Elevators and elevator suspension methods

Abstract

In an elevator, a direction change device alters the direction of the suspension system that suspends the elevator car by wrapping the suspension system around it. The direction change device comprises a group of pulley systems including multiple pulley systems and a support member that supports the group of pulley systems. Each pulley system has a pulley and an adjustment mechanism that attaches the pulley to the support member. The pulleys are spaced apart from each other. In the direction change device, the direction of the suspension system changes as the suspension system bends along the direction in which the pulleys are aligned, as the suspension system is continuously wrapped around each pulley. In each pulley system, the position of the pulley relative to the support member can be individually adjusted by the adjustment mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator and a suspension method for an elevator.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an elevator in which the direction of a main rope suspending a car is changed by a direction changing device. The direction changing device has a plurality of pulleys arranged at intervals along an arc. In the direction changing device, the direction of the main rope is changed by winding the main rope around the plurality of pulleys.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional elevator disclosed in Patent Document 1, since it is difficult to change the positional relationship of each pulley in the direction changing device, it is difficult to change the path of the main rope. For this reason, for example, when changing the layout of elevator equipment around which the main rope is wound, it is necessary to manufacture a new direction changing device that suits the changed layout. Also, for example, when using a direction changing device for a plurality of elevators with different specifications, it is necessary to manufacture an individual direction changing device that suits the specifications of each elevator for each elevator. Therefore, it is impossible to achieve commonization of the parts of the direction changing device.

[0005] The present disclosure solves the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an elevator and a suspension method for an elevator that can achieve commonization of the parts of the direction changing device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator according to this disclosure comprises a car, a suspension body that suspends the car, and a direction changing device that changes the direction of the suspension body by wrapping around it. The direction changing device has a group of pulley devices including a plurality of pulley devices and a support member that supports the group of pulley devices. Each pulley device has a pulley and an adjustment mechanism that attaches the pulley to the support member. The pulleys in the group of pulley devices are spaced apart from each other. In the direction changing device, the suspension body is continuously wrapped around each pulley, causing the suspension body to bend along the direction in which the pulleys are aligned, thereby changing the direction of the suspension body. In each pulley device, the position of the pulley relative to the support member can be individually adjusted by the adjustment mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to standardize the components of the steering mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an exploded view showing the configuration of the elevator according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a partially broken front view showing the direction change device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an enlarged front view showing the pulley system. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a side view showing the pulley system. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a front view showing the relationship between the drive sheave and the pulley system. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing the state of the pulley system when the position of the drive sheave relative to the pulley system in Figure 5 is changed. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a front view showing the state of the pulley system when the size of the drive sheave is changed. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view showing the configuration of the elevator according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This is an exploded view showing the configuration of the elevator according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10]This is an exploded view showing the configuration of the elevator according to Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments for carrying out the subject matter of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached figures. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are simplified or omitted as appropriate. The subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any modification of any component of the embodiments or omission of any component of the embodiments is possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is an exploded view showing the configuration of an elevator according to Embodiment 1. Inside the hoistway 10, a car 1 and a counterweight 2 are provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0011] The elevator car 1 is provided with an entrance / exit (not shown). Passengers and luggage board and alight from the elevator car 1 through this entrance / exit. The elevator car 1 is equipped with a car suspension wheel 3. In this embodiment, the car suspension wheel 3 is located at the top of the elevator car 1. The car suspension wheel 3 is rotatable about its axis. The axis of the car suspension wheel 3 is kept horizontal to the elevator car 1.

[0012] A counterweight 2 is equipped with a counterweight suspension wheel 4. In this embodiment, the counterweight suspension wheel 4 is located on the upper part of the counterweight 2. The counterweight suspension wheel 4 is rotatable about its axis. The axis of the counterweight suspension wheel 4 is kept horizontal with respect to the counterweight 2.

[0013] At the upper part inside the hoistway 10, a driving device 5, a direction changing device 6A, a first wire stopper device 11, and a second wire stopper device 12 are provided. The elevator in this embodiment is a machine roomless elevator. Therefore, the car 1, the counterweight 2, the car suspension 3, the counterweight suspension 4, the driving device 5, the direction changing device 6A, the first wire stopper device 11, and the second wire stopper device 12 are arranged as elevator equipment inside the hoistway 10.

[0014] The driving device 5 has a driving device main body 51 and a driving wire sheave 52. The driving device main body 51 is fixed inside the hoistway 10. The driving wire sheave 52 is provided on the driving device main body 51. The axis of the driving wire sheave 52 is kept horizontal with respect to the driving device main body 51. The driving wire sheave 52 is rotatable with respect to the driving device main body 51 about the axis of the driving wire sheave 52.

[0015] The driving device main body 51 has a motor. The driving device main body 51 generates a driving force for rotating the driving wire sheave 52. The direction changing device 6A is arranged at a position away from the driving wire sheave 52.

[0016] The car 1 and the counterweight 2 are suspended by a plurality of suspension bodies 7. As the suspension body 7, a rope, a belt, etc. are used. The suspension body 7 has a first end 7a and a second end 7b. The first end 7a of the suspension body 7 is connected to the first wire stopper device 11. The second end 7b of the suspension body 7 is connected to the second wire stopper device 12.

[0017] The suspension body 7 is wound around in the order of the car suspension 3, the driving wire sheave 52, the direction changing device 6A, and the counterweight suspension 4 from the first wire stopper device 11 and reaches the second wire stopper device 12. Thus, the suspension method of the car 1 and the counterweight 2 by the suspension body 7 is a 2:1 roping method.

[0018] The car hoist 3, the driving wire rope hoist 52, the direction changing device 6A, and the counterweight hoist 4 each change the direction of the suspension body 7 by winding the suspension body 7 around them. As a result, the direction of the suspension body 7 changes each time the suspension body 7 passes through the car hoist 3, the driving wire rope hoist 52, the direction changing device 6A, and the counterweight hoist 4 in that order.

[0019] The car 1 and the counterweight 2 move up and down in the hoistway 10 in the vertical direction in accordance with the rotation of the driving wire rope hoist 52 when the driving wire rope hoist 52 rotates by the driving force of the driving device main body 51. Therefore, the driving device 5 moves the car 1 and the counterweight 2 in the vertical direction. As a result, the elevator in the present embodiment is a traction type elevator.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a partially broken front view showing the direction changing device 6A of FIG. 1. The direction changing device 6A has a support member 61 and a pulley device group 62.

[0021] The support member 61 is fixed in the hoistway 10. The support member 61 supports the pulley device group 62. The support member 61 has a pair of support frames 61a. The pair of support frames 61a face each other in the horizontal direction.

[0022] The pulley device group 62 has a plurality of pulley devices 63. Each pulley device 63 is individually detachably attached to the support member 61. Each pulley device 63 is disposed between the pair of support frames 61a. Each pulley device 63 has an adjustment mechanism 64, a pulley 65, and a pulley shaft 67.

[0023] The adjustment mechanism 64 is detachably attached to the support member 61. The pulley 65 is attached to the adjustment mechanism 64 via the pulley shaft 67. As a result, the pulley 65 is attached to the support member 61 via the pulley shaft 67 and the adjustment mechanism 64. That is, the adjustment mechanism 64 attaches the pulley 65 to the support member 61. The pulley device 63 is attached and detached from the support member 61 by attaching and detaching the adjustment mechanism 64 to and from the support member 61.

[0024] In the pulley system 62, each pulley 65 is spaced apart from the others. When the pulley system 62 is viewed along the direction in which the pair of support frames 61a face each other, each pulley 65 is aligned along a virtual curve.

[0025] The suspension body 7 is wrapped around the direction changing device 6A by continuously engaging with each pulley 65 in the pulley system group 62. In the direction changing device 6A, the suspension body 7 is continuously engaged with each pulley 65 in the pulley system group 62, causing the suspension body 7 to bend along the direction in which the pulleys 65 are aligned, thereby changing the direction of the suspension body 7.

[0026] In each pulley device 63, the position of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 can be individually adjusted by an adjustment mechanism 64. The adjustment of the position of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 is performed by operating the adjustment mechanism 64 to move the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61. In the pulley device group 62, the position of each pulley 65 can be individually adjusted by each adjustment mechanism 64 relative to the support member 61 in a direction that changes the path of the suspension body 7 that is connected to each pulley 65. As a result, in the pulley device group 62, each pulley 65 can be aligned along a virtual curve of any shape.

[0027] In each pulley device 63, the direction in which the position of the pulley 65 is adjusted relative to the support member 61 is the same. In this embodiment, the position of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 in each pulley device 63 is adjustable in the vertical direction.

[0028] Figure 3 is an enlarged front view showing the pulley device 63 of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a side view showing the pulley device 63 of Figure 3. The pulley shaft 67 is attached to the adjustment mechanism 64 with one end of the pulley shaft 67 facing one support frame 61a and the other end of the pulley shaft 67 facing the other support frame 61a. The pulley 65 is attached to the pulley shaft 67. The pulley shaft 67 is positioned on the axis of the pulley 65.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, multiple grooves 651 are provided on the outer circumference of the pulley 65 along the circumferential direction of the pulley 65. When each suspension body 7 is engaged with the pulley 65, each suspension body 7 is individually inserted into each groove 651 in the pulley 65.

[0030] The pulley 65 is rotatable about its axis relative to the adjustment mechanism 64 and the support member 61. In this embodiment, the pulley 65 is fixed to the pulley shaft 67. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pulley 65 rotates integrally with the pulley shaft 67 about its axis.

[0031] The adjustment mechanism 64 has a pair of individual adjustment units 66. The pair of individual adjustment units 66 are individually and detachably attached to a pair of support frames 61a. The pair of individual adjustment units 66 are also positioned on both sides of the pulley 65 in a direction along the axis of the pulley 65. The pulley 65 is attached to the support member 61 via the pulley shaft 67 and the pair of individual adjustment units 66.

[0032] Each individual adjustment unit 66 has a jack section 661 and a shaft mounting section 662. The jack section 661 is detachably attached to the support frame 61a. The shaft mounting section 662 is attached to the jack section 661. A pulley shaft 67 is attached to the shaft mounting section 662.

[0033] The jack section 661 moves the shaft mounting section 662 relative to the support member 61 in response to the operation of the jack section 661. In each individual adjustment unit 66, the direction in which the jack section 661 moves the shaft mounting section 662 relative to the support member 61 is the same. In this embodiment, in each individual adjustment unit 66, the jack section 661 moves the shaft mounting section 662 vertically relative to the support member 61 as shown by arrow A in Figures 3 and 4. A screw-type, gear-type, or hydraulic jack can be used as the jack section 661. In this embodiment, a screw-type jack is used as the jack section 661.

[0034] In each individual adjustment unit 66, the shaft mounting portion 662 moves relative to the support member 61 by the jack portion 661, causing the pulley shaft 67 to move together with the shaft mounting portion 662 relative to the support member 61. This allows each individual adjustment unit 66 to individually adjust the position of the pulley shaft 67 relative to the support member 61 at each position of the shaft mounting portion 662 on the pulley shaft 67. The adjustment mechanism 64 adjusts the position of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 by individually adjusting the movement distance of the shaft mounting portion 662 in each individual adjustment unit 66.

[0035] In the pulley system 63, if the distance traveled by the jack portion 661 of the shaft mounting portion 662 in each individual adjustment unit 66 is different from that of the other, the angle of the axis of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 changes. On the other hand, in the pulley system 63, if the distance traveled by the jack portion 661 of the shaft mounting portion 662 in each individual adjustment unit 66 is the same, the angle of the axis of the pulley shaft 67 relative to the support member 61 remains constant. Therefore, in each pulley system 63, the adjustment mechanism 64 allows for individual adjustment of not only the position of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61, but also the angle of the axis of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61.

[0036] The pulley shaft 67 passes through the shaft mounting portion 662 in a direction along the axis of the pulley 65. A set collar (not shown) is fixed to the pulley shaft 67, which restricts the movement of the pulley shaft 67 relative to the shaft mounting portion 662 at any position. The set collar is fixed to the pulley shaft 67 by tightening a set bolt that is screwed into the set collar. By loosening the set bolt, the pulley shaft 67 can slide in a direction along the axis of the pulley 65.

[0037] The position of each individual adjustment unit 66 with respect to the pulley shaft 67 is individually fixed in the direction along the axis of the pulley 65 by a set collar fixed to the pulley shaft 67 restricting the movement of the shaft mounting portion 662 with respect to the pulley shaft 67. Also, the position of each individual adjustment unit 66 with respect to the pulley shaft 67 can be individually adjusted in the direction along the axis of the pulley 65 as shown by arrow B in Fig. 4 by loosening the set bolt. The elevator is operated with the position of each individual adjustment unit 66 with respect to the pulley shaft 67 fixed in the direction along the axis of the pulley 65.

[0038] Also, the set collar can be removed from the pulley shaft 67 by loosening the set bolt. The pulley 65 and the pulley shaft 67 can be removed from each individual adjustment unit 66 by removing the set collar from the pulley shaft 67. Thereby, in each pulley device 63, the pulley 65 and the pulley shaft 67 are detachable with respect to the adjustment mechanism 64.

[0039] Therefore, in the present embodiment, each pulley 65 can be individually detached from the support member 61 by detaching the pulley 65 with respect to the adjustment mechanism 64 or detaching the pulley device 63 with respect to the support member 61.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a front view showing the relationship between the drive wire rope 52 of Fig. 1 and the pulley device group 62. The diameter D of each pulley 65 in the pulley device group 62 is smaller than the diameter d of the drive wire rope 52. That is, the relationship D < d holds. The diameters D of each pulley 65 may be the same as each other or different from each other. In the present embodiment, the diameters D of each pulley 65 are all the same diameter.

[0041] The suspension body 7 forms a curved section 71 corresponding to the shape of a reference arc by bending along the direction in which each pulley 65 is aligned in the pulley device group 62. The suspension body 7 is formed with a straight section 72 extending from one end 71a of the curved section 71 and a straight section 73 extending from the other end 71b of the curved section 71. In this embodiment, the first straight section 72 extends from one end 71a of the curved section 71 toward the drive sheave 52, and the second straight section 73 extends from the other end 71b of the curved section 71 toward the counterweight suspension wheel 4.

[0042] The reference arc is an arc that passes through the positions of one end 71a and the other end 71b of the curved section 71, such that the tangent at the position of the end 71a of the curved section 71 coincides with the first straight section, and the tangent at the position of the other end 71b of the curved section 71 coincides with the second straight section. The reference arc is also an arc centered on the axis P. In this embodiment, since the diameter D of each pulley 65 is the same, the shape of the virtual curve is also an arc centered on the axis P. The radius of curvature R of the reference arc is determined based on the size of the drive sheave 52. In this embodiment, the radius of curvature R of the reference arc is greater than or equal to the radius r of the drive sheave 52 and less than or equal to the diameter d of the drive sheave 52. That is, the relationship d≧R≧r holds.

[0043] Here, the angle formed by the two straight lines connecting one end 71a and the other end 71b of the curved section 71 to the axis P is defined as the wrapping angle θ of the suspension body 7 with respect to the pulley system 62. In this case, the magnitude of the wrapping angle θ of the suspension body 7 with respect to the pulley system 62 is determined by the direction extending from the curved section 71 along the first straight section 72 and the direction extending from the curved section 71 along the second straight section 73. Therefore, the magnitude of the wrapping angle θ of the suspension body 7 with respect to the pulley system 62 changes when at least one of the directions extending from the curved section 71 along the first straight section 72 and the direction extending from the curved section 71 along the second straight section 73 is changed. In this embodiment, the magnitude of the wrapping angle θ of the suspension body 7 with respect to the pulley system 62 is less than 90°.

[0044] Figure 6 is a front view showing the state of the pulley system 62 when the position of the drive sheave 52 relative to the pulley system 62 in Figure 5 is changed. In Figure 6, the drive unit 5, each pulley 65, and suspension body 7 before the position of the drive sheave 52 is changed are shown by dashed lines, and the drive unit 5, each pulley 65, and suspension body 7 after the position of the drive sheave 52 is changed are shown by solid lines.

[0045] In Figure 6, the position of the drive sheave 52 relative to the pulley system 62 has been changed to a lower position than before the change. Also in Figure 6, when viewed from above, the position of the suspension body 7 extending downward from the drive sheave 52 toward the cage trolley 3 remains the same before and after the change in the position of the drive sheave 52 relative to the pulley system 62.

[0046] When the position of the drive sheave 52 relative to the pulley system 62 is changed, the direction in which it extends from the curved section 71 along the first straight section 72 changes. In this case, the position of each pulley 65 in the pulley system 62 is individually adjusted relative to the support member 61 in accordance with the change in the direction in which it extends from the curved section 71 along the first straight section 72. This adjusts the shape of the curved section 71 and the path of the suspension body 7 wrapped around the direction changing device 6A.

[0047] In Figure 6, the position of the drive sheave 52 relative to the pulley system 62 is changed to a lower position than before, so that the direction extending from the curved section 71 along the first straight section 72 becomes closer to horizontal. Also in Figure 6, the position of each pulley 65 is individually adjusted relative to the support member 61, so that the wrapping angle θ of the suspension body 7 relative to the pulley system 62 changes from the wrapping angle θ1 before the change to the wrapping angle θ2 after the change, which is larger than θ1. On the other hand, in this embodiment, even when the position of the drive sheave 52 relative to the pulley system 62 is changed, the magnitude of the radius of curvature R of the reference arc is maintained constant before and after the change in the position of the drive sheave 52 relative to the pulley system 62.

[0048] Figure 7 is a front view showing the state of the pulley system 62 when the size of the drive sheave 52 in Figure 5 is changed. In Figure 7, the drive sheave 52, each pulley 65, and the suspension body 7 before the size of the drive sheave 52 is changed are shown by dashed lines, and the drive sheave 52, each pulley 65, and the suspension body 7 after the size of the drive sheave 52 is changed are shown by solid lines.

[0049] In Figure 7, the radius r of the drive sheave 52 has been changed from the original radius r1 to the modified radius r3, which is larger than r1. Consequently, in Figure 7, the diameter d of the drive sheave 52 has been changed from the original diameter d1 to the modified diameter d3, which is larger than d1. Also, in Figure 7, when viewed from above, the position of the suspension body 7 extending downward from the drive sheave 52 toward the cage sheave 3 remains the same before and after the change in the size of the drive sheave 52.

[0050] The radius of curvature R of the reference arc is determined based on the size of the drive sheave 52. If the radius of curvature R of the reference arc is changed due to a change in the size of the drive sheave 52, the position of each pulley 65 in the pulley device group 62 is individually adjusted relative to the support member 61 in accordance with the change in the radius of curvature R of the reference arc.

[0051] In Figure 7, the radius of curvature R of the reference arc is changed from the original radius of curvature R1 to the modified radius of curvature R3, which is larger than R1, due to the change in the size of the drive sheave 52. As a result, the axis P that forms the center of the reference arc is changed from the original axis P1 to the modified axis P3. The modified radius of curvature R3 of the reference arc is greater than or equal to the modified radius r3 of the drive sheave 52 and less than or equal to the modified diameter d3 of the drive sheave 52. That is, the relationship d3≧R3≧r3 holds. In Figure 7, because the radius of curvature R of the reference arc is changed from the original radius of curvature R1 to the modified radius of curvature R3, the position of each pulley 65 in the pulley device group 62 is individually adjusted relative to the support member 61 so that the curved section 71 corresponds to the shape of the modified reference arc. The wrapping angle θ of the suspension body 7 with respect to the pulley device group 62 changes from the original wrapping angle θ1 to the modified wrapping angle θ3, which is smaller than θ1.

[0052] Furthermore, in Figure 7, the change in the size of the drive sheave 52 also changes the direction in which the suspension body 7 extends from the pulley group 62 toward the drive sheave 52. As a result, in Figure 7, when the size of the drive sheave 52 is changed, the position of each pulley 65 in the pulley group 62 is individually adjusted relative to the support member 61 in accordance with the change in the direction in which it extends from the curved section 71 toward the first straight section 72. This adjusts the shape of the curved section 71 and the path of the suspension body 7 wrapped around the direction changing device 6A.

[0053] Next, we will describe an elevator suspension method in which the elevator car 1 and counterweight 2 are suspended by a suspension body 7 when installing an elevator or changing the layout of elevator equipment. The elevator suspension method includes a temporary support step, an adjustment step, a suspension body placement step, and a suspension step. In the elevator suspension method, each step is performed in the following order: temporary support step, adjustment step, suspension body placement step, and suspension step.

[0054] The temporary support process is the process of temporarily supporting the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 within the elevator shaft 10. In the temporary support process, the elevator car 1 and the counterweight 2 are supported within the elevator shaft 10 by temporary support devices separate from the suspension system 7.

[0055] After the temporary support process, an adjustment process is carried out. The adjustment process is the process of adjusting the direction changing device 6A. In the adjustment process, first, a reference arc is determined based on the positional relationship between the counterweight suspension wheel 4 and the drive sheave 52 and the pulley device group 62, and the size of the drive sheave 52. Then, a virtual curve is set on the support member 61 to determine the position of the arrangement of each pulley 65 in which the curved section 71 of the suspension body 7 is formed, corresponding to the shape of the reference arc.

[0056] In the subsequent adjustment process, the position of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 is individually adjusted by operating the adjustment mechanism 64 in each pulley device 63 so that each pulley 65 is aligned along a virtual curve. In this embodiment, the position of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 is adjusted in the vertical direction. At this time, in each pulley device 63, the position of the pulley 65 is adjusted relative to the support member 61 while adjusting the angle of the axis of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 by individually operating the jack section 661 of each individual adjustment unit 66. In this embodiment, in each pulley device 63, the position of the pulley 65 is adjusted relative to the support member 61 while keeping the axis of the pulley 65 horizontal.

[0057] After the adjustment process, the suspension system placement process is carried out. The suspension system placement process is the process of positioning the suspension system 7 in a position from which the cage 1 and the counterweight 2 can be suspended. In the suspension system placement process, the suspension system 7 is sequentially wrapped around the cage suspension wheel 3, the drive sheave 52, the direction changing device 6A, and the counterweight suspension wheel 4, and the first end 7a of the suspension system 7 is connected to the first rope fastening device 11, and the second end 7b of the suspension system 7 is connected to the second rope fastening device 12. At this time, the suspension system 7 is wrapped around the direction changing device 6A by continuously wrapping the suspension system 7 around each pulley 65. In the pulley device group 62, as the suspension system 7 is continuously wrapped around each pulley 65, the direction of the suspension system 7 changes as it bends along the direction in which the pulleys 65 are aligned.

[0058] After the suspension system placement process, the suspension process is carried out. The suspension process involves suspending the cage 1 and the counterweight 2 by the suspension system 7. In the suspension process, the temporary support of the cage 1 and the counterweight 2 is released by removing the temporary support devices. As a result, in the suspension process, the cage 1 and the counterweight 2 are suspended within the elevator shaft 10 by the suspension system 7.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, if a malfunction is discovered in some of the pulleys 65 in the pulley system group 62 during maintenance inspection of the elevator, the car 1 and counterweight 2 are temporarily supported, and then the old, malfunctioning pulley 65 is replaced with a new pulley 65. The replacement from the old pulley 65 to the new pulley 65 is performed by removing the old pulley 65 from the support member 61 and then attaching the new pulley 65 to the support member 61.

[0060] To remove the old pulley 65 from the support member 61, the old pulley 65 is removed from the support member 61 by removing the pulley 65 from the adjustment mechanism 64. To remove the pulley 65 from the adjustment mechanism 64, the set bolt is loosened, the set collar is removed from the pulley shaft 65a, and then the pulley shaft 65a is removed from the pair of individual adjustment units 66.

[0061] When attaching the new pulley 65 to the support member 61, the new pulley 65 is attached to the adjustment mechanism 64 by following the reverse procedure of when the old pulley 65 was removed from the adjustment mechanism 64, thereby attaching the new pulley 65 to the support member 61.

[0062] When replacing the old pulley 65 with a new pulley 65, the old pulley 65 may be removed from the support member 61 by removing the adjustment mechanism 64 together with the pulley 65 from the support member 61 and then removing the pulley device 63 from the support member 61. In this case, the new pulley 65 is attached to the support member 61 by attaching the new pulley device 63 to the support member 61.

[0063] In this type of elevator, a direction-changing device 6A, which changes the direction of the suspension body 7 by wrapping around it, has a pulley system group 62 and a support member 61. The pulley system group 62 has a plurality of pulley systems 63. Each pulley system 63 has a pulley 65 and an adjustment mechanism 64. The pulley 65 is attached to the support member 61 by the adjustment mechanism 64. The pulleys 65 in the pulley system group 62 are spaced apart from each other. In the direction-changing device 6A, the direction of the suspension body 7 changes as the suspension body 7 bends along the direction in which the pulleys 65 are aligned, as the suspension body 7 is continuously wrapped around each pulley 65. In each pulley system 63, the position of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 can be individually adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 64.

[0064] Therefore, the path of the suspension body 7 wrapped around the direction-changing device 6A can be freely adjusted by adjusting the position of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61. This allows the same type of direction-changing device 6A to be used even when changing the layout of elevator equipment or when using the same direction-changing device 6A for multiple elevators with different specifications. Consequently, there is no need to manufacture individual direction-changing devices according to changes in the layout of elevator equipment or differences in the specifications of different elevators. This makes it possible to standardize the parts of the direction-changing device 6A.

[0065] In this way, the parts of the direction change device 6A can be standardized, which can reduce the cost of the elevator. Furthermore, because the parts of the direction change device 6A can be standardized, the work involved in handling the direction change device 6A can also be standardized, which can reduce the burden of work involved in handling the direction change device 6A and improve the skill level of the workers. As a result, the burden of work and the skill level of workers involved in tasks such as changing the layout of elevator equipment, installing elevators, and performing maintenance and inspections on elevators can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, the diameter D of each pulley 65 is smaller than the diameter d of the drive sheave 52. The suspension body 7 forms a curved section 71 corresponding to the shape of the reference arc by bending along the direction in which each pulley 65 is aligned in the pulley device group 62. The radius of curvature R of the reference arc is greater than or equal to the radius r of the drive sheave 52. Therefore, the pulley device group 62 can be arranged in a smaller space than when a sheave with the same radius as the radius of curvature R of the reference arc is arranged. This makes it possible to reduce the installation space of the direction changing device 6A. In addition, the shape of the curved section 71 of the suspension body 7 can be made to resemble the shape of the suspension body 7 when it is wrapped around a sheave with the same radius as the radius of curvature R of the reference arc. This makes it possible to reduce the magnitude of the bending stress applied to the suspension body 7 when it is wrapped around the direction changing device 6A to less than or equal to the magnitude of the bending stress applied to the suspension body 7 when it is wrapped around the drive sheave 52. Therefore, the shortening of the lifespan of the suspension body 7 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the radius of curvature R of the reference arc is greater than or equal to the radius r of the drive sheave 52, the winding angle θ of the suspension body 7 with respect to the pulley device group 62 can be finely adjusted in relation to the adjustment amount of the position of each pulley 65 with respect to the support member 61. In addition, since the size of each pulley 65 is smaller than the size of the drive sheave 52, each pulley 65 can be made lighter, and the burden of the work of individually adjusting the position of each pulley 65 with respect to the support member 61 can also be reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, the radius of curvature R of the reference arc is less than or equal to the diameter d of the drive sheave 52. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the direction changing device 6A and reduce the installation space of the direction changing device 6A.

[0068] Furthermore, in each pulley device 63, the direction in which the position of the pulley 65 is adjusted relative to the support member 61 is the same. Therefore, when adjusting the position of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 individually in the pulley device group 62, interference between the pulleys 65 is less likely to occur. This makes it easier to adjust the position of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 individually. In addition, since the movement paths of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 can be made parallel to each other, the adjustment range of the position of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 can be expanded.

[0069] Furthermore, in each pulley device 63, the angle of the axis of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 can be individually adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 64. Therefore, the angles of the axes of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 can be kept at the same angle, or they can be adjusted to different angles. This makes it possible to change the direction of the suspension body 7 in three dimensions by bending the suspension body 7 in the direction in which the pulleys 65 are aligned. This further improves the freedom of layout for elevator equipment and reduces the burden of work when installing elevators and performing maintenance and inspections.

[0070] Furthermore, in the direction-changing device 6A, each pulley 65 can be individually attached to and detached from the support member 61. Therefore, if any of the pulleys 65 malfunction, the old, malfunctioning pulley 65 can be replaced with a new one. This eliminates the need to replace the entire direction-changing device 6A, making repair work on the direction-changing device 6A much easier.

[0071] Furthermore, in this type of elevator suspension method, the position of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 is individually adjusted by individually operating the adjustment mechanism 64 in each pulley device 63 during the adjustment process. Therefore, the path of the suspension body 7 that is continuously connected to each pulley 65 can be adjusted according to changes in the layout of the elevator equipment, differences in elevator specifications, etc. This makes it possible to standardize the parts of the direction changing device 6A. Consequently, the burden of work on handling the direction changing device 6A can be reduced, and the skill level of the workers handling the direction changing device 6A can be improved. Consequently, the burden of work on changing the layout of elevator equipment, installing elevators, and performing maintenance and inspections on elevators can be reduced, and the skill level of the workers can be improved.

[0072] Embodiment 2. Figure 8 is an exploded view showing the configuration of an elevator according to Embodiment 2. The elevator car 1 is provided with a direction changing device 6B. In this embodiment, the direction changing device 6A is not provided in the upper part of the hoistway 10, and the direction changing device 6B is provided in the lower part of the elevator car 1. The direction changing device 6B has a support member 61 and a pair of pulley devices 62.

[0073] The support member 61 is fixed to the lower part of the cage 1. The configuration of the support member 61 is the same as that of the support member 61 in Embodiment 1.

[0074] The pair of pulley systems 62 are supported by a support member 61. The pair of pulley systems 62 are also positioned at a distance from each other in the horizontal direction. In each of the pair of pulley systems 62, the pulleys 65 are spaced apart from each other along distinct, individual virtual curves.

[0075] The suspension body 7, which suspends the cage 1 and the counterweight 2, is wrapped around the first rope-stopping device 11, the direction-changing device 6B, the drive sheave 52, and the counterweight suspension wheel 4 in that order, and reaches the second rope-stopping device 12. At the direction-changing device 6B, the suspension body 7 is continuously wrapped around a pair of pulley devices 62. At each of the pair of pulley devices 62, the suspension body 7 is continuously attached to each pulley 65, causing the suspension body 7 to bend along the direction in which the pulleys 65 are aligned, thereby changing the direction of the suspension body 7.

[0076] In the direction changing device 6B, the suspension body 7 extending from the first rope-stopping device 11 is wrapped around one of the pulley device groups 62, thereby changing the direction of the suspension body 7 from downward to sideways towards the other pulley device group 62. Also in the direction changing device 6B, the suspension body 7 extending from one of the pulley device groups 62 is wrapped around the other pulley device group 62, thereby changing the direction of the suspension body 7 from sideways to upward towards the drive sheave 52. In this embodiment, the wrapping angle θ of the suspension body 7 around each pulley device group 62 is 90° in all cases. The other configurations of the direction changing device 6B are the same as those of the direction changing device 6A in Embodiment 1. The other configurations of the elevator are also the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0077] Next, the elevator suspension method will be described. In the elevator suspension method, the steps other than the adjustment step and the suspension body arrangement step are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0078] In the adjustment process, a reference arc is determined for each pulley group 62 based on the positional relationship between the first rope-stopping device 11 and the drive sheave 52 and each of the pair of pulley group 62, as well as the size of the drive sheave 52. Then, a virtual curve is set on the support member 61, corresponding to each pulley group 62, to determine the position of the arrangement of each pulley 65 in which the curved section 71 of the suspension body 7 is formed, so as to correspond to the shape of the reference arc.

[0079] Subsequently, in the adjustment process, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, the position of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 is individually adjusted in each pulley device group 62 so that each pulley 65 is aligned along a virtual curve.

[0080] In the suspension system configuration process, the suspension system 7 is sequentially wrapped around the direction changing device 6B, the drive sheave 52, and the counterweight suspension wheel 4. The first end 7a of the suspension system 7 is connected to the first rope fastening device 11, and the second end 7b of the suspension system 7 is connected to the second rope fastening device 12. At this time, the suspension system 7 is continuously wrapped around a pair of pulley system groups 62 in the direction changing device 6B. In each pulley system group 62, the suspension system 7 is continuously wrapped around each pulley 65, causing the suspension system 7 to bend along the direction in which the pulleys 65 are aligned, thereby changing the direction of the suspension system 7. The other procedures are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0081] In this type of elevator, a direction-changing device 6B is installed in the car 1. Therefore, by wrapping the suspension body 7 around the direction-changing device 6B installed in the car 1, the path of the suspension body 7 can be adjusted. As a result, even if the size and weight of the car 1 differ in multiple elevators, the same type of direction-changing device 6B can be installed in the car 1 of each elevator. Consequently, the parts of the direction-changing device 6B can be standardized, and the cost of the elevator can be reduced. Furthermore, the burden of work on handling the direction-changing device 6B can be reduced, and the skill level of the workers handling the direction-changing device 6B can be improved. This reduces the burden of work and improves the skill level of workers when changing the layout of elevator equipment, installing elevators, or performing maintenance and inspections on elevators.

[0082] Furthermore, the direction change device 6B is located at the bottom of the elevator car 1. This avoids the need to install the direction change device 6B at the top of the elevator car 1, allowing the elevator car 1 to be positioned closer to the upper end of the elevator shaft 10 when it stops on the top floor of the building. This helps to save space in the elevator shaft 10.

[0083] In the above embodiment, a direction-changing device 6B having a pair of pulley systems 62 is provided at the bottom of the car 1. However, the direction-changing device 6B having a pair of pulley systems 62 may also be provided at the top of the car 1.

[0084] Embodiment 3. Figure 9 is an exploded view showing the configuration of an elevator according to Embodiment 3. The elevator car 1 is provided with a direction changing device 6C. In this embodiment, the direction changing device 6C is provided at the top of the elevator car 1. The direction changing device 6C has a support member 61 and a pulley group 62.

[0085] The support member 61 is fixed to the upper part of the basket 1. The configuration of the support member 61 is the same as that of the support member 61 in Embodiment 1.

[0086] The pulley system 62 is supported by the support member 61. In the pulley system 62, each pulley 65 is spaced apart from the others along a virtual curve corresponding to the pulley system 62.

[0087] The suspension system 7, which suspends the cage 1 and the counterweight 2, is wrapped around the first rope-stopping device 11, the direction-changing device 6C, the drive sheave 52, and the counterweight suspension wheel 4 in that order, and reaches the second rope-stopping device 12. At the direction-changing device 6C, the suspension system 7 is continuously attached to each pulley 65 in the pulley system group 62, causing the suspension system 7 to bend along the direction in which the pulleys 65 are aligned, thereby changing the direction of the suspension system 7.

[0088] In the direction changing device 6C, the suspension body 7 extending from the first rope-stopping device 11 is wrapped around the pulley group 62, thereby changing the direction of the suspension body 7 from downward to upward toward the drive sheave 52. In this embodiment, the wrapping angle θ of the suspension body 7 around the pulley group 62 is 180°. The other configurations of the direction changing device 6C are the same as those of the direction changing device 6A in Embodiment 1. The other configurations of the elevator are also the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0089] Next, the elevator suspension method will be described. In the elevator suspension method, the steps other than the adjustment step and the suspension body arrangement step are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0090] In the adjustment process, a reference arc corresponding to the pulley group 62 is determined based on the positional relationship between the first rope-stopping device 11 and the drive sheave 52 and the pulley group 62, as well as the size of the drive sheave 52. Then, a virtual curve is set on the support member 61 to determine the position of each pulley 65 in which the curved section 71 of the suspension body 7 is formed, corresponding to the shape of the reference arc.

[0091] Subsequently, in the adjustment process, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, the position of each pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 is individually adjusted in each pulley device group 62 so that each pulley 65 is aligned along a virtual curve.

[0092] In the suspension system configuration process, the suspension system 7 is sequentially wrapped around the direction changing device 6C, the drive sheave 52, and the counterweight suspension wheel 4. The first end 7a of the suspension system 7 is connected to the first rope fastening device 11, and the second end 7b of the suspension system 7 is connected to the second rope fastening device 12. In the direction changing device 6C, the suspension system 7 is continuously wrapped around each pulley 65, causing the suspension system 7 to bend along the direction in which the pulleys 65 are aligned, thereby changing the direction of the suspension system 7. The other procedures are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0093] Thus, in this embodiment as well, since the direction-changing device 6C is provided on the car 1, the same effects as in Embodiment 2 can be obtained.

[0094] Furthermore, the direction-changing device 6C is located on the upper part of the elevator car 1. Therefore, the direction-changing device 6C can be positioned in a space narrower than the horizontal range of the elevator car 1, thereby reducing the installation space required for the direction-changing device 6C.

[0095] Embodiment 4. Figure 10 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the elevator according to Embodiment 4. A direction-changing device 6C, similar to that in Embodiment 2, is provided at the bottom of the car 1. The other configurations are the same as in Embodiment 1. Accordingly, the suspension body 7 is wrapped around the first rope-stopping device 11, the direction-changing device 6B, the drive sheave 52, the direction-changing device 6A, and the counterweight suspension wheel 4 in that order, and reaches the second rope-stopping device 12.

[0096] In the adjustment process for the elevator suspension method, the direction changing device 6A and the direction changing device 6B are adjusted. The direction changing device 6A is adjusted in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. The direction changing device 6B is adjusted in the same manner as in Embodiment 2. In the suspension body arrangement process, the suspension body 7 is sequentially wrapped around the direction changing device 6B, the drive sheave 52, the direction changing device 6A, and the counterweight suspension wheel 4, and the first end 7a of the suspension body 7 is connected to the first rope fastening device 11, and the second end 7b of the suspension body 7 is connected to the second rope fastening device 12. The other procedures are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0097] Thus, the direction changing device 6A is installed in the upper part of the hoistway 10, and the direction changing device 6B is installed in the lower part of the elevator car 1. Therefore, the effects of both Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 can be obtained. This makes it possible to standardize the parts of the direction changing device 6A and the direction changing device 6B. This further reduces costs. In addition, it is possible to further reduce the burden of work and improve the skill level of workers when changing the layout of elevator equipment, installing elevators, and performing maintenance and inspections on elevators.

[0098] In each of the above embodiments, the direction changing device 6B in Embodiment 2, or the direction changing device 6C in Embodiment 3, may be provided on the counterweight 2 instead of the counterweight suspension wheel 4.

[0099] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, at least one of the pulleys 65 may be a specific pulley, with at least a portion of it made of resin. For example, the entire pulley 65 may be made of resin. Alternatively, for example, some of the pulleys 65 may be designated as specific pulleys, and the outer periphery of the specific pulleys may be made of resin. In the pulley device group 62, since the load applied from the suspension body 7 to each pulley 65 is distributed by the arrangement of multiple pulleys 65 spaced apart from each other, resin, which has lower strength than metal, can be used as the material that constitutes the pulleys 65. In this way, the pulley 65 designated as a specific pulley can be made lighter compared to the case where all the materials constituting the pulley 65 are metal. This makes the pulley 65 designated as a specific pulley easier to handle. Therefore, the burden of work and the skill level of workers can be further reduced when changing the layout of elevator equipment, installing elevators, and performing maintenance and inspections on elevators. When the outer periphery of a specific pulley is made of resin, a resin with excellent wear resistance and self-lubricating properties can be used as the material that constitutes the outer periphery of the specific pulley. Polyacetal and polyamide are used as resins with excellent wear resistance and self-lubricating properties.

[0100] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the direction in which the position of the pulley 65 is adjusted relative to the support member 61 in each pulley device 63 is the vertical direction. However, in each pulley device 63, the direction in which the position of the pulley 65 is adjusted relative to the support member 61 may be, for example, the horizontal direction.

[0101] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the direction in which the position of the pulley 65 is adjusted relative to the support member 61 is the same in each pulley device 63. However, the directions in which the position of the pulley 65 is adjusted relative to the support member 61 may be different in each pulley device 63.

[0102] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the radius of curvature R of the reference arc is greater than or equal to the radius r of the drive sheave 52. However, the radius of curvature R of the reference arc may be smaller than the radius r of the drive sheave 52.

[0103] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the angle of the axis of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 can be individually adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 64 in each pulley device 63. However, in each pulley device 63, the angle of the axis of the pulley 65 relative to the support member 61 may be kept constant.

[0104] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the pulley 65 rotates integrally with the pulley shaft 67 in each pulley device 63. However, the pulley 65 may be rotatable relative to the pulley shaft 67 about its axis. In this case, the pulley shaft 67 is fixed to the respective shaft mounting portions 662 of the pair of individual adjustment units 66 by set bolts. Also, in this case, the set collar is not attached to the pulley shaft 67.

[0105] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 4, the direction changing device 6A is applied to a machine-room-less elevator. However, the direction changing device 6A may also be applied to an elevator in which the machine room is located above the hoistway 10. In this case, the drive unit 5 and the direction changing device 6A are provided in the machine room.

[0106] Furthermore, in embodiments 2 and 3, the direction change devices 6B and 6C are applied to a machine-room-less elevator. However, the direction change devices 6B and 6C may also be applied to an elevator in which the machine room is located above the hoistway 10. In this case, the drive unit 5 is provided in the machine room.

[0107] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the suspension body placement process is performed after the adjustment process and before the suspension process in the elevator suspension method. However, the suspension body placement process may be performed before the adjustment process. Moreover, for example, when changing the layout of the elevator equipment, if the suspension body 7 is already positioned in a location from which the car 1 and counterweight 2 can be suspended, the suspension body placement process is already completed and therefore does not need to be performed again.

[0108] The configurations shown in the embodiments described above are merely examples of the content of this disclosure. The embodiments can be combined with other known technologies. Some parts of the configurations of the embodiments can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1 cage, 5 drive unit, 6A, 6B, 6C direction change device, 7 suspension body, 51 drive unit body, 52 drive sheave, 61 support member, 62 pulley group, 63 pulley device, 64 adjustment mechanism, 65 pulley, 71 curved section.

Claims

1. basket, A suspension system for suspending the aforementioned cage, A direction-changing device that changes the direction of the suspension body by wrapping around it, A drive device for moving the aforementioned basket and Equipped with, The aforementioned direction-changing device includes a group of pulley devices comprising a plurality of pulley devices, and a support member that supports the group of pulley devices. Each of the pulley devices comprises a pulley and an adjustment mechanism that attaches the pulley to the support member. Each of the pulleys in the aforementioned pulley system is arranged with a gap between them, In the aforementioned direction-changing device, the suspension body is continuously connected to each of the pulleys, causing the suspension body to bend along the direction in which the pulleys are aligned, thereby changing the direction of the suspension body. In each of the pulley devices, the position of the pulley relative to the support member can be individually adjusted by the adjustment mechanism. The drive device comprises a drive sheave around which the suspension body is wrapped, and a drive device body that generates a driving force to rotate the drive sheave. The diameter of each pulley is smaller than the diameter of the drive sheave. The suspension body forms a curved section corresponding to the shape of a reference circular arc by bending along the direction in which each of the pulleys in the pulley device group is aligned. An elevator in which the radius of curvature of the aforementioned reference arc is greater than or equal to the radius of the drive sheave.

2. A basket, A suspension system for suspending the aforementioned cage, A direction-changing device that changes the direction of the suspension body by wrapping the suspension body around it. Equipped with, The aforementioned direction-changing device includes a group of pulley devices comprising a plurality of pulley devices, and a support member that supports the group of pulley devices. Each of the pulley devices comprises a pulley and an adjustment mechanism that attaches the pulley to the support member. Each of the pulleys in the aforementioned pulley system is arranged with a gap between them, In the aforementioned direction-changing device, the suspension body is continuously connected to each of the pulleys, causing the suspension body to bend along the direction in which the pulleys are aligned, thereby changing the direction of the suspension body. In each of the pulley devices, the position of the pulley relative to the support member can be individually adjusted by the adjustment mechanism. The pulley is rotatable with respect to the support member about the axis of the pulley, In each of the aforementioned pulley devices, the angle of the axis of the pulley with respect to the support member can be individually adjusted by the adjustment mechanism in the elevator.

3. The elevator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the direction in which the position of the pulley is adjusted relative to the support member in each of the pulley devices is the same.

4. The elevator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the direction changing device is provided in the car.

5. The elevator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the aforementioned pulleys is a specific pulley whose entire structure is made of resin.

6. The elevator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the pulleys in the direction changing device is individually detachable from the support member.

7. An adjustment step of individually adjusting the position of each pulley relative to the support member by individually operating the adjustment mechanism of each pulley device in the elevator according to claim 1 or claim 2, After the adjustment step, a suspension step is performed in which the cage is suspended by the suspension body. An elevator suspension method equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

Images