Elevator car and elevator

Abstract

Provided are an elevator car and an elevator that are capable of improving reliability of electric power supply to an electric device. The elevator car comprises: a car body in which a passenger rides; a power reception unit; a first power storage device; a second power storage device; and an electric device. The power reception unit is disposed on an exterior lateral of the car body and receives electric power in a non-contact manner from a power transmission unit disposed in a hoistway. The first power storage device is disposed on the exterior top side of the car body and accumulates the electric power received by the power reception unit. The second power storage device is disposed on the exterior bottom side of the car body and accumulates the electric power received by the power reception unit. The electric device is supplied with electric power from the first power storage device and the second power storage device.

Description

Cars and elevators

[0001] The present invention relates to a car and an elevator.

[0002] In recent years, elevator cars equipped with multiple power storage devices have become known. The multiple power storage devices supply power to electrical equipment in the elevator car. An elevator equipped with multiple power storage devices is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes an elevator in which a power storage device is mounted in the elevator car to supply power to electrical equipment mounted in the elevator car.

[0003] The elevator car frame described in Patent Document 1 has a pair of upright columns arranged on both sides of the car chamber, an upper beam fixed between the upper ends of the upright columns, a car floor fixed between the pair of upright columns, and a power storage device support floor fixed between the lower ends of the pair of upright columns. The car floor supports the car chamber. The power storage device support floor supports multiple power storage devices.

[0004] JP 2014-118277 A

[0005] However, in the elevator described in Patent Document 1, if a problem occurs in the lower part of the car frame, it is expected that it will become difficult to supply power from the multiple power storage devices to the electrical equipment. As such, there is room for improving the reliability of the power supply in elevators equipped with multiple power storage devices.

[0006] In consideration of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a car and an elevator that can improve the reliability of power supply to electrical equipment.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, a car embodying one aspect of the present invention includes a car body in which passengers ride, a power receiving unit, a first power storage device, a second power storage device, and electrical equipment. The power receiving unit is arranged on the exterior of the car body and receives power contactlessly from a power transmission unit arranged in the hoistway. The first power storage device is arranged on the exterior upper part of the car body and stores the power received by the power receiving unit. The second power storage device is arranged on the exterior lower part of the car body and stores the power received by the power receiving unit. Power is supplied to the electrical equipment from the first power storage device and the second power storage device. Also, an elevator embodying one aspect of the present invention includes a main rope, a hoist that winds up the main rope, a counterweight connected via the main rope, and the car.

[0008] According to the car and elevator having the above configuration, the reliability of the power supply to the electrical equipment can be improved.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an elevator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the lower part of a car according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an apron of a car according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an elevator according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for processing to switch power storage devices of a car according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of an elevator according to a third embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of a car and an elevator will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] 1. First Embodiment [Configuration of Elevator] First, the configuration of an elevator and a car according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an elevator according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, elevator 1 is installed in a hoistway 100 formed within a building structure. Elevator 1 includes a car 2 for carrying passengers and luggage, a main rope 3, a counterweight 4, a hoist 5, a control panel 6, an electric motor 7, and a deflector sheave 8. A machine room 110 is provided at the top of hoistway 100. A power supply unit 111, the control panel 6, the electric motor 7, the hoist 5, and the deflector sheave 8 are arranged in machine room 110.

[0013] The hoist 5 is disposed in the machine room 110. The main ropes 3 are wound around the hoist 5. The hoist 5 is a device that winds up the main ropes 3 in order to raise and lower the car 2. The hoist 5 raises and lowers the car 2 and the counterweight 4 in a bucket-like manner via the main ropes 3. A deflection sheave 8 is provided near the hoist 5. The main ropes 3 are mounted on the deflection sheave 8.

[0014] The car 2 is connected to the counterweight 4 via the main rope 3. When the hoist 5 winds up the main rope 3, the car 2 and the counterweight 4 rise and fall in opposite directions. Within the hoistway 100, a pair of car guide rails (not shown) that guide the rise and fall of the car 2 and a pair of counterweight guide rails (not shown) that guide the rise and fall of the counterweight 4 are installed.

[0015] The electric motor 7 outputs a driving force for rotating the hoisting machine 5. The control panel 6 controls the operation of the elevator 1. The control panel 6 controls the driving of the electric motor 7, the driving of the car door of the car 2, etc. The power supply device 111 supplies power to the control panel 6 and to the power transmission unit 101, which will be described later. Here, the power supply device 111 may be, for example, a commercial power source.

[0016] A plurality of power transmission units 101 are installed in the hoistway 100. The plurality of power transmission units 101 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the ascending / descending direction. Note that the number of power transmission units 101 is not limited to a plurality. It is sufficient that at least one power transmission unit 101 is installed in the hoistway 100.

[0017] The elevator car 2 includes a car body 21 where people and objects get on and off, a power receiving unit 22, a first power storage device 23, a second power storage device 24, and a plurality of electrical devices 25. The car body 21 is formed in a hollow, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. One side of the car body 21 is provided with an opening that is opened and closed by a pair of car doors (not shown). People and objects enter and exit the car body 21 through the opening in the car body 21.

[0018] A power receiving unit 22, a first power storage device 23, a voltage converter 28, a position sensor 31, lighting 32, a control device 33, and a door drive unit 34 are installed on the upper outside of the car body 21. A second power storage device 24 is installed on the lower outside of the car body 21. The position sensor 31, lighting 32, control device 33, and door drive unit 34 are specific examples of electrical equipment 25. Other examples of electrical equipment 25 include an air conditioning unit, a destination display device, and an operation panel.

[0019] The position sensor 31 detects the position of the car 2. The position sensor 31 transmits the detection result to the control panel 6. The light 32 penetrates the top of the car body 21. The light 32 illuminates the inside of the car body 21. The control device 33 controls the door drive unit 34, air conditioning unit, destination display device, operation panel, etc. provided in the car 2. The control device 33 transmits information such as the destination floor specified using the operation panel to the control panel 6. The door drive unit 34 drives a pair of car doors (not shown).

[0020] The power receiving unit 22 is disposed in a position facing the power transmitting unit 101 when the car 2 stops at a landing floor. When the power receiving unit 22 faces the power transmitting unit 101, it receives power from the power transmitting unit 101 in a contactless manner. The power received by the power receiving unit 22 is stored in the first power storage device 23 and the second power storage device 24. As a method for contactlessly supplying power from the power transmitting unit 101 to the power receiving unit 22, for example, an electromagnetic induction method or an electric field resonance method can be applied.

[0021] The first power storage device 23 and the second power storage device 24 supply power to the position sensor 31, the lighting 32, the control device 33, and the door drive unit 34 via a voltage converter 28. The voltage converter 28 converts the voltage of the power output from the first power storage device 23 and the second power storage device 24 into a voltage corresponding to the electrical equipment 25.

[0022] The second power storage device 24 has a larger power storage capacity than the first power storage device 23. The first power storage device 23 also serves as a backup power source in the event of an abnormality in the second power storage device 24. In other words, in the event of an abnormality in the second power storage device 24, the elevator 1 is operated in a degenerated mode using the power stored in the first power storage device 23.

[0023] As described above, in addition to the first power storage device 23, many devices are installed on the upper exterior of the car body 21, such as the voltage converter 28, position sensor 31, lighting 32, control device 33, door driver 34, and air conditioning equipment (not shown). Therefore, in order to increase the power storage capacity of the first power storage device 23 and install a large first power storage device 23, it is necessary to expand the upper exterior of the car body 21. As a result, the car 2 becomes larger.

[0024] On the other hand, since there is little equipment to be installed on the lower outside of the car body 21, there is relatively more free space. Therefore, even if the power storage capacity of the second power storage device 24 is increased and a large second power storage device 24 is installed, there is no need to expand the lower outside of the car body 21. As a result, the necessary power storage capacity can be secured while preventing the car 2 from becoming larger. Furthermore, by preventing the car 2 from becoming larger, the elevator 1 and the hoistway 100 can be made smaller.

[0025] A switch circuit 27A is arranged between the second power storage device 24 and the power receiving unit 22. A switch circuit 27B is arranged between the second power storage device 24 and the voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25). When an abnormality occurs in the second power storage device 24, the switch circuit 27A cuts off conduction between the second power storage device 24 and the power receiving unit 22, and the switch circuit 27B cuts off conduction between the second power storage device 24 and the voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25).

[0026] For example, semiconductor switches or power relays can be applied to the switch circuits 27A, 27B. The second power storage device 24 has an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality that has occurred in the second power storage device 24. When the abnormality detection unit of the second power storage device 24 detects an abnormality that has occurred in the second power storage device 24, it transmits an abnormality detection signal to the switch circuits 27A, 27B. When the switch circuits 27A, 27B receive the abnormality detection signal, they cut off conduction. An example of an abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit is a temperature abnormality in which the temperature of the second power storage device 24 becomes higher than a predetermined allowable temperature.

[0027] The second power storage device 24 is located on the lower outside of the car body 21, on the side of the hall door 102 of the hoistway 100. As a result, when the hall door 102 of the hoistway 100 is opened and the second power storage device 24 faces the opening of the hall door, a maintenance worker can perform maintenance or replacement of the second power storage device 24 from the hall. In other words, if an abnormality occurs in the second power storage device 24, the maintenance worker can replace the second power storage device 24 without entering the pit of the hoistway 100.

[0028] As described above, the car 2 has the first power storage device 23 installed on the upper outside of the car body 21, and the second power storage device 24 installed on the lower outside of the car body 21. This makes it possible to prevent a physical abnormality in the second power storage device 24 from affecting the first power storage device 23. Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs in the second power storage device 24, the car 2 cuts off the electrical connection between the second power storage device 24 and the first power storage device 23. This makes it possible to prevent an electrical abnormality in the second power storage device 24 from affecting the first power storage device 23. Therefore, it is possible to improve the reliability of the power supply to the multiple electrical devices 25 by the first power storage device 23 and the second power storage device 24. Furthermore, it is possible to safely remove the second power storage device 24.

[0029] [Configuration of Lower Section of Car] Next, the configuration of the lower section of the car 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the lower section of the car 2. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the apron of the car 2.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, an apron 36 is attached to the lower outside of the car body 21 of the car 2. The apron 36 covers the gap between the car body 21 and the hall-side wall surface of the hoistway 100. Therefore, the apron 36 is disposed between the hall-side wall surface of the hoistway 100 and the second power storage device 24.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, the apron 36 is formed in the shape of a plate having a flat surface that is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the second power storage device 24 faces the hall-side wall surface of the hoistway 100. The apron 36 is formed with an opening 36a that exposes the second power storage device 24 to the hall side of the hoistway 100. The opening 36a is formed in the shape of a horizontally long rectangle. A door 37 that opens and closes the opening 36a is attached to the apron 36.

[0032] The door 37 is formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the opening 36a. One left-right side of the door 37 is rotatably connected to the apron 36 using a hinge. The rotation axis of the door 37 extends in the vertical direction. By attaching the door 37 to the apron 36, the second power storage device 24 can be protected from devices and components arranged on the wall surface of the elevator shaft 100 on the landing side.

[0033] When inspecting or replacing the second power storage device 24, first, the control panel 6 controls the driving of the electric motor 7 to move the car 2 so that the lower part of the car body 21 faces the landing door 102 of an arbitrary floor. The control panel 6 grasps the position of the car 2 from the detection result of the position sensor 31 of the car 2.

[0034] Next, the maintenance worker opens the hall door 102. This exposes the apron 36 from the opening of the hall. Next, the maintenance worker opens the door 37 of the apron 36. This exposes the second power storage device 24 from the opening 36a. The maintenance worker then inspects or removes the second power storage device 24. In this way, the car 2 can easily perform maintenance or replacement work on the second power storage device 24 by opening the hall door 102. Furthermore, maintenance or replacement work on the second power storage device 24 can be performed without removing the apron 36 from the bottom of the car body 21.

[0035] In this embodiment, a single-wing door 37 is attached to the apron 36, but the door attached to the apron according to the present invention is not limited to a single-wing door and may be a double-wing door or a sliding door. Furthermore, the rotation axis of the door attached to the apron according to the present invention is not limited to extending in the vertical direction and may extend in the horizontal direction.

[0036] The opening of the apron according to the present invention may be opened and closed by a cover member that can be attached to the apron. The apron according to the present invention may also be configured without a door or cover member. In this case, the side of the second power storage device exposed through the opening may be flush with the surface of the apron facing the landing door. Furthermore, the opening of the apron according to the present invention is not limited to a rectangular shape, and any shape may be adopted as long as it is large enough to expose the second power storage device 24.

[0037] In this embodiment, an apron 36 is attached to the car body 21. However, the car according to the present invention may not be equipped with an apron. In this case, when the second power storage device is placed opposite a hall door at any floor and the hall door 102 is opened, the second power storage device is exposed from the opening of the hall.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first power storage device 23 is disposed at the upper outside of the car body 21. However, the first power storage device according to the present invention is not limited to being disposed at the upper outside of the car body, and may be disposed at any position other than the lower part of the car body, such as a side wall of the car body. The first power storage device according to the present invention may also be embedded in the side wall of the car body.

[0039] 2. Second Embodiment [Configuration of Elevator] Next, the configuration of an elevator and a car according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an elevator according to the second embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the elevator 1A according to the second embodiment includes a car 2A, a main rope 3, a counterweight 4, a hoist 5, a control panel 6, an electric motor 7, and a deflector sheave 8. A machine room 110 is provided at the top of the hoistway 100. A power supply unit 111, the control panel 6, the electric motor 7, the hoist 5, and the deflector sheave 8 are arranged in the machine room 110.

[0041] The elevator 1A differs from the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment in the car 2A. Therefore, the elevator 1A will be described here, and the description of the components common to the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0042] The elevator car 2A has a car body 21 where people and objects get on and off, a power receiving unit 22, a first power storage device 23, a second power storage device 24, and a plurality of electrical devices 25. The car body 21 is formed in a hollow, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. One side of the car body 21 has an opening that is opened and closed by a pair of car doors (not shown). People and objects enter and exit the car body 21 through the opening in the car body 21.

[0043] A power receiving unit 22, a first power storage device 23, a voltage converter 28, a position sensor 31, a light 32, a control device 33, and a door drive unit 34 are installed on the upper outside of the car body 21. A second power storage device 24 is installed on the lower outside of the car body 21. The second power storage device 24 is located on the lower outside of the car body 21, on the landing door 102 side of the elevator shaft 100. The second power storage device 24 is used as a main power source. The first power storage device 23 is used as a backup power source.

[0044] A switch circuit 26A is disposed between the first power storage device 23 and the power receiving unit 22. A switch circuit 26B is disposed between the first power storage device 23 and the voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25). The switch circuits 26A and 26B correspond to the first switch circuit according to the present invention. For example, a semiconductor switch or a power relay may be applied to the switch circuits 26A and 26B. When the abnormality detection unit of the second power storage device 24 detects an abnormality, it transmits an abnormality detection signal to the switch circuits 26A and 26B.

[0045] When no abnormality occurs in second power storage device 24, switch circuit 26A cuts off conduction between first power storage device 23 and power receiving unit 22, and switch circuit 26B cuts off conduction between first power storage device 23 and voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25). When an abnormality occurs in second power storage device 24, switch circuit 26A brings first power storage device 23 and power receiving unit 22 into conduction, and switch circuit 26B brings first power storage device 23 and voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25) into conduction.

[0046] A predetermined amount of power is stored in advance in first power storage device 23. Therefore, even if power receiving unit 22 does not face power transmitting unit 101 when first power storage device 23 and voltage converter 28 are electrically connected, power can be supplied from first power storage device 23 to multiple electrical devices 25.

[0047] A switch circuit 27A is arranged between the second power storage device 24 and the power receiving unit 22. A switch circuit 27B is arranged between the second power storage device 24 and the voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25). The switch circuits 27A and 27B correspond to the second switch circuit according to the present invention. For example, a semiconductor switch or a power relay may be applied to the switch circuits 27A and 27B. When the abnormality detection unit of the second power storage device 24 detects an abnormality, it transmits an abnormality detection signal to the switch circuits 27A and 27B.

[0048] When no abnormality occurs in second power storage device 24, switch circuit 27A establishes electrical continuity between second power storage device 24 and power receiving unit 22, and switch circuit 27B establishes electrical continuity between second power storage device 24 and voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25). When an abnormality occurs in second power storage device 24, switch circuit 27A cuts off electrical continuity between second power storage device 24 and power receiving unit 22, and switch circuit 27B cuts off electrical continuity between second power storage device 24 and voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25).

[0049] As described above, in the car 2A, the first power storage device 23 is installed on the upper outside of the car body 21, and the second power storage device 24 is installed on the lower outside of the car body 21. This prevents a physical abnormality in the second power storage device 24 from affecting the first power storage device 23. Furthermore, in the car 2A, when an abnormality occurs in the second power storage device 24, the electrical connection between the second power storage device 24 and the first power storage device 23 is cut off. This prevents an electrical abnormality in the second power storage device 24 from affecting the first power storage device 23. This improves the reliability of the power supply to the multiple electrical devices 25 by the first power storage device 23 and the second power storage device 24. Furthermore, the second power storage device 24 can be safely removed.

[0050] [Power Storage Device Switching Process] Next, the power storage device switching process executed by the car 2A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the power storage device switching process of the car according to the second embodiment.

[0051] When no abnormality occurs in the second power storage device 24 of the car 2A, the switch circuits 26A and 26B are turned OFF, and the switch circuits 27A and 27B are turned ON (S1).

[0052] In step S1, switch circuit 26A interrupts conduction between first power storage device 23 and power receiving unit 22, and switch circuit 26B interrupts conduction between first power storage device 23 and voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25). Furthermore, switch circuit 27A establishes conduction between second power storage device 24 and power receiving unit 22, and switch circuit 27B establishes conduction between second power storage device 24 and voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25). As a result, the plurality of electrical devices 25 are driven using power supplied from second power storage device 24.

[0053] Next, switch circuits 26A, 26B, 27A, and 27B determine whether or not an abnormality detection signal has been output from the abnormality detection unit of second power storage device 24 (S2). When it is determined in step S2 that an abnormality detection signal has not been output from the abnormality detection unit of second power storage device 24 (NO in S2), switch circuits 26A, 26B, 27A, and 27B return to the processing of step S1.

[0054] When it is determined in step S2 that an abnormality detection signal has been output from the abnormality detection unit of second power storage device 24 (YES in S2), switch circuits 26A and 26B are turned ON, and switch circuits 27A and 27B are turned OFF (S3). After the process of step S3, switch circuits 26A, 26B, 27A, and 27B end the power storage device switching process.

[0055] In step S3, switch circuit 26A brings first power storage device 23 and power receiving unit 22 into conduction, and switch circuit 26B brings first power storage device 23 and voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25) into conduction. Furthermore, switch circuit 27A cuts off conduction between second power storage device 24 and power receiving unit 22, and switch circuit 27B cuts off conduction between second power storage device 24 and voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25). As a result, the plural electrical devices 25 are driven using the power supplied from first power storage device 23.

[0056] 3. Third Embodiment [Configuration of Elevator] Next, the configuration of an elevator and a car according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of an elevator according to the third embodiment.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, an elevator 1B according to the third embodiment includes a car 2B, a main rope 3, a counterweight 4, a hoist 5, a control panel 6, an electric motor 7, and a deflector sheave 8. A machine room 110 is provided at the top of the hoistway 100. A power supply unit 111, the control panel 6, the electric motor 7, the hoist 5, and the deflector sheave 8 are arranged in the machine room 110.

[0058] The elevator 1B differs from the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment in the car 2B. Therefore, the elevator 1B will be described here, and a description of the components common to the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0059] The elevator car 2B has a car body 21 where people and objects get on and off, a power receiving unit 22, a first power storage device 23, a second power storage device 24, a third power storage device 45, and a plurality of electrical devices 25. The car body 21 is formed in a hollow, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. One side of the car body 21 has an opening that is opened and closed by a pair of car doors (not shown). People and objects enter and exit the car body 21 through the opening in the car body 21.

[0060] A power receiving unit 22, a first power storage device 23, a voltage converter 28, a position sensor 31, lighting 32, a control device 33, and a door drive unit 34 are installed on the upper outside of the car body 21. In addition, a second power storage device 24 and a third power storage device 45 are installed on the lower outside of the car body 21.

[0061] A switch circuit 27A is arranged between the second and third power storage devices 24 and 45 and the power receiving unit 22. A switch circuit 27B is arranged between the second and third power storage devices 24 and 45 and the voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25). For example, a semiconductor switch or a power relay can be applied to the switch circuits 27A and 27B.

[0062] The second power storage device 24 has an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality that has occurred in the second power storage device 24. When the abnormality detection unit of the second power storage device 24 detects an abnormality that has occurred in the second power storage device 24, it transmits an abnormality detection signal to the switch circuits 27A, 27B. The third power storage device 45 has an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality that has occurred in the third power storage device 45. When the abnormality detection unit of the third power storage device 45 detects an abnormality that has occurred in the third power storage device 45, it transmits an abnormality detection signal to the switch circuits 27A, 27B. When the switch circuits 27A, 27B receive the abnormality detection signal, they cut off conduction.

[0063] When no abnormality occurs in the second storage device 24 or the third storage device 45, the switch circuit 27A connects the second storage device 24 and the third storage device 45 to the power receiving unit 22, and the switch circuit 27B connects the second storage device 24 and the third storage device 45 to the voltage converter 28 (multiple electrical devices 25).

[0064] If an abnormality occurs in the second storage device 24 or the third storage device 45, the switch circuit 27A cuts off the conduction between the second storage device 24 and the third storage device 45 and the power receiving unit 22, and the switch circuit 27B cuts off the conduction between the second storage device 24 and the third storage device 45 and the voltage converter 28 (plurality of electrical devices 25).

[0065] As described above, the car 2B has the first power storage device 23 installed on the upper outside of the car body 21, and the second power storage device 24 and the third power storage device 45 installed on the lower outside of the car body 21. This prevents a physical abnormality from occurring in the second power storage device 24 or the third power storage device 45 from affecting the first power storage device 23. Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs in the second power storage device 24 or the third power storage device 45, the car 2B cuts off the electrical connection between the second power storage device 24 and the third power storage device 45 and the first power storage device 23. This prevents an electrical abnormality from occurring in the second power storage device 24 or the third power storage device 45 from affecting the first power storage device 23. This improves the reliability of power supply to the multiple electrical devices 25 by the first power storage device 23, the second power storage device 24, and the third power storage device 45. In addition, the second power storage device 24 can be safely removed. Furthermore, the car 2B is provided with a third power storage device 45. As a result, redundancy can be further improved.

[0066] The car and elevator of the present invention have been described above, including their functions and effects. However, the car and elevator of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0067] The above-described embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations described. Furthermore, some of the configurations of the embodiment may be added to, deleted from, or replaced with other configurations.

[0068] In the first to third embodiments described above, one first power storage device 23 is installed on the upper outside of the car body 21. However, the car according to the present invention may have a plurality of power storage devices installed on the upper outside of the car body.

[0069] In this specification, the words "parallel" and "orthogonal" are used, but these do not mean only "parallel" and "orthogonal" in the strict sense, but also include "parallel" and "orthogonal" and may also mean a "substantially parallel" or "substantially orthogonal" state within a range in which the functions can be exerted.

[0070] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B... elevator, 3... main rope, 4... counterweight, 5... hoist, 6... control panel, 7... electric motor, 8... deflector wheel, 21... car body, 22... power receiving unit, 23... first power storage device, 24... second power storage device, 25... plural electrical devices, 26A, 26B, 27A, 27B... switch circuit, 28... voltage converter, 31... position sensor, 32... lighting, 33... control device, 34... door drive unit, 36... apron, 36a... opening, 37... door, 45... third power storage device, 100... elevator shaft, 101... power transmission unit, 102... landing door, 110... machine room, 111... power supply unit

Claims

1. A passenger car comprising: a car body in which passengers ride; a power receiving unit arranged on the outside of the car body and receiving power contactlessly from a power transmission unit arranged in an elevator; a first power storage device arranged on the outside of the car body at an upper part and storing the power received by the power receiving unit; a second power storage device arranged on the outside of the car body at a lower part and storing the power received by the power receiving unit; and electrical equipment to which power is supplied from the first power storage device and the second power storage device.

2. The elevator according to claim 1, wherein the second power storage device has a larger power storage capacity than the first power storage device.

3. A passenger car as described in claim 2, further comprising a switch circuit provided between the second power storage device and the power receiving unit, and between the second power storage device and the electrical equipment, the switch circuit cutting off electrical continuity between the second power storage device and the power receiving unit, and between the second power storage device and the electrical equipment, when an abnormality occurs in the second power storage device.

4. A passenger car as claimed in claim 2, comprising: a first switch circuit provided between the first power storage device and the power receiving unit and between the first power storage device and the electrical equipment; and a second switch circuit provided between the second power storage device and the power receiving unit and between the second power storage device and the electrical equipment, wherein when no abnormality has occurred in the second power storage device, the first switch circuit cuts off conduction between the first power storage device and the power receiving unit, and between the first power storage device and the electrical equipment, and the second switch circuit establishes conduction between the second power storage device and the power receiving unit, and between the second power storage device and the electrical equipment, and when an abnormality has occurred in the second power storage device, the second switch circuit cuts off conduction between the second power storage device and the power receiving unit, and between the second power storage device and the electrical equipment, and the first switch circuit establishes conduction between the first power storage device and the power receiving unit, and between the first power storage device and the electrical equipment.

5. A car as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein the second power storage device is located on the platform side of the elevator shaft at the lower outside of the car body.

6. A passenger car as described in claim 5, further comprising an apron arranged on the lower outside of the car body between the second storage device and the platform side of the elevator shaft, the apron having an opening for exposing the second storage device.

7. The elevator car according to claim 6, wherein the apron has a cover or door for opening and closing the opening.

8. A passenger car as described in claim 1, further comprising a third power storage device arranged on the lower outside of the car body and storing the power received by the power receiving unit, the third power storage device supplying power to the electrical equipment.

9. A passenger car as described in claim 8, further comprising switch circuits provided between the second and third power storage devices and the power receiving unit, and between the second and third power storage devices and the electrical equipment, wherein the switch circuits cut off electrical continuity between the second and third power storage devices and the power receiving unit, and between the second and third power storage devices and the electrical equipment when an abnormality detection signal is received from the second or third power storage device.

10. An elevator comprising: a main rope; a hoist for winding up the main rope; a counterweight connected via the main rope; and the car described in claim 1.

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