JP4748614B2 - Elevator airflow generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an airflow generation device used for an elevator.

  As buildings rise, the speed of elevators installed there is also increasing. On the other hand, as the rated speed of the elevator becomes 400 m / min or more, aerodynamic noise generated by the airflow around the car becomes a problem (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

  The rated speed of the elevator is stipulated by the Building Standard Law as “the maximum speed when the elevator is lifted by applying a load to the car”. By classifying elevators according to speed, elevators with rated speed of 45m / min or less are "low speed", elevators with 60m to 105m / min are "medium speed", elevators with 120m / min or more are "high speed", 360m / min These elevators are defined as "ultra-high speed". Hereinafter, elevators classified as “ultra-high speed” or “high-speed” in the Building Standard Law are referred to as “high-speed elevators”.

  As a countermeasure for reducing the aerodynamic noise of a high-speed elevator, there is a method of attaching a wind regulation cover to the front end of the car (for example, see Patent Document 1). Furthermore, in order to cope with the speeding up of the elevator, a technique for attaching a wind-control spoiler on the wind-control cover has been developed (for example, see Patent Document 2). This air conditioning spoiler technology is also applied to the world's fastest elevator (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2), and has achieved results.

  However, in an elevator that travels at a high speed on a narrow hoistway, a narrow part such as a hole sill exists in the hoistway according to the hoisting floor. When the car passes through this narrow part, local aerodynamic noise (buffing noise) is generated, and there remains a problem that makes passengers in the car and passengers waiting at the landing feel uncomfortable. .

On the other hand, power reduction in fluid devices and fluid device systems is becoming increasingly important from the viewpoint of energy saving. In addition, suppression of vibration and noise caused by fluid devices and fluid device systems is very important from the viewpoint of ensuring plant safety and improving the working environment. In order to solve such a problem, an airflow generation device that generates an airflow by the action of plasma generated between two electrodes has been developed, and its effect has been confirmed (see Patent Documents 3 and 4).
JP-A-4-333486 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-16496 JP 2007-317656 A JP 2008-1354 A Proceedings of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (B), Volume 59, 564 (1993-3), Paper No. 92-1876. World's fastest 1010m / min elevator, Toshiba review, vol. 57, no. 6, (2002).

  It is considered that the aerodynamic noise is suppressed by applying the above-described airflow generation device to an elevator and controlling the turbulence of the airflow generated during traveling by the airflow generation device.

  However, this airflow generation device is configured to generate a plasma airflow by applying a high-voltage alternating current between two electrodes. Accordingly, there is always a problem that the mixed gas of ions and electrons generated by the plasma generation always exists during the generation of the air current, and the electrodes gradually wear due to the sputtering action of the mixed gas.

  As the electrode wear proceeds, plasmaization is not promoted, the airflow cannot be controlled, and generation of aerodynamic noise cannot be suppressed. Therefore, regular inspection is required. However, in the case of an elevator, an airflow generator is installed at a location where airflow turbulence occurs, such as the lower part of the car. Therefore, the operation of the elevator is stopped and maintenance work is performed when maintenance personnel enter the hoistway. Is necessary, very cumbersome and time consuming.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an elevator airflow generation device that can easily grasp the wear state of an electrode and replace it at an appropriate time without requiring troublesome inspection work. The purpose is to provide.

An elevator airflow generation device according to the present invention is provided in a car or a hoistway, generates an airflow by a discharge action between two electrodes, and an airflow generated when the car travels in the hoistway. An elevator airflow generator for controlling the turbulence of the elevator, comprising: a first wear detection device for detecting a wear state of at least one of the electrodes, wherein the first wear detection device Measuring means connected to at least one of the electrodes and measuring the value of the current passed through the electrode in the inspection mode, and when the current value measured by the measuring means is not more than a preset value A judging means for judging that the electrode is worn so as to require replacement; and a notifying means for notifying that when the judgment means judges that the electrode is worn. Characterized in that it has.

  According to the present invention, since the wear state of the electrode of the airflow generation device is automatically detected, it is possible to easily grasp the wear state of the electrode and replace it at an appropriate time without requiring troublesome inspection work. it can.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an elevator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 (a) is a front view of the elevator car, and FIG. 1 (b) is a car that travels in a hoistway. It is the figure which looked at from the side.

  The elevator in the present embodiment includes a car 11 installed in the hoistway 10. The car 11 moves up and down in the hoistway 10 via a rope 12 by driving a hoisting machine (not shown). A car door 13 is provided in front of the car 11 so as to be slidable on the sill 14 in the horizontal direction.

  A plate-like face plate 15 having a predetermined length is attached to the lower portion of the sill 14 of the car door 13 in the downward direction. The face plate 15 is commonly called an “apron” and is used as a fall prevention plate.

  On the other hand, a landing door 21 is provided on the floor 20 side of each floor of the hoistway 10 so as to be slidable on the sill 22 in the horizontal direction. The landing door 21 is opened and closed by engaging with the car door 13 when the car 11 stops on each floor.

  A plate-like face plate 23 having a predetermined length is attached to the lower portion of the sill 22 of the landing door 21 so as to face the face plate 15 on the car 11 side in a downward direction.

  Reference numeral 24 in the figure denotes a narrow portion formed by a protrusion of the sill 22 in the hoistway 10. When the car 11 passes through the narrow portion 24, a local aerodynamic noise (buff sound) is generated, and there is a problem of giving uncomfortable feeling to passengers in the car 11 or passengers waiting at the landing. .

  In order to reduce such aerodynamic noise, an airflow generator 30 that generates a plasma airflow is installed at the lower end of the face plate 15 of the car 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, the airflow generation device 30 is directed toward the rising direction of the car 11 near the center of the face of the lower end portion of the face plate 15 facing the landing 20. It arrange | positions so that an airflow (induced flow 36) may be generated. The air flow generation device 30 has a module structure based on an insulator such as ceramic, and the module portion is fixed to the face plate 15 with screws or an adhesive.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the airflow generation device 30.

  The airflow generation device 30 has a first electrode 32 exposed on the same plane as the surface of the dielectric 31, a distance from the electrode 32 and the surface of the dielectric 31, and a level with the surface of the dielectric 31. The second electrode 33 is spaced apart in the direction and embedded in the dielectric 31, and a discharge power source 35 that applies a voltage between the electrodes 32 and 33 via the cable 34.

  In such a configuration, when an AC voltage or an alternating voltage having a frequency equal to or lower than a predetermined value is applied between the electrodes 32 and 33 by the discharge power source 35, the surface of the airflow generation device 30 is caused by the action of plasma discharge between the electrodes 32 and 33. That is, an induced flow 36 that flows in one direction along the surface of the dielectric 31 is generated.

  Now, assuming the time when the car 11 is lowered, the function and effect of the airflow generator 30 will be described.

  3A and 3B are views showing the state of airflow generated when the car 11 is lowered. FIG. 3A is a plasma OFF state, FIG. 3B is a plasma ON state, and FIG. 3C is a plasma double-side ON state. Is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when the front end of the face plate 15 reaches the narrow portion 24 when the car 11 is lowered, the air dammed up at the front end of the face plate 15 is peeled off and the car is released. It flows into the front of 31 and a local accelerated flow is generated in front of the car door 13. Further, a longitudinal vortex 37 is generated at the end of the face plate 15, and the accelerating flow in front of the car door 13 is further accelerated by the longitudinal vortex 37, and a large pressure fluctuation is caused by these accelerating flows. As a result, aerodynamic noise is generated.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the induced flow 36 is generated in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the car 11 from the airflow generator 30 (that is, in the upward direction) when the car 11 is lowered, The damming phenomenon at the tip of the plate 15 is eliminated, and the air flow that peels off from the tip and smoothly flows around the car can be reduced. Thereby, a pressure fluctuation is relieved and aerodynamic noise can be suppressed as a result.

This is the same even when the car 11 is raised.
That is, when the leading end of the car 11 reaches the narrow portion 24 in the hoistway 10 when ascending, the airflow is disturbed and aerodynamic noise is generated. Therefore, aerodynamic noise can be reduced if the airflow generator 30 is provided on the surface of the front end of the car 11 facing the landing side and the induced flow 36 is generated in the downward direction when the car 11 is raised. is there.

  In general, the pressure fluctuation is larger at the time of lowering than at the time of rising. This depends on the structure of the building, but normally, air is blown from the bottom to the top in the hoistway 10, and when the car 11 descends there, the narrow portion 24 vertically extends to the side edge of the landing 20. This is because the vortex 37 grows rapidly and turns around.

  Therefore, another airflow generation device 30 may be added to the back surface of the face plate 15 (the surface opposite to the landing), and the two airflow generation devices 30 may be driven simultaneously when the car 51 is lowered. In this way, the function of the vertical vortex 37 generated at the side end of the face plate 15 can be weakened. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3C, the flow of air that peels off and flows from the tip of the face plate 15 can be diffused more smoothly to reduce pressure fluctuations, and the generation of aerodynamic noise can be suppressed.

  By the way, while the airflow generator 30 is generating the plasma airflow (induced flow 36), there is always a mixed gas of ions and electrons generated by the plasma, so that the electrodes 32, 33 wears out. In particular, the wear of the electrode 32 exposed on the surface of the dielectric 31 is significant. As wear of the electrodes 32 and 33 progresses, the formation of plasma is not promoted and the airflow cannot be controlled, so aerodynamic noise cannot be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, focusing on the electrode 32 exposed on the surface of the dielectric 31 among the electrodes 32 and 33 provided in the airflow generation device 30, the configuration in the case of automatically detecting the wear state will be described in detail.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wear detection device used in the elevator airflow generation device according to the first embodiment. 4 shows a state where the electrodes 32 and 33 of the airflow generation device 30 are viewed from above. Therefore, the electrode 33 embedded in the dielectric 31 is represented by a dotted line.

  In the first embodiment, a wear detection circuit 40 including a switch 41, a power source 42, a resistor 43, and an ammeter 44 is connected to one electrode 32 of the airflow generation device 30.

  The switch 41 is normally in an OFF state (open state) and is turned ON in an inspection mode for inspecting the wear state. When the switch 41 is turned on, a current flows through the electrode 32, and the current value is detected by the ammeter 44 and supplied to the elevator control device 50.

  The control device 50 is composed of a computer and is installed in a machine room of a building (not shown) to control the entire elevator such as operation control of the car 11. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 has a function of performing drive control of the airflow generation device 30 and determining a wear state from the current value detected by the ammeter 44. The notification unit 51 is installed, for example, in a building management room or the like, and notifies the wear state of the airflow generation device 30 by display or sound according to an instruction from the control device 50.

  In such a configuration, the inspection mode is set by the control device 50 when no airflow operation is required, for example, when the car 11 is stopped in a standby state. It should be noted that the inspection mode may be set by operating an inspection mode switch (not shown) by a building manager or maintenance staff. When the inspection mode is set, the switch 41 of the wear detection circuit 40 connected to the electrode 32 of the airflow generation device 30 is turned on, and a current flows through the electrode 32.

  Here, normally, when the electrode 32 is worn out, the resistance value existing in the electrode 32 increases, so that the current flowing through the electrode 32 gradually decreases. By measuring the current value at this time with the ammeter 44, the wear state of the electrode 32 can be estimated.

  Specifically, the current value measured by the ammeter 44 is given to the control device 50. The control device 50 compares the current value measured by the ammeter 44 with a preset reference value for wear detection. As a result, when the current value is equal to or less than the reference value, the control device 50 determines that the electrode 32 is worn to the extent that replacement is required, and notifies that fact by display or voice. To do.

  As described above, when the current flows through the electrode 32 of the airflow generation device 30 in the inspection mode, the wear state of the electrode 32 can be automatically detected from the value of the current. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the wear state without the maintenance staff regularly visiting the site for inspection. Thereby, by exchanging the airflow generation device 30 at an appropriate time, aerodynamic noise generated when the car 11 is traveling can be reduced, and a constantly comfortable elevator environment can be provided.

  The controller 50 may be provided with a function of sequentially recording the current values measured by the ammeter 10, and the degree of wear progress may be predicted from changes in these current values.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the structure which detects the abrasion state of one electrode 32 of the electrodes 32 and 33, if the other electrode 33 is connected to the said abrasion detection circuit 40, the abrasion state of the electrode 33 will be shown. It is also possible to detect.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wear detection device used in an elevator airflow generation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as the structure of FIG. 4 in the said 1st Embodiment, and the description shall be abbreviate | omitted.

  In 2nd Embodiment, the protrusion part 32a is formed in the electrode 32 of the airflow generation apparatus 30, and the abrasion detection circuit 60 is connected to the protrusion part 32a. The projecting portion 32a is partially connected to the electrode 32 and has the same potential. The wear detection circuit 60 includes the protrusion 32a as a part of the circuit, and includes a switch 61, a power source 62, a resistor 63, and an energization detection unit 64.

  In such a configuration, the inspection mode is set by the control device 50 when no airflow operation is required, for example, when the car 11 is stopped in a standby state. It should be noted that the inspection mode may be set by operating an inspection mode switch (not shown) by a building manager or maintenance staff.

  When the inspection mode is set, the switch 61 of the wear detection circuit 60 is turned ON, and a current flows through the wear detection circuit 60 including the protruding portion 32a of the electrode 32.

  Here, when the electrode 32 is worn, the protrusion 32a is also worn in the same manner. When the wear proceeds to some extent, the contact point between the protruding portion 32a and the electrode 32 is cut, so that no current flows. By detecting the energization state at this time by the energization detection unit 64, the wear state of the electrode 32 can be estimated.

  Specifically, the energization state detected by the energization detection unit 64 is given to the control device 50. When the control device 50 confirms that the wear detection circuit 60 is not energized, the control device 50 determines that the electrode 32 is worn to the extent that it needs to be replaced, and notifies that fact by display or voice. .

  In this way, by passing an electric current through the protruding portion 32a formed on a part of the electrode 32 of the airflow generation device 30, the worn state of the electrode 32 can be automatically detected from the energized state at that time. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the wear state without the maintenance staff regularly visiting the site for inspection. Thereby, by exchanging the airflow generation device 30 at an appropriate time, aerodynamic noise generated when the car 11 is traveling can be reduced, and a constantly comfortable elevator environment can be provided.

  In the example of FIG. 5, only one wear detection circuit 60 including the protrusion 32 a is shown. However, a plurality of protrusions 32 a are formed on the electrode 32, and a plurality of wear detection circuits 60 including these are also formed. As a result, the progress of wear of the electrode 32 can be detected more accurately.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the structure which detects the abrasion state of one electrode 32 of the electrodes 32 and 33, if the protrusion part is formed in the other electrode 33 and the said abrasion detection circuit 60 is connected, it will be. It is also possible to detect the wear state of the electrode 33.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wear detection device used in an elevator airflow generation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

  The airflow generator 30 operates by applying a voltage from the discharge power supply 35 between the two electrodes 32 and 32, and generates an induced current 36 by the action of the discharge plasma. An energization detection circuit 70 and a total energization time calculation circuit 71 are provided as wear detection circuits for the airflow generation device 30. The energization detection circuit 70 detects a state in which a voltage is supplied from the discharge power supply 35 to the electrodes 32 and 33, that is, a state in which the electrodes 32 and 33 are energized. The total energization time calculation circuit 71 receives the detection result of the energization detection circuit 70 and calculates the total energization time up to now.

  In such a configuration, the airflow generation device 30 is in an operating state while the normal operation mode is set, and aerodynamic noise is suppressed by the induced flow 36 generated from the airflow generation device 30.

  Here, if the voltage supplied from the discharge power supply 35 is constant, the wear state of the electrode 32 exposed on the surface of the dielectric 31 can be basically estimated from the total energization time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the state where the electrodes 32 and 33 are energized is detected by the energization detection circuit 70, and the detection time is counted by the total energization time estimation circuit 71. calculate.

  The control device 50 acquires the total energization time calculated by the total energization time calculation circuit 71 and compares it with a preset reference time for wear detection. Then, when the total energization time exceeds the reference time, the control device 50 determines that the electrode 32 is worn to the extent that replacement is necessary, and notifies that fact through display or by voice. It is assumed that the relationship between the total energization time and the wear state of the electrode 32 has been analyzed in advance through experiments or the like, and that relationship data has been input to the control device 50.

  Thus, the wear state of the electrode 32 can be automatically detected from the total energization time of the electrodes 32 and 33. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the wear state without the maintenance staff regularly visiting the site for inspection. Thereby, by exchanging the airflow generation device 30 at an appropriate time, aerodynamic noise generated when the car 11 is traveling can be reduced, and a constantly comfortable elevator environment can be provided.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wear detection device used in an elevator airflow generation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part as the structure of FIG. 6 in the said 3rd Embodiment, and the description shall be abbreviate | omitted.

  The configuration for detecting the wear state of the electrode 32 is the same as in the third embodiment. However, a switch 72 for switching the operation of the airflow generation device 30 is provided. This switch 72 is turned ON only when the car 11 travels in the “long run mode” according to an instruction from the control device 50. When the switch 72 is turned on, a predetermined voltage is supplied to the electrodes 32 and 33 of the airflow generation device 30, and the energization time therebetween is counted by the total energization time calculation circuit 71 via the energization detection circuit 70.

  The “long run mode” is an operation mode when the car 11 travels a long distance of a predetermined distance or more at a rated speed. On the other hand, the “short run mode” is an operation mode when the car 11 travels a short distance less than a predetermined distance at a speed slower than the rated speed. For example, this is the case when the car 11 moves by one floor.

  In the “long run mode”, the moving speed of the car 11 is high, and accordingly, a large aerodynamic noise is generated when the car 11 approaches the narrow portion 24. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the aerodynamic noise by operating the airflow generation device 30. On the other hand, in the “short run mode”, since the moving speed of the car 11 is low, aerodynamic noise is often not generated even when it reaches the narrow portion 24. Therefore, from the viewpoint of power consumption and wear countermeasures, it is preferable to stop the airflow generation device 30.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of wear detection processing of the control device 50 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  When the car 11 moves in response to the call, the control device 50 determines whether it is the above-described “long run mode” or “short run mode” (step S11). In the case of the “long run mode” (Yes in step S11), the control device 50 causes the car 11 to travel at the rated speed according to a preset operation pattern for the long run mode, and turns on the switch 72 during that time. Then, the induced flow 36 is generated from the airflow generation device 30 (step S12).

  On the other hand, in the case of the “short run mode” (No in step S11), the control device 50 causes the car 11 to travel below the rated speed according to a preset operation pattern for the short run mode, and during that time the switch 72 is turned OFF, and the airflow generation device 30 is stopped (step S13).

  Here, in the “long run mode”, when a predetermined voltage is supplied to the electrodes 32 and 33 of the airflow generation device 30, the energization time between them is counted by the total energization time calculation circuit 71 via the energization detection circuit 70. ing.

  The control device 50 obtains the total energization time from the total energization time calculation circuit 71 and compares it with a preset reference time for wear detection (step S14). When the total energization time exceeds the reference time (Yes in step S14), the control device 50 determines that the electrode 32 is worn enough to be replaced, and displays that fact through the notification unit 51 or Notification is made by voice (step S15). It is assumed that the relationship between the total energization time and the wear state of the electrode 32 has been analyzed in advance through experiments or the like, and that relationship data has been input to the control device 50.

  Thus, when the operation of the airflow generation device 30 is controlled according to the operation mode of the car 11, the wear state of the electrode 32 of the airflow generation device 30 can be automatically detected from the energization time. As a result, the wearer can easily grasp the wear state without going to the site regularly for inspection. Thereby, by exchanging the airflow generation device 30 at an appropriate time, aerodynamic noise generated when the car 11 is traveling can be reduced, and a constantly comfortable elevator environment can be provided.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wear detection device used in an elevator airflow generation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  The airflow generator 30 operates by applying a voltage from the discharge power supply 35 between the two electrodes 32 and 32, and generates an induced current 36 by the action of the discharge plasma. A temperature sensor 80 and a temperature detection circuit 81 are provided as a wear detection circuit for the airflow generation device 30. The temperature sensor 80 is provided between the electrode 32 and the electrode 33 on the dielectric 31. The temperature detection circuit 81 converts the analog signal output from the temperature sensor 80 into a numerical value.

  In such a configuration, in the initial state where the electrodes 32 and 33 of the airflow generation device 30 are not worn, high-temperature plasma is continuously generated. At this time, the vicinity of the temperature sensor 80 is much higher than the ambient air temperature.

  Here, when the wear of the electrode 32 proceeds and plasma is no longer generated, or when the generation of plasma is weakened, the temperature in the vicinity of the sensor 25 becomes lower than the initial state. The wear state of the electrode 32 can be estimated from this temperature change.

  Specifically, when the airflow generation device 30 is operating, the current temperature detected by the temperature sensor 80 provided between the electrodes 32 and 33 is given to the control device 50 via the temperature detection circuit 81. . The control device 50 compares the detected temperature with a preset reference value for wear detection. As a result, when the temperature value is equal to or lower than the reference value, the control device 50 determines that the electrode 32 is worn to the extent that replacement is required, and notifies that fact by display or voice through the notification unit 51. To do. It is assumed that the relationship between the temperature change and the wear state of the electrode 32 has been analyzed in advance through experiments or the like, and that relationship data has been input to the control device 50.

  Thus, the wear state of the electrode 32 of the airflow generation device 30 can be automatically detected from the temperature change between the electrodes 32 and 33. As a result, the wearer can easily grasp the wear state without going to the site regularly for inspection. Thereby, by exchanging the airflow generation device 30 at an appropriate time, aerodynamic noise generated when the car 11 is traveling can be reduced, and a constantly comfortable elevator environment can be provided.

  In addition, when the electrode 32 is worn out, it is conceivable that the electrode 32 is worn out partially. In such a case, where the wear is severe, the generation of plasma is weak and the temperature is low. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality (three in this example) of temperature sensors 80a, 80b, and 80c are provided between the electrodes 32 and 33, and are detected by these temperature sensors 80a, 80b, and 80c. It is preferable to detect the wear state based on the average value of each temperature or the lowest temperature.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wear detection device used in an elevator airflow generation device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  The airflow generator 30 operates by applying a voltage from the discharge power supply 35 between the two electrodes 32 and 32, and generates an induced current 36 by the action of the discharge plasma. The air flow generating device 30 includes a capacitance measuring device 90 that measures the capacitance between the electrodes 32 and 33, and switches 91 and 92 for switching between the air flow generating mode and the inspection mode as wear detection circuits.

  In such a configuration, the switches 91 and 92 are turned ON / OFF according to instructions from the control device 50, respectively. When the elevator is in operation, that is, when the car 11 is moving, the air flow generation mode is set and the switch 91 is turned on. As a result, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the discharge power supply 35 to the electrodes 32 and 33, and the induced current 36 is generated.

  On the other hand, the inspection mode is set by the control device 50 when the airflow operation is not required, for example, when the car 11 is stopped in a standby state. It should be noted that the inspection mode may be set by operating an inspection mode switch (not shown) by a building manager or maintenance staff.

  When the inspection mode is set, the switch 91 is turned off and the switch 92 is turned on. Thereby, the capacitance between the electrodes 32 and 33 is measured by the capacitance measuring device 90, and the measurement result is given to the control device 50.

  Here, the capacitance is proportional to the surface area of the electrodes 32 and 33. Therefore, when the electrodes 32 and 33 deteriorate and wear, the capacitance decreases. Therefore, the wear state of the electrode 32 can be estimated by periodically measuring this capacitance.

Specifically, the capacitance is measured as shown in FIG.
The capacity measuring device 90 includes a DC power supply 93, an ammeter 94, and a timer 95. The structure in which the dielectric 31 is sandwiched between the electrodes 32 and 33 can be considered to be similar to a capacitor. Due to the characteristics of the capacitor, the amount of charge stored between the two electrodes is determined. Therefore, the capacitance between the electrodes 32 and 33 is obtained by passing a current from the DC power supply 93 and measuring the time until the current stops flowing with the timer 24. When the electrodes 32 and 33 are worn and the capacitance of the capacitor is reduced, the electric charge is immediately accumulated, so that the time until no current flows is shortened.

  In the control device 50, when the capacitance measured by the capacitance measuring device 90 is equal to or less than a preset reference value for wear detection, it is determined that the electrode 32 is worn enough to be replaced. Then, this is notified through display unit 51 or by voice. It is assumed that the relationship between the capacitance and the wear state of the electrode 32 has been analyzed in advance through experiments or the like, and that relationship data has been input to the control device 50.

  Thus, the wear state of the electrode 32 of the airflow generation device 30 can be automatically detected from the capacitance between the electrodes 32 and 33. As a result, the wearer can easily grasp the wear state without going to the site regularly for inspection. Thereby, by exchanging the airflow generation device 30 at an appropriate time, aerodynamic noise generated when the car 11 is traveling can be reduced, and a constantly comfortable elevator environment can be provided.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the aerodynamic noise generated in the narrow portion 24 during traveling is reduced by installing the airflow generation device 30 on the car 11 (the front end portion of the face plate 15). As shown in FIG. 2, an airflow generator 30 is installed on a surface on the landing side in the hoistway 10, for example, a surface facing the car 11 of the face plate 23 attached to the lower part of the sill 22, and from there the car 11 The induced flow 36 may be generated in the direction opposite to the moving direction. However, in the case where it is provided on the landing side, the airflow generator 30 is required on each floor, so that it is preferable to install it on the car 11 in terms of cost.

  In each of the above embodiments, the elevator control device 50 is configured to perform processing related to wear detection. However, a control device different from the control device 50 may be provided to perform wear detection processing. .

  Further, the result of wear detection may be transferred from the control device 50 to an external monitoring center via a communication network. In this way, the wear state can always be monitored on the monitoring center side, and maintenance personnel can be dispatched when it is time to replace.

  Furthermore, it is needless to say that the wear state can be automatically detected by applying the method of the present invention as long as it is a device having an electrode other than the airflow generation device.

  In short, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various forms can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an elevator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 (a) is a front view of the car, and FIG. 1 (b) is a side view of the car traveling in the hoistway. It is the figure seen from. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an airflow generation device used for the elevator in the embodiment. 3A and 3B are views showing the state of airflow generated when the car is lowered in the embodiment. FIG. 3A is a plasma OFF state, FIG. 3B is a plasma ON state, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state of ON. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration for detecting the wear state of the electrodes of the airflow generation device in the same embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration for detecting the wear state of the electrodes of the airflow generation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration for detecting the wear state of the electrodes of the airflow generation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration for detecting the wear state of the electrodes of the airflow generation device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wear detection process of the elevator control apparatus in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration for detecting the wear state of the electrodes of the airflow generation device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration when a plurality of temperature sensors are used in the airflow generation device in the same embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration for detecting the wear state of the electrodes of the airflow generation device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of a capacity measuring device provided in the airflow generation device in the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration when the airflow generation device of the present invention is installed on the elevator landing side.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Hoistway, 11 ... Ride car, 12 ... Rope, 13 ... Car door, 14 ... Sill, 15 ... Face plate, 20 ... Landing place, 21 ... Landing door, 22 ... Sill, 23 ... Face plate, 24 ... Narrow part 30 ... Airflow generator, 31 ... Dielectric material, 32,33 ... Electrode, 32a ... Projection, 34 ... Cable, 35 ... Power supply for discharge, 36 ... Induced flow, 37 ... Vertical vortex, 40 ... Wear detection circuit, 41 ... Switch, 42 ... Power supply, 43 ... Resistance, 44 ... Ammeter, 50 ... Control device, 51 ... Notification unit, 60 ... Wear detection circuit, 61 ... Switch, 62 ... Power supply, 63 ... Resistance, 64 ... Electricity detection unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 70 ... Energization detection circuit, 71 ... Total energization time calculation circuit, 72 ... Switch, 80 ... Temperature sensor, 81 ... Temperature detection circuit, 90 ... Capacity measuring device, 91, 92 ... Switch, 93 ... DC power supply, 94 ... Ammeter 95 ... Timer

Claims (6)

An elevator airflow generator that is provided in a car or a hoistway, generates an airflow by a discharge action between two electrodes, and controls turbulence of the airflow generated when the car travels in the hoistway. There,
A first wear detecting device for detecting a wear state of at least one of the electrodes ;
The first wear detection device includes:
Measuring means connected to at least one of the electrodes, and measuring a value of a current passed through the electrode in the inspection mode;
A judging means for judging that the electrode is worn to the extent that the electrode needs to be replaced when the current value measured by the measuring means is not more than a preset value;
A notification means for notifying that when the determination means determines that the electrode is worn;
An elevator airflow generator characterized by comprising: In addition to the first wear detection device, further comprising a second wear detection device,
The second wear detection device includes:
An energization detecting means connected to a protrusion formed on at least one of the electrodes, and detecting an energization state when a current is passed through the protrusion in the inspection mode;
When it is detected by the energization detecting means that the energized state is detected, it is determined that the electrode is worn to such an extent that the electrode needs to be replaced. The elevator airflow generation device according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies the fact to that effect. In addition to the first wear detection device, further comprising a third wear detection device,
The third wear detector is
Energization detecting means for detecting the energization state of each of the electrodes;
In response to the detection result of the energization detection means, total energization time calculation means for calculating the total energization time up to the present time
A judging means for judging that the electrode is worn to the extent that the electrode needs to be replaced when the total energizing time calculated by the total energizing time calculating means exceeds a preset time; The elevator airflow generation device according to claim 1, further comprising: notification means for notifying that it is determined that the wear has occurred. In addition to the first wear detection device, further comprising a fourth wear detection device,
The fourth wear detection device includes:
Switch means for turning on the airflow operation only when the car travels over a preset distance; and
Energization detecting means for detecting the energization state of each electrode when the airflow operation is turned on by the switch means;
In response to the detection result of the energization detection means, total energization time calculation means for calculating the total energization time up to the present time
A judging means for judging that the electrode is worn to the extent that the electrode needs to be replaced when the total energizing time calculated by the total energizing time calculating means exceeds a preset time; The elevator airflow generation device according to claim 1, further comprising: notification means for notifying that it is determined that the wear has occurred. In addition to the first wear detection device, further comprising a fifth wear detection device,
The fifth wear detector is
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature between the electrodes;
When the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is less than or equal to a preset value, the judging means judges that the electrode is worn enough to be replaced, and the judging means wears the electrode. The elevator airflow generation device according to claim 1, further comprising: notification means for notifying that when it is determined that the vehicle is present. In addition to the first wear detection device, further comprising a sixth wear detection device,
The sixth wear detection device comprises:
Measuring means for measuring the capacitance of each electrode in the inspection mode;
A judging means for judging that the electrode is worn to the extent that replacement is required when the capacitance measured by the measuring means is not more than a preset value;
The elevator airflow generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the fact that the determination unit determines that the electrode is worn.

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