing unit 27a may be located separately from the control panel 27 (for example, on the elevator car 21 or landing).

[0032] The processing unit 27a may include, for example, an acquisition unit that acquires information from each unit, a storage unit that stores the information, an calculation unit that performs calculations on the information, and a control unit that controls each unit. Furthermore, the processing unit 27a may be a computer equipped with, for example, a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (e.g., calculation unit, control unit), and memory such as ROM and RAM (e.g., acquisition unit, storage unit).

[0033] The brake 30 may include brake connectors 37 and 38 that are physically and electrically connected to the processing connector 27b for electrical connection to the processing unit 27a, as shown in Figure 4. By connecting the processing connector 27b and the brake connectors 37 and 38, for example, operation instruction information for the brake 30 can be output to the brake 30 (specifically, the operating unit 34), and open / close information for the brake switch 36 can be input to the processing unit 27a.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the elevator brake maintenance device (hereinafter also simply referred to as "maintenance device") 1 may include, for example, maintenance connectors 2 and 3 that can be physically and electrically connected to brake connectors 37 and 38, and a power supply unit 4 for supplying power to each part of the maintenance device 1 and the brake 30. As a result, the maintenance device 1 can be electrically connected to the brake 30 by connecting the maintenance connectors 2 and 3 to the brake connectors 37 and 38.

[0035] Therefore, when maintaining the brake 30, the processing connector 27b is disconnected from the brake connectors 37 and 38, and then the maintenance connectors 2 and 3 are connected to the brake connectors 37 and 38. On the other hand, when returning the elevator 20 to normal operation, the maintenance connectors 2 and 3 are disconnected from the brake connectors 37 and 38, and then the processing connector 27b is connected to the brake connectors 37 and 38 (see Figure 4).

[0036] The number of connectors 2, 3, 37, and 38 is not particularly limited. For example, the number of connectors 2, 3, 37, and 38 may be two sets, as in this embodiment, or it may be one set or three or more sets.

[0037] The power supply unit 4 may, for example, be equipped with a plug 4a that can be connected to a commercial power outlet, as in this embodiment. However, the power supply unit 4 is not limited to this configuration, and may be equipped with a storage battery, a connection mechanism that can be electrically connected to a storage battery, or terminals that can be connected to the terminal block of the control panel 27 (see Figure 4).

[0038] Furthermore, the maintenance device 1 includes a brake switching unit 5 that switches the open / closed state of the brake 30, a voltage switching unit 6 that switches between an applied state in which voltage is applied to a pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b and an applied-off state in which the application of said voltage is stopped, and an output unit 7 that outputs information. The output unit 7 may, for example, include a display unit 7a (e.g., an indicator light, an electronic display board) that displays information and a sound-emitting unit 7b (e.g., a buzzer, a speaker) that emits information as sound, as in this embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the maintenance device 1 includes a brake operation circuit component 8 that constitutes a brake operation circuit 41 that causes the operating unit 34 to open and close the brake, and a cleaning circuit component 9 that constitutes a cleaning circuit 42 that applies a cleaning voltage to a pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. The maintenance device 1 also includes a first output circuit 10 that outputs information to the output unit 7 when the voltage is applied, and a second output circuit component 11 that constitutes a second output circuit 43 that outputs information to the output unit 7 when the voltage is not applied.

[0040] In Figure 7 (and similarly in Figures 8 to 10), the ranges of each circuit 10, 41 to 43 and each circuit component 8, 9, and 11 are enclosed by dashed lines. The power supply unit 4 constitutes each circuit 10, 41 to 43 and each circuit component 8, 9, and 11, and applies voltage to each circuit 10, 41 to 43.

[0041] The brake operating circuit component 8 is electrically connected to the operating unit 34 (electromagnet 34a). For example, as in this embodiment, the brake operating circuit component 8 may be electrically connected to the operating unit 34 by connecting the brake connector 37 and the maintenance connector 2. The brake operating circuit 41 is then configured by electrically connecting the brake operating circuit component 8 to the operating unit 34.

[0042] The brake switching unit 5 may, for example, include a pair of brake switching contacts 5a, 5a that constitute the brake operating circuit 41, as in this embodiment. Although not particularly limited, the brake switching unit 5 may be, for example, an operated switch (e.g., a push button switch, a selector switch, etc.).

[0043] Furthermore, the brake operating circuit 41 may be a circuit in which the power supply unit 4, a pair of brake switching contacts 5a, 5a, and the operating unit 34 (electromagnet 34a) are connected in series, as in this embodiment. As a result, when the brake switching unit 5 is operated, the pair of brake switching contacts 5a, 5a open and close, so that the energized state and the de-energized state of the operating unit 34 (electromagnet 34a) can be switched. Therefore, by operating the brake switching unit 5, the operating unit 34 can be made to perform the brake opening and closing operation.

[0044] In this embodiment, although not particularly limited, when the pair of brake switching contacts 5a, 5a are closed, the operating unit 34 (electromagnet 34a) becomes energized, causing the brake 30 to open (release state). Conversely, when the pair of brake switching contacts 5a, 5a are open, the operating unit 34 (electromagnet 34a) becomes de-energized, causing the brake 30 to close (operated state).

[0045] The cleaning circuit component 9 is electrically connected to a pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. For example, as in this embodiment, the cleaning circuit component 9 may be electrically connected to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b by connecting the brake connector 38 and the maintenance connector 3. The cleaning circuit 42 is then configured by the electrical connection of the cleaning circuit component 9 to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0046] Furthermore, the maintenance device 1 is equipped with a switch 12. The switch 12 comprises an electromagnetic coil 12a and a pair of switching contacts 12b, 12b that open and close depending on the presence or absence of current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 12a. The electromagnetic coil 12a constitutes the cleaning circuit component 9. The switch 12 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an electromagnetic relay (also called a "relay"), an electromagnetic switch (also called a "magnetic switch"), or an electromagnetic contactor (also called a "magnetic contactor").

[0047] The voltage switching unit 6 may, for example, include a pair of first voltage switching contacts 6a, 6a, a pair of second voltage switching contacts 6b, 6b, a pair of third voltage switching contacts 6c, 6c, and a pair of fourth voltage switching contacts 6d, 6d, as in this embodiment. The voltage switching unit 6 may also be an operated switch (e.g., a select switch, a push-button switch, etc.), although this is not particularly limited.

[0048] In this embodiment, the open / closed state of the pair of second voltage switching contacts 6b, 6b is the same as the open / closed state of the pair of first voltage switching contacts 6a, 6a, while the open / closed state of the pair of third voltage switching contacts 6c, 6c and the pair of fourth voltage switching contacts 6d, 6d is the opposite of the open / closed state of the pair of first voltage switching contacts 6a, 6a.

[0049] Furthermore, the cleaning circuit 42 may be a circuit in which a power supply unit 4, an electromagnetic coil 12a, a pair of first voltage switching contacts 6a, 6a, a pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b, and a pair of second voltage switching contacts 6b, 6b are connected in series, as in this embodiment. As a result, when the voltage switching unit 6 is operated, the pair of first voltage switching contacts 6a, 6a and the pair of second voltage switching contacts 6b, 6b are opened and closed, so the cleaning circuit 42 can be switched between an applied state and an applied-off state.

[0050] Therefore, by operating the voltage switching unit 6, the cleaning circuit 42 can be switched between an applied state and an applied-off state. Specifically, when the pair of first voltage switching contacts 6a, 6a and the pair of second voltage switching contacts 6b, 6b are closed, the cleaning circuit 42 enters an applied state in which voltage is applied to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b, while when the pair of first voltage switching contacts 6a, 6a and the pair of second voltage switching contacts 6b, 6b are opened, the cleaning circuit 42 enters an applied-off state in which the application of voltage to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b is stopped.

[0051] The first output circuit 10 may be a circuit in which the power supply unit 4, a pair of switching contacts 12b, 12b, and the output unit 7 are connected in series, for example, as in this embodiment. As a result, the first output circuit 10 causes the output unit 7 to output information when the pair of switching contacts 12b, 12b switch on and off.

[0052] The second output circuit component 11 is electrically connected to a pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. For example, as in this embodiment, the second output circuit component 11 may be electrically connected to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b by connecting the brake connector 38 and the maintenance connector 3. The second output circuit 43 is formed by the electrical connection of the second output circuit component 11 to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0053] Furthermore, the second output circuit 43 may be a circuit in which the power supply unit 4, a pair of third voltage switching contacts 6c, 6c, a pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b, a pair of fourth voltage switching contacts 6d, 6d, and the output unit 7 are connected in series, as in this embodiment. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b causes the second output circuit 43 to output information to the output unit 7.

[0054] Next, a method for maintaining the brake 30 using the maintenance device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Note that the following method is provided as an example to aid in understanding the maintenance method of the brake 30, and is not intended to limit the maintenance method of the brake 30.

[0055] In Figures 8 and 9, "Open" or "Closed" indicates the open or closed state (open or closed) of each contact 5a, 6a-6d, 12b, and 36b. Also in Figures 8 and 9, thick solid lines indicate areas where current is flowing, and dashed lines indicate areas where no current is flowing.

[0056] First, the brake connectors 37 and 38 are connected to the maintenance connectors 2 and 3. This electrically connects the brake operating circuit component 8 to the operating unit 34 (electromagnet 34a), and the cleaning circuit component 9 and the second output circuit component 11 to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0057] Then, as shown in Figure 8, the voltage switching unit 6 is operated, and the pair of first voltage switching contacts 6a, 6a and the pair of second voltage switching contacts 6b, 6b are closed, causing the cleaning circuit 42 to apply a cleaning voltage to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. As a result, the cleaning circuit 42 enters the applied state.

[0058] Then, when the brake switching unit 5 is operated and the pair of brake switching contacts 5a, 5a are closed, the operating unit 34 (electromagnet 34a) switches from an energized state to an energized state. As a result, the brake 30 opens (releases), and the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b close.

[0059] In this way, when the cleaning circuit 42 is applied, the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are closed, allowing a cleaning current to flow through the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. As a result, for example, oxide films, sulfide films, and carbide compounds formed on the brake contacts 36b can be destroyed, thus eliminating poor contact between the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0060] Incidentally, the electromagnetic coil 12a constitutes the cleaning circuit 42. As a result, the electromagnetic coil 12a resists sudden changes in the current flowing through the cleaning circuit 42, thereby suppressing the generation of arcs at the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. Therefore, damage to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b due to arcing can be suppressed. In this way, the electromagnetic coil 12a functions as an arc generation suppression means.

[0061] While not particularly limited, the cleaning voltage applied to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b may be, for example, 50V or more. Also, while not particularly limited, the cleaning current flowing through the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b may be, for example, 100mA or more.

[0062] Furthermore, when cleaning current flows through the cleaning circuit 42, current flows through the electromagnetic coil 12a, causing the pair of open / closed contacts 12b, 12b to close. As a result, the first output circuit 10 outputs information to the output unit 7.

[0063] Therefore, the output unit 7 outputs information, allowing it to recognize that a cleaning current has flowed through the electromagnetic coil 12a, i.e., the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. Thus, the switch 12 has a function to suppress the generation of arcs in the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b, and a function to output information about the open / closed state of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b to the output unit 7.

[0064] The configuration in which the output unit 7 outputs information is not particularly limited. For example, the display unit 7a may display the information (for example, an indicator light may illuminate). This allows the display unit 7a to recognize that a cleaning current has flowed through the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b, that is, that the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b have closed.

[0065] Furthermore, when the cleaning circuit 42 is activated, the pair of third voltage switching contacts 6c, 6c and the pair of fourth voltage switching contacts 6d, 6d are open. As a result, when the cleaning circuit 42 is activated, the output unit 7 is isolated from the brake contact 36b. Therefore, when cleaning current flows through the cleaning circuit 42, it is possible to suppress the flow of cleaning current through the output unit 7.

[0066] As a result, for example, damage to the output unit 7 due to cleaning current can be suppressed. Note that "insulation" means not conducting, and includes not only configurations that are not conducting by not being electrically connected, for example, but also configurations that are not conducting by being electrically connected via a pair of contacts and having that pair of contacts open.

[0067] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the voltage switching unit 6 is operated, and the pair of first voltage switching contacts 6a, 6a and the pair of second voltage switching contacts 6b, 6b open, causing the cleaning circuit 42 to stop applying voltage to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. As a result, the cleaning circuit 42 enters a state where voltage application is stopped.

[0068] Then, when the brake switching unit 5 is operated and the pair of brake switching contacts 5a, 5a are closed, the operating unit 34 (electromagnet 34a) switches from an unpowered state to a powered state. As a result, the brake 30 opens (releases), and the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b close. Therefore, the opening and closing operation of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b can be performed without supplying cleaning current to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0069] Furthermore, when the cleaning circuit 42 is in a state where the voltage is not being applied, the pair of third voltage switching contacts 6c, 6c and the pair of fourth voltage switching contacts 6d, 6d are in a closed state. As a result, when the cleaning circuit 42 is in a state where the voltage is not being applied, the output section 7 is in contact with the brake contact 36b.

[0070] Then, when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are closed, the second output circuit 43 causes the output unit 7 to output information. Therefore, the output unit 7 can recognize that the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b have been closed.

[0071] The configuration in which the output unit 7 outputs information is not particularly limited. For example, the display unit 7a may display the information (for example, an indicator light may illuminate). This allows the display unit 7a to recognize that the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b have closed.

[0072] In this way, for example, when the cleaning circuit 42 is in the applied state, the output of the output unit 7 can be used to confirm that cleaning current has flowed through the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. Then, for example, when the cleaning circuit 42 is stopped from being applied, the output of the output unit 7 can be used to confirm the operating status (contact status) of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0073] [1] Based on the above, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 is as described in this embodiment. An elevator brake maintenance device 1 that can be electrically connected to the elevator brake 30, The elevator brake 30 is equipped with a pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b that open and close in conjunction with the brake opening and closing operation. The elevator brake maintenance device 1 includes a cleaning circuit component 9 that is electrically connected to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b in order to form a cleaning circuit 42 that applies a cleaning voltage to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. This configuration is preferable.

[0074] With this configuration, the cleaning circuit component 9 is electrically connected to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b to form the cleaning circuit 42. As a result, the cleaning circuit 42 applies a cleaning voltage to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. Therefore, when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are closed, a cleaning current can be passed through the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0075] [2] Furthermore, in the elevator brake maintenance device 1 described in [1] above, as in this embodiment, The elevator brake 30 includes an operating unit 34 that performs the brake opening and closing operation by switching between an energized state where power is supplied and an energized-off state where the power is stopped. The elevator brake maintenance device 1 is In order to configure the brake operating circuit 41 that causes the operating unit 34 to perform the brake opening and closing operation, a brake operating circuit component 8 is electrically connected to the operating unit 34, The system includes a brake switching unit 5 that switches between the energized state and the de-energized state of the operating unit 34. This configuration is preferable.

[0076] With this configuration, the brake operating circuit component 8 is electrically connected to the operating unit 34 to form the brake operating circuit 41. The brake switching unit 5 then switches between energized and de-energized states of the operating unit 34, thereby causing the operating unit 34 to perform brake opening and closing operations.

[0077] [3] Furthermore, in the elevator brake maintenance device 1 described in [1] or [2] above, as in this embodiment, The cleaning circuit 42 includes a voltage switching unit 6 that switches between an applied state in which voltage is applied to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b and an application-stopped state in which the application of said voltage is stopped. This configuration is preferable.

[0078] With this configuration, the voltage switching unit 6 activates the cleaning circuit 42, which in turn applies a voltage to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. This causes the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b to close, allowing a cleaning current to flow through them.

[0079] Furthermore, the voltage switching unit 6 stops the cleaning circuit 42 from applying voltage, thereby stopping the application of voltage to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. This allows the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b to be opened and closed without any cleaning current flowing through them.

[0080] [4] Furthermore, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 described in [3] above is as in this embodiment, The cleaning circuit 42 includes an output unit 7 that outputs information about the open / closed state of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b when the application state and the application stop state are respectively. This configuration is preferable.

[0081] With this configuration, when the cleaning circuit 42 is applied, the output unit 7 outputs information about the open / closed state of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. As a result, the output of the output unit 7 allows it to be recognized that the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are in a closed state and that cleaning current is flowing through the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0082] Furthermore, when the cleaning circuit 42 is in a state where it is not applying pressure, the output unit 7 outputs information about the open / closed state of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. This makes it possible to recognize the opening and closing operation of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b by the output of the output unit 7.

[0083] [5] Furthermore, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 described in [4] above is as in this embodiment, A switch 12 having an electromagnetic coil 12a and a pair of open / closed contacts 12b, 12b that open or close depending on the presence or absence of current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 12a, The cleaning circuit 42 is in the applied state, and the first output circuit 10 causes the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b to open and close, thereby outputting the information to the output unit 7. The electromagnetic coil 12a constitutes the cleaning circuit component 9. The output unit 7 and the pair of switching contacts 12b, 12b constitute the first output circuit 10. The first output circuit 10 causes the output unit 7 to output the information by opening and closing the pair of open / closed contacts 12b, 12b. This configuration is preferable.

[0084] With this configuration, the electromagnetic coil 12a of the switch 12 constitutes the cleaning circuit component 9. As a result, the electromagnetic coil 12a of the switch 12 resists sudden changes in the current flowing through the cleaning circuit 42, thereby suppressing the generation of arcs at the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. Therefore, damage to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b due to arcing can be suppressed.

[0085] Furthermore, the output unit 7 and the pair of open / closed contacts 12b, 12b constitute the first output circuit 10. When current flows through the electromagnetic coil 12a that constitutes the cleaning circuit component 9, the pair of open / closed contacts 12b, 12b open and close.

[0086] As a result, current flows through the electromagnetic coil 12a, causing the output unit 7 to output information about the open / closed state of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. Therefore, when the cleaning circuit 42 is applied, the output of the output unit 7 allows it to be recognized that cleaning current has flowed through the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0087] [6] Furthermore, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 described in [4] or [5] above is as in this embodiment, In order to configure a second output circuit 43 that causes the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b to open and close when the cleaning circuit 42 is in the state where the application is stopped, thereby outputting the information to the output unit 7, a second output circuit component 11 is provided which is electrically connected to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. The output unit 7 constitutes the second output circuit configuration unit 11, The voltage switching unit 6 conducts the brake contact 36b and the output unit 7 when the cleaning circuit 42 is in the state where the voltage is not applied, while insulating the brake contact 36b and the output unit 7 when the cleaning circuit 42 is in the state where the voltage is applied. This configuration is preferable.

[0088] With this configuration, when the cleaning circuit 42 is in a state where the voltage is not applied, the voltage switching unit 6 makes the brake contact 36b and the output unit 7 conductive. As a result, when the cleaning circuit 42 is in a state where the voltage is not applied, the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b open and close, and the output unit 7 outputs the open / closed state of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b. Therefore, when the cleaning circuit 42 is in a state where the voltage is not applied, the opening and closing operation of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b can be recognized by the output of the output unit 7.

[0089] On the other hand, when the cleaning circuit 42 is in the applied state, the voltage switching unit 6 isolates the brake contact 36b from the output unit 7. This prevents cleaning current from flowing to the output unit 7 when cleaning current flows through the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0090] It should be noted that the elevator brake maintenance device 1 is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, nor is it limited to the effects and benefits described above. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the elevator brake maintenance device 1 can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, one or more of the configurations and methods described below may be arbitrarily selected and adopted in the configurations and methods of the embodiment described above.

[0091] (A) The elevator brake maintenance device 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to include a brake operating circuit component 8 and a brake switching unit 5 that switches between an energized state and an energized-off state of the operating unit 34. However, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0092] For example, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 may be configured without a brake operating circuit component 8 and a brake switching unit 5. In such a configuration, the switching between the energized state and the de-energized state of the operating unit 34 may be performed by operating the elevator brake 30 or the input switches of the control panel 27.

[0093] (B) Furthermore, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to include a voltage switching unit 6 that switches the cleaning circuit 42 between an applied state and an applied-off state. However, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0094] For example, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 may be configured without a voltage switching unit 6. In such a configuration, the cleaning circuit component 9 may be electrically connected to a pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b, thereby maintaining the applied state in which voltage is applied to the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b.

[0095] (C) Furthermore, in the elevator brake maintenance device 1 according to the above embodiment, the output unit 7 is configured to output information on the open / closed state of a pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b when the brake is applied and when the brake is stopped. However, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0096] For example, the output unit 7 may be configured to output information about the open / closed state of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b when either the applied state or the stopped applied state is active, and not output such information when the other state is active. Alternatively, for example, the output unit 7 may be configured not to output information about the open / closed state of the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b when either the applied state or the stopped applied state is active, or, for example, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 may not have an output unit 7.

[0097] (D) Furthermore, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 according to the above embodiment includes a switch 12 having an electromagnetic coil 12a and a pair of open / close contacts 12b, 12b, the electromagnetic coil 12a constitutes a cleaning circuit component 9, and the output unit 7 and the pair of open / close contacts 12b, 12b constitute a first output circuit 10. However, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0098] For example, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 may be configured in a way that does not include the switch 12. In such a configuration, for example, the output unit 7 may constitute the cleaning circuit component 9.

[0099] (E) Furthermore, in the elevator brake maintenance device 1 according to the above embodiment, the voltage switching unit 6 is configured to conduct electricity between the brake contact 36b and the output unit 7 when the voltage is not applied, and to insulate the brake contact 36b and the output unit 7 when the voltage is applied. However, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0100] For example, the voltage switching unit 6 may be configured to insulate the brake contact 36b from the output unit 7 when the voltage is stopped and when it is applied. Alternatively, for example, the voltage switching unit 6 may be configured to make the brake contact 36b from the output unit 7 conductive when the voltage is stopped and when it is applied. Alternatively, for example, the voltage switching unit 6 may be configured to insulate the brake contact 36b from the output unit 7 when the voltage is stopped, while making the brake contact 36b from the output unit 7 conductive when it is applied.

[0101] (F) Furthermore, in the elevator brake maintenance device 1 according to the above embodiment, the first output circuit 10 is configured to output information to the output unit 7 when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are in a closed state, and not to output information to the output unit 7 (stops the output of information to the output unit 7) when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are in an open state. However, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0102] For example, the first output circuit 10 may be configured to output information to the output unit 7 when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are open, and not output information to the output unit 7 when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are closed. Alternatively, for example, the first output circuit 10 may be configured to output first information to the output unit 7 when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are closed, and output second information different from the first information to the output unit 7 when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are closed.

[0103] (G) Furthermore, in the elevator brake maintenance device 1 according to the above embodiment, the second output circuit component 11 (second output circuit 43) is configured to output information to the output unit 7 when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are in a closed state, and not to output information to the output unit 7 (stops the output of information to the output unit 7) when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are in an open state. However, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0104] For example, the second output circuit component 11 (second output circuit 43) may be configured such that it outputs information to the output unit 7 when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are open, and does not output information to the output unit 7 when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are closed. Alternatively, for example, the second output circuit component 11 (second output circuit 43) may be configured such that it outputs first information to the output unit 7 when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are closed, and outputs second information different from the first information to the output unit 7 when the pair of brake contacts 36b, 36b are closed.

[0105] (H) Furthermore, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 according to the above embodiment is configured to be electrically connectable to the elevator brake 30 by providing maintenance connectors 2 and 3 that can be connected to brake connectors 37 and 38. However, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0106] For example, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 may be electrically connected to the elevator brake 30 by connecting cables to the terminal block of the elevator brake maintenance device 1 and the terminal block of the elevator brake 30, respectively. Alternatively, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 may be electrically connected to the elevator brake 30 by wireless communication in at least a portion of it.

[0107] (I) Alternatively, for example, in the elevator brake maintenance device 1, as shown in Figure 10, the power supply unit 4 may be configured to include a transformer 4b that transforms the first voltage into a second voltage lower than the first voltage. Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 10, the brake operation circuit 41 and the cleaning circuit 42 may be configured as the first voltage circuit, and the first output circuit 10 and the second output circuit 43 may be configured as the second voltage circuit. There are no particular limitations, but for example, the first voltage may be 100V or higher, and for example, the second voltage may be 24V or lower.

[0108] (J) Alternatively, for example, the elevator brake maintenance device 1 may be configured such that the brake operating circuit 41 has a timer that detects when the operating unit 34 has maintained an energized state for a set time, and the output unit 7 outputs information when the timer detects this. In such a configuration, the configuration in which the output unit 7 outputs information is not particularly limited. For example, the sound-producing unit 7b may produce a sound (for example, a buzzer may produce a sound).

[0109] (K) In addition, in the elevator brake maintenance device 1, each of the parts 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 may be provided in, for example, one control panel, or each of the parts 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 may be provided in separate control panels that are electrically connected to each other.

[0110] (L) For example, the execution order of each step, such as the operation, procedure, step, and stage, in the method and apparatus shown in the claims, specification, and drawings can be carried out in any order, as long as the result of the previous step is not used in the later step. For example, even if "first," "next," etc. are used for convenience in the explanation, it does not mean that it is necessary to perform them in that order. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1...Elevator brake maintenance device, 2...Maintenance connector, 3...Maintenance connector, 4...Power supply unit, 4a...Plug, 4b...Transformer, 5...Brake switching unit, 5a...Brake switching contact, 6...Voltage switching unit, 6a...First voltage switching contact, 6b...Second voltage switching contact, 6c...Third voltage switching contact, 6d...Fourth voltage switching contact, 7...Output unit, 7a...Display unit, 7b...Sound generation unit, 8...Brake operation circuit component, 9...Cleaning circuit component, 10...First output circuit, 11...Second output circuit component, 12...Switch, 12a...Electromagnetic coil, 12b...Switching contact, 20...Elevator, 21...Cage, 22...Cage rope, 23...Counterweight, 24...Hoisting machine, 24a...Sheave, 24b ...Drive source, 25...Cage rail, 26...Weight rail, 27...Control panel, 27a...Processing unit, 27b...Processing connector, 30...Elevator brake, 31...Main body, 32...Rotating unit, 33...Braking unit, 34...Operating unit, 34a...First operating source (electromagnet), 34b...Second operating source (elastic body), 35...Detection unit, 35a...First detector, 35b...Second detector, 36...Brake switch, 36a...Actuator, 36b...Brake contact, 37...Brake connector, 38...Brake connector, 41...Brake operating circuit, 42...Cleaning circuit, 43...Second output circuit, D1...First lateral direction, D2...Second lateral direction, D3...Up and down direction, X1...Housing shaft, X2...Machine room

Claims

1. An elevator brake maintenance device that can be electrically connected to an elevator brake, The elevator brake is equipped with a pair of brake contacts that open and close in conjunction with the brake opening and closing operation. The elevator brake maintenance device comprises a cleaning circuit component electrically connected to the pair of brake contacts in order to constitute a cleaning circuit that applies a cleaning voltage to the pair of brake contacts.

2. The elevator brake includes an operating unit that performs the brake opening and closing operation by switching between an energized state in which power is supplied and an energized-off state in which power is stopped. The elevator brake maintenance device is In order to configure a brake operating circuit that causes the operating unit to perform the brake opening and closing operation, a brake operating circuit component is electrically connected to the operating unit, The elevator brake maintenance device according to claim 1, further comprising a brake switching unit that switches between the energized state and the de-energized state of the operating unit.

3. The elevator brake maintenance device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a voltage switching unit that switches the cleaning circuit between an applied state in which a voltage is applied to the pair of brake contacts and an applied-off state in which the application of said voltage is stopped.

4. The elevator brake maintenance device according to claim 3, further comprising an output unit that outputs information on the open / closed state of the pair of brake contacts when the cleaning circuit is in the applied state and the stopped applied state, respectively.

5. A switch comprising an electromagnetic coil and a pair of open / closed contacts that open or close depending on the presence or absence of current flowing through the electromagnetic coil, The cleaning circuit includes a first output circuit that causes the pair of brake contacts to open and close when the cleaning circuit is in the applied state, thereby outputting the information to the output unit. The electromagnetic coil constitutes the cleaning circuit component, The output section and the pair of switching contacts constitute the first output circuit. The elevator brake maintenance device according to claim 4, wherein the first output circuit causes the pair of open / close contacts to open and close, thereby outputting the information to the output unit.

6. In order to configure a second output circuit that causes the pair of brake contacts to open and close when the cleaning circuit is in the state where the application is stopped, thereby outputting the information to the output unit, the second output circuit configuration is provided which is electrically connected to the pair of brake contacts. The output section constitutes the second output circuit configuration section. The elevator brake maintenance device according to claim 5, wherein the voltage switching unit conducts between the brake contact and the output unit when the cleaning circuit is in the state where the voltage is not applied, and insulates between the brake contact and the output unit when the cleaning circuit is in the state where the voltage is applied.

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