Elevator and elevator control method

Abstract

The present invention provides an elevator and an elevator control method that can quickly detect the derailment of the counterweight or elevator car after an earthquake. [Solution] The elevator 100 includes a car, a main rope 3, a counterweight, a car-side guide rail, a counterweight-side guide rail, measuring brackets 46A and 46B, detection sensors 43A and 43B, and an anomaly detection unit. The measuring brackets 46A and 46B are provided at the end 12 of the main rope 3. The detection sensors 43A and 43B measure the distance to the measuring brackets 46A and 46B. During recovery operations after an earthquake, the anomaly detection unit determines, based on the signals detected by the detection sensors 43A and 43B, whether the car has come off the car-side guide rail or whether the counterweight has come off the counterweight-side guide rail.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an elevator includes a car, a counterweight, a rope connecting the car and the counterweight, and a hoist for winding the rope. Also, during the recovery operation after an earthquake, it is necessary to detect whether there are any abnormalities in the counterweight, car, main rope, etc.

[0003] As a technique for detecting abnormalities in the counterweight, car, etc., for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a device for determining abnormalities due to catching and cutting of the main rope of an elevator. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, scales provided respectively on all of a plurality of main ropes attached to a car or a counterweight for suspending the car or the counterweight to detect the load weight applied to the main rope, a storage unit that stores the change in the scale value output from the normal scale of the main rope according to the change in the load amount inside the car as an ideal scale value, and a scale value determination unit that determines an abnormality in the main rope when the measured scale values from all the scales are not included in a specified range set based on the ideal scale value corresponding to the load amount inside the car among the ideal scale values stored in the storage unit during determination.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] ​However, during recovery operations after an earthquake, it is necessary to detect whether the counterweight or elevator car has come off the guide rail, or in other words, whether a rail derailment has occurred. The technology described in Patent Document 1 was unable to detect rail derailment of the counterweight or elevator car.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide an elevator and an elevator control method that can quickly detect the derailment of the counterweight or elevator car after an earthquake, taking into consideration the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems and achieve the objective, the elevator comprises a car that moves up and down in a hoistway, a main rope connected to the car, a counterweight connected to the main rope and moving up and down in the hoistway, a car-side guide rail, a counterweight-side guide rail, a measuring bracket, a detection sensor, and an anomaly detection unit. The car-side guide rail supports the car so that it can move. The counterweight-side guide rail supports the counterweight so that it can move. The measuring bracket is provided at the end of the main rope. The detection sensor is provided in the hoistway and measures the distance to the measuring bracket. During recovery operations after an earthquake, the anomaly detection unit determines, based on the signal detected by the detection sensor, whether the car has come off the car-side guide rail or whether the counterweight has come off the counterweight-side guide rail.

[0008] Furthermore, the elevator control method includes the processes shown in (1) to (3). (1) During recovery operations following an earthquake, the process of raising or lowering the elevator car and counterweight and then stopping them. (2) A process in which, when the elevator car and counterweight are in operation, a detection sensor measures the distance to a measuring bracket provided at the end of the main rope connected to the elevator car and counterweight. (3) A process to determine whether the elevator car has come off the elevator car-side guide rail or whether the counterweight has come off the counterweight-side guide rail, based on the signal detected by the detection sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the elevator and elevator control method described above, it is possible to quickly detect the derailment of the counterweight or elevator car after an earthquake. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an elevator according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the elevator shaft according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the installation state of the hoisting machine in an elevator according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing the installation state of the hoisting machine in an elevator according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the installation state of the hoisting machine in an elevator according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the elevator shaft showing the hoisting machine in an elevator according to an embodiment example installed at the top of the shaft. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the configuration of the detection device and the weight-side end in an elevator according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a side view showing the configuration of the detection device and the weight-side end in an elevator according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an elevator control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of the counterweight in an elevator according to an embodiment, as seen from above. [Figure 11]Figures 11A to 11C are plan views seen from above of a state where the counterweight in the elevator according to the embodiment example has come off the weight-side guide rail. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing a recovery operation in the elevator according to the embodiment example. [Figure 13] It is a graph showing the detection values of the detection sensors in the elevator according to the embodiment example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, an elevator and an elevator control method according to an embodiment example will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. In each figure, common members are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] 1. Embodiment Example 1-1. Configuration of Elevator First, the configuration of the elevator according to the embodiment example (hereinafter referred to as "this example") will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the elevator of this example. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the hoistway of the elevator of this example.

[0013] The elevator 100 of this example is an elevator provided with a machine room at the top of a hoistway 6 formed in a building structure. Note that the elevator 100 can also be applied to a so-called machine-roomless elevator in which a machine room is not provided above the hoistway 6. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elevator 100 of this example includes a car 1, a counterweight 2, a main rope 3, a hoisting machine 4, a compensating rope 5, and a control panel 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 9).

[0014] [Car] The elevator car 1 is for carrying people and luggage. A car-side pulley 8 is provided at the bottom of the elevator car 1 in the vertical direction. The main rope 3 is wound around the car-side pulley 8. The elevator car 1 is supported by the main rope 3 and is guided by a pair of car-side guide rails 13, 13 erected in the elevator shaft 6, and moves vertically within the elevator shaft 6.

[0015] Furthermore, elevator car 1 has a car door on its side. Landing doors 6a are provided at the floors where elevator car 1 stops within the building structure. When elevator car 1 stops at each floor, the car door on elevator car 1 faces the landing door 6a. When the car door and landing door 6a open, people and luggage can board and alight from elevator car 1.

[0016] Furthermore, a car-side control box 15 is installed at the top of the elevator car 1 in the vertical direction. The car-side control box 15 is connected to the control panel 16 so that it can send and receive information. In addition, the car-side control box 15 is supplied with power from the control panel 16 via a cable (not shown). The car-side control box 15 also controls various electronic devices installed in the elevator car 1, such as the car doors and air conditioning equipment, and supplies power to these electronic devices.

[0017] [Balance weight] The counterweight 2 is provided to balance the elevator car 1. A weight-side pulley 11 is provided on the upper part of the counterweight 2. The main rope 3 is wound around the weight-side pulley 11. The counterweight 2 is then housed in the elevator shaft 6, supported by the main rope 3. The counterweight 2 is also movably supported by a pair of weight-side guide rails 14 erected in the elevator shaft 6, and moves vertically within the elevator shaft 6.

[0018] [Main rope] The car-side end 7 of the main rope 3, which is the end of the elevator car 1, and the counterweight-side end 12 of the main rope 3, which is the end of the main rope 3 on the counterweight 2 side, are fixed to the upper part of the hoistway 6. A top pulley 9 is also located at the upper part of the hoistway 6, and a lower pulley 10 is located at the lower part of the hoistway 6. The main rope 3 is then wound in order from the car-side end 7 to the car-side pulley 8 of the elevator car 1, the top pulley 9, the lower pulley 10, the sheave 4a of the hoisting machine 4, and the counterweight-side pulley 11 located at the top of the counterweight 2. Depending on the equipment layout of the elevator, the top pulley 9 and lower pulley 10 may be omitted, and the rope may be wound directly from the car-side pulley 8 to the sheave 4a of the hoisting machine 4.

[0019] [Hoisting machine] The hoisting machine 4 is positioned at the top of the hoistway 6. Also, as shown in Figure 2, in the elevator 100 of this example, the hoisting machine 4 is positioned above the counterweight 2 in the vertical direction. The hoisting machine 4 and the counterweight 2 are positioned on one side in the width direction perpendicular to the direction in which the car-side door and landing door 6a of the elevator car 1 face each other within the hoistway 6.

[0020] The hoisting machine 4 has a sheave 4a around which the main rope 3 is wound, and an electromagnetic brake 4b (see Figures 4 and 5). The hoisting machine 4 raises and lowers the elevator car 1 and counterweight 2 by frictionally driving the main rope 3 via the sheave 4a.

[0021] [Compen Rope] The compensation rope 5 constitutes the compensation device. One end of the compensation rope 5 is connected to the lower part of the elevator car 1, and the other end is connected to the lower part of the counterweight 2. The middle section of the compensation rope 5 is folded back and positioned within the elevator shaft 6. This compensation rope 5 corrects the balance of the weight of the main rope 3 that is applied to the hoisting machine 4 when the elevator car 1 moves up and down.

[0022] Next, referring to Figures 3 to 6, the configuration for fixing the cage-side end 7 and the weight-side end 12 of the main rope 3, as well as the installation state of the hoisting machine 4, will be explained. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the installed state of the hoisting machine 4, Figure 4 is a side view showing the installed state of the hoisting machine 4, and Figure 5 is a front view showing the installed state of the hoisting machine. Figure 6 is a plan view of the elevator shaft 6 showing the hoisting machine 4 installed at the top of the elevator shaft 6.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, a pair of machine beam supports 21, 21 are positioned at the top of the hoistway 6. The machine beam supports 21 are positioned, for example, at both ends in the front-to-back direction, where the landing door 6a and the wall face each other in the hoistway 6. Alternatively, the machine beam supports 21 may be positioned at both ends in the width direction of the hoistway 6. The first machine beam 22, the second machine beam 23, and the rope end beam 24 are fixed to the machine beam supports 21, 21.

[0024] The first machine beam 22, the second machine beam 23, and the rope end beam 24 are arranged with a gap between them in the width direction of the hoistway 6. Hoisting machines 4 are installed on the first machine beam 22 and the second machine beam 23. The sheave 4a of the hoisting machine 4 is positioned above the space between the first machine beam 22 and the second machine beam 23. Furthermore, a deflection pulley 4c, which is positioned near the hoisting machine 4, is positioned between the first machine beam 22 and the second machine beam 23.

[0025] On the second machine beam 23, opposite to the first machine beam 22, a rope end beam 24 is positioned at a distance from the second machine beam 23. A first rope end bracket 25 and a second rope end bracket 26 are positioned on the second machine beam 23 and the rope end beam 24. The car-side end 7 of the main rope 3 is fixed to the first rope end bracket 25, and the weight-side end 12 of the main rope 3 is fixed to the second rope end bracket 26. Note that, except for the rope end beam 24, the car-side end 7 and the weight-side end 12 may be directly fixed to the second machine beam 23 or the first machine beam 22.

[0026] Furthermore, a fixing bracket 41, which will be described later, is fixed to the second rope end bracket 26. In addition, a detection device 70 (see Figures 7 and 8), which will be described later, is positioned at the weight-side end 12. A control panel 16 is positioned near the rope end beam 24 at the top of the hoistway 6. The control panel 16 and the detection device 70 (see Figures 7 and 8) positioned on the second rope end bracket 26 are connected via wiring 19.

[0027] [Detection device] Next, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the configuration of the detection device 70 for detecting when the counterweight 2 has come off the counterweight-side guide rail 14, also known as rail derailment, will be described. Figures 7 and 8 are side views showing the configuration of the detection device 70 and the weight-side end 12.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, the weight-side end 12 has a thimble rod 31 fixed to the end of the main rope 3, a biasing member 32 made of a coil spring, a first spring receiving portion 34, a second spring receiving portion 35, and a fixing nut 33. The thimble rod 31 is formed in a rod shape. The thimble rod 31 is fixed to the end of the main rope 3 and passes through the second rope end bracket 26 in the vertical direction. The first spring receiving portion 34, the second spring receiving portion 35, and the biasing member 32 are arranged on the portion of the thimble rod 31 that protrudes from the upper surface in the vertical direction from the second rope end bracket 26.

[0029] The first spring support portion 34 is placed on the second rope end bracket 26. One end of the biasing member 32 abuts against this first spring support portion 34. The second spring support portion 35 is fixed to the axial upper end of the thimble rod 31 via a fixing nut 33. The other end of the biasing member 32 abuts against this second spring support portion 35. Therefore, the biasing member 32 is interposed between the first spring support portion 34 and the second spring support portion 35.

[0030] Next, the detection device 70 will be described. The detection device 70 comprises a fixed bracket 41, sensor brackets 42A and 42B, detection sensors 43A and 43B, and measuring brackets 46A and 46B.

[0031] The fixing bracket 41 is fixed to the second rope end bracket 26. The fixing bracket 41 protrudes upward in the vertical direction from the second rope end bracket 26. Note that the position where the fixing bracket 41 is installed is not limited to the second rope end bracket 26, but can be any fixed member within the hoistway 6, such as the first machine beam 22, the second machine beam 23, or the rope end beam 24.

[0032] Sensor brackets 42A and 42B are fixed to the fixed bracket 41. Sensor brackets 42A and 42B have a sensor support portion 42a and a fixed portion 42b. The fixed portion 42b is fixed to the fixed bracket 41. The sensor support portion 42a is connected almost vertically to one end of the fixed portion 42b. Therefore, the sensor support portion 42a protrudes horizontally from one surface of the fixed bracket 41. Detection sensors 43A and 43B are fixed to the sensor support portion 42a. The detection surfaces of detection sensors 43A and 43B face downward in the vertical direction. Terminal blocks 44A and 44B are also provided on the sensor brackets 42A and 42B for connecting the detection sensors 43A and 43B to the wiring 19 (see Figure 3).

[0033] Here, the first sensor bracket 42A is positioned lower in the vertical direction than the second sensor bracket 42B. Furthermore, the protrusion length of the sensor support portion 42a of the second sensor bracket 42B from the fixed bracket 41 is set to be longer than the protrusion length of the sensor support portion 42a of the first sensor bracket 42A from the fixed bracket 41. Therefore, the first detection sensor 43A supported by the first sensor bracket 42A and the second detection sensor 43B supported by the second sensor bracket 42B are positioned so as not to interfere with each other.

[0034] Below the first detection sensor 43A in the vertical direction, a first measuring bracket 46A is positioned at a predetermined distance. The first measuring bracket 46A is a substantially flat plate-shaped member. The first measuring bracket 46A is fixed to the upper vertical end of the thimble rod 31 at the weight-side end 12 via a fixing nut 48. The first measuring bracket 46A protrudes toward the fixing bracket 41.

[0035] Furthermore, a second measuring bracket 46B is positioned below the second detection sensor 43B in the vertical direction, at a predetermined interval. The second measuring bracket 46B is fixed to the upper vertical end of the thimble rod 31 at the weight-side end 12 via a fixing nut 48.

[0036] Here, the main rope 3 has multiple ropes. Therefore, the multiple weight-side ends 12 are arranged in multiple rows (two rows in this example) on the second rope end bracket 26. As a result, the second measuring bracket 46B, which is fixed to the weight-side end 12 located away from the fixing bracket 41, may interfere with the weight-side end 12 or the first detection sensor 43 located on the fixing bracket 41 side.

[0037] Therefore, the second measuring bracket 46B in this example has a shape that avoids interference with the weight-side end 12 and the first detection sensor 43A located on the fixed bracket 41 side. Specifically, the second measuring bracket 46B has a fixing piece 46a, a detection piece 46b, and a connecting piece 46c. The fixing piece 46a is fixed to the upper vertical end of the thimble rod 31 of the weight-side end 12 via a fixing nut 48. The connecting piece 46c is continuously attached to one end of the fixing piece 46a in a substantially vertical direction. The connecting piece 46c protrudes upward in the vertical direction from the fixing piece 46a. The detection piece 46b is continuously attached to the upper vertical end of the connecting piece 46c in a substantially vertical direction. The detection piece 46b protrudes toward the fixed bracket 41 from the connecting piece 46c. The connecting piece 46c is positioned below the second detection sensor 43B in the vertical direction at a predetermined distance.

[0038] Here, the length of the connecting piece 46c from the lower end to the upper end in the vertical direction is set to be longer than the vertical length of the first detection sensor 43A. This prevents the second measuring bracket 46B from interfering with the weight-side end 12 located on the fixed bracket 41 side or with the first detection sensor 43A.

[0039] Detection sensors 43A and 43B are distance sensors that measure the distance (amplitude) to the measuring brackets 46A and 46B. For example, if rail derailment occurs on the counterweight 2, the distance between detection sensors 43A and 43B and the measuring brackets 46A and 46B will increase significantly, or, as shown in Figure 8, the measuring brackets 46A and 46B will come into contact with detection sensors 43A and 43B. The detection device 70 then outputs the signals detected by detection sensors 43A and 43B to the control panel 16 which displays the elevator control device.

[0040] Here, the weight-side end 12 vibrates as the counterweight 2 moves. Therefore, the measurement accuracy can be improved by placing the detection sensors 43A and 43B on the second rope end bracket 26, which is a fixed member rather than the vibrating weight-side end 12, with the fixing bracket 41 and sensor brackets 42A and 42B. Furthermore, by placing the detection sensors 43A and 43B on the second rope end bracket 26, which is a fixed member, the installation work of the wiring 19 connecting the control panel 16 and the detection sensors 43A and 43B can be easily performed.

[0041] 1-2. Example of a control system configuration Next, the configuration of the control system for elevator 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system for elevator 100.

[0042] As shown in Figure 9, the control panel 16, which represents the elevator control device, is composed of a computer. The computer is hardware used as a so-called computer, and is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), and a network interface.

[0043] The control panel 16 is connected to the hoisting machine 4, the door opening / closing device 60 which controls the opening and closing of the car-side doors and landing doors 6a installed on the elevator car 1, and the detection device 70. The control panel 16 is also connected via a network to an external management device 200 which monitors the elevator 100.

[0044] The control panel 16 also includes an operation control device 101 and an elevator diagnostic device 102. The operation control device 101 controls the driving of the hoisting machine 4 and the door opening / closing device 60 based on signals from other detectors (not shown).

[0045] Furthermore, the elevator diagnostic device 102 diagnoses the status of the elevator 100 based on signals from the detection device 70. The configuration of the elevator diagnostic device 102 will be described below.

[0046] This elevator diagnostic device 102 performs an automatic diagnosis to determine, for example, whether or not it is safe to start temporary restoration operation after an earthquake. Furthermore, as a pre-processing step before starting the automatic diagnostic operation for the automatic diagnosis, this elevator diagnostic device 102 detects a rail derailment of the counterweight 2 as an abnormality of the elevator 100 based on a signal obtained from the detection device 70.

[0047] The elevator diagnostic device 102 has the following functional units: a threshold storage unit 103, an anomaly detection unit 104, an automatic diagnostic unit 105, and a communication unit 106. Each functional unit has the following functions.

[0048] [Threshold memory unit] The threshold memory unit 103 stores multiple threshold values ​​set for detecting the derailment of the counterweight 2 in response to the signal from the detection device 70. The threshold memory unit 103 stores, as threshold values, upper limit threshold values ​​and adjustment threshold values ​​for the distance (amplitude) to the measuring brackets 46A and 46B for the detection sensors 43A and 43B.

[0049] Here, the state in which the counterweight 2 has come off the guide rail 14 on the weight side (rail detachment) will be explained with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figures 10 to 11C are plan views of the counterweight 2 as seen from above, showing the state in which it has not derailed from the weight-side guide rail 14. Figures 11A to 11C show the state in which the counterweight 2 has derailed from the weight-side guide rail 14.

[0050] As shown in Figure 10, sliders 2a are provided at both ends of the counterweight 2 in the width direction. The sliders 2a are slidably supported on the counterweight-side guide rail 14. In contrast, as shown in Figures 11A to 11C, when the counterweight 2 derails from the counterweight-side guide rail 14, the sliders 2a detach from the counterweight-side guide rail 14.

[0051] Figure 11A shows a state in which one of the two sliders 2a has come off the weight-side guide rail 14. Figures 11B and 11C show a state in which both sliders 2a have come off the weight-side guide rail 14. Figure 11B shows a state in which the two sliders 2a have come off in different directions from each other, and Figure 11C shows a state in which the two sliders 2a have come off in the same direction. Then, as shown in Figures 11A to 11C, when the counterweight 2 comes off the rail, the counterweight 2 shifts from its normal vertical movement position in a direction perpendicular to the vertical movement direction.

[0052] Then, when the counterweight 2 derails as shown in Figures 11A and 11C, the distance (amplitude) from the detection sensors 43A and 43B to the measuring brackets 46A and 46B is deviated from the upper or lower threshold value held in the threshold memory unit 103.

[0053] [Anomaly detection unit] The abnormality detection unit 104 detects that the counterweight 2 has come off the rails based on the signal from the detection device 70 and the threshold value held by the threshold memory unit 103.

[0054] [Automated Diagnostic Unit] The automatic diagnostic unit 105 performs an automatic diagnostic operation if no abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit 104. Here, the automatic diagnostic operation is a diagnostic operation of the elevator car 1 to determine whether or not to perform temporary restoration operation in the event of an earthquake. This diagnostic operation includes the movement of the elevator car 1 and the opening and closing of the car doors. Based on the information obtained from this automatic diagnostic operation, the automatic diagnostic unit 105 diagnoses whether or not to perform temporary restoration operation.

[0055] [g section] The communication unit 106 notifies the management device 200 of the results of the abnormality detection by the abnormality detection unit 104 and the diagnostic results by the automatic diagnostic unit 105.

[0056] 2. Elevator recovery operation Next, the recovery operation of the elevator 100 having the above-described configuration after an earthquake will be explained with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the recovery operation of elevator 100. The recovery operation described below is initiated when the elevator operation is stopped due to the occurrence of an earthquake.

[0057] First, as shown in Figure 12, the automatic diagnostic unit 105 determines whether or not it is permissible to start a diagnosis for temporary recovery operation (step S11). In this case, the automatic diagnostic unit 105 determines whether or not to start the diagnosis according to a general determination procedure. For example, the automatic diagnostic unit 105 determines that it is permissible to start the diagnosis (YES) if a predetermined time has elapsed after the vibrations caused by the earthquake have subsided to a predetermined state, the safety device has not activated, the elevator car 1 has stopped at the nearest floor, and there are no passengers inside the elevator car 1. Then, the automatic diagnostic unit 105 proceeds to the next step S12.

[0058] Next, the abnormality detection unit 104 controls the hoisting machine 4 and performs a stopping operation to make the elevator car 1 travel a short distance before stopping it (step S12). In this case, the counterweight 2, which is connected to the elevator car 1 via the main rope 3, also moves a distance corresponding to the distance traveled by the elevator car 1 and stops. The distance traveled by the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 here does not need to be related to the position of the landing door 6a (see Figure 2). In other words, the short distance travel of the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 here includes a stopping operation that accompanies the short distance travel. Specifically, short distance travel and stopping refers to, for example, intermittent operation in which the operation and stopping are repeated once or multiple times. It is preferable that the stopping operation of the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 be performed with the acceleration (deceleration) that would be used when the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 are moved and stopped under normal conditions. Furthermore, this short-distance travel can be carried out at a low speed without moving the elevator car 1 and counterweight 2 at high speed.

[0059] During this short-distance travel, the abnormality detection unit 104 causes the elevator car 1 to travel in a direction based on the stopping position information of the elevator car 1 held by the operation control device 101. For example, if the stopping position of the elevator car 1 is on the top floor, the abnormality detection unit 104 causes the elevator car 1 to travel a short distance in the downward direction. If the stopping position of the elevator car 1 is on the bottom floor, the abnormality detection unit 104 causes the elevator car 1 to travel a short distance in the upward direction. If the stopping position of the elevator car 1 is on an intermediate floor, the abnormality detection unit 104 causes the elevator car 1 to travel a short distance in a predetermined direction (for example, the direction in which the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 move away from each other).

[0060] Next, the abnormality detection unit 104 acquires the signals detected by the detection sensors 43A and 43B of the detection device 70 during the driving operation in step S12 (step S13). In the processing of step S13, the detection sensors 43A and 43B measure the distance (amplitude) to the measuring brackets 46A and 46B and output it to the abnormality detection unit 104.

[0061] Steps S12 and S13 described above may be repeated a predetermined number of times. In this case, the short-distance travel of the elevator car 1 in step S12 may be performed by repeatedly moving in the downward and upward directions so that the elevator car 1 returns to its original stopping position.

[0062] Next, the abnormality detection unit 104 determines whether the signal acquired in step S13 is within the range of thresholds previously stored in the threshold storage unit 103 (step S14). At this time, the abnormality detection unit 104 extracts thresholds corresponding to the stopping positions of the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 from the threshold storage unit 103 based on the current stopping position information of the elevator car 1 held by the operation control device 101.

[0063] In the process of step S14, if the anomaly detection unit 104 determines that the signal acquired in step S13 does not exceed the threshold (YES determination in step S14), it proceeds to the process of step S18, which will be described later.

[0064] Figure 13 is a graph showing the signal values ​​of detection sensors 43A and 43B when rail derailment occurs on the counterweight 2 and when rail derailment does not occur. If the counterweight 2 derails, it may rest on other components within the elevator shaft 6 or become suspended via the main rope 3. As a result, the biasing member 32, which is attached to the counterweight end 12 of the main rope 3 connected to the counterweight 2, expands and contracts or vibrates more strongly than usual. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, the maximum signal value of the detection sensors 43A and 43B is "1.5" under normal conditions, but when derailment occurs, the maximum signal value exceeds "4". Thus, if the signal value of the detection sensors 43A and 43B exceeds a preset threshold, it can be determined that derailment has occurred in the counterweight 2.

[0065] Furthermore, the signal values ​​of these detection sensors 43A and 43B change similarly whether the elevator car 1 and counterweight 2 are rising (DN travel) or descending (DN).

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the detection device 70 has multiple detection sensors 43A and 43B. This allows for improved detection accuracy of rail derailment by using the average value of the multiple detection sensors 43A and 43B.

[0067] Furthermore, the distance between the detection sensors 43A and 43B and the measuring brackets 46A and 46B changes according to the stopping positions of the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 due to the expansion and contraction of the main rope 3. For this reason, it is preferable that the threshold memory unit 103 stores multiple thresholds corresponding to the stopping positions of the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2. Then, in the processing of step S14, the abnormality detection unit 104 extracts the threshold corresponding to the stopping positions of the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 from the multiple thresholds and compares it with the signal values ​​detected by the detection sensors 43A and 43B. This improves the accuracy of detecting the derailment of the counterweight 2.

[0068] Then, in the process of step S14, if the anomaly detection unit 104 determines that the signal acquired in step S13 has exceeded the threshold (NO determination in step S14), it proceeds to the process of step S15.

[0069] In step S15, the abnormality detection unit 104 instructs the communication unit 106 to notify the control device 200 of the rail derailment, and proceeds to step S16. Upon receiving the instruction, the communication unit 106 transmits a notification to the control device 200 regarding the rail derailment of the counterweight 2. This allows the control device 200 to notify maintenance personnel of the rail derailment and prompt them to prepare for the restoration of the elevator 100 where the rail derailment occurred.

[0070] In this way, rail derailment of the counterweight 2 can be detected during intermittent operation, which involves repeating movement and stopping once or multiple times. This allows the detection device 70 and the abnormality detection unit 104 to detect rail derailment of the counterweight 2 before it is continuously moved and comes into contact with other components in the elevator shaft 6. As a result, rail derailment of the counterweight 2 can be detected quickly.

[0071] In step S16, the abnormality detection unit 104 instructs the operation control device 101 to suspend the operation of the elevator 100. Next, the abnormality detection unit 104 instructs the operation control device 101 to continue the suspension until a maintenance worker, who is a specialist in elevators, inspects the elevator, and then terminates the process (step S17). As a result, the operation control device 101, upon receiving the instruction, keeps the elevator operation suspended until the abnormal condition is resolved by the maintenance worker. By continuing the suspension of operation in this way, it is possible to prevent the counterweight 2 from moving up and down while it is off the rails, and to prevent the counterweight 2 from coming into contact with other components.

[0072] In step S18, the automatic diagnostic unit 105 starts an automatic diagnostic operation. Next, the automatic diagnostic unit 105 determines whether the automatic diagnostic operation was performed successfully (step S19). In step S19, for example, the open / closed state of the car-side doors and landing doors 6a of the elevator car 1, and the condition of the shielding plate are diagnosed. If the automatic diagnostic unit 105 determines that everything is normal in step S19 (YES determination in step S14), the automatic diagnostic unit 105 determines whether all diagnostic items have been completed (step S22). If the automatic diagnostic unit 105 determines that all diagnostic items have not been completed in step S22 (NO determination in step S22), the process returns to step S18.

[0073] Furthermore, if an abnormal item is detected during the processing in step S19 (NO determination in step S19), the automatic diagnostic unit 105 stops the automatic diagnostic operation (step S20). Next, the automatic diagnostic unit 105 notifies each passenger floor of the building structure and the external control device 200 that temporary restoration operation is not permitted (step S21). The automatic diagnostic unit 105 instructs the communication unit 106 to notify the control device 200 of the abnormality. Upon receiving the instruction, the communication unit 106 transmits a notification of the abnormality in the automatic diagnostic operation to the control device 200. This allows the control device 200 to notify maintenance personnel of the derailment and prompt them to prepare for the restoration of the elevator 100 where the abnormality occurred during the automatic diagnostic operation. After the processing in step S21 is completed, the process proceeds to step S24, which will be described later.

[0074] Furthermore, if the system determines that all diagnostic items have been completed in step S22 (YES judgment in step S22), the automatic diagnostic unit 105 grants permission for temporary recovery operation (step S23). After the processing in step S23 is completed, the system proceeds to the processing in step S24, which will be described later.

[0075] In step S24, a specialist technician will inspect the entire elevator 100. Step S14 is a step in which a maintenance worker with specialized skills in elevator 100 will inspect the elevator. The steps up to this point are only for temporary restoration; when permanent restoration is performed, inspections will be conducted to discover any malfunctioning parts or loose bolts caused by the earthquake, and then parts will be replaced or bolts will be tightened, etc., until the elevator can operate normally.

[0076] Then, once the inspection work by the specialist technician in step S24 is completed, the maintenance worker instructs the elevator 100's operation control device 101 to fully restore operation, thereby fully restoring the elevator 100 (step S25), and the process is completed.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the method for detecting the derailment of the counterweight 2 in this example, the derailment of the counterweight 2 can be detected before it collides with other components such as the elevator car 1. This reduces the time required for equipment replacement. In addition, since the derailment of the counterweight 2 can be detected from the signals detected by the detection sensors 43A and 43B, the derailment can be detected remotely. This reduces the time that maintenance personnel need to spend on-site to make a judgment without having to go to the actual site. As a result, the recovery time can be shortened, and customer service can be improved.

[0078] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as described in the claims.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which an abnormality detection unit 104 provided in the control panel 16 was used as the control unit for determining whether or not the counterweight 2 has derailed, but the system is not limited to this. For example, an external management device 200 may be used as the control unit. The information from the detection sensors 43A and 43B may be transmitted to the management device 200, and the management device 200 may determine whether or not the counterweight 2 has derailed.

[0080] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment example shows the detection device 70 being provided at the weight-side end 12 of the main rope 3, the invention is not limited to this, and the detection device 70 may also be provided at the car-side end 7 to detect the car 1 derailing.

[0081] In this specification, although terms such as "parallel" and "orthogonal" are used, these do not mean only strictly "parallel" and "orthogonal," but may also refer to states that are "approximately parallel" or "approximately orthogonal," which include "parallel" and "orthogonal" and are within a range in which they can perform their functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1... elevator car, 2... counterweight, 2a... slider, 3... main rope, 4... hoisting machine, 4a... sheave, 4b... electromagnetic brake, 6... elevator shaft, 6a... landing door, 7... car side end, 8... car side pulley, 11... counterweight side pulley, 12... counterweight side end, 13... counterweight side guide rail, 14... car side guide rail, 16... control panel, 19... wiring, 21... machine beam support, 22... first machine beam, 23... second machine beam, 24... rope end beam, 25... first rope end bracket, 26... second rope end bracket, 31... thimble rod, 32... biasing member, 33, 38... fixing nut, 34... first spring support, 35... second spring support 41…Fixing bracket, 42A, 42B…Sensor bracket, 42a…Sensor support part, 42b…Fixing part, 43A, 43B…Detection sensor, 44A, 44B…Terminal block, 46A, 46B…Measurement bracket, 70…Detection device, 100…Elevator, 101…Operation control device, 102…Elevator diagnostic device, 103…Threshold storage unit, 104…Anomaly detection unit, 105…Automatic diagnostic unit, 106…Communication unit, 200…Management device

Claims

1. A vehicle that moves up and down in an elevator shaft, The main rope connected to the aforementioned elevator car, A counterweight connected to the main rope and moving up and down the elevator shaft, A car-side guide rail that movably supports the aforementioned elevator car, A guide rail on the weight side that movably supports the aforementioned counterweight, A measuring bracket is provided at the end of the main rope, A detection sensor is provided in the elevator shaft to measure the distance to the measuring bracket, During recovery operations after an earthquake, an abnormality detection unit determines, based on the signal detected by the detection sensor, whether the elevator car has come off the elevator car-side guide rail or whether the counterweight has come off the counterweight-side guide rail. Elevators are available.

2. The main rope extends from the counterweight and has a weight-side end that is fixed to the top of the elevator shaft, The measuring bracket is provided at the weight-side end, The abnormality detection unit determines, based on the signal detected by the detection sensor, whether or not the counterweight has come off the counterweight-side guide rail. The elevator according to claim 1.

3. It includes a threshold memory unit that holds a preset threshold, The abnormality detection unit determines whether the counterweight has come off the counterweight-side guide rail based on whether the signal detected by the detection sensor is within the threshold range. The elevator according to claim 2.

4. It is equipped with an automatic diagnostic unit that performs an automatic diagnosis to determine whether or not it is OK to start temporary recovery operation, The abnormality detection unit determines whether the counterweight has come off the counterweight-side guide rail before the automatic diagnosis unit performs the automatic diagnosis. The elevator according to claim 2.

5. The abnormality detection unit determines, based on the signal detected by the detection sensor, whether the counterweight has come off the counterweight-side guide rail during intermittent operation in which the counterweight repeats the raising / lowering or lowering motion and stopping once or multiple times. The elevator according to claim 4.

6. During recovery operations after an earthquake, the elevator car and counterweight are raised or lowered and then stopped. During the operation of the elevator car and counterweight, a detection sensor measures the distance to a measuring bracket provided at the end of the main rope connected to the elevator car and counterweight. Based on the signal detected by the detection sensor, the process determines whether the elevator car has come off the elevator car-side guide rail or whether the counterweight has come off the counterweight-side guide rail. An elevator control method including...

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