WO2006019167A1

WO2006019167A1 - Elevator troubleshooting apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2006019167A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/015174
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoshiaki Fujita; Kenzo Tonoki; Masaki Sakurai
Original assignee: Toshiba Elevator Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2004-08-18
Filing date: 2005-08-15
Publication date: 2006-02-23
Also published as: JP2006056635A; JP4744826B2; MY149247A; CN1993285A

Abstract

An elevator troubleshooting apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising detection means (1, 2) for detecting an amplitude value of any one of vibration acceleration and noise related to any one of various kinds of devices of an elevator, wavelet conversion means (8) for conducting wavelet conversion for a detection output of the detection means and thereby generating wavelet spectrum data, and troubleshooting means (9) for diagnosing occurrence of an abnormal condition at the elevator in accordance with magnitude of an amplitude value represented by the wavelet spectrum data generated by the wavelet conversion means.

Description

D E S C R I P T I O N

ELEVATOR TROUBLESHOOTING APPARATUS

Technical Field

This invention relates to an elevator troubleshooting apparatus capable of diagnosing occurrence of abnormal condition in various kinds of devices of an elevator. Background Art

If riding characteristics of an elevator become worse due to noise and vibration occurring during its operation, passengers in the elevator may feel uncomfortable and anxious. For this reason, noise and sensible vibration need to be maintained at low level at any time when the elevator is operated.

It is known that the noise and sensible vibration greatly depend on electric characteristics of a traction machine and its control device, fixed condition and installation accuracy of a guide rail, mechanical characteristics of structural members, and the like.

Conventionally, experienced technicians have measured noise and sensible vibration with a noise meter and a vibrometer at the time of the completion of installation of the elevator and the following regular maintenance and determined whether the noise and vibration are under a normal or abnormal condition.

In this determining method, however, if the technicians have little experience or are not conver¬ sant with the technique of maintenance, results of determination may be varied due to differences in the technicians' measuring methods and data analysis. For this reason, a troubleshooting apparatus capable of measuring noise and sensible vibration on the elevator and diagnosing the normal or abnormal condi- tion of the elevator on the basis of the measured noise and vibration is conceived. This apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 11-92049.

Such a troubleshooting apparatus detects sensible vibration and noise at the time of operating the elevator and conducts frequency analysis based on Fourier transform, for the detection output. The troubleshooting apparatus specifies a part of various devices of the elevator where an abnormal condition has occurred, by referring to the results of analysis.

However, when the troubleshooting apparatus conducts the Fourier transform at the time of accel¬ eration or deceleration when the operation velocity of the elevator radically changes, i.e. in an unsteady state of the velocity, the apparatus cannot acquire temporarily varying spectrum with high accuracy. For this reason, lack of data sampled by the apparatus or error in the accuracy occurs, and the apparatus can hardly acquire exact frequency information. Thus, results of determination of an abnormal condition part based on diagnosis of the abnormal condition of the elevator conducted by the apparatus may be varied.

In addition, a function acquired from the frequency analysis based on the Fourier transform by the troubleshooting apparatus is a one-dimensional function of only frequency coordinates. In other words, this function does not consider a position of a car in an elevator shaft. In this case, the troubleshooting apparatus cannot determine time dependency of the abnormal condition part of the elevator. Even in this case, skilled technicians can determine the abnormal condition part on the basis of the results of analysis acquired from the frequency analysis based on the Fourier transform by the troubleshooting apparatus. However, technicians of less experience can hardly determine the abnormal condition part of the elevator by referring to the results of analysis acquired from the frequency analysis based on the Fourier transform by the troubleshooting apparatus.

Disclosure of Invention The object of the present invention is to provide an elevator troubleshooting apparatus which allows a technician to exactly and easily diagnose an abnormal condition of an elevator even if the technician has little experience.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elevator troubleshooting apparatus comprising detection means for detecting an amplitude value of any one of vibration acceleration and noise related to any one of various kinds of devices of an elevator, wavelet conversion means for conducting wavelet conversion for a detection output of the detection means and thereby generating wavelet spectrum data, and troubleshooting means for diagnosing occurrence of an abnormal condition at the elevator in accordance with magnitude of an amplitude value represented by the wavelet spectrum data generated by the wavelet conversion means.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

Brief Description of Drawings The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illus¬ trate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of an elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed structure of a part of the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a table showing contents of abnormal condition part database stored in a diagnostic database unit in the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed structure of a part of an elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a table showing contents of abnormal condition part database stored in a diagnostic database unit in the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed structure of a part of an elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 7 is a table showing contents of abnormal condition part database stored in a diagnostic database unit in the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. (First Embodiment)

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of an elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a vibration acceleration sensor 1, a noise sensor 2, a filter 3, an amplifier 4, an A/D converter 5, a data storing unit 6 and a date and time input unit 7.

The vibration acceleration sensor 1 detects an amplitude value of sensible vibration at the time of operating a car (not shown) of the elevator or an amplitude value of vibration of a traction machine (not shown) which serves as a power unit of the elevator. The vibration acceleration sensor 1 outputs an analog signal including information of the detected value.

The noise sensor 2 detects a value of noise at the time of rise and fall of the car. The noise sensor 2 outputs an analog signal including information of the detected value. The filter 3 inputs the analog signal from the vibration acceleration sensor 1 or the noise sensor 2. The filter 3 allows only a determined frequency band component of the input signal to pass therethrough. The amplifier 4 amplifies an input signal from the filter 3.

The A/D converter 5 executes analog-digital conversion of the analog signal by sampling the analog signal input from the amplifier 4 at every determined time. The data storing unit 6 stores digital data based on a digital signal of the A/D converter 5. The date and time input unit 7 counts current date and current time by a timer (not shown) and outputs the counted data to the data storing unit 6.

The elevator troubleshooting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a wavelet conversion unit 8, a troubleshooting unit 9, a basic information input unit 10, a diagnostic database unit 11 and a display unit 12.

The data storing unit 6 is connected to the wavelet conversion unit 8. The wavelet conversion unit 8 is connected to the display unit 12 via the troubleshooting unit 9. The basic information input unit 10 is connected to troubleshooting unit 9 via the diagnostic database unit 11. Functions of the diagnostic database unit 11 will be described later.

The wavelet conversion unit 8 conducts an operation of wavelet conversion on time function data regarded as input data to generate wavelet spectrum data. In the first embodiment, the wavelet conversion unit 8 generates wavelet spectrum data including time coordinates and frequency coordinates. The time coordinates indicate coordinates of the time elapsing from the start of rise of the elevator.

The troubleshooting unit 9 determines whether a component representing abnormal vibration or abnormal noise of the elevator is included in the wavelet spectrum data generated by the wavelet conversion unit 8. The component representing the abnormal vibration or abnormal noise is an amplitude value exceeding a predetermined permissible reference value, of the amplitude values of vibration or noise represented by the wavelet spectrum data. The permissible reference value is, for example, an amplitude value of the vibration or noise which makes passengers feel anxious or uncomfortable.

If the troubleshooting unit 9 determines that the component representing the abnormal vibration or abnormal noise of the elevator is included in the wavelet spectrum data, i.e. that the abnormal condition has occurred in various kinds of devices of the elevator, the troubleshooting unit 9 determines a part where the abnormal condition has occurred. The abnormal condition occurrence part is, for example, a part which causes the vibration or noise making passengers feel anxious or uncomfortable. There may be one or plural abnormal condition occurrence parts.

The basic information input unit 10 accepts input of various kinds of information items (basic information) about the elevator and its movement and outputs the information to the diagnostic database unit 11. Various kinds of information items are the shape of the car of the elevator, weight of the car, rated velocity, height of the elevator shaft, rotational frequency of the traction machine, and the like.

The display unit 12 notifies the determination result on occurrence of the abnormal condition as made by the troubleshooting unit 9. If the abnormal condition occurs, the display unit 12 notifies the determination result on the abnormal condition occurrence part as made by the troubleshooting unit 9. Specifically, the display unit 12 displays the determi¬ nation result in a form of, for example, message or the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed structure of a part of the elevator troubleshooting apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a table showing contents of abnormal condition part database stored in the diagnostic database unit 11 in the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The troubleshooting unit 9 comprises a characteristic amount determination unit 14 and an abnormal condition part determination unit 15. Functions of the charac¬ teristic amount determination unit 14 and the abnormal condition part determination unit 15 will be explained later.

The diagnostic database unit 11 inputs the information from the basic information input unit 10. The diagnostic database unit 11 stores the abnormal condition part database (FIG. 3) on the basis of the kind of the input information. In the abnormal condition part database, first information and second information correspond to each other.

The first information indicates information about combination of the times and frequencies where the permissible reference value of the amplitude value of vibration and noise exists, of combination of the times on the time coordinates and the frequencies on the frequency coordinates, in the wavelet spectrum data. The second information indicates information about a part (for example, traction machine) which is presumed to be the abnormal condition occurrence part in a case where the amplitude value with the combined time and frequency is higher than the permissible reference value. The permissible reference value indicates a lower limit value of the amplitude value at which the abnormal condition is considered to occur in various kinds of devices of the elevator.

Next, the processing operation of the trouble¬ shooting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is described. The processing operation of the trouble- shooting apparatus, to determine existence of an abnormal condition occurrence part at the elevator and the abnormal condition occurrence part on the basis of the detection result of the vibration acceleration sensor 1, is described here. This processing operation is the same as the processing operation of the troubleshooting apparatus, to determine existence of an abnormal condition occurrence part at the elevator and the abnormal condition occurrence part on the basis of the detection result of the vibration acceleration sensor 2.

First, the vibration acceleration sensor 1 periodically detects the amplitude values of sensible vibration at the time of operating the car of the elevator or the amplitude values of vibration of the power unit (traction machine) . The vibration acceleration sensor 1 outputs the analog signal including the information about the detected amplitude values to the filter 3.

The filter 3 allows only a determined frequency band component, of the analog signal output from the vibration acceleration sensor 1, to pass therethrough and outputs the component to the amplifier 4. The amplifier 4 amplifies the input signal from the filter 3.

The A/D converter 5 executes analog-digital conversion of the input signal output from the amplifier 4. The A/D converter 5 outputs the data based on the digital-converted signal to the data storing unit β as data of time characteristics. The data storing unit 6 inputs the data from the A/D converter 5 and stores the data as data of time characteristics of the vibration amplitude value.

The data storing unit 6 outputs the data input from the A/D converter 5 to the wavelet conversion unit 8. The wavelet conversion unit 8 conducts the operation of wavelet conversion on the signal of the time characteristics of the vibration amplitude value input from data storing unit 6 and thereby generates the wavelet spectrum data of the vibration amplitude value including the frequency coordinates and the time coordinates. Wavelet spectrum data wt(a, b) is calculated in the following formula (1) . t(a, b) ... Formula (1)

In formula (1), "x(t)" represents data of time characteristics of the vibration, "a" represents a reciprocal of angular frequency ω and "b" represents time t. The wavelet conversion unit 8 outputs the wavelet spectrum data (frequency coordinates - time coordinates) thus generated to the troubleshooting unit 9. The diagnostic database unit 11 outputs to the abnormal condition part determination unit 15 of the troubleshooting unit 9 the information about the abnormal condition part database stored as explained above on the basis of the basic information about the elevator output from the basic information input unit 10. The characteristic amount determination unit 14 first detects the amplitude values represented in the wavelet spectrum data output from the wavelet conversion unit 8. The amplitude values indicate those at respective times on the time coordinates and respective frequencies on the frequency coordinates in the wavelet spectrum data.

Next, the characteristic amount determination unit 14 extracts the information about the combination (coordinate values) of time and frequency which has an amplitude value higher than the above explained permissible reference value, of the detected amplitude values, as characteristic amount data to determine the abnormal condition occurrence part of the elevator. The characteristic amount determination unit 14 outputs the extracted information to the abnormal condition part determination unit 15. For example, if the amplitude values related with the coordinate values "time tl - frequency fl" in the wavelet spectrum data are higher than the permissible reference value, the coordinate values "time tl - frequency fl" are considered as the characteristic amount data. The abnormal condition part determination unit 15 compares the information about the combination of the time and frequency in the characteristic amount data input from the characteristic amount determination unit 14, with the information about the combinations of the respective times and respective frequencies in the information about the abnormal condition part database input from the diagnostic database unit 11. As a result of the comparison, the abnormal condition part determination unit 15 extracts the information about the combination which matches the combination of the time and frequency considered as the coordinate values of the characteristic amount data input from the characteristic amount determination unit 14, of the information about the combinations of the times and frequencies in the information of the abnormal condition part database.

Then, the abnormal condition part determination unit 15 extracts from the abnormal condition part database the information about the abnormal condition occurrence part which corresponds to the extracted information about the combination of the time and frequency. The abnormal condition part determination unit 15 outputs to the display unit 12 a control signal to instruct display of the extracted information about the abnormal condition occurrence part.

Thus, the display unit 12 displays the information about the abnormal condition occurrence part in a form of, for example, message or the like. The message is, for example, 'ABNORMALITY IS SUSPECTED IN ACCELERATING ROTATION OF TRACTION MACHINE' . The checker of the elevator can grasp, exactly and easily, the information about the part which is suspected to be under the abnormal condition, of the parts of the elevator.

To prepare for a case where the amplitude values represented in the wavelet spectrum data include an amplitude value which is higher than a standard value smaller than the above explained permissible reference value, as a result of the detection of the amplitude values conducted by the characteristic amount determi¬ nation unit 14, the troubleshooting unit 9 may have a function of determining whether the combination of the time and frequency at the occurrence of the amplitude value matches the combinations of the times and frequencies in the abnormal condition part database ( FIG . 3 ) .

If this condition is met, the troubleshooting unit 9 extracts the information about the abnormal condition part which corresponds to the matched combination of the time and frequency, from the abnormal condition part database, by the abnormal condition part determi¬ nation unit 15. The troubleshooting unit 9 urges the display unit 12 to display the extracted information about the abnormal condition part as information about a maladjusted part, i.e., a part which shows a sign of the abnormal condition.

The maladjusted part indicates a part which causes vibration considered as a sign of the abnormal vibration, i.e. the vibration making the passengers feel anxious and uncomfortable. The vibration considered as a sign of the abnormal vibration, is the vibration which is not terrible enough to making the passengers feel anxious or uncomfortable.

The checker of the elevator can thereby grasp easily the part which may cause abnormal vibration or the like if it is left in unadjusted state, of the parts of the elevator. Thus, if the checker of the elevator makes an adjustment such as repairing or the like at this time, he can prevent the vibration which makes the passengers feel anxious or uncomfortable before it occurs.

In addition, the troubleshooting unit 9 may have a function of determining whether an amplitude value which is higher than the standard value (second permissible reference value) smaller than the above explained permissible reference value is included in the amplitude values represented in the wavelet spectrum data, as a result of detecting the amplitude values by the characteristic amount determination unit 14.

If this condition is met, i.e. if an amplitude value which is higher than the standard value is included in the amplitude values represented in the wavelet spectrum data, the troubleshooting unit 9 urges the display unit 12 to display a message different from the message notifying the information about the abnormal condition part or maladjusted part. This message indicates, for example, a message to instruct the vibration acceleration sensor 1 to detect again the vibration amplitude value and instruct the troubleshooting unit 9 to determine again the abnormal condition part in accordance with the detection of the vibration amplitude value.

If the result of the determination which characteristic amount determination unit 14 conducts again is the same as the initial determination result, reliability of this determination result is improved. The elevator troubleshooting apparatus can 'thereby urges the checker of the elevator to diagnose the abnormal condition part more exactly.

There may be a case where the amplitude value which is higher than the permissible reference value (or standard value) exists in the wavelet spectrum data as a result of detecting the amplitude values by the characteristic amount determination unit 14, and the same combination as that of time and frequency, corresponding to the amplitude value which is higher than the permissible reference value (or standard value) in the wavelet spectrum data, does not exist in the abnormal condition part database as a result of the comparison conducted by the abnormal condition part determination unit 15. The case where the combination does not exist in the abnormal condition part database indicates a case where the abnormal condition part cannot be specified though the abnormal vibration occurs.

In this case, the troubleshooting unit 9 assumes that the wavelet spectrum data generated as explained above may not be normal data and urges the display unit 12 to display a message that failure of the detecting sensor or measurement error of the sensor is suspected and a message that the measurement should be conducted again. Thus, if accuracy in diagnosis of the elevator troubleshooting apparatus is suspected, the checker of the elevator can easily grasp this matter.

In addition, the troubleshooting apparatus according to the present embodiment may determine an abnormal condition part of the elevator on the basis of fluctuation based on secular variation of the amplitude value, instead of determining whether the abnormal condition occurs in various kinds of devices of the elevator on the basis of the wavelet spectrum data generated as explained above and the abnormal condition part database. Specifically, every time the data of time characteristics of vibration and noise are generated, the troubleshooting apparatus associates the data of time characteristics with the data representing the date and time of measurement and then determines the abnormal condition part, on the basis of the fluctuation based on secular variation of the amplitude value represented by the wavelet spectrum data of every date and time of the measurement.

The vibration acceleration sensor 1 and the noise sensor 2 detect the amplitude values of vibration and noise at any time, such that the data of time characteristics output from the A/D converter 5 is always updated. Every time the date and time repre¬ sented by the data output from the date and time input unit 7 comes at predetermined date and time, the data of the date and time are associated with the data of the time characteristics output from the A/D converter 5 as the data of measurement date and time. The date and time to be associated are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 24 hours or one month. The wavelet conversion unit 8 sequentially converts the data of time characteristics associated with the data of measurement date and time into the wavelet spectrum data and outputs the converted wavelet spectrum data to the troubleshooting unit 9 as wavelet spectrum data associated with the data of measurement date and time. The troubleshooting unit 9 sorts the wavelet spectrum data output from the wavelet conversion unit 8 in accordance with the measurement date and time.

On the basis of the sorted wavelet spectrum data, the troubleshooting unit 9 calculates the fluctuation based on secular variation of the amplitude value, with the predetermined time on the time coordinates and predetermined frequency on the frequency coordinates in the sorted wavelet spectrum data. The troubleshooting unit 9 determines whether the fluctuation acquired by the calculation is higher than a predetermined positive threshold value. If the vibration amplitude value increases in accordance with the secular variation, the fluctuation value is positive. If the vibration amplitude value decreases in accordance with the secular variation, the fluctuation value is negative. If the characteristic amount determination unit 14 of the troubleshooting unit 9 determines that the fluctuation of the vibration amplitude value calculated as explained above is higher than the threshold value, the characteristic amount determination unit 14 extracts characteristic amount data to specify the abnormal condition part of the elevator, irrespective of the matter that the vibration amplitude value is higher than the above explained reference value or the standard value or not. The characteristic amount data indicates information of the coordinate values of the time and frequency corresponding to the vibration amplitude value based on the fluctuation higher than the threshold value, in the wavelet spectrum data. For example, the fluctuation based on secular variation of the amplitude value, at coordinate values "time tl - frequency fl" in the wavelet spectrum data, is higher than the above explained threshold value, the information of coordinate values "time tl - frequency fl" is characteristic amount data. The abnormal condition part determination unit 15 acquires the information about the abnormal condition part by comparing the characteristic amount data with the abnormal condition part database as explained above. The troubleshooting unit 9 regards the acquired abnormal condition part as the part which requires maintenance or exchange of components and urges the display unit 12 to display a message notifying maintenance or change of components in relation to the device corresponding to the part. This message is, for example, ^ΛAGED DETERIORATION IS SUSPECTED ON ROPE. MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED' . The checker of the elevator can thereby grasp quickly and easily the abnormal condition in the device caused by aged deterioration and the lifetime of the device.

In the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as described above, occurrence of the abnormal condition at the elevator and the abnormal condition occurrence part can be grasped exactly and easily by measuring the data of sensible vibration of the elevator, subjecting the measured data to wavelet conversion and calculating the wavelet spectrum data, and comparing the calculated data with the information stored in the diagnostic database unit 11. Therefore, a technician of little experience can check the elevator at the same accuracy^' as an experienced technician.

(Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment of the present invention is described. The constituent elements of the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the second embodiment and the following embodiment are substantially similar to the constituent elements of FIG. 1. The similar constituent elements are not therefore described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed structure of a part of an elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The structure of the troubleshooting apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. However, the troubleshooting unit 9 comprises an abnormal condition part determina¬ tion unit 21 instead of the above explained abnormal condition part determination unit 15. The abnormal condition part determination unit 15 determines the abnormal condition part on the basis of the wavelet spectrum data corresponding to the time coordinates and frequency coordinates while the abnormal condition part determination unit 21 determines the abnormal condition part on the basis of the wavelet spectrum data corresponding to the positional coordinates and frequency coordinates.

The wavelet conversion unit 8 conducts wavelet conversion for the input data and thereby generates wavelet spectrum data which consists of a function of frequencies and positions. The wavelet conversion unit 8 here generates the wavelet spectrum data including the frequency coordinates and positional coordinates which are coordinates of a distance between a position corresponding to the landing hall on the bottom floor of the elevator and a current position of the car. FIG. 5 is a table showing contents of abnormal condition part database stored in the diagnostic database unit in the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The diagnostic database unit 11 inputs the information from the basic information input unit 10. The diagnostic database unit 11 stores the abnormal condition part database (FIG. 5) on the basis of the kind of the input information. On the abnormal condition part database, third information is made to correspond to fourth information. The third information indicates information about combinations of positions and frequencies where the permissible reference value of the vibration and noise amplitude values, of the combinations of positions on the position coordinates and frequencies on the frequency coordinates in the wavelet spectrum data. The fourth information indicates information about the part (for example, traction machine) which is presumed to be an abnormal condition occurrence part in a case where the amplitude values at the positions and frequencies exceed the permissible reference value.

Next, operations of the troubleshooting apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention are described.

In the troubleshooting apparatus, steps from detection employing the vibration acceleration sensor 1 and the noise sensor 2 to input of the data to the data storing unit 6 are the same as those of the first embodiment. However, the wavelet conversion unit 8 conducts wavelet conversion of vibration and noise data output from the data storing unit 6 in the following formula (2), and thereby generates wavelet spectrum data wt (a, b) that consist of the frequency coordinates and the position coordinates.

wt(a, b) = ...Formula(2)

The wavelet conversion unit 8 integrates accelera¬ tion data x(t) at two times in, for example, formula (2), and thereby calculates position z and wavelet spectrum data wt(a, b) and acquires wavelet spectrum data wt(a, b) that consist of frequencies and positions. The wavelet conversion unit 8 outputs the wavelet spectrum data (frequency coordinates - position coordinates) thus acquired to the troubleshooting unit 9. The diagnostic database unit 11 outputs the information about the abnormal condition part database stored as explained above to the abnormal condition part determination unit 21 of the troubleshooting unit 9.

The characteristic amount determination unit 14 first detects amplitude values at the respective frequencies on the frequency coordinates and respective positions on the position coordinates in the wavelet spectrum data output from the wavelet conversion unit 8. Next, the characteristic amount determination unit 14 extracts the information about combination of the frequency and position which have amplitude values higher than the permissible reference value, of the detected amplitude values, as characteristic amount data to determine the abnormal condition occurrence part of the elevator, and outputs the extracted information to the abnormal condition part determination unit 21. For example, if the amplitude values related with the coordinate values "frequency fl - position pi" in the wavelet spectrum data are higher than the permissible reference value, the coordinate values "frequency fl - position pi" are considered as the characteristic amount data.

The abnormal condition part determination unit 21 compares the information about the combination of the frequency and position in the characteristic amount data input from the characteristic amount determination unit 14, with the information about the combinations of the frequencies and positions in the abnormal condition part database input from the diagnostic database unit 11. As a result of the comparison, the abnormal condition part determination unit 21 extracts the information about the combination which matches the combination of the frequency and position considered as the coordinate values of the characteristic amount data input from the characteristic amount determination unit 14, of the combinations of the frequencies and positions in the abnormal condition part database.

Then, the abnormal condition part determination unit 21 extracts from the abnormal condition part database the information about the abnormal condition occurrence part which corresponds to the information about the combination of the frequency and position extracted as explained above on the abnormal condition part database. The abnormal condition part determina¬ tion unit 21 outputs to the display unit 12 a control signal to instruct display of the extracted information about the abnormal condition occurrence part. In the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the abnormal condition occurrence part of the elevator is determined by calculating the wavelet spectrum data that consist of the function of frequencies and positions of the elevator. Therefore, if the abnormal condition is suspected at a specific position, for example, a guide rail, wire rope or the like, in the elevator shaft, the checker of the elevator can exactly and easily grasp the suspicion. (Third Embodiment)

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention is described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed structure of a part of an elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the troubleshooting apparatus shown in FIG. 6 is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. However, the troubleshooting unit 9 comprises an abnormal condition part determina¬ tion unit 31 instead of the above explained abnormal condition part determination unit 15. The abnormal condition part determination unit 31 determines the abnormal condition part on the basis of the wavelet spectrum data corresponding to velocity coordinates and frequency coordinates. The wavelet conversion unit 8 conducts wavelet conversion for the input data and thereby generates wavelet spectrum data which consists of a function of velocities and positions. The wavelet conversion unit 8 here generates the wavelet spectrum data including the frequency coordinates and velocity coordinates which are coordinates of ascent/descent velocities of the car of the elevator.

FIG. 7 is a table showing contents of abnormal condition part database stored in the diagnostic database unit in the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The diagnostic database unit 11 inputs the information from the basic information input unit 10 and stores the abnormal condition part database (FIG. 7) on the basis of the kind of the input information. On the abnormal condition part database, fifth information is made to correspond to sixth information. The fifth information indicates informa¬ tion about combinations of velocities and frequencies where the permissible reference value of the vibration and noise amplitude values, of the combinations of respective velocities on the velocity coordinates and respective frequencies on the frequency coordinates in the wavelet spectrum data. The sixth information indicates information about the part (for example, traction machine) which is presumed to be an abnormal condition occurrence part in a case where the amplitude values at the velocities and frequencies exceed the permissible reference value.

Next, operations of the troubleshooting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention are described.

In the troubleshooting apparatus, steps from detection employing the vibration acceleration sensor 1 and the noise sensor 2 to input of the data to the data storing unit 6 are the same as those of the first embodiment. However, the wavelet conversion unit 8 of the present troubleshooting apparatus conducts wavelet conversion of vibration and noise data output from the data storing unit 6 in the above explained formula (2), and thereby generates wavelet spectrum data wt (a, b) of frequencies and velocities. The wavelet conversion unit 8 integrates acceleration data x(t) at one time in, for example, formula (2), and thereby calculates velocity z and wavelet spectrum data wt (a, b) and acquires wavelet spectrum data wt(a, b) that consist of frequency coordinates and velocity coordinates. The wavelet conversion unit 8 outputs the wavelet spectrum data (frequency coordinates - velocity coordinates) thus acquired to the troubleshooting unit 9. The diagnostic database unit 11 outputs the information about the above explained abnormal condition part database to the abnormal condition part determination unit 31.

The characteristic amount determination unit 14 first detects amplitude values at the respective frequencies on the frequency coordinates and respective velocities on the velocity coordinates in the wavelet spectrum data output from the wavelet conversion unit 8. Next, the characteristic amount determination unit 14 extracts the information about combination of the frequency and velocity which have amplitude values higher than the permissible reference value, of the detected amplitude values, as characteristic amount data to determine the abnormal condition occurrence part of the elevator. The characteristic amount determination unit 14 outputs the extracted information to the abnormal condition part determina¬ tion unit 31. For example, if the amplitude values related with the coordinate values "frequency fl - velocity vl" in the wavelet spectrum data are higher than the permissible reference value, the coordinate values "frequency fl - velocity vl" are considered as the characteristic amount data. The abnormal condition part determination unit 31 first compares the information about the combination of the frequency and velocity in the characteristic amount data input from the characteristic amount determination unit 14, with the information about the combinations of the frequencies and velocities in the abnormal condi¬ tion part database input from the diagnostic database unit 11. As a result of the comparison, the abnormal condition part determination unit 31 extracts the information about the combination which matches the combination of the frequency and velocity considered as the coordinate values of the characteristic amount data input from the characteristic amount determination unit 14, of the combinations of the frequencies and velocities in the abnormal condition part database. Then, the abnormal condition part determination unit 31 extracts from the abnormal condition part database the information about the abnormal condition occurrence part which corresponds to the information about the combination of the frequency and velocity extracted as explained above on the abnormal condition part database. The abnormal condition part determina- tion unit 31 outputs to the display unit 12 a control signal to instruct display of the extracted information about the abnormal condition occurrence part.

In the elevator troubleshooting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the abnormal condition occurrence part of the elevator is determined by calculating the wavelet spectrum data that consist of the function of velocities and frequencies of the elevator. Therefore, the checker of the elevator can exactly and easily grasp abnormal conditions caused in accordance with torque fluctuation of the elevator power unit and abnormal conditions generated at each velocity.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. An elevator troubleshooting apparatus characterized by comprising: detection means (1, 2) for detecting an amplitude value of any one of vibration acceleration and noise related to any one of various kinds of devices of an elevator; wavelet conversion means (8) for conducting wavelet conversion for a detection output of the detection means and thereby generating wavelet spectrum data; and troubleshooting means (9) for diagnosing occurrence of an abnormal condition at the elevator in accordance with magnitude of an amplitude value represented by the wavelet spectrum data generated by the wavelet conversion means.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, character¬ ized in that the wavelet conversion means (8) generates the wavelet spectrum data including coordinates of frequency and any one of time, position and velocity, as coordinates related to coordinates of an amplitude value represented by the wavelet spectrum data.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, character¬ ized by further comprising: information input means (10) for inputting various kinds of information related to the elevator and movement thereof; extraction means (14) for analyzing the wavelet spectrum data generated by the wavelet conversion means and extracting values of coordinates related to coordinates of an amplitude value higher than a predetermined reference value, of amplitude values represented by the wavelet spectrum data; and memory means (11) for storing information repre¬ senting an abnormal condition part of the elevator at each value of the coordinates related to the coordi- nates of the amplitude value represented by the wavelet spectrum data in accordance with various kinds of information input from the information input means, and characterized in that the troubleshooting means (9) determines the abnormal condition part of the elevator by comparing the information stored in the memory means with the information extracted by the extraction means.

4. An elevator troubleshooting apparatus charac¬ terized by comprising: detection means (1, 2) for repeatedly detecting an amplitude value of any one of vibration accelera¬ tion and noise related to any one of various kinds of devices of an elevator; wavelet conversion means (8) for conducting wavelet conversion for a detection output of the detection means and thereby generating wavelet spectrum data every time the detection means conducts the detection; means (14) for calculating fluctuation of an amplitude value represented by the generated wavelet spectrum data, to secular variation based on generation order of the wavelet spectrum data; and troubleshooting means (15) for diagnosing occurrence of an abnormal condition at the elevator in accordance with magnitude of the calculated fluctuation.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, character¬ ized by further comprising: information input means (10) for inputting various kinds of information related to the elevator and movement thereof; extraction means (14) for analyzing the wavelet spectrum data generated by the wavelet conversion means and extracting values of coordinates related to coordinates of an amplitude value higher than a second reference value that is lower than the predetermined reference value, of amplitude values represented by the wavelet spectrum data; and memory means (11) for storing information repre¬ senting a part of the elevator which shows a sign of an abnormal condition, at each value of the coordinates related to the coordinates of the amplitude value represented by the wavelet spectrum data in accordance with various kinds of information input from the information input means, and characterized in that the troubleshooting means (9) determines the part of the elevator which shows the sign of the abnormal condition, by comparing the information stored in the memory means with the information extracted by the extraction means.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, character¬ ized by further comprising: information input means (10) for inputting various kinds of information related to the elevator and movement thereof; extraction means (14) for analyzing the wavelet spectrum data generated by the wavelet conversion means and extracting values of coordinates related to coordinates of an amplitude value higher than a second reference value that is lower than the predetermined reference value, of amplitude values represented by the wavelet spectrum data; and means (12) for conducting predetermined notifica- tion if extraction means extracts the values of the coordinates related to the coordinates of the amplitude value higher than the second reference value, of the amplitude values represented by the wavelet spectrum data.

7. The apparatus according to claim 3, character¬ ized by further comprising means (12) for conducting predetermined notification if the troubleshooting means fails to determine the abnormal condition part of the elevator by comparing the information stored in the memory means with the information extracted by the extraction means.