Rope replacement method and switch device

Abstract

This invention provides a rope replacement method that allows workers at the landing to stop the rotation of the drive sheave themselves while collecting the old rope and feeding out the new rope. [Solution] In the installation process, the recovery container 14 and the new rope 5N are installed on the landing 11. In the switch connection process, the switch device 20 is connected to the landing indicator 12 provided on the landing 11. In the rope connection process, the end of the new rope 5N is connected to the end of the old rope 5U. In the rope replacement process, the old rope 5U is recovered into the recovery container 14 while the drive sheave 8a is rotated using the driving device 13, and the new rope 5N is sent out from the landing 11. When the drive sheave 8a is rotating due to an operation on the driving device 13, a stop operation is performed on the switch device 20, and the hoisting machine 8 stops.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for replacing a rope and a switch device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method for replacing the ropes of an elevator. In the conventional replacement method, first, one end of the old rope is connected to the end of the new rope. Next, the old rope is pulled on the other end side. As a result, the new rope moves following the old rope, and the new rope is placed in the appropriate position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an elevator device, the ropes are wound around the driving sheave of a hoisting machine. In the conventional replacement method, the old rope and the new rope are moved by rotating the driving sheave, the old rope is recovered at the landing, and the new rope is sent out from the landing. However, since the worker operating the hoisting machine is not at the landing, the worker at the landing could not stop the rotation of the driving sheave himself when the recovery of the old rope or the sending out of the new rope did not go well.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems. The object of this disclosure is to provide a method for replacing a rope that allows a worker performing the recovery of the old rope and the sending out of the new rope at the landing to stop the rotation of the driving sheave by himself, and a switch device used in such a replacement method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The rope replacement method according to this disclosure is a method for replacing an old rope with a new rope in a machine-room-less elevator system that includes a car that moves along a hoistway, an old rope that suspends the car, and a hoisting machine having a drive sheave around which the old rope is wound. The method comprises an installation step of installing a collection container for collecting the old rope and a new rope at a first landing where the car stops; a switch connection step of connecting a switch device for stopping the hoisting machine when a stop operation is performed to a landing indicator provided at the first landing; a rope connection step of connecting the end of the new rope to the end of the old rope; and a rope replacement step after the rope connection step of using an operating device for manually operating the hoisting machine to collect the old rope into the collection container while rotating the drive sheave and sending out the new rope from the first landing. When a stop operation is performed on the switch device while the drive sheave is rotating due to an operation on the operating device, the hoisting machine stops.

[0007] The switch device according to this disclosure is a switch device that can be connected to a landing indicator, which includes a landing connector and a short-circuit connector that is detachable from the landing connector and, when attached to the landing connector, conducts a circuit for enabling the operation of the elevator hoisting machine. The switch device comprises a switch connector that can be connected to the landing connector and an operating unit connected to the switch connector via a cable. When the switch connector is connected to the landing connector, the circuit is in a conductive state unless a specific stop operation is performed on the operating unit, and the circuit is opened when a stop operation is performed on the operating unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, when replacing an elevator rope, the worker at the landing who is collecting the old rope and feeding out the new rope can stop the rotation of the drive sheave themselves. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is a diagram showing an example of an elevator system. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the method for replacing the rope in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating how to replace a rope. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a switch device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a switch device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing a specific example of the switch connection process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A detailed explanation follows, with reference to the drawings. Repetitive explanations will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. In each drawing, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows an example of an elevator system 1. The elevator system 1 comprises a car 2 and a counterweight 3. The car 2 moves up and down in the hoistway 4. The counterweight 3 also moves up and down in the hoistway 4. The hoistway 4 is a vertically extending space formed in a building. The car 2 and the counterweight 3 are suspended in the hoistway 4 by ropes 5. For example, ropes 5 are wire ropes.

[0012] Figure 1 shows, as an example, an elevator system 1 without a machine room above the hoistway 4, a so-called machine room-less elevator system. Also, Figure 1 shows, as an example, an elevator system 1 with a 2:1 roping system.

[0013] In the example shown in Figure 1, one end 5a of the rope 5 is connected to a fixed body at the top of the hoistway 4. The rope 5 is wound sequentially around the suspension wheel 6a, suspension wheel 6b, return wheel 7a, drive sheave 8a, return wheel 7b, and suspension wheel 9, starting from the end 5a side. The other end 5b of the rope 5 is connected to a fixed body at the top of the hoistway 4. Suspension wheels 6a and 6b are rotatably mounted at the bottom of the car 2. Return wheels 7a and 7b are rotatably mounted at the top of the hoistway 4. Suspension wheel 9 is rotatably mounted on the top of the counterweight 3.

[0014] The hoisting machine 8 has a drive sheave 8a. The control device 10 controls the hoisting machine 8. That is, the movement of the cage 2 is controlled by the control device 10. Figure 1 shows an example in which the hoisting machine 8 and the control device 10 are located in the pit 4a of the hoistway 4. The hoisting machine 8 and the control device 10 may be located at any position within the hoistway 4.

[0015] The elevator car 2 is controlled by the control device 10 and stops at multiple landings 11 within the building. In the following, the landing on the top floor of the landings 11 on which the elevator car 2 can stop will also be referred to as "landing 11H". The landing on the lowest floor of the landings 11 on which the elevator car 2 can stop will also be referred to as "landing 11L".

[0016] A landing indicator 12 is provided at each landing 11. The landing indicator 12 is equipped with direction buttons 12a. The landing indicator 12 may also be equipped with a display 12b.

[0017] In addition, the landing indicator 12 provided at the lowest landing 11L has a landing connector and a short - circuit connector (both not shown) at a position not visible to general users. Hereinafter, the landing indicator provided at the landing 11L will also be referred to as "landing indicator 12L". For example, the landing connector and the short - circuit connector are revealed by removing the decorative panel of the landing indicator 12L. The landing connector is a connector fixed inside the landing indicator 12L. The landing connector may be a connector for a circuit board. The short - circuit connector is detachable from the landing connector. The short - circuit connector forms a part of a circuit for enabling the operation of the hoist 8. The said circuit is, for example, a safety circuit. Hereinafter, the said circuit will also be referred to as "circuit C".

[0018] If the short - circuit connector is attached to the landing connector, the circuit C is conductive and it becomes possible to operate the hoist 8. For example, if the short - circuit connector is attached to the landing connector, power is normally supplied to the hoist 8. On the other hand, if the short - circuit connector is not attached to the landing connector, the circuit C is open and the hoist 8 cannot be operated. For example, if the short - circuit connector is not attached to the landing connector, power cannot be supplied to the hoist 8.

[0019] When an operator performing maintenance etc. of the elevator device 1 enters the pit 4a of the hoistway 4, the operator removes the short - circuit connector from the landing connector at the landing 11L. Thereby, the operator can work safely in the pit 4a.

[0020] Also, an operating device 13 is connected to the car 2 via a cable. The operating device 13 is a device for manually operating the hoist 8. For example, an operator performing maintenance etc. of the elevator device 1 can rotate the drive sheave 8a in one direction or the other direction by operating the operating device 13.

[0021] Next, we will explain in detail how to replace the old rope 5 that was previously in use with a new rope 5 in the elevator device 1 shown in Figure 1. In the following, the old rope to be replaced will also be referred to as "old rope 5U," and the new rope will also be referred to as "new rope 5N."

[0022] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the method for replacing the rope 5 in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the method for replacing the rope 5.

[0023] In the installation process shown in S101, the workers install the recovery container 14 for retrieving the old rope 5U and the new rope 5N on the lowest landing 11L. In the example shown in Figure 3, the new rope 5N is installed on the landing 11L while stored in the feed-out device 15. The recovery container 14 is placed on top of the feed-out device 15.

[0024] In the rope connection process shown in S102, the worker connects one end of the old rope 5U to the other end of the new rope 5N. The end of the old rope 5U that is connected to the new rope 5N is the end of the old rope 5U that extends upward from the suspension wheel 9 at the top of the counterweight 3. This end of the old rope 5U may also be a newly created end after the end 5b shown in Figure 1 has been cut off. This end of the old rope 5U is then passed through an additionally provided pulley 16 and connected to the end of the new rope 5N.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example where the other end of the old rope 5U is connected to the guide rope 17 for rope retrieval. The end of the old rope 5U connected to the guide rope 17 is the end of the old rope 5U that extends upward from the suspension wheel 6a at the bottom of the cage 2. This end of the old rope 5U may also be a newly created end after the end 5a shown in Figure 1 is cut off. This end of the old rope 5U is passed through an additionally provided pulley 18 and then connected to the end of the guide rope 17.

[0026] Figure 3 shows an example in which three ropes 5 are used in the elevator system 1. The number of ropes 5 used in the elevator system 1 does not have to be three.

[0027] In the switch connection process shown in S103, the worker connects the switch device 20 to the landing indicator 12L located on the landing 11L. The switch device 20 is a device for stopping the hoisting machine 8 when a specific stopping operation is performed. The switch device 20 can be connected to the landing indicator 12, which is equipped with a landing connector.

[0028] Figures 4 and 5 show an example of the switch device 20 in Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a side view of the switch device 20. Figure 5 is a top view of the switch device 20. The switch device 20 includes, for example, a switch connector 21, a cable 22, a case 23, and a button 24.

[0029] The switch connector 21 is connectable to the landing connector. The button 24 is supported by the case 23. The button 24 is connected to the switch connector 21 via the cable 22. The button 24 is an example of an operating part that an operator uses to stop the hoisting machine 8. The switch device 20 may also be equipped with an operating part using a method other than a button. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the button 24 is pressed, it remains pressed until a specific release operation is performed. For example, the pressed state of the button 24 is released by rotating the pressed button 24 clockwise or counterclockwise. The release operation may require an operation other than rotating the button 24.

[0030] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the switch connection process. In the switch connection process shown in S103, the worker first removes the decorative panel attached to the landing indicator 12L from the main body (S201). This exposes the short-circuit connector connected to the landing connector.

[0031] In the opening process shown in S202, the worker disconnects the short-circuit connector from the landing connector. This opens circuit C.

[0032] The connector connection process shown in S203 is performed after the opening process shown in S202. In the connector connection process, the worker connects the switch connector 21 of the switch device 20 to the landing connector from which the short-circuit connector has been removed.

[0033] When the switch connector 21 is connected to the landing connector, circuit C is in a conductive state unless a stop operation is performed on the switch device 20. That is, circuit C is in a conductive state unless button 24 is pressed. On the other hand, when the switch connector 21 is connected to the landing connector and a stop operation is performed on the switch device 20, circuit C is opened. That is, when button 24 is pressed, circuit C is opened.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the state after the rope connection process shown in S102 and the switch connection process shown in S103 have been performed. The rope connection process may be performed after the switch connection process. The rope connection process and the switch connection process may be performed in parallel.

[0035] In the state shown in Figure 3, the new rope 5N and the guide rope 17 are connected to the old rope 5U. In this state, the cage 2 is supported by a lifting device (not shown) and is not supported by the old rope 5U. The counterweight 3 is supported by a buffer 19 installed in the pit 4a. Therefore, by moving the old rope 5U in direction A, the old rope 5U can be recovered into the recovery container 14, and the new rope 5N can be sent into the elevator shaft 4 from the feed-out device 15.

[0036] However, simply moving the old rope 5U in direction A from the state shown in Figure 3 would cause the old rope 5U to get stuck in the groove of the drive sheave 8a, making it impossible to move the old rope 5U and the new rope 5N properly. For this reason, in the rope replacement process shown in S104 after the rope connection process, one worker uses the operating device 13 to rotate the drive sheave 8a while moving the old rope 5U in direction A. As a result, the old rope 5U is collected in the collection container 14, and the new rope 5N is sent into the elevator shaft 4 from the feed-out device 15.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferable that the operating device 13 is connected to the elevator car 2 by a cable of sufficient length so that it can be operated from on top of the elevator car 2 and from the landing 11 adjacent to the elevator car 2. The worker may operate the operating device 13 on top of the elevator car 2 or from the landing 11H. Initially, the worker may operate the operating device 13 from the landing 11H during the rope connection process, and thereafter, that worker or another worker may operate the operating device 13 on top of the elevator car 2.

[0038] In the rope replacement process, one or more workers at the landing 11L perform the tasks of retrieving the old rope 5U and feeding out the new rope 5N. When the drive sheave 8a is rotating due to an operation on the operating device 13, a stop operation is performed on the switch device 20, causing the hoisting machine 8 to stop. Therefore, if a worker at the landing 11L wants to stop the movement of the old rope 5U and the new rope 5N, they perform a stop operation on the switch device 20. That is, the worker presses button 24 when they want to stop the movement of the old rope 5U and the new rope 5N. This allows the worker to stop the movement of the old rope 5U and the new rope 5N, i.e., the rotation of the drive sheave 8a, without having to ask the worker operating the operating device 13.

[0039] With operability in mind, it is preferable that the cable 22 of the switch device 20 is long enough to allow the case 23 to be placed on the floor of the landing 11L with the switch connector 21 connected to the landing connector. Workers on the landing 11L often perform the tasks of retrieving the old rope 5U and feeding out the new rope 5N while crouching. For this reason, it is preferable that the button 24 of the switch device 20 be positioned facing upwards when the case 23 is placed on the floor of the landing 11L with the switch connector 21 connected to the landing connector, so that workers can perform the stop operation while crouching.

[0040] In the machine-room-less elevator system 1, there are limitations to the workspace, and it is often difficult to operate the driving device 13, retrieve the old rope 5U, and feed out the new rope 5N in the same location during the rope replacement process. In other words, the driving device 13 is often operated in a location other than the landing 11L. In the example shown in this embodiment, even under such circumstances, the worker retrieving the old rope 5U and feeding out the new rope 5N at the landing 11L can stop the rotation of the drive sheave themselves.

[0041] In this embodiment, a preferred example has been described in which the switch device 20 is connected to the landing indicator 12L of the landing 11L on the lowest floor. As another example, if the old rope 5U is retrieved and the new rope 5N is sent out at the landing 11 on the lobby floor, the switch device 20 may be connected to the landing indicator 12 provided at that landing 11. In this case, it is preferable that the landing indicator 12 provided at the landing 11 on the lobby floor is equipped with a landing connector.

[0042] Examples of aspects that may be included in this disclosure are listed below as an addendum.

[0043] [Note 1] A car moving along the elevator shaft, The old rope used to suspend the aforementioned basket, A hoisting machine having a drive sheave, the old rope being wound around the drive sheave, In a machine-room-less elevator system equipped with a new rope, a method for replacing the old rope with a new rope, Installation step: Installing a collection container for collecting the old rope and the new rope at the first boarding area where the aforementioned elevator car stops, A switch connection step involves connecting a switch device to a landing indicator provided at the first landing, which is used to stop the hoisting machine when a stop operation is performed. A rope connection step involves connecting the end of the new rope to the end of the old rope, After the rope connection process, the rope replacement process involves using an operating device for manually operating the hoisting machine to rotate the drive sheave while recovering the old rope into the recovery container and sending out the new rope from the first landing, Equipped with, A method for replacing a rope, wherein the hoisting machine stops when the stop operation is performed on the switch device while the drive sheave is rotating due to an operation on the driving device. [Note 2] The aforementioned Platform 1 is the platform on the lowest level. The aforementioned boarding indicator is Landing connector and A short-circuit connector that is detachable from the landing connector and, when attached to the landing connector, conducts a circuit that enables the operation of the hoisting machine, Equipped with, The switch device includes a switch connector that can be connected to the landing connector, The aforementioned switch connection step is, The opening step involves disconnecting the short-circuit connector from the landing connector and opening the circuit, After the opening step, a connector connection step is performed to connect the switch connector to the landing connector, Equipped with, The rope replacement method according to Appendix 1, wherein when the switch connector is connected to the landing connector, the circuit is in a conductive state unless the stop operation is performed on the switch device, and the circuit is opened when the stop operation is performed on the switch device. [Note 3] The method for replacing the rope described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the operating device is connected to the elevator car via a cable and can be operated from above the elevator car and from a landing adjacent to the elevator car. [Note 4] In the rope replacement process, the operating device is operated at a location other than the first landing. The method for replacing the rope as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 1 Elevator device, 2 Car, 3 Counterweight, 4 Hoistway, 4a Pit, 5 Rope, 5a-5b End, 6a-6b Trolley, 7a-7b Return Trolley, 8 Hoisting machine, 8a Drive sheave, 9 Trolley, 10 Control device, 11 Landing, 12 Landing indicator, 12a Direction buttons, 12b Display, 13 Operating device, 14 Recovery container, 15 Dispatch device, 16 Pulley, 17 Guide rope, 18 Pulley, 19 Shock absorber, 20 Switch device, 21 Switch connector, 22 Cable, 23 Case, 24 Button

Claims

1. A car moving along the elevator shaft, The old rope used to suspend the aforementioned basket, A hoisting machine having a drive sheave, the old rope being wound around the drive sheave, In a machine-room-less elevator system equipped with a new rope, a method for replacing the old rope with a new rope, Installation step: Installing a collection container for collecting the old rope and the new rope at the first boarding area where the aforementioned elevator car stops. A switch connection step involves connecting a switch device to a landing indicator provided at the first landing, which is used to stop the hoisting machine when a stop operation is performed. A rope connection step involves connecting the end of the new rope to the end of the old rope, After the rope connection process, the rope replacement process involves using an operating device for manually operating the hoisting machine to rotate the drive sheave while recovering the old rope into the recovery container and sending out the new rope from the first landing, Equipped with, A method for replacing a rope, wherein the hoisting machine stops when the stop operation is performed on the switch device while the drive sheave is rotating due to an operation on the driving device.

2. The aforementioned first platform is the platform on the lowest floor. The aforementioned boarding indicator is Landing connector and A short-circuit connector that is detachable from the landing connector and, when attached to the landing connector, conducts a circuit that enables the operation of the hoisting machine, Equipped with, The switch device includes a switch connector that can be connected to the landing connector, The aforementioned switch connection step is, The opening step involves disconnecting the short-circuit connector from the landing connector and opening the circuit, After the opening step, a connector connection step is performed to connect the switch connector to the landing connector, Equipped with, The rope replacement method according to claim 1, wherein when the switch connector is connected to the landing connector, the circuit is in a conductive state unless the stop operation is performed on the switch device, and the circuit is opened when the stop operation is performed on the switch device.

3. The method for replacing a rope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating device is connected to the cage via a cable and can be operated from above the cage and from a landing adjacent to the cage.

4. In the rope replacement process, the operating device is operated at a location other than the first landing. A method for replacing a rope according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. Landing connector and A short-circuit connector that is detachable from the landing connector and, when attached to the landing connector, conducts a circuit that enables the operation of the elevator hoisting machine, A switch device that can be connected to a landing indicator equipped with, A switch connector that can be connected to the aforementioned landing connector, An operating unit connected to the aforementioned switch connector via a cable, Equipped with, A switch device in which, when the switch connector is connected to the landing connector, the circuit is in a conductive state unless a specific stop operation is performed on the operating unit, and the circuit is opened when the stop operation is performed on the operating unit.

6. The aforementioned operating part is a button, When the switch connector is connected to the landing connector, the circuit is in a conductive state unless the button is pressed, and when the button is pressed, the circuit is opened. The switch device according to claim 5, wherein when the button is pressed, the button remains pressed until a specific release operation is performed.

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