ELEVATOR DEVICE

Abstract

 An elevator system includes an elevator car 2 moving reciprocatively upward and downward within an elevator shaft 1, a governor 11 installed at a top portion of the elevator shaft 1, a tension sheave disposed at a bottom portion of the elevator shaft 1, a governor rope 13 spanned in a loop-like form between the governor 11 and the tension sheave so as to be moved circulatorily between the governor 11 and the tension sheave, the governor rope 13 being composed of a car-connected governor rope section 13a suspended from the governor 11 into the elevator shaft 1 and connected to the elevator car 2 and a counterpart governor rope section 13b extending in parallel and adjacent to the car-connected governor rope section 13a, the governor rope 13 being affixed with marks 13c at predetermined positions associated with the elevator car 2, a light 17 disposed between the car-connected governor rope section 13a and the counterpart governor rope section 13b for illuminating at least the car-connected governor rope section 13a, and an inspection window 16 provided at a location at which a portion of the car-connected governor rope section 13a illuminated by the light 17 can be visually observed, wherein the car-connected governor rope section 13a, the counterpart governor rope section 13b and the light 17 are disposed on an approximately same plane in the order of the counterpart governor rope section 13b, the light 17 and the car-connected governor rope section 13a as viewed from the inspection window 16, and wherein in the field of view looked through the inspection window 16, a portion of the car-connected governor rope section 13a illuminated by the light 17 can be seen while for the counterpart governor rope section 13b, a shadowed portion is seen.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator system in which machines/equipment(s) such as a hoisting machine, a control console, a governor and others are disposed internally of an elevator shaft, i.e., an elevator system which is not equipped with a so-called machine room. In particular, this invention is concerned with the elevator system which is so improved that an elevator cage or car can be moved more easily and accurately when the car is moved to the nearest floor while observing a mark affixed to a governor rope in a save operation upon occurrence of emergency event or the like.

BACKGROUND TECHNIQUE

[0002] Heretofore, in the elevator system equipped with no so-called machine room, i.e., in the elevator system in which the various machines/equipment(s) such as the hoisting machine, the control console, the governor and others are disposed internally of the elevator shaft, there has been adopted a method of moving the elevator cage or car while visually observing a mark affixed to the governor rope with a view to confirming whether or not the car exists in a door open zone (i.e., a zone where the door(s) of the elevator car can be opened) when the car is to be moved to the nearest floor in emergency operation for saving passenger(s) within the car upon occurrence of an emergency event, by way of example.

[0003] More specifically, marks are affixed to the governor rope or a main rope in advance while an inspection panel is disposed at an elevator hall, wherein in the emergency operation, such method is adopted that the car is moved while visually observing the mark(s) affixed to the governor rope or the main rope through an inspection window provided in a panel for inspection.

[0004] Further, a light or lamp is generally installed for illustrating the governor rope or the main rope so that the mark can visually be seen even in the event that the power supply service is interrupted.

[0005] The conventional elevator shaft such as briefed above has suffered a problem that the mark may be erroneously recognized or identified when it is visually observed. Besides, the mark is rather difficult to visually observe, giving rise to another problem. More specifically, there run a large number of ropes within the elevator shaft. Consequently, there arises a problem that irrelevant rope may be mistaken as the governor and/or main rope or the mark is difficult to be discerned because the inspection window and the light are not installed at the respective proper positions in many systems.

[0006] In particular, in many cases where the marks affixed to the governor rope are employed in combination with a pair of governor rope sections suspended in parallel and adjacent to each other, the irrelevant rope section is erroneously taken for the rope section to be intrinsically subjected to the visual observation, involving a problem.

[0007] This invention has been made with a view to solving the problem mentioned above, and it is an object of this invention to provide an elevator system which makes it possible to visually observe the governor rope intrinsically subjected to the observation and movable synchronously with the movement of the elevator car to thereby allow the car to move highly easily and accurately when the car is to be moved while observing the mark affixed to the governor rope through the inspection window in emergency save operation or the like event.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An elevator system according to this invention includes an elevator car moving reciprocatively upward and downward within an elevator shaft, a governor installed at a top portion of the elevator shaft, a tension sheave disposed at a bottom portion of the elevator shaft, a governor rope spanned in a loop-like form between the governor and the tension sheave so as to be moved circulatorily between the governor and the tension sheave, the governor rope being composed of a car-connected governor rope section suspended from the governor into the elevator shaft and connected to the elevator car and a counterpart governor rope section extending substantially in parallel and adjacent to the car-connected governor rope section, the governor rope being affixed with marks at predetermined positions associated with the elevator car, an illumination means disposed substantially between the car-connected governor rope section and the counterpart governor rope section for illuminating at least the car-connected governor rope section, and an inspection window provided at a location at which a portion of the car-connected governor rope section illuminated by the illumination means can be visually observed, wherein the car-connected governor rope section, the counterpart governor rope section and the illumination means are disposed on an approximately same plane in the order of the counterpart governor rope section, the illumination means and the car-connected governor rope section as viewed from the inspection window, and wherein in the field of view looked through the inspection window, a portion of the car-connected governor rope section illuminated by the illumination means can be seen while for the counterpart governor rope section, a shadowed portion is seen.

[0009] In the elevator system, the illumination means may be disposed between the car-connected governor rope section and the counterpart governor rope section.

[0010] Further, the illumination means may be f ixedly secured to a governor mounting platform.

[0011] Furthermore, the illumination means may be disposed at a position which is of an approximately same height as the inspection window.

[0012] Moreover, the illumination means may be mounted on an illumination means mounting arm secured to a guide rail and projecting therefrom.

[0013] Further, electric power for the illumination means may be supplied from an emergency power supply source.

[0014] Furthermore, a switch of the illumination means may be installed in the vicinity of the inspection window.

[0015] Besides, the illumination means may be interlocked with a cover of the inspection window such that the illumination means is lit when the cover is opened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] 

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view showing an elevator shaft of an elevator system according to a first embodiment of this invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the elevator shaft showing an arrangement in which a governor and a lamp or light are installed.

Figure 3 is a view showing schematically and generally a hall inspection panel.

Figure 4 is a top plan view showing a positional relationship between the light and two governor rope sections.

Figure 5 is a view showing a field of view or view field looked through an inspection window.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view showing a structure in the vicinity of a light mounting portion in the elevator system according to a second embodiment of this invention.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view showing the elevator shaft of the elevator system according to a third embodiment of this invention.

Figure 8 is a top plan view illustrating a positional relationship between a light and two governor rope sections in the elevator system according to a fourth embodiment of this invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1

[0017] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view showing an elevator shaft of an elevator system according to a first embodiment of this invention, i.e., a first mode for carrying out the invention. Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the elevator shaft showing an arrangement in which a governor and a lamp or light are installed. Figure 3 is a view showing schematically an inspection panel installed at an elevator hall. This panel will hereinafter be termed the hall inspection panel for the convenience of description. Figure 4 is a top plan view showing a positional relationship between the lamp or light and two governor rope sections. Further, Fig. 5 is a view showing the field of view (also referred to as the view field) looked through an inspection window.

[0018] The instant embodiment of the invention is concerned with an elevator system which is equipped with no machine room. Accordingly, various machines and equipment such as a hoisting machine, a control console, a governor and the like are disposed within the elevator shaft.

[0019] Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, a hoisting machine 6 is disposed above a counterweight 3 at a top portion of the elevator shaft 1. A counter suspension pulley or sheave 10 is provided for allowing the counterweight 3 to move reciprocatively upward and downward. A control console 7 is disposed at a location opposite to the hoisting machine 6 with an up/down space in which an elevator car 2 is moved upward and downward being interposed between the control console 7 and the hoisting machine 6. For moving the elevator car 2 upward and downward, car suspension pulleys or sheaves 9 are provided. Further, a governor 11 is disposed at a location within the elevator hall in opposition to the control console 7.

[0020] Disposed internally of a hall-installed manipulation console installed at an elevator hall of the topmost floor of a building is a hall inspection panel (i.e., inspection panel installed at the elevator hall) 15 which is provided with an inspection window 16 for visually checking or inspecting switches and governor rope 13 as required for the inspection for maintenance and emergency save operation, i.e., operation for saving passengers upon occurrence of emergency. The hall inspection panel 15 is provided with a cover 14. Ordinarily, the hall inspection panel 15 is in a concealed state in which the cover 14 is closed.

[0021] The elevator car 2 is guided by guide rails 4 which are installed internally of the elevator shaft 1 and extend in the up/down direction. On the other hand, the counterweight 3 is guided by counterweight guide rails 5.

[0022] The governor 11 is disposed at a position closer to the hall than the guide rail 4 at the same side as the hall inspection panel 15 so that the governor rope 13 can be visually checked through the inspection window 16 of the hall inspection panel 15.

[0023] The governor rope 13 is spanned between the governor 11 disposed at the top portion of the elevator shaft 1 and a tension wheel or sheave disposed at a bottom portion of the elevator shaft 1 although it is not shown. The governor rope 13 extends in the form of a loop and is connected to the elevator car 2 at one predetermined location so that the governor rope 13 moves reciprocatively between the governor 11 and the tension sheave as the elevator car 2 moves upward and downward.

[0024] As can clearly be seen from Fig. 2, one end portion of the loop of the governor rope 13 is wound around the sheave of the governor 11 so that a pair of rope sections hung or suspend downwardly from the governor 11. The right-hand rope section of the governor rope 13 as viewed in Fig. 2 is connected to the elevator car 2. In this conjunction, the governor rope section coupled or connected to the elevator car 2 is termed the car-connected governor rope section 13a while the governor rope section adjacent to the car-connected governor rope section 13a and not connected to the elevator car 2 will be termed the counterpart governor rope section 13b. Since the governor rope 13 is in the form of a loop, as described above, the regions or spans of the car-connected governor rope and the counterpart governor rope can not be distinctively defined. In the description of the invention, the governor rope section of the two rope sections suspending downwardly from the governor 11 which is connected to the elevator car 2, i.e., the governor rope section located on the deep side of the elevator shaft 1 (right-hand side as viewed in Fig. 2), is termed the car-connected governor rope section 13a while the governor rope section of the two rope sections suspending downwardly from the governor 11 which is located on the hall side of the elevator shaft 1 (left-hand side as viewed in Fig. 2) is termed the counterpart governor rope section 13b.

[0025] The governor rope 13 is affixed with marks 13c which serve to indicate that the elevator car 2 exists within a door open zone. With the phrase "door open zone", it is intended to mean a position (region) in which the elevator car 2 stops at a certain floor and the door of the car can be opened. A plurality of marks 13c are affixed to the loop-like governor rope 13 in correspondence to a member of floors, respectively. By way of example, referring to Fig. 2, the mark 13c affixed to the a top portion of the right-hand car-connected governor rope section 13a suspending downwardly from the governor 11 is the mark which is used when the elevator car stops at the floor immediately underneath the topmost floor. On the other hand, the mark 13b affixed to a lower portion of the counterpart governor rope section 13b extending on the left-hand side is the mark which is used or referenced when the cage stops at the second floor from the topmost floor.

[0026] In the elevator system according to the instant embodiment of the invention, the inspection window 16 is provided at the topmost floor. By the way, the mark used when the car stops at the topmost floor does not make appearance in Fig. 2. In reality, this mark is affixed to a lower portion of the right-hand car-connected governor rope section 13a which is not shown in Fig. 2.

[0027] A lamp or light 17 which serves as an illumination means for illuminating the car-connected governor rope section 13a is provided between the car-connected governor rope section 13a and the counterpart governor rope section 13b so that the mark 13c attached to the governor rope 13 can easily be visually observed.

[0028] The counterpart governor rope section 13b, the light 17 and the car-connected governor rope section 13a bear such positional relationship to one another that the counterpart governor rope section 13b, the light 17 and then the car-connected governor rope section 13a are disposed in this order, as viewed from the inspection window 16. Consequently, in the field of view looked through the inspection window 16, a portion of the car-connected governor rope section 13a illuminated by the light 17 is seen, whereas for the counterpart governor rope section 13b, a shadowed portion is seen. Incidentally, the inspection window 16, the counterpart governor rope section 13b, the light 17 and the car-connected governor rope section 13a are disposed on an approximately same plane. However, when they are disposed on an utterly same plane, the car-connected governor rope section 13a can not be seen, being intercepted by the counterpart governor rope section 13b. For this reason, the inspection window 16 is disposed at the position deviated slightly from the plane which contains the counterpart governor rope section 13b and the car-connected governor rope section 13a, i.e., the position deviated toward the opposite side relative to the light 17 in the elevator system according to the instant embodiment of the invention. An example of the field of view which can be seen from the inspection window 16 is shown in Fig. 5.

[0029] As is apparent from the above, the elevator system according to the instant embodiment of the invention includes the elevator car 2 moving reciprocatively upward and downward within the elevator shaft 1, the governor 11 provided at the top portion of the elevator shaft 1, the tension sheave disposed at the bottom portion of the elevator shaft 1, the governor rope 13 spanned in a loop-like form between the governor 11 and the tension sheave so as to move circulatorily between the governor 11 and the tension sheave, the governor rope 13 having the car-connected governor rope section 13a suspended from the governor 11 into the elevator shaft 1 and connected to the elevator car 2 and the counterpart governor rope section 13b extending in parallel and adjacent to the car-connected governor rope section 13a, the governor rope 13 being affixed with the marks 13c at predetermined positions associated with the elevator car, the light 17 disposed between the car-connected governor rope section 13a and the counterpart governor rope section 13b for illuminating at least the car-connected governor rope section 13a, and the inspection window 16 provided at a position at which a portion of the car-connected governor rope section 13a illuminated by the light 17 can be visually observed, wherein the car-connected governor rope section 13a, the counterpart governor rope section 13b and the light 17 are disposed on an approximately same plane in the order of the counterpart governor rope section 13b, the light 17 and the car-connected governor rope section 13a as viewed from the inspection window 16 so that in the field of view looked through the inspection window 16, a portion of the car-connected governor rope section 13a illuminated by the light 17 can be seen while for the counterpart governor rope section 13b, a shadowed portion is seen.

[0030] By virtue of the arrangement described above, when the elevator car 2 is moved while observing the governor rope 13 through the inspection window 16 upon emergency save operation or the like operation, the car-connected governor rope section 13a and the counterpart governor rope section 13b of the governor rope can definitely be discriminated without confusion and thus the car-connected governor rope section 13a moving synchronously with the movement of the elevator car 2 can visually be observed, whereby the moving direction and the speed of the elevator car 2 as well as existence or non-existence of the car in the door open zone can be easily and accurately confirmed to thereby allow the elevator car 2 to be moved to the nearest floor with safety.

[0031] At this juncture, it is to be noted that it is sufficient to move the elevator car 2 to the nearest floor with safety. Accordingly, the same marks 13c are affixed to the governor rope 13 without discrimination in a number equal to that of the floors. By aligning to a predetermined position the given marks 13c seen through the inspection window 16 by a maintenance/inspection person, the elevator car 2 then moves to the door open zone at one of the floors.

[0032] The electric power for the light 17 is supplied from an emergency power supply source. Accordingly, the light 17 can be lit even in event of the service interruption.

[0033] Further, the switch for the light 17 is provided on the hall inspection panel 15, i.e., the switch is provided in the vicinity of the inspection window 16. Thus, the light 17 can easily be turned on/off with high work efficiency.

[0034] Furthermore, the switch for the light 17 may be interlocked with the cover 14 such that the light 17 is lit when the cover 14 is opened. Owing to this feature, the work for turning on/off the light 17 can be much facilitated with the work efficiency being further enhanced.

Embodiment 2

[0035] Figure 6 is a side view showing a structure in the vicinity of a light mounting portion in the elevator system according to a second embodiment of this invention. In the elevator system now under consideration, the light 17 is fixedly secured to a governor mounting platform 12 by means of a light mounting fixture 18. Thus, there is no need for providing a bracket for mounting the light 17 on a wall or beam internally of the elevator shaft 1 and the light 17 can easily be mounted without being influenced by the structure of the elevator shaft 1 and the size of the elevator shaft.

Embodiment 3

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross sectional view showing the elevator shaft of the elevator system according to a third embodiment of this invention. In the elevator system according to the instant embodiment of the invention, the light 17 is disposed at the position which is of an approximately same height as the inspection window 16 and in which the car-connected governor rope section 13a of the governor rope can be illuminated in the horizontal direction. By virtue of this arrangement, the governor rope 13 can be illuminated from the light source located closer to the governor rope, whereby the mark 13c affixed to the governor rope 13 and the twist of the rope can clearly be seen through the inspection window 16. Thus, the moving direction and the speed of the elevator car 2 as well as the existence or non-existence of the car 2 in the door open zone can be confirmed with high safety and accuracy to thereby allow the elevator car 2 to be safely moved to the nearest floor.

Embodiment 4

[0037] Figure 8 is a top plan view illustrating a positional relationship between the light and the two governor rope sections in the elevator system according to a fourth embodiment of this invention. In the elevator system according to the instant embodiment of the invention, the light 17 is secured to the guide rail 4 by means of a light mounting fixture 18. Thus, there is no need for providing a bracket for mounting the light 17 on a wall or beam internally of the elevator shaft 1, and the light 17 can easily be mounted without being interfered by the structure of the elevator shaft 1 and the size of the elevator shaft.

[0038] Incidentally, in the elevator system according to the instant embodiment of the invention, the light mounting fixture 18 is positioned with deviation in the heightwise direction from the inspection window 16 so that the light mounting fixture 18 provides no obstacle to the observation of the car-connected governor rope section 13a of the governor rope. Thus, the light 17 is so disposed as to illuminate the car-connected governor rope section 13a obliquely upwardly or obliquely downwardly.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0039] The present invention has provided the elevator system which includes the elevator car moving reciprocatively upward and downward within the elevator shaft, the governor installed at the top portion of the elevator shaft, the tension sheave disposed at the bottom portion of the elevator shaft, the governor rope spanned in a loop-like form between the governor and the tension sheave so as to be moved circulatorily between the governor and the tension sheave, the governor rope being composed of the car-connected governor rope section suspended from the governor into the elevator shaft and connected to the elevator car and the counterpart governor rope section extending substantially in parallel and adjacent to the car-connected governor rope section, the governor rope being affixed with marks at the predetermined positions associated with the elevator car, the illumination means disposed substantially between the car-connected governor rope section and the counterpart governor rope section for illuminating at least the car-connected governor rope section, and the inspection window provided at the location at which the portion of the car-connected governor rope section illuminated by the illumination means can be visually observed, wherein the car-connected governor rope section, the counterpart governor rope section and the illumination means are disposed on an approximately same plane in the order of the counterpart governor rope section, the illumination means and the car-connected governor rope section as viewed from the inspection window, and wherein in the field of view looked through the inspection window, the portion of the car-connected governor rope section illuminated by the illumination means can be seen while for the counterpart governor rope section, the shadow portion is seen. By virtue of the arrangement described above, when the elevator car is moved while visually observing the marks affixed to the governor rope upon emergency save operation or the like, the car-connected governor rope section moving synchronously with the movement of the elevator car can visually be observed with ease and without mistake, whereby the moving direction and the speed of the elevator car and existence or non-existence of the car in the door open zone (i.e., zone in which the door(s) of the car can be opened) can easily and accurately be confirmed to thereby allow the elevator car 2 to be moved to the nearest floor with safety.

[0040] In the elevator system described above, the illumination means can be disposed between the car-connected governor rope section and the counterpart governor rope section. Owing to this feature, the illumination means can illuminate the car-connected governor rope section without fail, whereby the car-connected governor rope section can be observed more easily.

[0041] Further, the illumination means can be fixedly secured to the governor mounting platform. With this arrangement, there arises no need for securing fixedly an illumination means mounting bracket or the like on a wall or beam internally of the elevator shaft and thus the illumination means can easily be mounted independently of the structure of the elevator shaft.

[0042] Furthermore, the illumination means can be disposed at the position which is of an approximately same height as the inspection window. By virtue of this arrangement, the governor rope can be illuminated by the illumination means disposed closer to the governor rope, whereby the mark affixed to the governor rope and the twist of the rope can clearly be seen through the inspection window.

[0043] Moreover, the illumination means can be mounted on the illumination means mounting arm secured to the guide rail and projecting therefrom. Thus, there is no need for providing a bracket for mounting the light on a wall or beam internally of the elevator shaft and thus the illumination means can easily be mounted without being influenced by the structure of the elevator shaft.

[0044] Further, electric power for the illumination means can be supplied from the emergency power supply source. Accordingly, the illumination means can be lit even when the power supply service is interrupted.

[0045] Furthermore, the switch of the illumination means can be installed in the vicinity of the inspection window. Thus, the illumination means can easily be turned on/off with enhanced work efficiency.

[0046] Besides, the illumination means can be interlocked with the cover of the inspection window such that the illumination means is lit when the cover is opened. Owing to this feature, the work involved in turning on/off the illumination means can be further eased with the work efficiency being further enhanced.

Claims

1. An elevator system characterized in that the elevator system comprises

an elevator car moving reciprocatively upward and downward within an elevator shaft,

a governor installed at a top portion of the elevator shaft,

a tension sheave disposed at a bottom portion of the elevator shaft,

a governor rope spanned in a loop-like form between the governor and the tension sheave so as to be moved circulatorily between the governor and the tension sheave, the governor rope being composed of a car-connected governor rope section suspending from the governor into the elevator shaft and connected to the elevator car and a counterpart governor rope section extending substantially in parallel and adjacent to the car-connected governor rope section, the governor rope being affixed with marks at predetermined positions associated with the elevator car,

illumination means disposed substantially between the car-connected governor rope section and the counterpart governor rope section for illuminating at least the car-connected governor rope section, and

an inspection window provided at a location at which a portion of the car-connected governor rope section illuminated by the illumination means can be visually observed,

   wherein the car-connected governor rope section, the counterpart governor rope section and the illumination means are disposed on an approximately same plane in the order of the counterpart governor rope section, the illumination means and the car-connected governor rope section as viewed from the inspection window, and
   wherein in the field of view looked through the inspection window, a portion of the car-connected governor rope section illuminated by the illumination means can be seen while for the counterpart governor rope section, a shadowed portion is seen.

2. An elevator system set forth in claim 1,
   characterized in that the illumination means is disposed between the car-connected governor rope section and the counterpart governor rope section.

3. An elevator system set forth in claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the illumination means is fixedly secured to a governor mounting platform.

4. An elevator system set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that the illumination means is disposed at a position which is of an approximately same height as the inspection window.

5. An elevator system set forth in any one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that the illumination means is mounted on an illumination means mounting arm secured to a guide rail and projecting therefrom.

6. An elevator system set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that electric power for the illumination means is supplied from an emergency power supply source.

7. An elevator system set forth in any one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that a switch of the illumination means is installed in the vicinity of the inspection window.

8. An elevator system set forth in any one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that a switch of the illumination means is interlocked with a cover of the inspection window such that the illumination means is lit when the cover is opened.

Drawing