Lifting device

Abstract

To provide a lifting device that enables proper lifting and lowering of the lifting section. [Solution] The lifting device comprises a lifting section that moves up and down within the facility, a wire that suspends the lifting section, a drum that winds up the wire, a first pulley between the lifting section and the drum on which the wire is hung, a second pulley between the first pulley and the drum on which the wire is hung and which is pushed in a first direction away from the drum, and a first sensor that detects slack in the wire between the first pulley and the second pulley.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting device for lifting and lowering suspended objects for entertainment facilities.

Background Art

[0002] In entertainment facilities such as stage venues and concert halls, a stage mechanism is used that enables performances using these members by suspending large props, lighting, curtains, etc. on a baton (lifting part) according to the performance. The baton is suspended by a wire, and the lifting and lowering operation of the baton is performed by winding and unwinding the wire with a drum or the like (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described stage mechanism, when the baton is lifted or lowered by winding or unwinding the wire with a drum, a load may be applied to the baton. For example, if the wire loosens while the baton is being lifted, the wire will be wound onto the drum in a loosened state, so the wire may not be wound around the drum in an appropriate state. Or, if the wire loosens while the baton is being lowered, the wire wound around the drum will loosen, and the wire may be wound in an inappropriate state. Or, if an excessive load is applied to the wire while the baton is being lifted, a load will be applied to the members arranged in the supply path of the drum and the wire, and these members may be damaged.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above problems, one object of the present invention is to provide a lifting device for realizing an appropriate lifting and lowering operation of the lifting part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a lifting device includes a lifting unit that moves up and down within a facility, a wire that suspends the lifting unit, a drum for winding the wire, a first pulley between the lifting unit and the drum on which the wire is passed, a second pulley between the first pulley and the drum on which the wire is passed and which is pushed in a first direction away from the drum, and a first sensor for detecting slack in the wire between the first pulley and the second pulley.

[0007] The first sensor may have a contact portion that contacts the wire between the first pulley and the second pulley and pushes the wire, and may detect slack in the wire based on the movement of the contact portion.

[0008] The system may further include a second sensor that detects the tension of the wire when the second pulley is pulled by the wire in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0009] The device further comprises a frame on which the drum and the first pulley are arranged, and a support member rotatably connected to the frame around a pivot, wherein the second pulley is rotatably supported by the support member, and when the second pulley receives a force in the second direction from the wire, the support member rotates in a third direction around the pivot, and the second sensor may detect the tension of the wire based on the rotation of the support member in the third direction.

[0010] The first sensor has a contact portion that contacts the wire between the first pulley and the second pulley and acts in a direction that pushes the wire, and detects slack in the wire based on the movement of the contact portion. The first sensor is fixed to the support member, and when the second pulley receives a force in the second direction from the wire, the first sensor may rotate together with the support member in the third direction around the pivot portion.

[0011] The support member further comprises an elastic member, the support member having a first portion that supports the second pulley and a second portion opposite to the first portion with respect to the rotating portion, the elastic member being provided between the second sensor and the second portion and pushing the second portion in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction with respect to the rotating portion, and the first portion pushing the second pulley in the first direction as the elastic member pushes the second portion in the fourth direction.

[0012] The elastic member may be detachable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a lifting device can be provided for achieving proper lifting and lowering operation of a lifting section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic top view of a suspended object lifting system for entertainment facilities according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side view of a lifting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic front view of a lifting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a partially enlarged view of a tension detection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the operation of a tension detection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the operation of a tension detection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic front view of a lifting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic top view of the lifting section body of a lifting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic front view of the lifting section of a lifting device according to one embodiment of the present invention when it is being lowered. [Figure 10]It is a front schematic view when the lifting part of the lifting device according to an embodiment of the present invention descends. [Figure 11] It is a front schematic view when the wire loosens while the lifting part of the lifting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is descending. [Figure 12] It is a front schematic view when an overload is applied to the wire while the lifting part of the lifting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is ascending. [Figure 13] It is a side schematic view of a lifting system for a suspended object for an entertainment facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of a lifting device for an entertainment facility according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the lifting device can be implemented in many different ways and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the examples shown below. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same parts or parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0016] Also, for the sake of convenience of explanation, terms indicating directions such as upward (upper side), downward (lower side), forward (front side), rearward (rear side), rightward (right side), and leftward (left side) are used. The direction in which gravity acts is downward B, and the opposite is upward U. Also, the entrance side of the entertainment facility where the lifting device according to the present invention is provided is forward F, and the opposite is rearward D. Further, when looking at the entertainment facility from the front (looking from the front F toward the rear D), the right side is rightward R, and the left side is leftward L. Also, in this specification, the left and right sides are collectively referred to as the left - right direction, the upper and lower sides are collectively referred to as the up - down direction, and the front and rear sides are collectively referred to as the front - rear direction. The left - right direction and the front - rear direction are parallel to the floor surface (or, "ground") of the entertainment facility.

[0017] Furthermore, in this specification, "entertainment facilities" include studio facilities and stage facilities that provide entertainment. Studio facilities include film studios, television recording studios, and music studios, which are places for video production, sound recording, photography, etc. Stage facilities include theaters, concert halls, and opera houses, which are places for live performances such as plays, concerts, musicals, operas, and ballets.

[0018] [1. Configuration of a suspension lifting system for entertainment facilities] The configuration of the lifting and lowering system 1 for entertainment facilities (hereinafter referred to as "lifting and lowering system 1") according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a lifting system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the lifting system 1 is installed in the ceiling area of ​​an entertainment facility 5. The lifting system 1 includes a lifting device 10, a ceiling passageway (also called a "catwalk") 20, an opening 30, and a rail 40. The lifting system 1 includes a plurality of lifting devices 10. If it is necessary to distinguish between the plurality of lifting devices 10, a subnumber is added after the reference numeral "10" to distinguish each individual lifting device 10 (for example, 10-11, 10-12, ...). On the other hand, if it is not necessary to distinguish between the plurality of lifting devices 10, they are simply referred to as the lifting device 10.

[0020] The lifting device 10 has the function of raising and lowering suspended objects for entertainment facilities by raising and lowering a part of it (the lifting section 100 shown in Figure 2 and later). In one embodiment of the present invention, stage equipment and lighting equipment for illuminating performers installed in the entertainment facility 5 are used as suspended objects for the entertainment facility. However, the devices and equipment used as suspended objects are not limited to those described above.

[0021] The ceiling passageways 20 are arranged in a grid pattern. The openings 30 are provided between adjacent ceiling passageways 20. In this example, 20 openings 30 are provided in a 4x5 grid, but the number of openings 30, the number of rows, and the number of columns can be changed as appropriate. The lifting section 100 of the lifting device 10 (see Figures 2 and 3) moves up and down within the entertainment facility 5 through the openings 30.

[0022] The rails 40 are fixed to the ceiling of the entertainment facility 5 above the ceiling passageway 20 U and extend in the front-to-back direction. In a top view, a pair (two) rails 40 are provided to pass through one opening 30. A lifting device 10 is provided for this pair of rails 40. The pair of rails 40 are connected to the left L side and the right R side of the lifting device 10. Note that the number of rails 40 passing through one opening is not limited to two, but may be three or more.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, by having the above configuration, the lifting device 10 can move along the rail 40 to the front F or rear D of the entertainment facility 5. In Figure 1, one lifting device 10 is positioned in one opening 30, but by moving the lifting device 10 via the rail 40, two lifting devices 10 may be positioned in one opening 30 to match the size of the opening 30, and three or more lifting devices 10 may be positioned. More specifically, by moving lifting device 10-21, lifting devices 10-11 and 10-21 may be positioned in opening 30-1.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the lifting devices 10 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. In this example, the lifting devices 10-11 to 10-15 are arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction. Each of the lifting devices 10-11 to 10-15 moves up and down through a different opening 30. These lifting devices 10 can be controlled independently. Therefore, for example, lifting device 10-11 may be lowered alone to be used as a single small light, or lifting devices 10-11 to 10-15 may be lowered simultaneously to be used as a large light extending in the left-right direction.

[0025] [1-1. Configuration of the lifting device 10] Next, the details of the lifting device 10 will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the lifting device 10 with the batten 120 raised to its highest position. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the lifting device 10 with the batten 120 raised to its highest position.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lifting device 10 includes a lifting section 100, a drive section 200, a wire 300, a trolley section 400, a power trolley section 500 (shown only in Figure 3), an operating section 600 (shown only in Figure 3), a lifting device support frame 700, a buffer section 800 (shown only in Figure 2), and a tension detection section 900 (shown only in Figure 2). The lifting section 100 and the drive section 200 are arranged side by side along the front-to-back direction.

[0027] The lifting section 100 includes a batten 120. The batten 120 is a component to which lighting fixtures and the like are attached. When the batten 120 is raised to its highest position, the lower end of the lifting section 100 (in this example, the lower end 120a of the batten 120 shown in Figure 2) and the lower end of the drive unit 200 are higher than the upper end 21a of the handrail 21 provided on the ceiling passageway 20 to prevent workers from falling. This configuration allows the lifting device 10 to be moved in the front-rear direction without the batten 120 interfering with the handrail 21. The detailed configuration of the lifting section 100 will be described later.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the operating unit 600 is connected to the lower end of a bendable cable 601. In other words, by bending the cable 601, the operating unit 600 can be raised above the upper end 21a of the handrail 21. In this state, the lifting device 10 can be moved in the front-rear direction.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lifting unit 100 is suspended by a wire 300. As will be described in detail later, one end of the wire 300 is connected to the rotating drum 210 of the drive unit 200. The other end of the wire 300 is connected to the lifting unit 100. In the wire 300 supply path from the rotating drum 210 to the lifting unit 100, there are a number of pulleys 350 (350-1, 350-2, 350-3) around which the wire 300 is wound, thereby changing the direction of the wire 300. The rotating drum 210 and the pulleys 350 are fixed directly or indirectly to the lifting device support frame 700.

[0030] The amount of wire 300 supplied from the rotating drum 210 to the lifting unit 100 (the length of the wire 300) changes as the rotating drum 210 winds up or releases the wire 300. In this way, the lifting unit 100 can move upward U or downward B (in the front-back direction) by the drive of the drive unit 200.

[0031] In the wire supply path of the wire 300, a tension detection unit 900 is provided between the pulley 350-3 and the rotating drum 210. The tension detection unit 900 detects the tension of the wire 300 in the supply path. Specifically, the tension detection unit 900 can detect slack in the wire 300 or overload on the wire 300 in the supply path. In the wire supply path of the wire 300 from the lifting unit 100 to the rotating drum 210, the pulley 350-3 provided immediately before the tension detection unit 900 is sometimes referred to as the "first pulley".

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the wires 300 are connected to the front F and rear D sides of the lifting unit 100. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the wires 300 are connected to the left L and right R sides of the lifting unit 100. In other words, one lifting unit 100 is suspended by four wires 300. The tension detection unit 900 is provided for each of the four wires 300. In Figure 2, only one of the four tension detection units 900 is shown.

[0033] The lifting device support frame 700 is a frame for supporting the lifting device 10. The lifting device support frame 700 has a configuration in which it is elongated in the left-right direction when viewed from the front. The lifting device support frame 700 is installed on the upper part of the lifting device 10. The lifting device support frame 700 functions as a component that supports the lifting section 100 and the drive section 200. In this example, the lifting device support frame 700 is made of a light metal material (more specifically, aluminum).

[0034] The trolley section 400 is mounted on the upper part of the lifting device support frame 700. As the trolley section 400 moves along the rail 40, the lifting device 10 can move forward F or backward D (front-to-back direction) of the entertainment facility 5.

[0035] The trolley section 400 is equipped with wheels. The trolley section 400 moves along the rail 40 as these wheels roll along the rail 40. A plain trolley or an electric trolley may be used as the trolley section 400. The trolley section 400 is provided on the upper left L side and upper right R side of the lifting section 100, and on the upper left L side and upper right R side of the drive section 200. The trolley section 400 is fixed to the lifting device support frame 700 above the lifting device support frame 700 using fasteners. The trolley section 400 functions as a component that moves the lifting section 100 and the drive section 200 along the rail 40.

[0036] The power trolley unit 500 is provided on the upper part of the lifting device support frame 700, adjacent to the trolley unit 400. Power is supplied to the lifting device 10 via the power trolley unit 500. As a result, power is secured even when the lifting device 10 moves in the forward and backward directions, so that the lifting device 10 can use the power to drive the drive unit 200 and perform the lifting and lowering operation of the lifting unit 100, even after moving in the forward and backward directions.

[0037] The control unit 600 is a component that can be operated by the user. For example, the control unit 600 may include buttons, levers, and a numeric keypad. In this example, the control unit 600 is located to the right R of the lifting unit 100. The user can control the operation of the lifting device 10 by operating the control unit 600. In addition to buttons, levers, and a numeric keypad, a touch panel may also be used in place of these in the control unit 600.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the buffer sections 800 are provided at both ends of the lifting device support frame 700 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, buffer section 800F is provided at the front end of the lifting device support frame 700, and buffer section 800D is provided at the rear end of the lifting device support frame 700. The buffer sections 800 are made of an elastic material (such as resin material or a spring) to mitigate the impact when they come into contact. This reduces the impact even if one lifting device 10 collides with another lifting device 10 when it is moved in the front-rear direction.

[0039] [1-2. Configuration of the tension detection unit 900] The configuration of the tension detection unit 900 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of the tension detection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, the tension detection unit 900 includes a pulley 910, a support member 920, a frame 930, a looseness detection sensor 940, and an overload detection sensor 950. As shown in Figure 2, a wire 300 is wound around the pulley 910 between the pulley 350-3 (first pulley) and the rotating drum 210.

[0040] The pulley 910 is supported by support members 920 so as to be rotatable around the rotating part 911. The support members 920 are provided in pairs in the depth direction in Figure 4. In other words, the pulley 910 is sandwiched between the pair of support members 920. A wire 300 is wound around the pulley 910, and tension is generated between the rotating drum 210 and the pulley 910, and between the pulley 350-3 and the pulley 910.

[0041] The support member 920 is rotatably connected to the frame 930 around the pivot portion 921. The support member 920 is also connected to the looseness detection sensor 940 at the connecting portion 922. The support member 920 includes a first portion 923, a bent portion 924, a second portion 925, and a protruding portion 926. The first portion 923 is a portion having a longitudinal side extending from the pivot portion 921 to the connecting portion 922. In other words, the pulley 910 is supported at the pivot portion 911 by the first portion 923 of the support member 920. Near the tip of the second portion 925, a connecting portion 929 is provided that connects the second portion 925 to the overload detection sensor 950.

[0042] The second part 925 is a portion having a longitudinal side extending from the rotating part 921 to the connecting part 929, which will be described later. The first part 923 and the second part 925 are connected at the bending part 924. In other words, the second part 925 is located on the opposite side from the first part 923 with respect to the rotating part 921.

[0043] The protruding portion 926 protrudes from the first portion 923 in both directions intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first portion 923. The protruding portion 926 extends to the outside of the pulley 910. A mounting hole 927 is provided near the tip of the protruding portion 926. A mounting hole 928 is also provided on the connecting portion 922 side of the rotating portion 911 of the first portion 923. Mounting holes are provided in the same positions as these mounting holes 927 and 928 on the support member 920 facing the support member 920 shown in Figure 4. The opposing support members 920 are connected through these mounting holes. The shapes of the opposing support members 920 may be the same or different. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the first portion 923, the bent portion 924, the second portion 925, and the protruding portion 926 are integrated is illustrated, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0044] Frame 930 is fixed directly or indirectly to the lifting device support frame 700.

[0045] The looseness detection sensor 940 is a sensor for detecting looseness in the wire 300 between pulley 910 and pulley 350-3. The looseness detection sensor 940 includes a frame 941, an elongated hole 942, a sensor body 943, a switch 944, a contact part 945, and a support part 946. The looseness detection sensor 940 is sometimes referred to as the "first sensor".

[0046] The frame 941 is fixed to the first portion 923 of the support member 920. Specifically, the frame 941 is fixed to the support member 920 using fastening members (for example, bolts and nuts) that pass through the connection portion 922 of the support member 920 and the elongated hole 942 provided in the frame 941. As a result, the looseness detection sensor 940 is fixed to the support member 920 and operates in conjunction with the support member 920. When fixing with fastening members, the position of the fastening members in the elongated hole 942 can be adjusted to adjust the position of the looseness detection sensor 940 relative to the support member 920. In other words, the position of the contact portion 945 with respect to the pulley 910 can be adjusted, and thus the detection sensitivity of the looseness detection sensor 940 can be adjusted.

[0047] The sensor body 943 is fixed to the frame 941. The switch 944 is located on the wire 300 side of the sensor body 943. The switch 944 is, for example, a contact switch, and when the amount that the switch 944 is pressed into the sensor body 943 exceeds a predetermined amount, the state of the switch 944 (on state or off state) switches. The sensor body 943 determines its current state according to the state of the switch 944. For example, the state in which the amount that the switch 944 is pressed into has reached a threshold is called the "first state," and the state in which it has not reached the threshold is called the "second state."

[0048] The contact portion 945 is in contact with the wire 300 between pulley 350-3 (first pulley) and pulley 910 (second pulley), and there it pushes the wire 300 in. In this embodiment, a configuration in which a pulley is used as the contact portion 945 is illustrated, but the contact portion 945 may be made of other members. The contact portion 945 is rotatably supported by the support portion 946. Because the contact portion 945 pushes the wire 300 in, if the wire 300 has the appropriate tension, the contact portion 945 receives a reaction force from the wire 300. As a result, the switch 944 is pushed in, resulting in the first state described above. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, if the wire 300 loosens, the reaction force that the contact portion 945 receives from the wire 300 decreases, or the contact portion 945 no longer receives a reaction force from the wire 300, so the amount the switch 944 is pushed in falls below the threshold, resulting in the second state described above. As described above, the looseness detection sensor 940 can detect looseness in the wire 300 based on the movement of the contact portion 945.

[0049] As described above, the presence of the elongated hole 942 in the frame 941 allows for adjustment of the position of the contact portion 945. By adjusting the position of the contact portion 945, the magnitude of the reaction force received by the contact portion 945 from the wire 300 can be adjusted in the appropriate state. This allows for adjustment of the threshold value mentioned above.

[0050] The overload detection sensor 950 is a sensor that detects when the load on the entire wire 300 in the wire supply path reaches a predetermined magnitude (overload condition). In other words, the overload detection sensor 950 detects that the wire 300 is overloaded based on the pulley 910 being pulled by the wire 300 in the direction toward the rotating drum 210 (the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 6). The overload detection sensor 950 is sometimes referred to as the "second sensor". The direction toward the rotating drum 210 is sometimes referred to as the "second direction". The overload detection sensor 950 includes a connecting member 954, a contact member 955, a switch 956, and a sensor body 957. An arm member 951, an elastic member 952, and a locking part 953 are provided between the overload detection sensor 950 (second sensor) and the second part 925.

[0051] The arm member 951 is rotatably connected to the second portion 925 of the support member 920 around the connecting portion 929. The arm member 951 has a shape in which a part of it engages with the elastic member 952, and the other part passes inside the elastic member 952. The elastic member 952 is engaged with the arm member 951 in a compressed state between a part of the arm member 951 and the locking portion 953.

[0052] In this configuration, the elastic member 952, due to its restoring force from the elastically deformed state caused by compression, presses the arm member 951 to the left (away from the locking portion 953). The locking portion 953 is fixed to the frame 930. The locking portion 953 is provided with a through hole through which the rest of the arm member 951 can pass. The rest of the arm member 951 passes through the through hole and is connected to the connecting member 954 beyond that point.

[0053] The connecting member 954 is connected to the contact member 955 at a different position from the arm member 951 in the depth direction of the paper in Figure 4. In Figure 4, for the sake of explanation, the top view of the contact member 955 connected to the connecting member 954, the switch 956, and the sensor body 957 is shown below the arm member 951. Note that the position of the connecting member 954 shown in the side view of Figure 4 and the position of the connecting member 954 in the top view shown below the arm member 951 are fixed. In other words, the respective connecting members 954 in the side view and the top view are linked.

[0054] The sensor body 957 is fixed directly or indirectly to the frame 941. The switch 956 is provided on the contact member 955 side of the sensor body 957. The switch 956 is, for example, a contact switch, and when the amount that the switch 956 is pushed towards the sensor body 957 exceeds a predetermined amount, the state of the switch 956 (on state or off state) switches. The sensor body 957 determines its current state according to the state of the switch 956. For example, the state in which the amount that the switch 956 is pushed has reached a threshold is called the "third state," and the state in which the threshold has not been reached is called the "fourth state."

[0055] One end of the elastic member 952 is locked to the locking portion 953, and the other end of the elastic member 952 is locked to a part of the arm member 951. Since the locking portion 953 is fixed to the frame 930, the support member 920 (second portion 925) connected to the arm member 951 receives rotational force in the R1 direction around the pivot portion 921 when a part of the arm member 951 is pushed by the elastic member 952.

[0056] Since the elastic member 952 is locked between the arm member 951 and the locking portion 953 in a compressed state, the support member 920 receives rotational force in the R1 direction from the elastic member 952. In other words, the pulley 910 is pushed away from the rotating drum 210 by the support member 920, which receives rotational force in the R1 direction. The direction away from the rotating drum 210 is sometimes referred to as the "first direction". The R1 direction is sometimes referred to as the "fourth direction". In this case, the elastic member 952 pushes the second portion 925 in the R1 direction (fourth direction), causing the first portion 923 to push the pulley 910 (second pulley) away from the rotating drum 210 (first direction).

[0057] [1-3. Operation of the tension detection unit 900] The operation of the tension detection unit 900 will be explained using Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows the operation when slack occurs in the wire 300. Figure 6 shows the operation when an overload is applied to the wire 300. In Figures 5 and 6, the wire between the pulley 910 and the rotating drum 210 is called wire 300-1, and the wire between the pulley 910 and the pulley 350 is called wire 300-2.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, when slack occurs in wire 300, the tension in wire 300 weakens, causing wire 300 to be pushed by contact portion 945. As a result, wire 300-2 bends in the direction of the arrow. The dashed line in Figure 5 showing wire 300-2 represents the state before slack occurs in wire 300. When wire 300-2 bends, contact portion 945 also moves in the direction of the arrow, following the bending of wire 300-2, and moves away from switch 944. As a result, switch 944 switches from the "first state" to the "second state" described above. In other words, by switching switch 944 in this way, it is possible to detect that slack has occurred in wire 300.

[0059] Furthermore, the relationship between the degree of slack in the wire 300 and the timing of the switch 944 being switched can be appropriately adjusted by the position of the fastening member in the elongated hole 942 when fixing the frame 941 to the support member 920.

[0060] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, when an overload is applied to the wire 300, the tension in the wire 300 increases, causing both wires 300-1 and 300-2 to be pulled in the direction of the arrow (second direction). Therefore, the pulley 910 is also pulled in the direction of the arrow. As a result, the support member 920 rotates in the R2 direction around the pivot part 921. The R2 direction is sometimes referred to as the "third direction". In other words, when the pulley 910 receives a force from the wire 300 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 6, the support member 920 rotates in the R2 direction (third direction) around the pivot part 921. The overload detection sensor 950 detects that the tension in the wire 300 has become excessive based on the rotation of the support member 920 in the R2 direction. Note that the dashed lines in Figure 6 showing the pulley 910, support member 920, and looseness detection sensor 940 indicate the state before the wire 300 is overloaded.

[0061] When the support member 920 rotates in the R2 direction, the arm member 951 moves in the D1 direction. As the arm member 951 moves in the D1 direction, the connecting member 954 and the contact member 955 connected to it also move in the D1 direction. When the contact member 955 moves in the D1 direction, it reaches (contacts) the switch 956 and pushes the switch 956 in the D1 direction. When the amount the switch 956 is pushed in the D1 direction exceeds a predetermined amount, the state of the switch 956 switches from the fourth state to the third state. This operation makes it possible to detect that the wire 300 has been overloaded.

[0062] Furthermore, if the wire 300 is overloaded, the arm member 951 moves in the D1 direction, and as it moves, the arm member 951, together with the locking portion 953, further compresses the elastic member 952. In other words, if the spring constant of the elastic member 952 is large, the load resistance of the wire 300 increases (the allowable load of the baton 120 increases), and if the spring constant is small, the load resistance of the wire 300 decreases (the allowable load of the baton 120 decreases). Therefore, the allowable load of the baton 120 can be adjusted by changing the spring constant of the elastic member 952. In this embodiment, the elastic member 952 is detachable (or replaceable). Therefore, the allowable load can be adjusted by replacing the elastic member 952. On the other hand, by adjusting the position of the contact member 955 in the D1 direction, the relationship between the load on the wire 300 and the switching of the switch 956 (on state or off state) can be adjusted. In other words, by adjusting the position of the contact member 955 in the D1 direction, the threshold for detecting an overload on the wire 300 can be adjusted.

[0063] [1-4. Configuration of the lifting section 100] Figure 7 is a schematic front view of the lifting section 100. The lifting section 100 includes the lifting section body 110, a batten 120, a batten bracket 130, and a telescopic section 140. Figure 7 describes a configuration in which lighting equipment 90 is used as the suspended object. Figure 7 shows three batten brackets 130. When it is necessary to distinguish between them, they are referred to as the central batten bracket 130-1, the left batten bracket 130-2, and the right batten bracket 130-3, respectively. On the other hand, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, they are simply referred to as batten bracket 130.

[0064] The batten 120 is a member having a longitudinal length in the left-right direction. The batten 120 is made of a metal material (an aluminum frame in this example). The lighting fixture 90 is fixed to the batten 120 via a fastener 91. Figure 7 illustrates a configuration in which one lighting fixture 90 is attached near the center of the batten 120, but the configuration is not limited to this. The lighting fixture 90 may be attached near the left-right ends of the batten 120. Alternatively, multiple lighting fixtures 90 may be attached to the batten 120.

[0065] The baton bracket 130 supports the baton 120. The lower end 130a of the baton bracket 130 is connected to the baton 120. The upper end 130b of the baton bracket 130 is connected to the baton support frame 111.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the left baton bracket 130-2 is connected to the lifting unit body 110 at a connection part 131-2. Similarly, the right baton bracket 130-3 is connected to the lifting unit body 110 at a connection part 131-3. When it is not necessary to distinguish between these connection parts, they are simply referred to as connection part 131. The connection part 131 is provided outside the connection part (wire connection part 115 (see Figures 7 and 9)) between the wire 300 and the lifting unit body 110 (baton support frame 111). This allows the force (load) acting on the baton 120 to be distributed even when the lighting equipment 90 is fixed to the baton 120. As a result, deflection of the baton 120 can be suppressed.

[0067] The telescopic section 140 has the function of extending and retracting vertically according to the amount of wire 300 supplied (length of wire 300). The telescopic section 140 includes subframes 141 and hinge sections 143 (see Figures 7, 9, and 10). The subframes 141 are straight frames of a predetermined length. The hinge sections 143 rotatably connect adjacent subframes 141. The hinge sections 143 are provided alternately on the left and right sides between adjacent subframes 141. In this way, the telescopic section 140 is configured so that when the lifting section 100 is lowered to its lowest point, the multiple subframes 141 form approximately a single line (see Figure 10). On the other hand, when the lifting section 100 is raised to its highest point, the multiple subframes 141 are folded by the hinge sections 143 and stored in the lifting section body 110.

[0068] The lower end 140a of the telescopic section 140 is connected to the baton support frame 111 of the lifting section body 110. The upper end 140b of the telescopic section 140 is slidably connected to a rail 150 that is fixed to the upper part of the ceiling area and extends in the left-right direction.

[0069] Power cables and control cables are housed inside the subframe 141. The power cables and control cables pass through the subframe 141, folding back at the hinge portion 143, and are connected to the lighting equipment 90. This configuration protects these cables from entanglement and breakage even when the lifting unit 100 is raised or lowered.

[0070] Figure 7 illustrates a configuration in which the uppermost subframe 141 is shorter than the other subframes 141, but the configuration is not limited to this. The uppermost subframe 141 may be the same length as the other subframes 141.

[0071] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of the lifting unit body 110. As shown in Figure 8, the lifting unit body 110 has a baton support frame 111 and a frame portion 113. The baton support frame 111 has a longitudinal side in the left-right direction so that the telescopic section 140 (the folded subframe 141 and hinge portion 143) can be placed on it. The frame portion 113 is provided in a U-shape on both sides of the baton support frame 111 in the left-right direction when viewed from above. With this configuration, the frame portion 113 can restrict the movement of the telescopic section 140 stored in the lifting unit body 110 in the front-rear and left-right directions, and can prevent the telescopic section 140 from detaching from the lifting unit body 110.

[0072] The lifting unit body 110 (baton support frame 111) is connected to four wires 300 via wire connection parts 115 provided on the upper side of the frame part 113 (see Figure 9). The wire connection parts 115 are provided on the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear of the lifting unit body 110. A power supply mechanism or other parts and components may be provided on the side of the lifting unit body 110.

[0073] [1-5. Lifting and lowering operation of the lifting unit 100] The lifting and lowering operation of the lifting unit 100 will be explained using Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a schematic front view of the lifting unit of a lifting device according to one embodiment of the present invention when it is lowered. Figure 10 is a schematic front view of the lifting unit of a lifting device according to one embodiment of the present invention when it is lowered.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, as the amount of wire 300 supplied to the lifting section 100 (length of wire 300) increases, the hinge section 143 gradually opens. That is, the two subframes 141 change from a folded state to a straight (extended) state. As the hinge section 143 opens, the ends of the two subframes 141 connected by the hinge section 143 that are opposite the hinge section 143 move apart (the distance d141 increases). In other words, as the hinge section 143 opens, the telescopic section 140 can be extended in the vertical direction.

[0075] By further increasing the supply of wire 300, the lifting unit 100 can be lowered to near the floor of the entertainment facility 5, as shown in Figure 10. In this state, the upper hinge 143 opens wide, causing the adjacent subframes 141 to become nearly straight. In this way, the lifting unit 100 can be lowered until all the subframes 141 are straight.

[0076] On the other hand, as the amount of wire 300 supplied to the lifting section 100 decreases, the hinge section 143 closes sequentially from the bottom, and the ends of two adjacent subframes 141 opposite to the hinge section 143 move closer together (the distance d141 decreases). As a result, the telescopic section 140 is folded as the hinge section 143 closes, becoming contracted in the vertical direction. In other words, the open and closed state of the hinge section 143 changes according to the amount of wire 300 supplied. Therefore, the telescopic section 140 can extend and retract via the hinge section 143 according to the amount of wire supplied. As described above, the gradual opening and closing of the hinge section 143 suppresses the shaking of the lifting section 100, allowing the lifting section 100 to operate stably. The number of subframes 141 and hinges 143 can be appropriately changed depending on the size (height) of the entertainment facility 5.

[0077] In the lifting unit 100 that performs the lifting and lowering operation described above, if the baton 120 comes into contact with (rides onto) an obstacle below it during the lowering operation of the lifting unit 100, as shown in Figure 11, for example, slack will occur in the wire 300. If the rotating drum 210 rotates in this state to further increase the supply amount of wire 300, the winding state of the wire 300 on the rotating drum 210 may become improper. Specifically, the rotating drum 210 is provided with a groove in which the wire 300 is stored in order to adjust the winding position of the wire 300, but in the above case, the wire 300 may come out of the groove of the rotating drum 210 and become entangled. Since the lifting unit 100 is suspended by multiple wires 300, it is important to achieve accurate supply amounts for multiple wires 300 in order to maintain the horizontal state of the lifting unit 100. However, if the winding state of the wire 300 on the rotating drum 210 is not proper, it becomes impossible to achieve an accurate supply amount of wire 300, making it difficult to maintain the horizontal position of the lifting unit 100. Therefore, when slack in the wire 300 is detected, it is necessary to take measures such as stopping the rotation of the rotating drum 210.

[0078] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12, if a load is applied to the baton 120 from above during the upward movement of the lifting section 100, the wire 300 may be overloaded. In this state, if the rotating drum 210 rotates to further reduce the amount of wire 300 supplied, the wire 300 supply path will also be overloaded, which may cause problems such as damage to the pulley around which the wire 300 is wound. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures such as stopping the rotation of the rotating drum 210 when an overload of wire 300 is detected.

[0079] As described above, the lifting device 10 according to this embodiment can detect when the wire 300 becomes loose or when it is overloaded. This makes it possible to realize a lifting device 10 that enables proper lifting and lowering operation of the lifting section 100.

[0080] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the entertainment facility 5 in the lifting system 1. As shown in Figure 13, the entertainment facility 5 is equipped with a lifting device 10 on which lighting equipment 90 is located, and a stage set 60. The lifting device 10 and the stage set 60 operate in conjunction with the performance or music of the performers 70. By using one embodiment of the present invention, the lighting equipment 90 can be positioned at a desired position (vertical position (height), front-to-back position), so that various effects can be performed according to the specifications of the entertainment facility 5.

[0081] [Differentiation] The embodiments described above are explained in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating this disclosure and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with those of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with those of other embodiments.

[0082] One embodiment of the present invention shows an example in which lighting equipment is used as a suspended structure for an entertainment facility, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to lighting equipment, stage curtains, stage curtains, performance equipment (such as falling flower petals, smoke, and blowers), painted backdrops and background paper, and stage sets may also be used as suspended structures for an entertainment facility.

[0083] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the ceiling passageway 20 is not limited to a grid pattern, but may be provided along the front-to-back direction, along the left-to-right direction, or intersecting in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1: Lifting and lowering system for entertainment facilities, 5: Entertainment facility, 10: Lifting device, 20: Ceiling passageway, 21: Handrail, 21a: Upper end, 30: Opening, 40: Rail, 60: Stage equipment, 70: Performer, 90: Lighting equipment, 91: Fixing device, 100: Lifting section, 110: Lifting section body, 111: Batten support frame, 113: Frame section, 115: Wire connection section, 120: Batten, 120a: Lower end, 130: Batten bracket, 130-1: Center batten bracket, 130-2: Left batten bracket, 130-3: Right batten bracket, 130a, 130b, 140a, 140b: End, 131: Connection section, 140: Telescopic section, 141: Subframe, 143: Hinge section, 150: Rail, 200: Drive section, 210: Rotating drum, 300: Wire, 350: Pulley, 400: Trolley section, 500: Power trolley section, 600: Operating section, 601: Cable, 700: Lifting device support frame, 800: Cushioning section, 900: Tension detection section, 910: Pulley, 911, 921: Rotating section, 920: Support member, 922, 929: Connection section, 923: First section, 924: Bending section, 925: Second section, 926: Protruding section, 927, 928: Mounting holes, 930, 941: Frame, 940: Detection sensor, 942: Slotted hole, 943, 957: Sensor body section 944, 956: Switch, 945: Contact part, 946: Support part, 950: Overload detection sensor, 951: Arm member, 952: Elastic member, 953: Locking part, 954: Connecting member, 955: Contact member

Claims

1. A lifting mechanism that moves up and down within the facility, A wire that suspends the lifting section, A drum for winding the aforementioned wire, Between the lifting section and the drum, there is a first pulley on which the wire is attached, Between the first pulley and the drum, the wire is placed on a second pulley which is pushed in a first direction away from the drum, A lifting device having a first sensor for detecting slack in the wire between the first pulley and the second pulley.

2. The first recall was, It has a contact portion that contacts the wire between the first pulley and the second pulley and pushes the wire, The lifting device according to claim 1, which detects loosening of the wire based on the movement of the contact portion.

3. The lifting device according to claim 1, further comprising a second sensor for detecting the tension of the wire when the second pulley is pulled by the wire in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

4. The frame on which the drum and the first pulley are arranged, The frame further comprises a support member that is rotatably connected to the frame around a pivot point, The second pulley is rotatably supported by the support member, When the second pulley receives a force in the second direction from the wire, the support member rotates in a third direction centered on the rotating part. The lifting device according to claim 3, wherein the second sensor detects the tension of the wire based on the rotation of the support member in the third direction.

5. The first recall was, It has a contact portion that contacts the wire between the first pulley and the second pulley and acts in a direction that pushes the wire, Based on the movement of the contact portion, the loosening of the wire is detected. The first sensor is fixed to the support member, The lifting device according to claim 4, wherein when the second pulley receives a force in the second direction from the wire, the first sensor rotates together with the support member in the third direction with respect to the rotating part.

6. It further comprises an elastic member, The aforementioned support member is The first part supporting the second pulley, The rotating part has a second part on the opposite side from the first part, The elastic member is Provided between the second sensor and the second portion, The second portion is pushed in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, with the rotating part as the center. The lifting device according to claim 4, wherein the elastic member pushes the second portion in the fourth direction, causing the first portion to push the second pulley in the first direction.

7. The lifting device according to claim 6, wherein the elastic member is detachable.

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