TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to an elevator apparatus in which a car is suspended by a plurality of suspending bodies, and to a controlling method therefor.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
In conventional elevator apparatuses, if breakage of at least one main rope is detected, an activating signal is output from an output portion to a hoisting machine brake, and a car is decelerated and stopped by the hoisting machine brake. If breakage of all of the main ropes is detected, an activating signal is output from the output portion to a safety device, and the car is made to perform an emergency stop by the safety device (see Patent Literature 1 and 2, for example).
CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE
[0003] [Patent Literature 1]
Japanese Patent No. 4292203 (Gazette) [Patent Literature 2]
Japanese Patent No. 4641305 (Gazette)
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0004]
In conventional elevator apparatuses such as those described above, because the car is stopped immediately by the hoisting machine brake or the safety device when breakage of a main rope is detected, passengers may be trapped inside the car, leading to reductions in serviceability. If the car

collides with a car buffer, restoration may take time due to scattering of oil, etc., thereby also leading to reductions in serviceability.
[0005]
The present invention aims to solve the above problems and an object of the present invention is to provide an elevator apparatus that can suppress reductions in serviceability when suspending bodies break or elongate, and a controlling method therefor.
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM
[0006]
In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elevator apparatus including: a hoisting machine including a driving sheave; a plurality of suspending bodies that are wound around the driving sheave; a car that is suspended inside a hoistway by the suspending bodies so as to be raised and lowered by the hoisting machine; an elevator controlling apparatus that controls operation of the car; and a suspending body anomaly detecting apparatus that detects breakage or elongation of the suspending bodies as an anomaly in the suspending bodies, wherein: the suspending body anomaly detecting apparatus distinguishes detection between whether a degree of anomaly in the suspending bodies is a first level, or is a second level that is higher than the first level; and the elevator controlling apparatus moves the car to any service floor if a first-level anomaly occurs in the suspending bodies, and then moves the car to a position that is separated by greater than or equal to a predetermined distance from a lower structure.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controlling method for an elevator apparatus that moves the car to any service floor when an anomaly in the suspending bodies is detected by the suspending body anomaly detecting apparatus if a degree of the anomaly in the suspending bodies is less than or equal to a preset level, and then moves the car to a position that is separated by greater than or equal to a predetermined distance from a lower structure.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elevator apparatus including: a hoisting machine including a driving sheave; a plurality of suspending bodies that are wound around the driving sheave; a car that is suspended inside a hoistway by the suspending

bodies so as to be raised and lowered by the hoisting machine; an elevator controlling apparatus that controls operation of the car; and a suspending body anomaly detecting apparatus that detects breakage or elongation of the suspending bodies as an anomaly in the suspending bodies, wherein: the suspending body anomaly detecting apparatus distinguishes detection between whether a degree of anomaly in the suspending bodies is a first level, or is a second level that is higher than the first level; and the elevator controlling apparatus moves the car to a position that is separated by greater than or equal to a predetermined distance from a lower structure if a first-level anomaly occurs in the suspending bodies.
EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007]
The elevator apparatus and controlling method therefor according to the present invention can prevent the car from colliding with a lower structure and can suppress reductions in serviceability when suspending bodies break or elongate, and a controlling method therefor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008]
Figure 1 is a configuration diagram that shows an elevator apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a configuration diagram that shows an activating rope gripping apparatus from Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a configuration diagram that shows a car rope fastener portion and a breakage detecting apparatus from Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a flowchart that shows operation of an elevator controlling apparatus from Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a schematic configuration diagram that shows part of a single-shaft multi-car elevator apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a flowchart that shows operation of a first elevator controlling apparatus from Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a flowchart that shows operation of a second elevator controlling apparatus from Figure 5; and

Figure 8 is a configuration diagram that shows a variation of a breakage detecting apparatus from Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0009]
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1
Figure 1 is a configuration diagram that shows an elevator apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, a machine room 2 is disposed in an upper portion of a hoistway 1. A hoisting machine 3 is installed in the machine room 2. The hoisting machine 3 has: a driving sheave 3a; a hoisting machine motor (not shown) that rotates the driving sheave 3a; and a hoisting machine brake 3b that brakes rotation of the driving sheave 3a.
[0010]
A plurality of suspending bodies 4 (only one is shown in Figure 1) are wound around the driving sheave 3a. A rope or a belt is used for each of the suspending bodies 4.
10011]
A car 5 and a counterweight 6 are suspended inside the hoistway 1 by the suspending bodies 4, and are raised and lowered inside the hoistway 1 by the hoisting machine 3. A pair of car guide rails (not shown) that guide raising and lowering of the car 5 and a pair of counterweight guide rails (not shown) that guide raising and lowering of the counterweight 6 are installed inside the hoistway 1.
[0012]
An elevator controlling apparatus 7 and a safety monitoring apparatus (an electronic safety device) 8 are installed in the machine room 2. The elevator controlling apparatus 7 controls operation of the car 5. The safety monitoring apparatus 8 monitors the state of the elevator apparatus (presence or absence of an anomaly). The elevator controlling apparatus 7 and the safety monitoring apparatus 8 each have an independent computer. The safety monitoring apparatus 8 thereby monitors the state of the elevator apparatus independently from the elevator controlling apparatus 7.

[0013]
A speed governor 9 is installed in the machine room 2. The speed governor 9 has a speed governor sheave. A loop-shaped safety activating rope (a speed governor rope) 11 is wound around the speed governor sheave. A tensioning sheave 10 is disposed in a lower portion of the hoistway 1. A lower end portion of the safety activating rope 11 is wound around the tensioning sheave 10.
[0014]
The safety activating rope 11 is connected to the car 5 and is moved cyclically together with the raising and lowering of the car 5. The speed governor sheave is thereby rotated at a speed that corresponds to a traveling speed of the car 5. A speed governor encoder 12, which is a rotation detector for detecting an amount of rotation of the speed governor sheave, is disposed coaxially on the speed governor sheave.
[0015]
An upper portion hoistway switch 13 for detecting passage of the car 5 is installed inside the hoistway 1 in a vicinity of an upper terminal floor. A lower portion hoistway switch 14 for detecting passage of the car 5 is installed inside the hoistway 1 in a vicinity of a lower terminal floor. A switch operating member (a rail) 15 that operates the hoistway switches 13 and 14 is mounted onto the car 5.
[0016]
An onboard destination registering apparatus 16 is disposed inside the car 5. Landing call registering apparatuses 17 are respectively disposed on a plurality of service floor landings. Signals from the onboard destination registering apparatus 16 and the landing call registering apparatuses 17 are inputted into the elevator controlling apparatus 7.
[0017]
Signals from the speed governor encoder 12 and the hoistway switches 13 and 14 are inputted into the safety monitoring apparatus 8. The safety monitoring apparatus 8 monitors for the presence or absence of overspeed traveling of the car 5. If overspeed traveling is detected, the safety monitoring apparatus 8 outputs a command signal for activating the hoisting machine brake 3b.
[0018]

An overspeed monitoring reference (a threshold value) V1 is set in the safety monitoring apparatus 8. The overspeed monitoring reference V1 is a curve that changes depending on the position of the car 5, and is set so as to decrease continuously toward the terminal directions in a vicinity of a lowermost floor and in a vicinity of an uppermost floor, i.e., in vicinities of hoistway terminal floors. Thus, overspeed in the vicinity of the terminal portions is detected early, enabling a safety space to be reduced so as to take collision of the car 5 into the terminal portions into consideration.
[0019]
Because the safety monitoring apparatus 8 sets the overspeed monitoring reference V1, which changes depending on the position of the car 5, it is necessary to detect the position of the car 5. Thus, the safety monitoring apparatus 8 detects passage of the car 5 through a detecting position using the signal from the upper portion hoistway switch 13 or the lower portion hoistway switch 14, and then detects the position of the car 5 by detecting the distance moved by the car 5 using the speed governor encoder 12.
[0020]
The safety monitoring apparatus 8 detects the speed of the car 5 by performing arithmetic processing that uses the output signal from the speed governor encoder 12. The safety monitoring apparatus 8 compares the detected speed of the car 5 and the overspeed monitoring reference V1, and if the detected speed of the car 5 is higher than the overspeed monitoring reference V1, determines that there is overspeed traveling, and outputs the command signal for activating the hoisting machine brake 3b.
[0021]
A car buffer 18 is installed on a bottom portion of the hoistway 1 directly below the car 5. A counterweight buffer 19 is installed on a bottom portion of the hoistway 1 directly below the counterweight 6.
[0022]
A safety device 20 that engages with a car guide rail to make the car 5 perform an emergency stop is mounted on the car 5. The safety activating rope 11 is connected to an activating lever of the safety device 20. When the car 5 is descending, the activating lever is pulled upward by movement of the safety activating rope 11 being stopped, and the safety device 20 performs a braking operation.

[0023]
An activating rope gripping apparatus 21 that functions as a safety activating apparatus is disposed in the machine room 2. The activating rope gripping apparatus 21 grips the safety activating rope 11 in response to the activating signal from the elevator controlling apparatus 7. Here, the activating rope gripping apparatus 21 stops the movement of the safety activating rope 11 in a direction in which the car 5 descends, and allows movement of the safety activating rope 11 in a direction in which the car 5 ascends.
[0024]
First and second car suspending sheaves 22a and 22b are disposed on a lower portion of the car 5. A counterweight suspending sheave 23 is disposed on an upper portion of the counterweight 6. A car rope fastener portion 24 and a counterweight rope fastener portion 25 are disposed in an upper portion of the hoistway 1. The suspending bodies 4 have: first end portions that are connected to the car rope fastener portion 24; and second end portions that are connected to the counterweight rope fastener portion 25.
[0025]
The suspending bodies 4 are wound sequentially from the first end portion end around the first car suspending sheave 22a, the second car suspending sheave 22b, the driving sheave 3a, and the counterweight suspending sheave 23. In other words, the car 5 and the counterweight 6 are suspended by the suspending bodies 4 using a two-to-one (2:1) roping method.
[0026]
A breakage detecting apparatus 26 that functions as a suspending body anomaly detecting apparatus that detects breakage of the suspending bodies 4 as an anomaly in the suspending bodies 4 is disposed on the car rope fastener portion 24. A detection signal from the breakage detecting apparatus 26 is inputted into the elevator controlling apparatus 7.
[0027]
Figure 2 is a configuration diagram that shows the activating rope gripping apparatus 21 from Figure 1. The portion of the safety activating rope 11 that is shown in Figure 2 moves upward when the car 5 ascends, and moves downward when the car 5 descends. First and second gripping portions 31 and 32 that grip (hold) the safety activating rope 11 face each other

on opposite sides of the safety activating rope 11. A plurality of gripping force adjusting springs 34 are interposed between the first gripping portion 31 and a fixed portion 33.
[0028]
The second gripping portion 32 has a base 35, a wedge 36, and a wedge latch 37. An inclined surface 35a that approaches the safety activating rope 11 downward is disposed on the base 35. The wedge 36 can slide along the inclined surface 35a in a predetermined range. Upward displacement of the wedge 36 is restricted by the wedge latch 37.
[0029]
A gripping force applying apparatus (an actuator) 38 that is activated in response to the activating signal, and that displaces the second gripping portion 32 in a direction of contact with and separation from the safety activating rope 11 is connected to the base 35. The wedge 36 is placed in contact with the safety activating rope 11 by advancing the second gripping portion 32 using the gripping force applying apparatus 38.
[0030]
Here, when the car 5 is descending, the wedge 36 is displaced obliquely downward along the inclined surface 34a. The safety activating rope 11 is thereby gripped between the first gripping portion 31 and the wedge 36 such that movement of the safety activating rope 11 is restricted. When the car 5 is ascending, the wedge 36 is not displaced toward the first gripping portion 31 from the position of contact with the wedge latch 37, and movement of the safety activating rope 11 is permitted.
[0031]
Figure 3 is a configuration diagram that shows the car rope fastener portion 24 and the breakage detecting apparatus 26 from Figure 1. Three rails 41a, 41b, and 41c are disposed so as to stand vertically in an upper portion of the hoistway 1. A supporting plate 42 is fixed to the rails 41a, 41b, and 41c horizontally. First through fourth shackle rods 43a through 43d pass through the supporting plate 42. The corresponding first end portions of the suspending bodies 4 are linked to lower end portions of each of the shackle rods 43a through 43d.
[0032]
A spring restraining member 44 is fixed to each of the shackle rods 43a through 43d. A shackle spring 45 is disposed between each of the spring

restraining members 44 and the supporting plate 42. Each of the shackle springs 45 is compressed by a load that acts on the corresponding shackle rod 43a through 43d.
[0033]
A first movable plate 46a is engaged with the rails 41a and 41b. A second movable plate 46b is also engaged with the rails 41b and 41c. The first and second movable plates 46a and 46b are normally held at predetermined positions above the spring restraining members 44. If a suspending body 4 breaks, the shackle spring 45 extends, and a first or second movable plate 46a or 46b is pushed upward by the spring restraining member 44, and displaces upward.
[0034]
A first detecting switch 47a that is operated and opened by the upward displacement of the first movable plate 46a is disposed in a vicinity of the first movable plate 46a. The first detecting switch 47a detects breakage of the suspending bodies 4 that are linked to the first and second shackle rods 43a and 43b.
[0035]
A second detecting switch 47b that is operated and opened by the upward displacement of the second movable plate 46b is disposed in a vicinity of the second movable plate 46b. The second detecting switch 47b detects breakage of the suspending bodies 4 that are linked to the third and fourth shackle rods 43c and 43d.
[0036]
The breakage detecting apparatus 26 includes the first and second movable plates 46a and 46b and the first and second detecting switches 47a and 47b. The breakage detecting apparatus 26 detects degrees of anomaly in the suspending bodies 4, specifically, distinguishing whether the degree of the number of breakages is a first level or is a second level that is higher than the first level.
[0037]
In this example, the first level is set to when only one of the first and second detecting switches 47a and 47b is operated, and the second level is set to when both are operated. Consequently, the first level is when only one of the four suspending bodies 4 breaks, and the second level is when three or more suspending bodies 4 break. If two suspending bodies 4 break, this may

be detected as the first level or may be detected as the second level, depending on the positions of the suspending bodies 4 that break.
[0038]
Detection signais from the first and second detecting switches 47a and 47b are inputted into the elevator controlling apparatus 7. If a first-level breakage arises, the elevator controlling apparatus 7 moves the car 5 to any service floor. !n other words, when breakage of the suspending bodies 4 is detected by the breakage detecting apparatus 26, the elevator controlling apparatus 7 moves the car 5 to any service floor if the degree of the number of breakages of the suspending bodies 4 is less than or equal to a preset level. In this example, the elevator controlling apparatus 7 moves the car 5 to the nearest floor if a first-level breakage arises. The nearest floor is the nearest floor at which it is possible to stop in the direction of travel of the car 5.
[0039]
If a first-Sevei breakage arises, the elevator controlling apparatus 7 moves the car 5 to the nearest floor, and then moves the car 5 to a position that is separated by greater than or equal to a predetermined distance from the car buffer 18, which is a lower structure (a structure that is positioned directly below the car 5). in this example, the predetermined distance is the shortest distance at which the car 5 will not collide with the car buffer 18 if all of the suspending bodies 4 break and the safety device 20 is activated.
[0040]
Here, the predetermined distance can be determined using laws, for example, as follows. In building standards laws, the safety device 20 is activated when the speed of the car 5 is 1.4 times a rated speed. Here, deceleration at a deceleration rate that is greater than or equal to 0.2 G is required. The predetermined distance can be determined by imposing these conditions previously or continuously.
[0041]
In addition, if the car 5 is ascending when a first-level breakage arises, an activating signal is outputted to the activating rope gripping apparatus 21.
[0042]
Figure 4 is a flowchart that shows operation of the elevator controlling apparatus 7 from Figure 1. When operating the car 5 normally (Step S1), the elevator controlling apparatus 7 determines whether or not the first or second detecting switch 47a or 47b is open (Step S2). If both the first and second

detecting switches 47a and 47b are closed, it is deemed that breakage of the suspending bodies 4 has not occurred, and normal operation is continued.
[0043]
If the first or second detecting switch 47a or 47b is open, it is deemed that a first-level breakage has occurred, and it is determined whether or not the car 5 is ascending (Step S3). If the car 5 is ascending, the activating rope gripping apparatus 21 is operated (Step S4) before proceeding to the next step, and if the car 5 is not ascending, then the next step is proceeded to directly.
[0044]
Next, the elevator controlling apparatus 7 moves the car 5 to the nearest floor, opens the car door and the landing door, and performs service stoppage notification (Step S5). In service stoppage notification, instructions are conveyed to passengers using warning sounds, guiding broadcasts, message displays, etc., that operation of the elevator apparatus will be stopped, and the passengers are made to alight from the car 5.
[0045]
Next, the elevator controlling apparatus 7 determines whether or not the car 5 is at a position that is separated by greater than or equal to the predetermined distance from the car buffer 18 (Step S6), and if not, moves the car 5 to a height that avoids collision with the car buffer 18 (Step S7). Lastly, an emergency stopping command is output to hold the stopped state of the car 5 more reliably (Step S8).
[0046]
Here, the safety factor of the suspending bodies 4 is set fairly high, and the performance of the suspending bodies 4 is kept up by maintenance. Because of that, even in the rare event that one of the suspending bodies 4 breaks, the load can be supported by the remaining suspending bodies 4, and it can also be considered that there will be a certain amount of time from the first suspending body 4 breaking until a second suspending body 4 breaks. This time can be used to move the car 5 to the nearest floor, move it to a height that avoids collision with the car buffer 18, etc.
[0047]
In the rare event that both the first and second detecting switches 47a and 47b are opened, it is deemed that ail of the suspending bodies 4 may have

broken (the second level), and the activating rope gripping apparatus 21 is activated immediately.
[0048]
In an elevator apparatus of this kind, even if the suspending bodies 4 break, because the car 5 is moved to the nearest floor if the degree of the number of breakages is a first level, the occurrence of confinement can be suppressed as much as possible, enabling reductions in serviceability to be suppressed.
[0049]
Because the car 5 is moved to a height that avoids collision with the car buffer 18 after being moved to the nearest floor, in the rare event that all of the suspending bodies 4 break and the car 5 falls, collision with the car buffer 18 is avoided. Damage (scattering of oil, etc.) inside the pit due to collision of the car 5 with the car buffer 18 is thereby prevented, eliminating time spent on restoration, and enabling reductions in serviceability to be further suppressed.
[0050]
In addition, because the activating rope gripping apparatus 21 is operated if the car 5 is ascending, in the rare event that all of the suspending bodies 4 break while moving to the nearest floor, the car 5 can be stopped immediately.
[0051] Embodiment 2
Next, Figure 5 is a schematic configuration diagram that shows part of a single-shaft multi-car elevator apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In this example, first and second cars 5A and 5B are used as cars. Consequently, two sets of each of the following according to Embodiment 1 are disposed: a hoisting machine 3, suspending bodies 4, a counterweight 6, an elevator controlling apparatus 7, a speed governor 9, a tensioning sheave 10, a safety activating rope 11, a speed governor encoder 12, a switch operating member 15, an onboard destination registering apparatus 16, a counterweight buffer 19, a safety device 20, an activating rope gripping apparatus 21, car suspending sheaves 22a and 22b, a counterweight suspending sheave 23, a car rope fastener portion 24, a counterweight rope fastener portion 25, and a breakage detecting apparatus 26, etc. In Figure 5,

A is appended to numbering of equipment that relates to the first car 5A, and B is appended to numbering of equipment that relates to the second car 5B.
[0052]
The second car (a lower car) 5B is disposed directly below the first car (an upper car) 5A. In other words, when viewed from the first car 5A, the second car 5B is a lower structure (a structure that is positioned directly below the first car 5A). The first and second cars 5A and 5B are raised and lowered independently from each other inside a shared hoistway 1. The first car 5A is suspended inside the hoistway 1 by a plurality of first suspending bodies 4A. The second car 5B is suspended inside the hoistway 1 by a plurality of second suspending bodies 4B.
[0053]
A first safety device 20A is mounted to the first car 5A. A first safety activating rope 11A is connected to the first safety device 20A. The first safety activating rope 11A is gripped by a first activating rope gripping apparatus 21 A.
[0054]
A second safety device 20B is mounted to the second car 5B. A second safety activating rope 11B is connected to the second safety device 20B. The second safety activating rope 11B is gripped by a second activating rope gripping apparatus 21B.
[0055]
Operation of the first car 5A is controlled by a first elevator controlling apparatus 7A. Operation of the second car 5B is controlled by a second elevator controlling apparatus 7B. The first and second elevator controlling apparatuses 7A and 7B respectively have independent computers. The first and second elevator controlling apparatuses 7 can transmit and receive information to and from each other,
[0056]
Breakage of the first suspending bodies 4A is detected by a first breakage detecting apparatus 26A. A detection signal from the first breakage detecting apparatus 26A is inputted into the first elevator controlling apparatus 7A. Breakage of the second suspending bodies 4B is detected by a second breakage detecting apparatus 26B. A detection signal from the second breakage detecting apparatus 26B is inputted into the second elevator controlling apparatus 7B.

[0057]
!f a first-level breakage has occurred in the first suspending bodies 4A, the first elevator controlling apparatus 7A respectively moves the first and second cars 5A and 5B to any service floor, and then moves at least one of the first and second cars 5A and 5B such that spacing between the first and second cars 5A and 5B is greater than or equal to a predetermined spacing. In this example, the predetermined spacing is the shortest distance over which a collision between the first and second cars 5A and 5B will not occur if all of the first suspending bodies 4A break and the first safety device 20A is activated. The rest of the configuration and the controlling method are similar or identical to that of Embodiment 1.
[0058]
Next, Figure 6 is a flowchart that shows operation of the first elevator controlling apparatus 7A from Figure 5. When operating the first car 5A normally (Step S11), the first elevator controlling apparatus 7A determines whether or not the first or second detecting switch 47a or 47b of the first breakage detecting apparatus 26A is open (Step S12). If both the first and second detecting switches 47a and 47b are closed, it is deemed that breakage of the first suspending bodies 4A has not occurred, and normal operation is continued.
[0059]
If the first or second detecting switch 47a or 47b is open, it is deemed that a first-level breakage has occurred in the first suspending bodies 4A, and it is determined whether or not the first car 5A is ascending (Step S13). If the first car 5A is ascending, the first activating rope gripping apparatus 21A is operated (Step S14) before proceeding to the next step, and if the first car 5A is not ascending, then the next step is proceeded to directly.
[0060]
Next, the first elevator controlling apparatus 7A moves the first car 5A to the nearest floor, opens the car door and the landing door, and performs service stoppage notification, and using the second elevator controlling apparatus 7B, moves the second car 5B to the nearest floor, opens the car door and the landing door, and performs service stoppage notification (Step S15).
[0061]

Next, the first elevator controlling apparatus 7A determines whether or not the spacing between the first and second cars 5A and 5B is greater than or equal to the predetermined spacing (Step S16). Thus, if spacing that is greater than or equal to the predetermined spacing has been secured, an emergency stopping command is output to hold the stopped state of the first car 5A more reliably, and an emergency stopping command for the second car 5B is also output using the second elevator controlling apparatus 7B (Step S20).
[0062]
If the spacing between the first and second cars 5A and 5B is less than the predetermined spacing, it is determined whether or not the first car 5A is positioned at an uppermost floor (Step S17). If at the uppermost floor, the second car 5B is moved downward using the second elevator controlling apparatus 7B (Step S18), and emergency stopping commands are outputted for the first and second cars 5A and 5B after ensuring the predetermined car spacing (Step S20).
[0063]
If the first car 5A is positioned at a floor other than the uppermost floor, the first car 5A is moved upward, and the second car 5B is moved downward using the second elevator controlling apparatus 7B (Step S19), and emergency stopping commands are outputted for the first and second cars 5A and 5B after ensuring the predetermined car spacing (Step S20).
[0064]
Next, Figure 7 is a flowchart that shows operation of the second elevator controlling apparatus 7B from Figure 5. When operating the second car 5B normally (Step S21), the second elevator controlling apparatus 7B determines whether or not the first or second detecting switch 47a or 47b of the second breakage detecting apparatus 26B is open (Step S22). if both the first and second detecting switches 47a and 47b are closed, it is deemed that breakage of the second suspending bodies 4B has not occurred, and normal operation is continued.
[0065]
if the first or second detecting switch 47a or 47b is open, it is deemed that a first-level breakage has occurred in the second suspending bodies 4B, and it is determined whether or not the second car 5B is ascending (Step S23). If the second car 5B is ascending, the second breakage detecting apparatus

26B is operated (Step S24) before proceeding to the next step, and if the second car 5B Is not ascending, then the next step is proceeded to directly.
[0066]
Next, the second elevator controlling apparatus 7B moves the second car 5B to the nearest floor, opens the car door and the landing door, and performs service stoppage notification, and using the first elevator controlling apparatus 7A, moves the first car 5A to the nearest floor, opens the car door and the landing door, and performs service stoppage notification (Step S25).
[0067]
Next, the second elevator controlling apparatus 7B determines whether or not the second car 5B is at a position that is separated by greater than or equal to the predetermined distance from the car buffer 18 (Step S26), and if not, moves the second car 5B upward, and moves the first car 5A upward using the first elevator controlling apparatus 7A, to move the second car 5B to a height that avoids collision with the car buffer 18 (Step S27). Lastly, an emergency stopping command is output to hold the stopped state of the first and second cars 5A and 5B more reliably (Step S28).
[0068]
In an elevator apparatus of this kind, even if the suspending bodies 4A and 4B break, because the cars 5A and 5B are moved to the nearest floors if the degree of the number of breakages is a first level, the occurrence of confinement can be suppressed as much as possible, enabling reductions in serviceability to be suppressed.
[0069]
Because the second car 5B is moved to a height that avoids collision with the car buffer 18 after the cars 5A and 5B are moved to the nearest floor, in the rare event that all of the second suspending bodies 4B break and the second car 5B falls, collision with the car buffer 18 is avoided. Damage inside the pit due to collision of the second car 5B with the car buffer 18 is thereby prevented, eliminating time spent on restoration, and enabling reductions in serviceability to be further suppressed.
[0070]
In addition, because the activating rope gripping apparatuses 21A and 21B are operated if the cars 5A and 5B are ascending, in the rare event that all of the suspending bodies 4A and 4B break while moving to the nearest floor, the cars 5A and 5B can be stopped immediately.

[0071]
Furthermore, if a first-level breakage has occurred in the first suspending bodies 4A, because the first and second cars 5A and 5B are respectively moved to any service floor, and then at least one of the first and second cars 5A and 5B is moved such that spacing between the first and second cars 5A and 5B is greater than or equal to a predetermined spacing, collision between the cars 5A and 5B can be more reliably prevented. Thus, prompt restoration is made possible, enabling reductions in serviceability to be further suppressed.
[0072]
Moreover, in Embodiments 1 and 2, a breakage detecting apparatus is disposed on a car rope fastener portion, but can also be disposed on a counterweight rope fastener portion, or disposed on both rope fastener portions.
The detection method of the breakage detecting apparatus is not limited to the above example, and various known detection methods can be used such as methods that use weighing devices, methods that use suspending body latches that are disposed on wheels, methods using diagnostic imaging, or methods that detect states of wires in the suspending bodies, for example.
[0073]
In addition, in Embodiments 1 and 2, a breakage detecting apparatus is used as a suspending body anomaly detecting apparatus, but the suspending body anomaly detecting apparatus may also be an elongation detecting apparatus that detects elongation of the suspending bodies that is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount as an anomaly in the suspending bodies. In that case, the elongation detecting apparatus detects the degree of anomaly in the suspending bodies, i.e., the degree of the number of suspending bodies in which the amount of elongation has become greater than or equal to a threshold value, so as to distinguish between a first level, or a second level that is higher than the first level. Alternatively, the elongation detecting apparatus detects the degree of the amount of elongation of the most elongated suspending body so as to distinguish between a first level, or a second level that is higher than the first level.
[0074]

Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the degree of the number of breakages of the suspending bodies is detected so as to be divided into two stages, but the degree of anomaly in the suspending bodies may also be detected so as to be divided into three stages or more. For example, how many suspending bodies are broken may also be detected accurately using detecting switches that are equal in number to the number of suspending bodies. How many breakages (what level of anomaly) at which to implement movement to the nearest floor can then be set appropriately. [0075]
The elevator controlling apparatus relating to control of a single car may also be configured using a plurality of computers, and monitoring of breakages of the suspending bodies may also be performed by a different computer than that for the operational control of the cars.
In addition, the configuration of the activating rope gripping apparatus is not limited to that in Figure 2. [0076]
Furthermore, a pattern that is different than the speed pattern before breakage of the suspending bodies is detected may also be used as the speed pattern when moving a car to the nearest floor. For example, when moving the car to the nearest floor, increases in the number of breakages (deterioration of the anomaly) may also be suppressed by lowering the speed, or by lowering the deceleration rate, etc.
The floor to which the car is moved during an anomaly in the suspending bodies is not limited to the nearest floor, and may also be a predesignated specific service floor, for example. It may also be the nearest floor among a predesignated plurality of service floors, for example. [0077]
In addition, a safety device can also be mounted onto a counterweight, thereby enabling collision of the counterweight with a counterweight buffer to be avoided. Flailing of the broken suspending bodies can also be prevented. In multi-car elevators in particular, damage to other cars due to flailing of the suspending bodies can be prevented.
[0078]
Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, an elevator apparatus that includes two cars is shown, but the present invention can also be applied to elevator

apparatuses in which three or more cars are raised and lowered inside a shared hoistway.
In Embodiments 1 and 2, if a first-level breakage (or elongation) occurs, movement of the cars to nearest floors is performed as a priority, but movement to the nearest floors may also be performed after performing avoidance of collisions with lower structures as a priority.
[0079]
in addition, if a first-level breakage (or elongation) occurs, it is not absolutely necessary for all of the above processing to be performed. Only movement of cars to nearest floors may be implemented, for example, to enable the occurrence of confinement to be suppressed. Only avoidance of collisions with lower structures may be also performed. For example, after confirming that there are no passengers inside a car, it is also possible to perform only an operation for avoidance of collisions with lower structures. In addition, processing that operates activating a rope gripping apparatus during ascent of a car can also be omitted, and processing that ensures car spacing that is greater than or equal to a predetermined spacing can also be omitted.
[0080]
Furthermore, the overall layout of the elevator apparatus is not limited to the configuration in Figure 1, and the present invention can also be applied to elevators that use a one-to-one (1:1) roping method, machine-roomless elevators, and double-deck elevators, for example. The present invention can also be applied to elevators of a type in which a hoisting machine is disposed in a lower portion of a hoistway, elevators of a type in which a plurality of hoisting machines are used for a single car, and elevators of a type in which a plurality of counterweights are used for a single car, for example.
[0081]
The car buffer 18 is shown as the lower structure in Embodiment 1, and the second car 5B in Embodiment 2, respectively, but the lower structure may also be other equipment that is installed inside the hoistway such as a sensor or an obstruction with which a car may collide due to breakage of the suspending bodies.
[0082]
Now, Figure 8 is a configuration diagram that shows a variation of a breakage detecting apparatus from Figure 1. A first elongation detecting plate

48a is engaged with rails 41a and 41b between a supporting plate 42 and a first movable plate 46a. A second elongation detecting plate 48b is engaged with the rails 41b and 41c between the supporting plate 42 and a second movable plate 46b.
[0083]
The first and second elongation detecting plates 48a and 48b are normally held horizontally at predetermined positions above the spring restraining members 44. If elongation that is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount arises in a suspending body 4, a first or second movable plate 46a or 46b is pushed upward by the spring restraining member 44, and displaces upward.
[0084]
A first elongation detecting switch 49a that is operated and opened by the upward displacement of the first elongation detecting plate 48a is disposed in a vicinity of the first elongation detecting plate 48a. The first elongation detecting switch 49a detects that elongation that is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount has arisen in the suspending bodies 4 that are linked to the first and second shackle rods 43a and 43b.
[0085]
A second elongation detecting switch 49b that is operated and opened by the upward displacement of the second elongation detecting plate 48b is disposed in a vicinity of the second elongation detecting plate 48b. The second elongation detecting switch 49b detects that elongation that is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount has arisen in the suspending bodies 4 that are linked to the third and fourth shackle rods 43c and 43d.
[0086]
An elongation detecting apparatus 50 includes the first and second elongation detecting plates 48a and 48b and the first and second elongation detecting switches 49a and 49b. When at least one of the suspending bodies 4 reaches breakage, the corresponding elongation detecting plate 48a or 48b is displaced further upward, and the corresponding movable plate 46a or 46b is displaced upward, operating the corresponding detecting switch 47a or 47b. Spacing between the elongation detecting plate 48a and 48b and the movable plates 46a and 46b is prescribed so as to enable elongation and breakage of the suspending bodies 4 to be ascertained and distinguished from each other.
[0087]

According to a configuration of this kind, elongation and breakage of the suspending bodies 4 can be detected and distinguished from each other by the amount of elongation of the shackle springs 45. Thus, by detecting a state in which a suspending body 4 elongates and is likely to break, and controlling a car 5, 5A, or 5B as in Embodiments 1 and 2, flailing of suspending bodies 4 that occurs during breakage of the suspending bodies 4 can be prevented whether it be a single-car elevator apparatus or a multi-car elevator apparatus.
[0088]
Moreover, in the breakage detecting apparatus 26, whether the degree of the number of breakages is a first level, or is a second level that is higher than the first level, is detected and distinguished by dividing four suspending bodies 4 into two groups of two each, and by operation of a detecting switch 47a and a detecting switch 47b that correspond to these groups. However, the number of suspending bodies 4 that is included in each of the groups does not need to be two, and may also be one or three. Since the total number of suspending bodies may be different for each elevator apparatus, the suspending bodies that are included in each of the groups can be modified to correspond appropriately to the total number of suspending bodies.
[0089]
Similarly, the number of groups and the number of suspending bodies 4 that is included in each of the groups can also be modified appropriately for the elongation detecting apparatus 50.
Whether the degree of elongation is a first level, or is a second level that is higher than the first level, may also be detected and distinguished from each other by operating conditions of an elongation detecting switch 49a or 49b or a breakage detecting switch 47a or 47b.
i