Elevator tension adjustment device and tension adjustment method

Abstract

The present invention provides an elevator tension adjustment device and tension adjustment method that allows for easy adjustment of rope tension and improves the accuracy of rope tension adjustment. [Solution] The tension adjustment device of the embodiment comprises a plurality of tension measuring devices, a tension adjustment mechanism, and a control unit. The plurality of tension measuring devices are attached to each of the plurality of ropes that raise and lower the elevator car, and measure the tension of the attached rope or a physical quantity corresponding to the tension, and output the measurement result. The tension adjustment mechanism can adjust the tension of the rope. Based on the measurement result, the control unit identifies the rope to be adjusted from among the plurality of ropes, calculates the amount of adjustment for the rope to be adjusted, and adjusts the tension of the rope to be adjusted using the tension adjustment mechanism based on the amount of adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tension adjustment device and a tension adjustment method for an elevator.

Background Art

[0002] A plurality of ropes are attached to an elevator car and a counterweight, and tension adjustment is performed as needed. In adjusting the tension of the ropes, it is difficult to identify the ropes that need adjustment and to determine the amount of adjustment. In addition, it is necessary to adjust the individual ropes in an appropriate order according to the magnitude of the tension.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an adjustment tool for adjusting the tension of a rope. Patent Document 2 also discloses a technique for adjusting the tension of a rope based on the stress of a rod coupled to the rope.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, it is necessary for a person to perform an adjustment operation for adjusting the tension of the rope using an adjustment tool. Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, since the stress of the rod coupled to the rope is measured and the tension of the rope is adjusted based on the measurement result of the stress, the accuracy of adjusting the tension of the rope is low.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present embodiment is to provide a tension adjustment device and a tension adjustment method for an elevator that can easily adjust the tension of a rope and improve the accuracy of adjusting the tension of the rope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The elevator tension adjustment device of this embodiment comprises a plurality of tension measuring devices, a tension adjustment mechanism, and a control unit. The plurality of tension measuring devices are attached to each of the plurality of ropes that raise and lower the elevator car, and measure the tension of the attached rope or a physical quantity corresponding to the tension, and output the measurement result. The tension adjustment mechanism is capable of adjusting the tension of the rope. Based on the measurement result, the control unit identifies the rope to be adjusted from among the plurality of ropes, calculates the amount of adjustment for the rope to be adjusted, and adjusts the tension of the rope to be adjusted using the tension adjustment mechanism based on the amount of adjustment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the elevator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the hitch section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a tension measuring device according to the first embodiment, and illustrates the state of the tension measuring device during the process of attaching it to the main rope. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a tension measuring device according to the first embodiment, and shows the tension measuring device in a state where it has been attached to the main rope. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a tension adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for adjusting tension using the tension adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a tension adjustment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a tension adjustment device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the elevator according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments described below include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art or that are substantially identical.

[0010] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Example of elevator configuration) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of elevator 1 according to the first embodiment. As an example of elevator 1 in the embodiment, Figure 1 shows a one-to-one rope type elevator.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the elevator 1 is installed in a hoistway R having, for example, a machine room 82 on the upper floor, and comprises a main rope 2, a car 3, a counterweight 4, hitch sections 5a, 5b, and a hoisting machine 7.

[0013] The hoistway R is provided vertically within the building where the elevator 1 is installed. The machine room 82 houses the hoisting machine 7 and other equipment that move the elevator car 3 vertically.

[0014] The main rope 2 is, for example, a resin-coated rope, and although not shown in Figure 1, multiple ropes are used together. Each of the multiple main ropes 2 has one end connected to the elevator car 3 and the other end connected to the counterweight 4, and is stretched between the elevator car 3 and the counterweight 4 to a hoisting machine 7 having multiple pulleys.

[0015] The car 3 is configured to be able to move up and down in the hoistway R by the hoisting machine 7 winding up one end or the other end of the main rope 2. Thereby, the car 3 can move to the landing of the target floor. That is, the main rope 2 raises and lowers the car 3. The main rope 2 is an example of a rope.

[0016] A hitch portion 5a is provided at the connection portion of the main rope 2 with the car 3, and a hitch portion 5b is provided at the connection portion of the main rope 2 with the counterweight 4. The hitch portions 5a and 5b have the function of keeping the tensions of the plurality of main ropes 2 uniform and suppressing vibrations of the car 3 and the like. By connecting the main rope 2 to the car 3 and the counterweight 4 via these hitch portions 5a and 5b respectively, the riding comfort of the car 3 can be improved.

[0017] As will be described in detail below, the hitch portion 5a on the car 3 side and the hitch portion 5b on the counterweight 4 side can be configured in the same way, for example. Hereinafter, when these hitch portions 5a and 5b are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the hitch portion 5.

[0018] (Configuration example of hitch portion) Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a configuration example of the hitch portion 5 included in the elevator 1 of the embodiment will be described. The hitch portion 5 of the embodiment includes a tension adjusting device 60 used when adjusting the tension of the main rope 2.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the hitch portion 5 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the hitch portion 5 includes an end portion 2a of the main rope 2 and is provided on a support portion 30 of the car 3 or the counterweight 4. The support portion 30 is provided above the car 3 or the counterweight 4 at a predetermined interval from the upper surface of the car 3 or the counterweight 4, and is installed on the upper surface of the car 3 or the counterweight 4 at an end portion not shown. The support portion 30 is, for example, a beam, but is not limited thereto.

[0020] A hitch plate 51 is provided on the lower side of the support portion 30, that is, between the support portion 30 and the upper surface of the elevator car 3 (not shown) or counterweight 4, at a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the support portion 30. An elastic member 58 is interposed between the support portion 30 and the hitch plate 51. The elastic member 58 is, for example, a hollow rubber material and is attached to the upper surface of the hitch plate 51. The elastic member 58 mitigates vibrations of the elevator car 3 during operations such as raising, lowering, and stopping by elastically deforming.

[0021] Multiple main ropes 2 are arranged parallel to each other. Shackle rods 57 are attached to the ends 2a of the multiple main ropes 2. The shackle rods 57 pass through the support section 30 and the hitch plate 51 and terminate further below the hitch plate 51, that is, in the space between the support section 30 and the upper surface of the elevator car 3 or counterweight 4. Figure 2 shows an example with three main ropes 2 (main ropes 2A, 2B, 2C), but the number of main ropes 2 is not limited to this.

[0022] Each shackle rod 57 extending downward from the hitch plate 51 is provided with a spring retainer plate 53, a coil spring 54, an adjustment bolt 55, and an adjustment nut 56. The configuration including the shackle rod 57, the spring retainer plate 53, the coil spring 54, the adjustment bolt 55, and the adjustment nut 56 is also referred to as the rod 50.

[0023] The adjustment bolt 55 is connected to the end 2a of the main rope 2 via the shackle rod 57. The coil spring 54 is installed sandwiched between the hitch plate 51 and the spring support plate 53. The adjustment bolt 55 is inserted into the coil spring 54. The adjustment nut 56 engages with the adjustment bolt 55 with the adjustment bolt 55 inserted inside it. The adjustment bolt 55 is an example of a bolt, and the adjustment nut 56 is an example of a nut.

[0024] The coil spring 54 mitigates load fluctuations on the main rope 2 during operations such as raising, lowering, and stopping of the elevator car 3. This allows the tension applied to the main rope 2 to remain constant from time to time. However, repeated use can cause stretching of individual main ropes 2, gradually weakening the tension. This can lead to an imbalance in tension between multiple main ropes 2.

[0025] The adjustment nut 56 is configured to allow adjustment of the tension of each main rope 2. Specifically, by rotating the adjustment nut 56 clockwise or counterclockwise, the adjustment bolt 55 attached to the end 2a of the main rope 2 can be moved vertically, and consequently, the shackle rod 57 and the end 2a of the main rope 2 can be moved vertically. This adjusts the tension of the main rope 2.

[0026] By rotating the adjustment nut 56 in a predetermined direction, the adjustment bolt 55 is moved upward, causing the end 2a of the main rope 2 to move upward and reducing the tension of the main rope 2. By rotating the adjustment nut 56 in the opposite direction, the adjustment bolt 55 is moved downward, causing the end 2a of the main rope 2 to move downward and increasing the tension of the main rope 2.

[0027] Furthermore, the hitch section 5 of this embodiment is provided with a tension adjustment device 60 used for adjusting the tension of each main rope 2. The tension adjustment device 60 comprises a plurality of tension measuring instruments 71, a tension adjustment mechanism 62, and a control unit 80.

[0028] Multiple tension measuring devices 71 are detachably attached to each of the multiple main ropes 2. The tension measuring devices 71 measure the tension of the attached main rope 2 or a physical quantity corresponding to the tension and output the measurement result. As an example, the tension measuring device 71 in this embodiment measures the tension of the main rope 2 by bending the main rope 2 at three points.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a tension measuring device according to the first embodiment, illustrating the tension measuring device in the process of being attached to the main rope. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a tension measuring device according to the first embodiment, illustrating the tension measuring device after it has been attached to the main rope.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the tension measuring device 71 of this embodiment is a known device that measures tension by bending the main rope 2 at three points. More specifically, the tension measuring device 71 includes a base portion 71a, two rollers 71b and 71c, a force gauge 71d, and a lever 72e. The two rollers 71b and 71c are rotatably supported on the base portion 71a with a vertical gap between them. The force gauge 71d is supported on the base portion 71a. The force gauge 71d has an attachment 71da. The lever 72e is supported on the base portion 71a.

[0031] The tension measuring device 71 is installed with the main rope 2 positioned between the two rollers 71b and 71c and the attachment 71da. When the lever 72e is operated in a predetermined mounting direction, the two rollers 71b and 71c and the attachment 71da clamp the main rope 2. This state is the completed state of installation of the tension measuring device 71. In this state, the force gauge 71d measures the tension of the main rope 2. To remove the tension measuring device 71, the lever 72e is operated in a predetermined removal direction, releasing the clamping of the main rope 2 between the two rollers 71b and 71c and the attachment 71da, allowing the tension measuring device 71 to be removed from the main rope 2.

[0032] The tension adjustment mechanism 62 shown in Figure 2 can adjust the tension of the main rope 2. The tension adjustment mechanism 62 includes an adjustment bolt 55, an adjustment nut 56, a box wrench 61, and a drive mechanism 63. The box wrench 61 is attached to the adjustment nut 56 and can rotate the adjustment nut 56. The drive mechanism 63 is configured to individually drive each box wrench 61 using power from a drive source such as a motor. The drive mechanism 63 rotates the adjustment nut 56 via the box wrench 61, moving the end 2a of the main rope 2 together with the adjustment bolt 55.

[0033] The control unit 80 is located in the hitch section 5. The control unit 80 may also be located in, for example, the machine room 82 (see Figure 1) or the monitoring center of the elevator 1, and may be configured to allow remote operation of the tension measuring device 71 and the tension adjustment mechanism 62.

[0034] The control unit 80 obtains the tension measurement results of each main rope 2 from the tension measuring devices 71 provided on each rod 50, and based on these measurement results, identifies the main rope 2 to be adjusted from among the multiple main ropes 2 and calculates the amount of adjustment for the main rope 2 to be adjusted. Then, based on the calculated amount of adjustment, the control unit 80 adjusts the tension of the main rope 2 to be adjusted using the tension adjustment mechanism 62. For example, the control unit 80 determines whether the variation in tension in the main ropes 2 meets a predetermined standard (standard value), and if there is a main rope 2 whose tension is outside the standard (standard value), it adjusts the tension of that main rope 2 using the tension adjustment mechanism 62 so that the tension of that main rope 2 meets the standard.

[0035] The control unit 80 is configured as a computer, for example, equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (not shown).

[0036] The CPU, for example, loads a control program stored in ROM into RAM and executes it, thereby realizing functional units such as the acquisition unit 811, the calculation unit 812, and the drive control unit 813 in the control unit 80. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by a dedicated ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0037] The acquisition unit 811 acquires the measurement results of the tension of the main rope 2 corresponding to the tension measured by multiple tension measuring devices 71.

[0038] The calculation unit 812 determines from the measurement results of the tension measuring instrument 71 whether the tension of these main ropes 2 meets a predetermined standard value. For example, the calculation unit 812 identifies the maximum and minimum values ​​of the tension of the multiple main ropes 2 and determines whether the value obtained by dividing the minimum value by the maximum value exceeds the predetermined standard value (minimum value ÷ maximum value > standard value). The predetermined standard value is, for example, 90% or 95%, but is not limited to these. In addition, multiple standard value modes may be provided so that the user can select these standard values. This allows the standard value to be set according to the condition of the elevator 1, the installation location, the required performance, etc.

[0039] If the result of dividing the maximum and minimum tension values ​​of the main rope 2 by a reference value is less than or equal to a reference value, it indicates that the variation in the maximum and minimum tension values ​​of the main rope 2 is large enough to require adjustment. Therefore, the calculation unit 812 identifies the main rope 2 that showed the minimum tension value as the target for adjustment and calculates the tension adjustment amount, which is the amount of tension adjustment for the main rope 2 that is the target for adjustment. For example, the calculation unit 812 finds the average value (average tension) of the tension of the main rope 2 measured by multiple tension measuring instruments 71 and calculates the amount of rotation of the adjustment nut 56 required to match the tension of the main rope 2 to the average tension. At this time, the control unit 80 uses tension adjustment information that shows the relationship between the amount of rotation of the adjustment nut 56 and the amount of change (increase) in the tension of the main rope 2 to calculate the amount of rotation of the adjustment nut 56 required to match the tension of the main rope 2 to the average tension.

[0040] As an example, two tension measuring devices 71 are provided for each main rope 2, one on the side of the elevator car 3 and the other on the side of the counterweight 4. The tensions of the main ropes 2A, 2B, and 2C measured by each tension measuring device 71 are described below.

[0041] (Main rope 2A) • Measurement result of tension measuring device 71 on the elevator car side 3: 50.2N • Measurement result of tension measuring device 71 on counterweight 4 side: 51.2N Total: 101.4N (Main rope 2B) • Measurement result of tension measuring device 71 on the elevator car side 3: 53.6N • Measurement result of tension measuring device 71 on counterweight 4 side: 54.5N Total: 108.1N (Main rope 2C) • Measurement result of tension measuring device 71 on the elevator car 3 side: 48.1N • Measurement result of tension measuring device 71 on counterweight 4 side: 47.6N Total: 95.7N

[0042] In the above case, the main rope 2C, which has the smallest total tension, is the one to be adjusted. The total tension of main rope 2C (95.7) is 6N lower than the average value of the tensions of the three main ropes 2 (101.7N). Therefore, the control unit 80 determines the amount of rotation of the adjustment nut 56 required to increase the tension by 6N.

[0043] The drive control unit 813 controls the tension adjustment mechanism 62 to adjust the tension of the main rope 2 to be adjusted, based on the calculation results from the calculation unit 812. More specifically, the drive control unit 813 controls the tension adjustment mechanism 62 to rotate the adjustment nut 56 provided on the main rope 2 to be adjusted by the amount of rotation determined by the calculation unit 812.

[0044] Here, as described above, if the tension of the main rope 2 that has shown the minimum value is increased, another main rope 2 may show a minimum value that falls outside the reference value. Therefore, the control unit 80 adjusts the tension of the main ropes 2 until the tension of all main ropes 2 is within the reference value.

[0045] (Tension adjustment method) Next, a tension adjustment method using the tension adjustment device 60 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a tension adjustment method using the tension adjustment device 60 according to the embodiment.

[0046] In the elevator 1 of this embodiment, for example, tension adjustment is performed using the tension adjustment device 60 with the elevator car 3 positioned near the middle of the hoistway R (see Figure 1).

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, the acquisition unit 811 of the control unit 80 acquires measurement results from each tension measuring instrument 71 (S101).

[0048] The calculation unit 812 of the control unit 80 determines whether the multiple main ropes 2 meet the criteria based on the measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit 811 from the individual tension measuring devices 71 (S102). Specifically, the calculation unit 812 extracts the maximum and minimum tension values ​​from the multiple main ropes 2, and identifies the main rope 2 with the maximum tension and the main rope 2 with the minimum tension. The calculation unit 812 determines whether the value obtained by dividing the minimum value extracted from the tensions of the multiple main ropes 2 by the maximum value exceeds a predetermined reference value. If the value obtained by dividing the maximum and minimum values ​​exceeds the reference value (S102: Yes), the process is terminated.

[0049] If the division of the maximum and minimum values ​​is less than or equal to the reference value (S102: No), the number of rotations (adjustment amount) of the adjustment nut 56 required to adjust the tension of the main rope 2, which showed the minimum tension, is calculated (S103).

[0050] The drive control unit 813 controls the tension adjustment mechanism 62 corresponding to the main rope 2 whose tension is at its minimum value, as determined by the calculation unit 812, to adjust the tension of the main rope 2 to be adjusted (S104). More specifically, the drive control unit 813 controls the tension adjustment mechanism 62 to rotate the adjustment nut 56 provided on the main rope 2 to be adjusted by the amount of rotation determined by the calculation unit 812.

[0051] Subsequently, the acquisition unit 811 continuously acquires measurement results from each tension measuring device 71, and the calculation unit 812 determines whether or not the multiple main ropes 2 meet the criteria (S105). If there are any main ropes 2 that do not meet the criteria (S105, No), the process from S103 onwards is repeatedly executed. If all main ropes 2 meet the criteria (S105, Yes), the process ends.

[0052] With the above steps completed, the tension adjustment process using the tension adjustment device 60 of the embodiment is finished.

[0053] Furthermore, as described above, it is preferable to position the elevator car 3 near the middle of the elevator shaft R, perform the above process, raise and lower the elevator car 3 multiple times, and then perform the above process again to fine-tune the tension of the main rope 2. This is because the tension of each main rope 2 may fluctuate further due to the raising and lowering movement of the elevator car 3. By repeating the raising and lowering of the elevator car 3 and the tension adjustment of the main rope 2 by the above process several times, the tension of the main rope 2 can be adjusted with higher precision.

[0054] (Overview) An elevator, for example, is equipped with multiple main ropes, each of which is connected to a car and a counterweight. In addition, a hitch section with a spring member or the like is interposed at the end of each main rope to maintain uniform tension across the multiple main ropes.

[0055] However, repeated use can weaken the tension of the main ropes, potentially leading to uneven tension distribution between them. Uneven tension can cause an imbalance in the load on each rope, potentially reducing the durability and shortening the lifespan of specific ropes. Furthermore, vibrations associated with the elevator car's ascent, descent, and stopping may not be adequately mitigated, potentially worsening the ride comfort.

[0056] Therefore, tension adjustments are made as needed to ensure uniform tension across multiple main ropes. The adjustments are made sequentially, starting with the main rope whose tension has weakened, until the entire system of main ropes reaches a tension that meets the standard value.

[0057] However, workers must measure the tension of each of the numerous main ropes, identify the ones that need adjustment, and make those adjustments. Furthermore, adjusting one main rope changes the overall balance, requiring the main rope to be identified each time. Additionally, if the tension of a main rope with maximum tension is accidentally loosened, the twist in the main rope may unravel, potentially damaging it. Moreover, the tension of the main ropes must be adjusted each time the elevator car is raised or lowered, and the above process must be repeated until the tension of all main ropes meets the standard value.

[0058] Thus, adjusting the tension of the main rope requires numerous complicated steps and a wide range of verification items, demanding a certain level of skill. For example, it is a difficult task for inexperienced workers. Determining how many turns of the adjustment nut are needed to achieve the correct tension based on the tension measurement results of the main rope being adjusted is also a challenging task.

[0059] As described above, the tension adjustment device 60 (tension adjustment device for elevators) of the embodiment comprises a plurality of tension measuring devices 71, a tension adjustment mechanism 62, and a control unit 80. The plurality of tension measuring devices 71 are attached to each of the plurality of main ropes 2 that raise and lower the elevator car 3 in the elevator 1, and measure the tension of the attached main rope 2 or a physical quantity corresponding to the tension, and output the measurement result. The tension adjustment mechanism 62 can adjust the tension of the main ropes 2. Based on the measurement result, the control unit 80 identifies the main rope 2 to be adjusted from among the plurality of main ropes 2, calculates the amount of adjustment for the main rope 2 to be adjusted, and adjusts the tension of the main rope 2 to be adjusted using the tension adjustment mechanism 62 based on the amount of adjustment.

[0060] With this configuration, the control unit 80 identifies the main rope 2 to be adjusted from among the multiple main ropes 2 based on the measurement results, calculates the adjustment amount for the main rope 2 to be adjusted, and adjusts the tension of the main rope 2 to be adjusted using the tension adjustment mechanism 62 based on the adjustment amount, thus making it easy to adjust the tension of the main ropes 2. Furthermore, since the above measurement results are the measurement results of the tension of the main rope 2 or a physical quantity corresponding to the tension by multiple tension measuring devices 71 attached to each of the main ropes 2, the accuracy of adjusting the tension of the main ropes 2 can be improved compared to when the stress of the rod is used for tension adjustment. Therefore, with the above configuration, the tension of multiple main ropes 2 can be made uniform and the tension adjustment work can be simplified. In other words, one of the objectives of the tension adjustment device 60 of this embodiment is to make the tension of multiple main ropes 2 uniform and to simplify the tension adjustment work.

[0061] Furthermore, the tension measuring device 71 is detachable from the main rope 2.

[0062] With this configuration, the tension measuring device 71 can be reused in multiple elevators 1.

[0063] The tension adjustment mechanism 62 also includes an adjustment bolt 55, an adjustment nut 56, a box wrench 61, and a drive mechanism 63. The adjustment bolt 55 is connected to the end 2a of the main rope 2. The adjustment nut 56 has the adjustment bolt 55 inserted inside and engages with the adjustment bolt 55. The box wrench 61 rotates the adjustment nut 56. The drive mechanism 63 rotates the adjustment nut 56 via the box wrench 61, moving the end 2a of the main rope 2 together with the adjustment bolt 55.

[0064] With this configuration, the tension of the main rope 2 can be adjusted using the box wrench 61. Alternatively, the adjustment nut 56 may be rotated using a ratchet tool instead of the box wrench 61.

[0065] Furthermore, the tension adjustment method of this embodiment is performed using a tension adjustment device 60 comprising a plurality of tension measuring devices 71 attached to each of the plurality of main ropes 2 that raise and lower the elevator car in the elevator 1, a tension adjustment mechanism 62 capable of adjusting the tension of the main ropes 2, and a control unit 80. The tension adjustment method measures the tension or a physical quantity corresponding to the tension of the main rope 2 to which the tension measuring devices 71 are attached using the plurality of tension measuring devices 71, and outputs the measurement result. Based on the measurement result, the control unit 80 identifies the main rope 2 to be adjusted from among the plurality of main ropes 2 and calculates the adjustment amount for the main rope 2 to be adjusted. Based on the adjustment amount, the tension adjustment mechanism 62 adjusts the tension of the main rope 2 to be adjusted using the tension adjustment mechanism 62.

[0066] With this configuration, the control unit 80 identifies the main rope 2 to be adjusted from among the multiple main ropes 2 based on the measurement results, calculates the adjustment amount for the main rope 2 to be adjusted, and adjusts the tension of the main rope 2 to be adjusted using the tension adjustment mechanism 62 based on the adjustment amount, thus making it easy to adjust the tension of the main ropes 2. Furthermore, since the above measurement results are the measurement results of the tension of the main ropes 2 or physical quantities corresponding to the tension measured by multiple tension measuring devices 71 attached to each of the main ropes 2, the accuracy of adjusting the tension of the main ropes 2 can be improved compared to the case where the stress of the rod is used.

[0067] <Second Embodiment> Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a tension adjustment device according to the second embodiment.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the tension adjustment mechanism 62. The tension adjustment mechanism 62 of this embodiment includes an adjustment bolt 55, an adjustment nut 56, a gear 156, a drive mechanism 63, and a nut 91. The adjustment bolt 55 is coupled to the end 2a of the main rope 2. The adjustment nut 56 has a male threaded portion 56a on its outer circumference, into which the adjustment bolt 55 is inserted and meshes with the adjustment bolt 55. The gear 156 meshes with the male threaded portion 56a of the adjustment nut 56. The drive mechanism 63 is rotatable on the gear 156. The drive mechanism 63 rotates the adjustment nut 56 via the gear 156, moving the end 2a of the main rope 2 together with the adjustment bolt 55.

[0069] With this configuration, the tension of the main rope 2 can be adjusted using the gear 156 without using the box wrench 61.

[0070] <Third Embodiment> Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a tension adjustment device according to a third embodiment.

[0071] As shown in Figure 8, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the tension adjustment mechanism 62. The tension adjustment mechanism 62 of this embodiment includes a shackle rod 57, a hitch plate 51, a bolt 95, a tensioning mechanism 93, and a nut 96. The bolt 95 is provided on the shackle rod 57 and is located on the opposite side of the hitch plate 51 from the main rope 2. The tensioning mechanism 93 is located on the opposite side of the hitch plate 51 from the main rope 2. The tensioning mechanism 93 is coupled to the bolt 95 and pulls the end 2a of the main rope 2 via the bolt 95 by an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder.

[0072] The nut 96 is located on the opposite side of the hitch plate 51 from the main rope 2, with a bolt 95 inserted inside and engaging with the bolt 95. The nut 96, while in contact with the hitch plate 51, restricts the movement of the bolt 95 toward the main rope 2 relative to the hitch plate 51. In other words, the nut 96, while in contact with the hitch plate 51, restricts the movement of the end 2a of the main rope 2 in the direction that would loosen the main rope 2. Tightening the nut 96 is performed, for example, by a worker.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 80 of this embodiment notifies the completion of tightening the nut 96 when it determines, based on the measurement results of the tension measuring device 71, that a specified load has been applied to the hitch plate 51. For example, the control unit 80 determines that a specified load has been applied to the hitch plate 51 when the tension of the main rope 2 has increased by a specified amount from the tension of the main rope 2 at the time when the tension adjustment mechanism 62 has completed pulling the main rope 2. The control unit 80 notifies the completion of tightening the nut 96 using a notification device such as a speaker or display.

[0074] In this embodiment, the tension adjustment mechanism 62 adjusts the tension of the main rope 2 by pulling the end of the main rope 2 to be adjusted, after which a worker manually tightens the nut 96 with a tool until it touches the hitch plate 51. The control unit 80 notifies the completion of tightening the nut 96 when it determines, based on the measurement result of the tension measuring device 71, that a specified load has been applied to the hitch plate 51.

[0075] As described above, the tension adjustment mechanism 62 of this embodiment includes a shackle rod 57, a hitch plate 51, a bolt 95, a tensioning mechanism 93, and a nut 96. The shackle rod 57 is connected to the end 2a of the main rope 2. The shackle rod 57 passes through the hitch plate 51. The bolt 95 is provided on the shackle rod 57 and is located on the opposite side of the hitch plate 51 from the main rope 2. The tensioning mechanism 93 is located on the opposite side of the hitch plate 51 from the main rope 2 and pulls the end 2a of the main rope 2 via the bolt 95. The nut 96 is located on the opposite side of the hitch plate 51 from the main rope 2, with the bolt 95 inserted inside, and engages with the bolt 95, and in contact with the hitch plate 51, restricts the movement of the bolt 95 toward the main rope 2 side relative to the hitch plate 51.

[0076] With this configuration, the tension of the main rope 2 can be adjusted using the tensioning mechanism 93.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 80, based on the measurement results of the tension measuring device 71, notifies the completion of tightening the nut 96 when it determines that a specified load has been applied to the hitch plate 51.

[0078] With this configuration, when a specified load is applied to the hitch plate 51, the worker can be notified that the tightening of the nut 96 is complete.

[0079] <Fourth Embodiment> In the embodiments described above, the elevator was assumed to be a 1:1 rope type elevator. However, the configuration of an elevator to which a tension adjustment device can be applied is not limited to this. As an example of another elevator, a 1:2 rope type elevator is shown in Figure 9.

[0080] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the elevator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0081] As shown in Figure 9, the elevator of this embodiment is installed in a hoistway R having a machine room 92 on the upper floor, for example, and comprises a main rope 22, a car 23, a counterweight 24, hitch sections 25a and 25b, and a hoisting machine 27. Hereafter, when these hitch sections 25a and 25b are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as hitch section 25.

[0082] The main ropes 22 are, for example, resin-coated ropes, and although not shown in the diagram, multiple ropes are used together. Each of the multiple main ropes 22 has both ends connected to the floor of the machine room 92 and is stretched in this order to a pulley provided on the upper surface of the elevator car 23, a hoisting machine 27 provided in the machine room 92 and having multiple pulleys, and a pulley provided at the upper end of the counterweight 24.

[0083] The hoisting machine 27 winds up one or the other end of the main rope 22, thereby enabling the elevator car 23 to move up and down within the elevator shaft R.

[0084] Hitch sections 25a and 25b are provided at the connection points of the main rope 22 to the floor of the machine room 92. Hitch section 25a corresponds to the elevator car 23, and hitch section 25b corresponds to the counterweight.

[0085] Thus, in a 1-to-2 rope type elevator, hitch sections 25a and 25b can be interposed at the connection point between the floor of the machine room 82 and the main rope 22, and the tension adjustment device 60 of the above-described embodiment can be provided on these hitch sections 25.

[0086] In addition, some elevators are equipped with other ropes such as compensator ropes and governor ropes in addition to the main rope. In these elevators as well, a hitch is provided at the end of the main rope, and the tension adjustment device 60 of the above embodiment can be installed at this part.

[0087] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, the tension measuring device 71 is exemplified as a device that measures tension by bending the main rope 2 at three points, but it is not limited to this. For example, the tension measuring device 71 may have an excitation device that is detachably attached to the main rope 2 and vibrates the main rope 2, and a displacement meter that can measure the vibration (string vibration) of the main rope 2, and output the vibration frequency of the main rope 2 measured by the displacement meter. In this case, the control unit 80 converts the measured vibration frequency of the main rope 2 into tension and adjusts the tension of the main rope 2 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. In this example, the vibration frequency of the main rope 2 is an example of a physical quantity corresponding to the tension of the main rope 2.

[0088] Furthermore, the tension measuring device 71 may be configured to be detachably attached to the main rope 2 and include a frequency excitation device that vibrates the main rope 2, and a displacement meter capable of measuring the natural frequency of the main rope 2, and to output the natural frequency of the main rope 2 measured by the displacement meter. In this case, the control unit 80 converts the measured natural frequency of the main rope 2 into tension and adjusts the tension of the main rope 2 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. In this example, the natural frequency of the main rope 2 is an example of a physical quantity corresponding to the tension of the main rope 2.

[0089] As described above, several embodiments of the present invention have been presented, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1...Elevator, 2,22...Main rope (rope), 3,23...Elevator car, 51...Hitch plate, 55...Adjustment bolt, 56...Adjustment nut, 56a...Male threaded part, 57...Shackle rod, 60...Tension adjustment device, 61...Box wrench, 62...Tension adjustment mechanism, 63...Drive mechanism, 71...Tension measuring instrument, 80...Control unit, 93...Tension mechanism, 156...Gear.

Claims

1. Multiple tension measuring devices attached to each of the multiple ropes that raise and lower the elevator car, which measure the tension of the attached rope or a physical quantity corresponding to the tension and output the measurement results, A tension adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the tension of the aforementioned rope, A control unit that, based on the measurement results, identifies the rope to be adjusted from among the plurality of ropes, calculates the amount of adjustment for the rope to be adjusted, and adjusts the tension of the rope to be adjusted using the tension adjustment mechanism based on the amount of adjustment, An elevator tension adjustment device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The tension measuring device is detachable from the rope. The tension adjustment device for elevators according to claim 1.

3. The tension adjustment mechanism is, A bolt attached to the end of the rope, The bolt is placed inside, and a nut that engages with the bolt, A box wrench for rotating the aforementioned nut, A drive mechanism that rotates the nut via the box wrench, thereby moving the end together with the bolt, Having, The tension adjustment device for elevators according to claim 1.

4. The tension adjustment mechanism is, A bolt attached to the end of the rope, A male threaded portion is provided on the outer circumference, the bolt is inserted inside, and a nut that engages with the bolt is provided. A gear that meshes with the aforementioned male screw portion, A drive mechanism that rotates the nut via the gear and moves the end together with the bolt, Having, The tension adjustment device for elevators according to claim 1.

5. The tension adjustment mechanism is, A shackle rod is attached to the end of the rope, The hitch plate through which the aforementioned shackle rod passes, A bolt provided on the shackle rod, located on the opposite side of the hitch plate from the rope, A tensioning mechanism located on the opposite side of the rope from the hitch plate, which pulls the end via the bolt, A nut is located on the opposite side of the hitch plate from the rope, with the bolt inserted inside, engaging with the bolt and in contact with the hitch plate, thereby restricting the movement of the bolt toward the rope relative to the hitch plate. Having, The tension adjustment device for elevators according to claim 1.

6. The control unit, based on the measurement results of the tension measuring device, determines that a specified load has been applied to the hitch plate and notifies the completion of tightening the nut. The tension adjustment device for elevators according to claim 5.

7. A tension adjustment method for elevators, comprising: a tension measuring device for which a plurality of tension measuring devices are attached to each of the plurality of ropes that raise and lower the elevator car; a tension adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the tension of the ropes; and a control unit, wherein the device is used to adjust the tension of the ropes. The plurality of tension measuring devices measure the tension of the rope to which the tension measuring devices are attached, or a physical quantity corresponding to the tension, and output the measurement results. The control unit identifies the rope to be adjusted from among the plurality of ropes based on the measurement results and calculates the amount of adjustment for the rope to be adjusted. The tension adjustment mechanism adjusts the tension of the rope to be adjusted based on the adjustment amount. Tension adjustment method.

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