Elevator diagnostic device and elevator diagnostic method

Abstract

To provide an elevator diagnostic device and an elevator diagnostic method capable of appropriately diagnosing the soundness of an elevator while shortening the elevator operation stop time. [Solution] An elevator diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes a sensor and a diagnostic unit. The sensor detects elastic waves from at least one of a guide rail and a rail bracket installed in an elevator hoistway. The diagnostic unit diagnoses whether at least one of the guide rail and the rail bracket has deformed based on the results of the detection of the elastic waves by the sensor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an elevator diagnostic device and an elevator diagnostic method. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, to restart an elevator that had been shut down due to an earthquake, a maintenance worker had to visit the elevator site and check the condition of the elevator equipment. This conventional response work resulted in a significant amount of downtime until the elevator was restored. Recently, a function has been adopted that performs automatic diagnostic operation after an earthquake, checking the condition of each elevator equipment while operating the elevator at a low speed, and temporarily enabling operation if there are no problems with the condition of each elevator equipment. This function can shorten downtime. However, it is difficult to properly perform automatic diagnostic operation if the guide rails have been deformed by the earthquake. Therefore, in the past, it was difficult to properly diagnose the health of an elevator while shortening downtime. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 026439 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the embodiments is to provide an elevator diagnostic device and an elevator diagnostic method that can appropriately diagnose the health of an elevator while shortening the downtime of the elevator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An elevator diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes a sensor and a diagnostic unit. The sensor detects elastic waves from at least one of a guide rail and a rail bracket installed in an elevator shaft. The diagnostic unit diagnoses whether at least one of the guide rail and the rail bracket has deformed based on the detection result of the elastic waves by the sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an elevator system equipped with an elevator diagnostic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an elevator diagnostic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the elevator diagnostic device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the operation of the elevator diagnostic device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, in the drawings referred to in the embodiments, identical or similar reference numerals are used to designate identical parts or parts having similar functions, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 1, an elevator diagnostic device 10 according to an embodiment is mounted on an elevator system 1 and can be used, for example, to diagnose the soundness of at least one of a guide rail and a rail bracket during an earthquake. The elevator system 1 includes a car 3 that can ascend and descend within a hoistway 2 along a guide rail 5 extending vertically. The car 3 is connected to one end of a main rope wound around a main sheave of a hoisting machine (not shown). The other end of the main rope is connected to a counterweight (not shown). The car 3 and the counterweight are examples of a lifting body. The counterweight can also ascend and descend within the hoistway 2 along a guide rail for the counterweight. That is, when the hoisting machine winds up the main rope, the car 3 and the counterweight ascend and descend along their respective guide rails. The drive of the hoisting machine is controlled by an elevator control unit 13 shown in FIG. 2.

[0009] In addition to driving the hoist, the elevator control unit 13 performs various controls related to the operation of the elevator apparatus 1, such as opening and closing the doors of the car 3. In other words, the elevator control unit 13 controls the operation of the entire elevator apparatus 1 (i.e., the operation of the elevator). The elevator control unit 13 is built into a control panel. The control panel is installed, for example, in the hoistway 2. The control panel is not limited to being installed in the hoistway 2, but may also be installed in a machine room located above the hoistway 2.

[0010] The guide rail 5 is provided with guide members (not shown), such as guide shoes and roller guides, that guide the elevation of the car 3. As shown in Fig. 1, a rail bracket 6 for holding the guide rail 5 within the hoistway 2 and a building side beam 8 are provided between the back surface 5b of the guide rail 5 and a side wall 7 of the hoistway 2. The rail bracket 6 is fastened to both the guide rail 5 and the building side beam 8 with bolts.

[0011] The elevator diagnostic device 10 includes an AE (Acoustic Emission) sensor 11 and a sensor control unit 12. The AE sensor 11 is an example of a sensor.

[0012] The AE sensor 11 detects elastic waves from at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 installed in the hoistway 2 of the elevator system 1. That is, the AE sensor 11 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the amplitude and frequency of the elastic waves. Elastic waves are typically generated in the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 in response to an impact applied to the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6, which are made of a metal material, due to an earthquake. The cause of the elastic waves is not limited to earthquakes, and may be an impact other than an earthquake.

[0013] The AE sensor 11 includes a piezoelectric element made of ceramic, such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate), which converts an impact into an electrical detection signal and outputs it. The detection signal output from the piezoelectric element is weak. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, the AE sensor 11 may include an amplifier 111 that amplifies and outputs the detection signal. The AE sensor 11 can easily and quickly detect deformation of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6.

[0014] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the AE sensor 11 is installed (i.e., permanently installed) at the upper end 5a (i.e., top) of the guide rail 5. Although one guide rail 5 is representatively illustrated in Fig. 1, the AE sensor 11 may also be installed at the upper end 5a of another guide rail 5 that guides the lifting and lowering of the car 3. Furthermore, the AE sensor 11 may also be installed at the upper ends of two guide rails that guide the lifting and lowering of the counterweight.

[0015] By installing the AE sensor 11 at the upper end 5a of the guide rail 5, when the sensor control unit 12 is installed near the upper end 5a of the guide rail 5 as described below, the AE sensor 11 and the sensor control unit 12 can be easily connected by wire.

[0016] However, the AE sensor 11 is not limited to being installed at the upper end 5a of the guide rail 5. For example, as indicated by reference numeral 11A in FIG. 1, the AE sensor 11A may be installed on the back surface 5b of the guide rail 5. Alternatively, as indicated by reference numeral 11B in FIG. 1, the AE sensor 11B may be installed at a midpoint between the upper end 5a and the lower end 5c of the guide rail 5. By installing the AE sensor 11B at a midpoint between the upper end 5a and the lower end 5c of the guide rail 5, elastic waves can be detected from the guide rail 5 over a wide range from the upper end 5a to the lower end 5b. Alternatively, as indicated by reference numeral 11C in FIG. 1, the AE sensor 11C may be installed near the lower end 5c of the guide rail 5. Alternatively, if the guide rail 5 is composed of multiple rail sections connected by a fishplate, the AE sensor 11 may be installed in the fishplate.

[0017] Furthermore, the number of AE sensors 11 installed is not limited to one per guide rail 5, but two or more may be installed per guide rail 5. In this case, for example, the average value or maximum value of the elastic waves detected by the two or more AE sensors 11 may be used as the detection result of the elastic waves.

[0018] The sensor control unit 12 is hardware that supplies power to and controls the AE sensor 11. To stably and quickly control the AE sensor 11, the sensor control unit 12 is connected to the AE sensor 11 via a wire. The sensor control unit 12 is, for example, built into a control panel together with the elevator control unit 13. When the AE sensor 11 is installed at the upper end 5a of the guide rail 5, the control panel incorporating the sensor control unit 12 may be installed on the side wall 7 at the upper end of the hoistway 2. In this case, the distance between the AE sensor 11 and the sensor control unit 12 can be shortened, thereby reducing the lengths of the power lines and control lines connecting the AE sensor 11 and the sensor control unit 12 and reducing costs. The sensor control unit 12 is not limited to being connected to the AE sensor 11 via a wire, and may be connected to the AE sensor 11 wirelessly.

[0019] 2, the sensor control unit 12 includes a receiving unit 121, a result storage unit 122, a diagnosis unit 123, and a communication unit 124. The sensor control unit 12 may be a processor that executes the functions of the receiving unit 121, the result storage unit 122, the diagnosis unit 123, and the communication unit 124 by reading and executing a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The sensor control unit 12 may include circuit elements other than the processor.

[0020] The receiving unit 121 receives the detection results of the elastic waves (i.e., detection signals) from the AE sensor 11. If the AE sensor 11 is equipped with an amplifier 111, the receiving unit 121 receives the detection results of the elastic waves amplified by the amplifier 111. The result storage unit 122 readably stores, i.e., stores, the detection results of the elastic waves received by the receiving unit 121. The diagnosing unit 123 reads and acquires the detection results of the elastic waves by the AE sensor 11 from the result storage unit 122.

[0021] The diagnosing unit 123 diagnoses whether at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed (specifically, plastically deformed) based on the detection result of the elastic wave by the AE sensor 11 acquired from the result storage unit 122. When an AE sensor 11 is installed on each of the multiple guide rails 5 of the elevator apparatus 1, the diagnosing unit 123 may diagnose whether at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed for each guide rail 5 based on the detection result of the elastic wave by the AE sensor 11. Note that when the sensor control unit 12 is connected to the AE sensor 11 via a wire, the diagnosing unit 123 acquires the detection result of the elastic wave from the AE sensor 11 via the wire and diagnoses whether at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed. On the other hand, when the sensor control unit 12 is connected to the AE sensor 11 via a wireless connection, the diagnosing unit 123 acquires the detection result of the elastic wave from the AE sensor 11 via the wireless connection and diagnoses whether at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed. In addition, if the AE sensor 11 has a built-in amplifier 111, the diagnostic unit 123 uses the amplified detection signal output from the amplifier 111 as the detection result of the elastic wave to diagnose whether at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed.

[0022] For example, when the elastic waves detected by the AE sensor 11 exceed a threshold, the diagnosing unit 123 diagnoses that at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed. On the other hand, when the elastic waves detected by the AE sensor 11 do not exceed the threshold, the diagnosing unit 123 diagnoses that the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 have not been deformed. The threshold may be, for example, a threshold for the amplitude of the elastic waves, a threshold for the frequency of the elastic waves, or both. Alternatively, the diagnosing unit 123 may use a trained model that has learned elastic waves generated when the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 are deformed. In this case, the diagnosing unit 123 may diagnose that the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 have been deformed when the difference between the elastic waves detected by the AE sensor 11 and the elastic waves indicated in the trained model is equal to or less than a threshold.

[0023] The diagnosing unit 123 may further diagnose at least one of the presence or absence of misalignment of the bolt fastening portions of the rail bracket 6 and the presence or absence of rust on the guide rail 5, based on the detection result of the elastic wave by the AE sensor 11. The diagnosing unit 123 may also determine whether an earthquake has occurred before diagnosing whether or not at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed. In this case, the elevator control unit 13 may stop the ascent and descent of the car 3 (i.e., the ascent and descent of the counterweight) when the diagnosing unit 123 determines that an earthquake of a certain magnitude or greater has occurred. After the ascent and descent of the car 3 has been stopped, the diagnosing unit 123 may then proceed to diagnose whether or not at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed. Note that such a stoppage of the ascent and descent of the car 3 due to the occurrence of an earthquake does not mean a stoppage of elevator service, i.e., a stoppage of the entire operation of the elevator apparatus 1 (complete stoppage), but rather a partial stoppage with the possibility of automatic temporary recovery operation. The determination of whether an earthquake has occurred may be made based on the detection result of P waves by a P wave detector (not shown) installed in the elevator shaft 2. Alternatively, the determination of whether an earthquake has occurred may be made based on the detection result of elastic waves by the AE sensor 11.

[0024] The communication unit 124 transmits the diagnosis result obtained by the diagnosis unit 123 to the elevator control unit 13. The communication unit 124 may further transmit the diagnosis result obtained by the diagnosis unit 123 to the processing terminal 9 of the monitoring center.

[0025] The elevator control unit 13 stops elevator service when the diagnosis result transmitted from the communication unit 124 indicates deformation of at least one of the guide rails 5 and the rail bracket 6. When the diagnosis unit 123 diagnoses the presence or absence of deformation for each of the multiple guide rails 5, the elevator control unit 13 may stop elevator service, for example, when it is diagnosed that any one of the guide rails 5 is deformed. After stopping elevator service, the elevator control unit 13 transmits stop information indicating that elevator service has been stopped to the processing terminal 9 of the monitoring center. In response to the transmission of the stop information, the monitoring center contacts a repair company to dispatch a worker to the site to inspect and repair the elevator device 1.

[0026] On the other hand, if the diagnostic results transmitted from the communication unit 124 indicate that the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 are not deformed, the elevator control unit 13 performs automatic diagnostic operation of the elevator system 1. During automatic diagnostic operation, the elevator control unit 13 checks for abnormalities in each elevator component (e.g., the main rope and counterweight) while moving the car 3 up and down at a low speed, and then checks whether the car 3 runs, stops, and opens and closes normally while moving the car 3 up and down at a normal speed. If the automatic diagnostic operation determines that there are no problems, the elevator control unit 13 transitions to temporary recovery operation to continue elevator service. This eliminates the need to stop the elevator system 1 for a long period of time, thereby shortening the downtime of the elevator system 1. After performing temporary recovery operation, the elevator control unit 13 resumes normal operation after an inspection by an operator.

[0027] Next, an example of the operation of the above-mentioned elevator diagnostic device 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, first, the AE sensor 11 detects elastic waves from at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 (step S1). In the example shown in Fig. 2, the AE sensor 11 outputs the detection result of the elastic waves to the sensor control unit 12. Specifically, the AE sensor 11 outputs an elastic wave detection signal corresponding to the amplitude and frequency of the elastic waves to the sensor control unit 12. The detection result of the elastic waves output to the sensor control unit 12 is received by the receiving unit 121 and then stored by the result storage unit 122.

[0028] After the elastic waves are detected, the diagnosis unit 123 determines whether or not an earthquake has occurred (step S2), as shown in Fig. 3. For example, the diagnosis unit 123 determines whether or not an earthquake has occurred based on the detection result of P waves by a P-wave detector installed in the elevator shaft 2.

[0029] If it is determined that an earthquake of a certain magnitude or greater has occurred (step S2: YES), the elevator control unit 13 stops the driving of the hoisting machine to stop the car 3 (step S3). On the other hand, if it is not determined that an earthquake of a certain magnitude or greater has occurred (step S2: NO), the elevator control unit 13 ends the process.

[0030] After the elevator car 3 is stopped, the diagnosing unit 123 reads out the detection result of the elastic wave from the result storage unit 122. Then, the diagnosing unit 123 diagnoses whether or not at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 is deformed, based on whether or not the read-out detection result of the elastic wave exceeds a threshold value (step S4).

[0031] If the detection result of the elastic wave exceeds the threshold, the diagnosing unit 123 diagnoses that at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 is deformed (step S4: YES). FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the operation of the elevator diagnosing device 10 according to the embodiment. For example, the horizontal axis of FIG. 4 represents time, and the vertical axis represents the amplitude of the elastic wave according to time. The horizontal axis of FIG. 4 may represent the frequency of the elastic wave, and the vertical axis represents the amplitude of the elastic wave according to the frequency. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, if the amplitude of the elastic wave exceeds the threshold TH, the diagnosing unit 123 diagnoses that at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 is deformed. On the other hand, if the detection result of the elastic wave does not exceed the threshold, the diagnosing unit 123 diagnoses that the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 are not deformed (step S4: NO). The diagnosing unit 123 outputs the diagnosis result to the elevator control unit 13.

[0032] If it is diagnosed that at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 is deformed (step S4: YES), the elevator control unit 13 stops the elevator service, that is, the operation of the entire elevator apparatus 1 (step S5).

[0033] On the other hand, if the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 are diagnosed as not being deformed (step S4: NO), the elevator control unit 13 proceeds to automatic diagnostic operation (step S6). In automatic diagnostic operation, the elevator control unit 13 inspects the presence or absence of abnormalities in each elevator component (main rope and counterweight) while raising and lowering the car 3 at a speed slower than that during normal operation. For example, the elevator control unit 13 may use electromagnetic scanning technology to inspect the presence or absence of abnormalities, such as stretching of the main rope, using a rope scanning device (not shown). The elevator control unit 13 may also inspect the presence or absence of a collision between the counterweight and the car 3. After raising and lowering the car 3 at a low speed, the elevator control unit 13 checks whether the car 3 is running, stopping, and opening and closing its doors normally while raising and lowering the car 3 at a normal speed.

[0034] After performing the automatic diagnostic operation, the elevator control unit 13 determines whether or not there is a problem with the elevator apparatus 1 based on the result of the automatic diagnostic operation (step S7).

[0035] If there is no problem with the elevator device 1 (step S7: YES), the elevator control unit 13 transitions to temporary recovery operation and continues elevator service (step S8). After an inspection by an operator, the elevator control unit 13 resumes normal operation of the elevator device 1. On the other hand, if there is a problem with the elevator device 1 (step S7: NO), the elevator control unit 13 stops elevator service (step S5).

[0036] In addition, if the diagnostic unit 123 can diagnose which of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed based on the characteristics of the amplitude and frequency of the elastic wave, the diagnostic result may include information on which of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed.

[0037] As described above, in the embodiment, the AE sensor 11 detects elastic waves from at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 installed in the hoistway 2 of the elevator apparatus 1. Furthermore, the diagnosing unit 123 diagnoses whether or not at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has deformed based on the detection result of the elastic waves by the AE sensor 11.

[0038] This makes it possible to appropriately diagnose the health of the elevator apparatus 1 while shortening the operation stop time of the elevator apparatus 1.

[0039] In the embodiment, the communication unit 124 transmits the diagnosis result by the diagnosis unit 123 to the elevator control unit 13.

[0040] This allows the elevator control unit 13 to appropriately use the diagnosis result of the diagnosing unit 123 transmitted by the communication unit 124 for controlling the elevator device 1.

[0041] In addition, in the embodiment, the elevator control unit 13 stops the elevator service (i.e., the operation of the elevator) according to the diagnosis result transmitted from the communication unit 124, and transmits stop information indicating that the elevator service has been stopped to the processing terminal 9 of the monitoring center.

[0042] This allows the monitoring center to quickly arrange for an operator, thereby shortening the time it takes for the elevator device 1 to return to normal operation.

[0043] In the embodiment, the diagnosing unit 123 diagnoses that at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed when the elastic wave detected by the AE sensor 11 exceeds a threshold value.

[0044] This makes it possible to easily and appropriately diagnose whether or not at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 is deformed based on the threshold value of the elastic wave.

[0045] In the embodiment, the diagnosis unit 123 acquires the detection result of the elastic wave from the AE sensor 11 via a wire.

[0046] This allows the detection results of the elastic waves to be obtained quickly and stably.

[0047] In addition, in the embodiment, the diagnosis unit 123 may obtain the detection result of the elastic wave from the AE sensor 11 wirelessly.

[0048] This allows the diagnostic unit 123 to be placed in a location where it is difficult to connect it to the AE sensor 11 by wire, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the placement of the diagnostic unit 123.

[0049] In addition, in an embodiment, the diagnosis unit 123 may further diagnose at least one of whether or not there is misalignment of the bolt fastening portion of the rail bracket 6 and whether or not there is rust on the guide rail 5 based on the detection results of the elastic waves by the AE sensor 11.

[0050] This allows the health of the elevator apparatus 1 to be diagnosed in more detail.

[0051] In the embodiment, the AE sensor 11 may include an amplifier 111 that amplifies and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the elastic wave. The diagnosing unit 123 may use the detection signal output from the amplifier 111 as a detection result of the elastic wave to diagnose whether or not at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 has been deformed.

[0052] This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of detecting elastic waves, and therefore improve the accuracy of diagnosing the health of the elevator apparatus 1.

[0053] In this embodiment, the AE sensor 11 is installed on the guide rail 5.

[0054] This allows the AE sensor 11 to detect with high accuracy elastic waves generated in at least one of the guide rail 5 and the rail bracket 6 in the vicinity of the guide rail 5. This further improves the accuracy of diagnosing the health of the elevator system 1 based on elastic waves.

[0055] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These 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 modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 elevator device, 2 elevator shaft, 3 car, 5 guide rail, 6 rail bracket, 9 processing terminal, 10 elevator diagnostic device, 11 AE sensor, 123 diagnostic unit, 124 communication unit, 13 elevator control unit

Claims

1. a sensor that detects elastic waves from at least one of a guide rail and a rail bracket installed in an elevator shaft; a diagnosis unit that diagnoses whether at least one of the guide rail and the rail bracket has been deformed based on the detection result of the elastic wave by the sensor; An elevator diagnostic device comprising:

2. The elevator diagnostic device according to claim 1 , further comprising a communication unit that transmits a diagnosis result from the diagnosis unit to an elevator control unit that controls operation of the elevator.

3. 3. The elevator diagnostic device according to claim 2, wherein the elevator control unit stops operation of the elevator in accordance with the diagnostic result transmitted from the communication unit, and transmits stop information indicating that operation of the elevator has been stopped to a monitoring center.

4. 2. The elevator diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic unit diagnoses that at least one of the guide rail and the rail bracket has been deformed when the elastic wave detected by the sensor exceeds a threshold value.

5. The elevator diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic unit acquires the detection result of the elastic wave from the sensor via a wire.

6. The elevator diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic unit obtains the detection result of the elastic wave from the sensor via wireless communication.

7. 2. The elevator diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic unit further diagnoses at least one of whether or not there is misalignment of a bolt fastening portion of the rail bracket and whether or not there is rust on the guide rail, based on the detection result of the elastic wave by the sensor.

8. the sensor includes an amplifier that amplifies and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the elastic wave; 2. The elevator diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic unit uses the detection signal output from the amplifier as a detection result of the elastic wave to diagnose whether at least one of the guide rail and the rail bracket has been deformed.

9. The elevator diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is installed on the guide rail.

10. detecting elastic waves from at least one of a guide rail and a rail bracket installed in an elevator hoistway; a step of diagnosing whether at least one of the guide rail and the rail bracket has been deformed based on the detection result of the elastic wave; An elevator diagnostic method comprising:

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