Worker detection system on the elevator car

Abstract

The worker detection system for a car of the present invention comprises: a worker detection unit that uses a portion of the working area set on the car as a detection range to detect workers present within the detection range; a detection range drive unit that drives the worker detection unit to variably adjust the detection range; an equipment configuration information storage unit that stores equipment configuration information, including the mounting height position of each piece of equipment configured in the hoistway and the detection direction corresponding to the mounting height position of each piece of equipment; a car position detection unit that detects the position of the car to generate car position information; and a control unit that checks the car position information and the equipment configuration information, determines the detection direction at the car position based on the checking result, and controls the drive of the detection range drive unit by using the determined detection direction as the target value of the detection range drive unit, wherein the detection range drive unit drives the worker detection unit in the direction in which its optical axis becomes the detection direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a worker detection system for elevator cars. Background Technology

[0002] The elevator is configured such that a main hoisting cable is suspended by a winch located at the upper and lower ends of the shaft, and a car is suspended at one end of the main hoisting cable and a counterweight is suspended at the other end. The winch is driven to wind up the main hoisting cable, thereby allowing the car and the counterweight to move up and down in a bucket-like manner within the shaft.

[0003] In elevators with this structure, during routine inspections, maintenance, and other repair work, workers need to sit on the upper surface of the car and move the car up and down to access the equipment installed in the shaft.

[0004] When inspecting the equipment installed in the hoistway, the operator was extending their hands and head through the safety railings of the elevator car, directly touching the equipment while performing the work. At this time, without taking measures such as cutting off the elevator's main power supply or turning on the safety switch to stop the machine, if other operators inadvertently manipulate the car, it could cause the car to rise or fall against the operator's intentions, thus posing a danger to the operator.

[0005] In addition, if the operator accidentally sticks their body out of the guardrail while sitting in the car and operating the car's lifting mechanism, it could also lead to danger.

[0006] Therefore, a technology has been proposed to determine whether maintenance and repair work in the shaft has been carried out correctly and to determine the position and body posture of the operator performing the work on the car (see Patent Document 1).

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-141081 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the operator's position and body posture are compared with pre-saved formal work information to determine whether the work has been performed correctly.

[0012] However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to use a single detection unit to detect the operator on the car without blind spots and to detect the operator's position and body posture with high precision within the detection range of the camera or infrared sensor, which is assumed to be a means of detecting the operator.

[0013] For example, during maintenance work inside an elevator shaft, the equipment to be inspected is positioned on the shaft walls in four directions, each at a different height. While installing multiple detection devices in such an elevator structure can improve the accuracy of operator detection, it also presents challenges related to structural complexity and increased cost.

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to variably adjust the detection range corresponding to a portion of the working area on the car according to the position of the car, so as to detect the operator in the working area.

[0015] Methods for solving problems

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a worker detection system for elevator cars, which detects workers on elevator cars. The system comprises: a worker detection unit that uses a portion of a work area defined on the elevator car as a detection range to detect workers present within the detection range; a detection range driving unit that drives the worker detection unit to variably adjust the detection range; and a device configuration information storage unit that stores device configuration information, including the set height positions of multiple devices configured within the elevator shaft and indications corresponding to the set height positions of each device. The detection range includes a detection direction at the center of the detection range; a car position detection unit that detects the position of the car in the elevator shaft to generate car position information; and a control unit that checks the car position information generated by the car position detection unit against the equipment configuration information stored in the equipment configuration information storage unit, determines the detection direction at the car position based on the check result, and uses the determined detection direction as the target value of the detection range drive unit to control the drive of the detection range drive unit, which drives the operator detection unit in the direction in which its optical axis becomes the detection direction.

[0017] The effects of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, the detection range corresponding to a portion of the working area on the car can be variably adjusted according to the position of the car to detect the operator in the working area.

[0019] The following description of the implementation method clarifies the issues, structure, and effects beyond those described above. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the main parts of an elevator equipped with an embodiment of the present invention's worker detection system in the car.

[0021] Figure 2This is a structural diagram illustrating an embodiment of the worker detection system on the car of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the equipment configuration information table stored in the equipment configuration information storage unit of the worker detection system on the car according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a top view of the elevator equipped with the worker detection system in the car according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a top view of the top of an elevator equipped with an embodiment of the worker detection system in the car of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a top view of the elevator equipped with the worker detection system in the car according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a top view of an elevator with an on-car worker detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention on the middle floor.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a top view of an elevator intermediate floor equipped with the worker detection system in the car according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is an example of a flowchart illustrating the processing in an elevator equipped with an embodiment of the present invention's operator detection system in the car.

[0029] Figure 10 This is an example of a flowchart illustrating the process of non-performance detection in the worker detection system on the car of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Symbol Explanation

[0031] 1. Elevator, 2. Shaft, 2a. Top, 2b. Top Floor, 2c. Intermediate Floor, 2d. Middle Floor, 2e. Bottom, 3. Main Hoisting Cable, 4. Car, 4a. Car Upper, 5. Counterweight, 6. Winch, 9. Control Device, 10. Speed ​​Regulator, 10a. Car Position Detection Device, 16. Car Upper Control Device, 17. Operating Panel, 20. Car Upper Guardrail, 21. Operator, 22. Detection Range, 101. Car Upper Operator Detection System, 102. Operator Detection Device, 103. Control Unit, 104. Operator Detection Unit, 105. Detection Range Drive Unit, 107. Judgment Unit, 108. Notification Unit, 201. Network, 202. Work Plan DB, 203. Work History DB, 301. Equipment Configuration Information Table. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the main parts of an elevator equipped with an embodiment of the operator detection system in the car of the present invention. Figure 1 In this elevator 1, elevator 1 is a conventional cable-operated, machine-room-less elevator. In this elevator 1, within a shaft 2 located in the building, a car 4 and a counterweight 5, connected via a main cable 3, move vertically and horizontally under the drive of a winch 6. The shaft 2 is divided into a top 2a, an uppermost floor 2b, intermediate floors 2c, middle floors 2d, and a bottom 2e. The car 4 and counterweight 5 are freely positioned within the shaft 2 via the main cable 3. The winch 6 is located at the top 2a of the shaft 2, and its operation is controlled by a control device 9 located at the uppermost floor 2b. When the winch 6 stops, braking force generated by braking devices 13a and 13b is applied to the winch 6. One end 8a of the main sling 3 is fixed to the top beam 7a, and the other end 8b of the main sling 3 is fixed to the top beam 7b. The connection between the main sling ends 8a and 8b is wound around the winch 6 via the counterweight 5 and then passed through the lower part of the car 4.

[0034] Inside the hoistway 2, there is a pair of counterweight guide rails (not shown) that guide the counterweight 5 along the lifting direction (vertical direction) of the car 4, and a pair of car guide rails (not shown) that guide the car 4 along the lifting direction (vertical direction) of the car 4.

[0035] Furthermore, in the following description, a coordinate system is used with the depth direction of the car 4 as the x-axis, the width direction of the car 4 as the y-axis, and the lifting direction of the car 4 as the z-axis.

[0036] A speed regulator 10 is installed at the top 2a of the hoistway 2, and a speed regulator counterweight 11 is installed at the bottom 2e of the hoistway 2. A loop-shaped speed regulator cable 12, connected to the car 4, is wound around the speed regulator 10 via the counterweight 11. One end of the speed regulator cable 12 is connected to the upper surface 4a of the car, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the car 4, forming a loop. The speed regulator cable 12 moves with the lifting and lowering of the car 4. Through the movement of the speed regulator cable 12, the speed regulator 10 rotates in conjunction with the lifting and lowering of the car 4. A car position detection device 10a installed on the speed regulator 10 detects the position and speed of the car 4 in the z-axis direction by measuring the rotation of the speed regulator 10.

[0037] Within the hoistway 2, various devices, including the speed controller 10 and the elevator car position detection device 10a, are distributed in four directions. Therefore, when inspecting the equipment, the operator sits on the upper surface of the car 4, i.e., the upper car 4a, using it as a working scaffold (working area) to access the equipment within the hoistway 2. At this time, the operator operates the control panel 17 inside the car 4, switching the operating mode from normal mode to working mode, and then opens the elevator door 15 located at each floor's boarding area 14, creating an opening through which they enter the upper car 4a. Upper car guardrails are installed along the edges of the upper car 4a. Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram). The guardrail on the car is a frame to prevent the worker from falling into the hoistway 2, indicating the safe working area for the worker. Additionally, in the car 4a, in order to access various devices located at different positions along the z-axis (lifting direction) within the hoistway 2, the worker operates the car control device 16 according to the position of each device, thereby moving the car 4 up and down. An operator detection device 102 for detecting the operator's position is disposed above the car control device 16 that controls the lifting and lowering of the car 4.

[0038] Furthermore, the bottom 2e of the hoistway 2 is lower than the lowest stopping position of the car 4, so the upper 4a of the car is not used as scaffolding. Therefore, in this embodiment, the equipment in the top 2a, the uppermost 2b, the middle 2c, and the intermediate 2d of the hoistway 2 are the objects of maintenance work.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram illustrating an embodiment of the worker detection system on the car of the present invention. Figure 2 In this system, the elevator car operator detection system 101 includes a control system device 1a for the elevator 1 and an operator detection device 102. The control system device 1a includes: a control device 9, which performs overall control of the elevator 1; a car position detection device 10a, which detects the position and speed of the car 4 in the z-axis direction and sends car position information including the position and speed of the car 4 in the z-axis direction to the control device 9; an operating panel 17, which generates operating mode information in response to operator operations; and an elevator car control device 16, which receives the car position information sent from the control device 9 and the operating mode information sent from the operating panel 17, and transmits the received car position information and operating mode information to the operator detection device 102. At this time, the car position detection device 10a functions as a car position detection unit that detects the position of the car 4 within the elevator shaft and generates car position information.

[0040] The worker detection device 102 includes a control unit 103, a worker detection unit 104, a detection range drive unit 105, an equipment configuration information storage unit 106, a judgment unit 107, a notification unit 108, and a display unit 109. The control unit 103 transmits and receives information with the control device 16 on the car, and uniformly controls the entire worker detection device 102. The worker detection unit 104 is disposed on the control device 16 on the car and is mounted on a drive shaft (not shown) arranged at least along the z-direction of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The worker detection unit 104, by rotating the drive shaft, for example, by changing its optical axis 180 degrees in the xy-plane with the drive shaft as a reference, uses a portion of the working area 4a on the car as the detection range, detects objects, such as workers, existing within the detection range, and outputs worker information.

[0041] The equipment configuration information storage unit 106 stores equipment configuration information related to the configuration of each piece of equipment configured within the shaft 2. For example, the equipment configuration information storage unit 106 stores equipment configuration information including the installation height position of each piece of equipment and the detection direction indicating the center of the detection range corresponding to the installation height position of each piece of equipment. The detection range drive unit 105 drives the drive shaft of the operator detection unit 104 to rotate based on control signals from the control unit 103, thereby variably adjusting the detection range of the operator detection unit 104. That is, the detection range drive unit 105 drives the drive shaft of the operator detection unit 104 to rotate so that the optical axis of the operator detection unit 104 faces the direction of the equipment to be inspected.

[0042] At this time, the control unit 103 compares the car position information received from the car control device 16 with the equipment configuration information stored in the equipment configuration information storage unit 106, generates a control signal based on the comparison result, and drives the detection range drive unit 105 based on the generated control signal, so that the operator detection unit 104 faces the direction of the equipment to be inspected. For example, the control unit 103 compares the car position information with the equipment configuration information, determines the detection direction at the car position based on the comparison result, and uses the determined detection direction as the target value of the detection range drive unit 105 to control the drive of the detection range drive unit 105.

[0043] The determination unit 107 determines whether the operator's body has extended beyond the car's guardrail based on the operator information detected by the operator detection unit 104, and sends the determination result to the control unit 103. The notification unit 108 warns the operator if the determination unit 107 determines that a body has extended beyond the guardrail and no car 4 has been stopped. The display unit 109 displays information indicating the processing content and results of the control unit 103 on the screen.

[0044] The worker detection unit 104 is a device for detecting the human body of a worker. For example, it can be a camera unit such as a digital camera, an infrared sensor as a human body sensing sensor, or a combination of these.

[0045] The detection range drive unit 105 is a device that drives the drive shaft of the operator detection unit 104 to rotate, so that the optical axis of the operator detection unit 104 is oriented towards the direction of the operator to be detected. For example, it is a servo motor.

[0046] The device configuration information storage unit 106 is a device that stores the configuration information of each device within the shaft 2. Examples include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and flash memory.

[0047] The control unit 103 and the determination unit 107 are devices for performing computational processing. For example, they may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an AI (Artificial Intelligence) chip, etc.

[0048] The notification unit 108 is a device that warns the operator based on the judgment unit 107's determination of the operator's unsafe actions or failure to perform the work, and upon receiving a notification instruction from the control unit 103. Examples include loudspeakers and buzzers.

[0049] The display unit 109 is a screen display device that obtains the determination result of the determination unit 107 from the control unit 103 and displays the determination result of the determination unit 107. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal monitor.

[0050] Furthermore, as a supplement to the worker detection system 101 on the car, the work plan DB202 and work history DB203 are connected to the worker detection system 101 on the car via network 201. The work plan DB202 records information representing the worker's maintenance work plan (work plan information).

[0051] The work history DB203 records information from the judgment unit 107, such as unsafe actions by the worker such as extending their body, and results of unfulfilled work (described later), representing the worker's work history. The worker detection system 101 on the car communicates with the work plan DB202 and the work history DB203 via the network 201.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the equipment configuration information table stored in the equipment configuration information storage unit of the worker detection system on the car according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3In this context, the equipment configuration information table 301 is a table for managing equipment configuration information, which is stored separately in the equipment configuration information storage unit 106 according to the information of each model of elevator 1. Each equipment configuration information table 301 consists of a management number 302 assigned by equipment unit, equipment 303 describing each piece of equipment configured in the hoistway 2, equipment installation height position 304 indicating the height position of the equipment in the z-axis direction, equipment installation plane position 305 indicating the plane position of the equipment in the hoistway 2 using the wall position of the hoistway 2, object planned operation 306 describing the operation project to which the equipment is the object of operation, and key sensing coordinates 307 indicating the direction of the optical axis of the operator detection unit 104 (indicating the detection direction of the center of the detection range) using three-axis (X, Y, Z) coordinates according to the operation project.

[0053] The management number 302 stores information about numbers assigned to each device. The device 303 stores the names of each device configured within the hoistway 2, such as "winner". The device setting height position 304 stores information indicating the height position in the z-axis direction, based on the floor of the reference layer (the lowest layer between the bottom 2e and the intermediate layer 2c). Furthermore, the device setting height position 304 can also store information indicating the height position in the z-axis direction, specifically for the top 2a, the uppermost layer 2b, the intermediate layer 2c, and the middle layer 2d. For example, if the winch 6 is configured at the top 2a, the information for "top" can be stored at the device setting height position 304 corresponding to the winch 6.

[0054] In the equipment setting planar position 305, the planar position within the shaft 2 where the equipment is installed is stored, for example, if the equipment is located in an area that is viewed from the left side when viewed from the elevator door, information about the "left side" is stored. In the object planning operation 306, as a work item where the equipment becomes the work object, for example, if all equipment becomes the work object, information about "A" is stored. In the focus sensing coordinate 307, information related to the coordinates of the three axes (X, Y, Z) indicating the rotational position of the drive shaft when the optical axis of the operator's detection unit 104 is oriented toward the equipment being inspected is stored.

[0055] The control unit 103 checks the car position information received from the car control device 16 against the equipment setting height position 304 stored in the equipment configuration information storage unit 106, identifies the corresponding equipment as the inspection target equipment, and drives the detection range drive unit 105 based on the key sensing coordinates 307 associated with the identified inspection target equipment, thereby causing the optical axis of the operator detection unit 104 to be oriented toward the key sensing position.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a top-down view of an elevator equipped with the worker detection system in the car according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 In the elevator 1, car railings 20 are arranged along the three edges of the car 4a. The area enclosed by the car railings 20 in the car 4a becomes the working area of ​​the operator 21. In addition, a car control device 16 and an operator detection device 102 are arranged on the side of the elevator door 15 in the car 4a. In the operator detection unit 104 belonging to the operator detection device 102, a portion of the operator 21's working area is set as the detection range 22. For example, when the operator 21's working area is divided into two working areas by a diagonal line shown by a dashed line, the working area on the left is set as the detection range 22.

[0057] With the car 4 located at the top floor 2b, in the area between the hoistway 2 wall and the car guardrail 20 (equipment configuration area), on the left side as viewed from the operator 21 at the boarding area 14 on the top floor 2b, a portion of the counterweight guide rails 18a and 18b for moving the counterweight 5 in the z-axis direction and a portion of the car guide rail 19a for guiding the car 4 in the z-axis direction are arranged. On the right side, the control device 9 and the main hoisting cable end 8b are arranged, and a portion of the car guide rail 19b is also arranged. The operator 21 at the boarding area 14 on the top floor 2b can open the boarding door 15 and enter the car 4a.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a top view of the top of an elevator equipped with an embodiment of the operator detection system of the present invention. Figure 5 In the hoistway 2, a car control device 16 and a worker detection device 102 are installed on the car 4a. When the car 4 is located at the top 2a, a portion of the counterweight guide rails 18a and 18b and a portion of the car guide rail 19a are installed in the area between the hoistway 2 wall and the car guardrail 20 (equipment configuration area) on the left side when viewed from the car control device 16 located at the top 2a. A winch 6, the main sling end 8a, a speed controller 10, and braking devices 13a and 13b are also installed therein. A portion of the car guide rail 19b is installed in the area on the right side.

[0059] With the car 4 positioned at the top 2a, the winch 6, the main sling end 8a, the speed controller 10, and the braking devices 13a and 13b become the inspection targets for the operator 21. Therefore, information related to the equipment setting height position 304 and the key sensor coordinate 307 of these inspection targets is recorded in the equipment configuration information table 301. In the operator detection unit 104, which belongs to the operator detection device 102, a portion of the operator 21's working area is set as the detection range 22. At this time, when viewed from the control device 16 on the car at the top 2a, each inspection target is positioned in the area on the left side. Therefore, when viewed from the operator detection unit 104, which belongs to the operator detection device 102 at the top 2a, the area on the left side is set as the detection range 22.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a top-down view of an elevator equipped with the worker detection system in the car according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 In the hoistway 4a, a car control device 16 and a worker detection device 102 are arranged on the car. When the car 4 is located on the uppermost floor 2b, in the area between the wall of the hoistway 2 and the car guardrail 20, on the left side when viewed from the car control device 16 located on the uppermost floor 2b, a portion of the counterweight guide rails 18a and 18b and a portion of the car guide rail 19a are arranged. On the right side, a control device 9, the end of the main hoisting cable 8b, and a portion of the car guide rail 19b are arranged.

[0061] With the car 4 at the top level 2b, the control device 9 and the main sling end 8b become the inspection targets of the operator 21. Therefore, information related to the equipment setting height position 304 and the key sensor coordinate 307 of these inspection targets is recorded in the equipment configuration information table 301. In the operator detection unit 104 belonging to the operator detection device 102, a portion of the operator 21's working area is set as the detection range 22. At this time, when viewed from the control device 16 on the car at the top level 2b, each inspection target is arranged in the area on the right. Therefore, when viewed from the operator detection unit 104 belonging to the operator detection device 102 at the top level 2b, the area on the right is set as the detection range 22.

[0062] Figure 7 This is a top view of an elevator on an intermediate floor equipped with the worker detection system in the car according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7In the middle, a car control device 16 and an operator detection device 102 are arranged on the car 4a. When the car 4 is located at the intermediate level 2d, in the area between the wall of the hoistway 2 and the car guardrail 20, on the left side when viewed from the car control device 16 located at the intermediate level 2d, a counterweight 5, a part of the main hoisting cable 3, a part of the counterweight guide rails 18a and 18b, a part of the car guide rail 19a, and a part of the speed controller hoisting cable 12 are arranged. On the right side, a part of the main hoisting cable 3 and a part of the car guide rail 19b are arranged.

[0063] With the elevator car 4 located at the intermediate level 2d, the counterweight 5, main hoisting cable 3, counterweight guide rails 18a and 18b, elevator car guide rail 19a, and speed controller hoisting cable 12 become the inspection targets of the operator 21. Therefore, information related to the equipment setting height position 304 and key sensor coordinate 307 of these inspection targets is recorded in the equipment configuration information table 301. In the operator detection unit 104 belonging to the operator detection device 102, a portion of the operator 21's working area is set as the detection range 22. At this time, when viewed from the control device 16 on the elevator car located at the intermediate level 2d, each inspection target is located in the area on the left side. Therefore, when viewed from the operator detection unit 104 belonging to the operator detection device 102 located at the intermediate level 2d, the area on the left side is set as the detection range 22.

[0064] Figure 8 This is a top view of an elevator at an intermediate floor equipped with an embodiment of the worker detection system of the present invention. Figure 8 In the elevator car 4a, a car control device 16 and a worker detection device 102 are installed. When the car 4 is located at an intermediate floor 2c, in the area between the wall of the hoistway 2 and the car guardrail 20, on the left side when viewed from the car control device 16 located at the intermediate floor 2c, a portion of the main hoisting cable 3, a portion of the counterweight guide rails 18a and 18b, a portion of the car guide rail 19a, a portion of the speed controller hoisting cable 12, and the boarding door 15 are installed, and on the right side, a portion of the main hoisting cable 3 and a portion of the car guide rail 19b are installed.

[0065] With the car 4 located at intermediate floor 2c, the main hoist 3, the speed controller hoist 12, and the boarding door 15 become the inspection targets of the operator 21. Therefore, information related to the equipment setting height position 304 and key sensor coordinate 307 of these inspection targets is recorded in the equipment configuration information table 301. In the operator detection unit 104 belonging to the operator detection device 102, a portion of the operator 21's working area is set as the detection range 22. At this time, when viewed from the control device 16 on the car located at intermediate floor 2c, each inspection target is located in the area on the left. Therefore, when viewed from the operator detection unit 104 belonging to the operator detection device 102 located at intermediate floor 2c, the area on the left is set as the detection range 22.

[0066] In addition, the equipment configuration of elevator 1 shown in this embodiment is an example. Sometimes the equipment configured in the y-axis direction is symmetrically arranged, or the counterweight 5 is set on the back side inside the shaft 2.

[0067] Figure 9 This is an example of a flowchart illustrating the processes in an elevator equipped with an embodiment of the present invention's operator detection system. Figure 9 In order to carry out the planned maintenance work, operator 21 operates the control panel 17 inside the car 4 to switch the operating mode from the normal mode to the work mode. The operating mode information generated by the control panel 17 is transmitted to the control unit 103 via the control device 16 on the car.

[0068] The control unit 103 determines the received operation mode information based on the condition that the operation mode information has been received. If the determination result is that the operation mode is the work mode, the operator detection unit 104 is activated (step S11).

[0069] When operator 21 enters elevator car 4, they must pass through boarding door 15. Therefore, control unit 103 activates detection range drive unit 105, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the optical axis of the worker detection unit 104 is oriented toward the elevator door 15, and the detection range 22 of the worker detection unit 104 is in the direction of the elevator door 15 (step S12).

[0070] Afterwards, the operator 21 opens the elevator door 15 to form an opening and enters the elevator car 4a through the opening.

[0071] At this time, the operator detection unit 104 detects the position and body posture of the operator 21, and transmits the detection results as operator information to the judgment unit 107 (step S13).

[0072] The operator 21, who is in the car 4a, operates the control device 16 on the car to raise and lower the car 4a according to the height of the equipment on which the maintenance work is carried out.

[0073] Arrive at car 4 Figure 5 In the case of top 2a shown, the hoist 6, braking devices 13a and 13b, main sling end 8a, and speed controller 10 are the objects to be inspected at the top 2a position. Therefore, in the equipment configuration of elevator 1 in this embodiment, the area on the left side of the car 4a becomes the work area. At this time, the car position information detected by the car position detection device 10a is transmitted to the control unit 103 in the operator detection device 102 via the control device 9 and the car control device 16 (step S14).

[0074] The control unit 103 checks the transmitted car position information against the equipment configuration information recorded in the equipment configuration information table 301 stored in the equipment configuration information storage unit 106, and drives the detection range drive unit 105 according to the check result. Figure 5 As shown, the optical axis of the operator detection unit 104 is oriented towards the left side of the car 4a (step S15).

[0075] Operator 21 performs the planned maintenance work at position 2a. After the maintenance work at position 2a is completed, operator 21 lowers the car 4 and stops it at the uppermost position 2b. Steps S14 to S15 are then repeated until the planned work is completed, and key points of the positions within the shaft 2 are recorded.

[0076] The objects to be inspected at the topmost position 2b are the control device 9 and the end of the main sling 8b. In the equipment configuration of the elevator 1 in this embodiment, the area to the right of the car 4a becomes the work area. Therefore, the control unit 103 drives the detection range drive unit 105 based on the information of the topmost position 2b recorded in the equipment configuration information table 301, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the optical axis of the operator detection unit 104 is oriented towards the right side of the car 4a (step S15).

[0077] At the intermediate level 2d, the car 4 and the counterweight 5 are at the same height. Therefore, in addition to the counterweight 5, the main hoist 3 and the speed controller hoist 12 are also inspected at the intermediate level 2d. At the intermediate level 2d, the operator 21 performs maintenance work on the counterweight 5, the main hoist 3, and the speed controller hoist 12. Therefore, in the equipment configuration of the machine room elevator 1 in this embodiment, the area on the left side of the car 4a becomes the work area. Therefore, the control unit 103 drives the detection range drive unit 105 based on the information at the intermediate level 2d recorded in the equipment configuration information table 301. Figure 7 As shown, the optical axis of the operator's detection unit 104 is oriented towards the left side of the car 4 (step S15).

[0078] For ease of explanation, the section from the top floor 2b to the middle floor 2d, and the section where the car 4 reaches its lowest position, is designated as intermediate floor 2c. The inspection targets at intermediate floor 2c include the main hoist 3, the speed controller hoist 12, and the boarding doors 15 on each floor. Therefore, in the equipment configuration of the elevator 1 shown in this embodiment, the area on the left front side of the car 4a becomes the working area. Thus, the control unit 103, based on the information about the location of intermediate floor 2c recorded in the equipment configuration information table 301, drives the detection range drive unit 105, as follows... Figure 8 As shown, the optical axis of the operator's detection unit 104 is oriented towards the left side of the car 4 (step S15).

[0079] Based on the above, operator 21 carries out the planned maintenance work. When the maintenance work is completed, operator 21 opens the elevator door 15 to move from the car 4a to the boarding area 14, gets off the car 4a, and moves to the boarding area 14. Afterwards, operator 21 operates the control panel 17 inside the car 4 to switch the operating mode from the working mode to the normal mode.

[0080] The operation mode information generated by the control panel 17 is transmitted to the control unit 103 via the car control device 16. The control unit 103 determines the transmitted operation mode information, and if the determination result is that the operation mode is the normal mode, it ends the operator detection process based on the start of the operator detection unit 104 (step S16), and then ends the process in this routine.

[0081] After the worker 21 enters the car 4a and before leaving the car 4a, the determination unit 107 determines, based on the worker information transmitted by the worker detection unit 104, whether there is a body extending beyond the car guardrail 20 (step S17). That is, the determination unit 107 determines whether the worker 21's body extends beyond the car guardrail 20 and outputs the determination result to the control unit 103.

[0082] If the determination unit 107 obtains a determination result in step S17 that no body has been extended, it considers that there is no unsafe action by the operator 21 and proceeds to the processing in step S16.

[0083] On the other hand, if the determination unit 107 obtains a determination result in step S17 that there is a body extending out, it determines whether there is an elevator stop measure (step S18). That is, the determination unit 107 determines whether it has received elevator stop measure information from the control unit 103 transmitted from the control device 9 to the control unit 103 via the car control device 16.

[0084] The elevator shutdown information refers to the information indicating that the main power supply switch (not shown) of elevator 1 has been cut off by the operator, or the information indicating that the safety stop device (not shown) has been turned on by the operator.

[0085] If the determination unit 107 does not receive elevator shutdown action information from the control unit 103, that is, if no elevator 1 shutdown action is taken, it generates unsafe action information and forwards the generated unsafe action information to the control unit 103. Upon receiving the unsafe action information, the control unit 103 activates the notification unit 108 to issue a warning to the operator (step S19).

[0086] The control unit 103 transmits the stop command to the control device 9 via the control device 16 on the car. Upon receiving the stop command, the control device 9 stops the drive command of the winch 6 and activates the braking devices 13a and 13b to apply braking force to the winch 6 (step S20).

[0087] Through the above processing, during the maintenance of various equipment in the hoistway 2, the working area (position) of the car 4a is determined according to the position of the car 4 in the z-axis direction, and the direction that should be focused on detection is determined. The detection range 22 of the operator detection device 102 is then moved in that direction, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the operator 21 on the car 4a and further improving the safety of the operator 21.

[0088] In addition, the worker detection system 101 on the car in this embodiment can manage the execution (history) of maintenance operations for the inspection target equipment included in the work plan information obtained from the work plan DB202.

[0089] Figure 10 This is an example of a flowchart illustrating the process of detecting non-performance of work by the worker detection system on the car in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 In this process, the control unit 103 of the operator detection device 102 receives the corresponding work plan information from the work plan DB202 via the network 201 (step S101).

[0090] The control unit 103 determines the equipment to be inspected based on the received work plan information (step S102).

[0091] The control unit 103 checks the equipment configuration information recorded in the equipment configuration information table 301 in the equipment configuration information storage unit 106 against the car position information detected by the car position detection device 10a.

[0092] At this time, the control unit 103 checks the equipment configuration information of the inspection target equipment determined in step S102 in the equipment configuration information table 301 against the car position information. For example, if the work plan information indicates that the planned operation 306 is "B", the inspection target equipment determined in step S102 is "hoist". Therefore, the control unit 103 checks the equipment configuration information of "hoist" in the equipment configuration information against the car position information, and calculates the key sensor coordinate 307 as the direction of the inspection target equipment corresponding to the position of the car 4 (the direction of the optical axis of the operator detection unit 104) based on the check result (step S103).

[0093] The control unit 103 uses the direction of the inspection target device calculated in step S103 as the target value and controls the drive of the detection range drive unit 105 so that the optical axis of the operator detection unit 104 is oriented toward the direction of the inspection target device calculated in step S103 (step S104).

[0094] Next, operator 21 operates the control panel 17 to switch the operating mode from the working mode to the normal mode (step S105).

[0095] Then, during the period before operator 21 completes his work, the following processing is mainly carried out by the judgment unit 107.

[0096] First, the determination unit 107 takes in the output of the operator detection unit 104, and within the detection range 22 of the direction (direction of the inspected object equipment) calculated in step S103, in the equipment setting height position 304 of the inspected object equipment checked in step S103, it determines whether the operator detection unit 104 has detected the operator 21 (step S106).

[0097] If the determination unit 107 determines in step S106 that the operator detection unit 104 has detected the operator 21, it determines that the job has been completed and outputs the determination result to the control unit 103. Upon receiving the determination result that the job has been completed, the control unit 103 generates job completion information indicating that the job has been completed, registers the generated job completion information in the job history DB203 via the network 201 (step S107), and then ends the processing in this routine.

[0098] On the other hand, if the determination unit 107 determines in step S106 that the operator detection unit 104 has not detected the operator 21, it determines that the operation has not been performed, and transfers the determination result to the control unit 103.

[0099] Upon receiving the determination result of non-performance of work, the control unit 103 outputs a notification command to the notification unit 108 to drive the notification unit 108. As a result, a warning is issued to the operator through the notification unit 108 (step S108).

[0100] Next, the determination unit 107 refers to whether the number of warnings from the notification unit 108 is less than 1, or whether the current time is within the scheduled end time of the work registered in the work plan information (step S109). If the number of warnings is less than 1, or the current time is within the scheduled end time of the work (yes), the determination result is output to the control unit 103. The control unit 103 executes the process of displaying a warning on the display unit 109 (step S110), and returns to the process of step S103. Then, the processes of steps S103 to S106 are repeated.

[0101] On the other hand, if the number of warnings from the notification unit 108 is multiple, or if the work has not been completed before the scheduled end time of the work (no), the determination unit 107 outputs a negative determination result to the control unit 103. Upon receiving the negative determination result, the control unit 103 registers the unfulfilled work information, indicating that the work has not been performed, in the work history DB203 via the network 201 (step S111).

[0102] Additionally, the control unit 103 sends the unfulfilled task information to the external notification unit (not shown) via network 201. Upon receiving the unfulfilled task information, the external notification unit notifies the manager (not shown) that an unfulfilled task has occurred (step S111), and then terminates the processing of the routine.

[0103] In this embodiment, when a non-performed task is detected, the control unit 103 compares the task plan information received from the task plan DB202 via the network 201 with the task plan recorded in the target task plan 306. Based on the comparison result, the target device is determined, and the key sensor coordinates 307 associated with the determined target device are calculated as the direction (detection direction) of the target device. The calculated direction of the target device is used as the target value, and the drive of the detection range drive unit 105 is controlled to execute control so that the optical axis of the operator detection unit 104 is oriented towards the calculated direction of the target device. As a result, the drive shaft rotates to the position of the key sensor coordinates 307, and the optical axis of the operator detection unit 104 is positioned at the position where the rotation of the drive shaft stops.

[0104] The key sensing coordinate 307 can be specified by the structure of the detection range drive unit 105 as a coordinate on the 1st axis or a coordinate on the 2nd axis. Alternatively, it can be specified as an angle of the drive axis instead of a coordinate.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the detection range corresponding to a portion of the work area on the car can be variably adjusted according to the position of the car, detecting workers in the work area. As a result, even a single worker detection unit can reliably detect workers in the work area, simplifying the structure. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a warning is issued when the worker's body extends out of the work area, thus improving worker safety. Moreover, according to this embodiment, maintenance work can be reliably performed, preventing human error such as missed maintenance work and preventing a decrease in maintenance quality due to incomplete work. Additionally, according to this embodiment, the performance (history) of maintenance work on the equipment to be inspected, as included in the work plan information, can be managed.

[0106] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications and equivalent structures within the spirit of the appended claims. For example, the embodiments described above are given in detail for the purpose of readily understanding the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to having all the structures described.

[0107] In addition, some or all of the above-mentioned structures and functions can be implemented in hardware, such as through integrated circuit design, or in software, by having a processor interpret and execute the program that implements each function.

[0108] Information such as programs, tables, and files that perform various functions can be stored in storage devices such as memory, hard disks, SSDs (Solid State Drives), or recording media such as IC (Integrated Circuit) cards, SD (Secure Digital) cards, and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs).

Claims

1. A system for detecting workers on an elevator car, characterized in that, have: The worker detection unit uses a portion of the work area set on the car as its detection range to detect workers present within that detection range. A detection range drive unit drives the operator detection unit to variably adjust the detection range; The equipment configuration information storage unit stores equipment configuration information, which includes the set height position of each of the multiple devices configured in the elevator shaft and the detection direction indicating the center of the detection range corresponding to the set height position of each device; A car position detection unit detects the position of the car within the elevator shaft to generate car position information; and The control unit verifies the car position information generated by the car position detection unit with the equipment configuration information stored in the equipment configuration information storage unit. Based on the verification result, it determines the detection direction at the car position and uses the determined detection direction as the target value of the detection range drive unit to control the drive of the detection range drive unit. The detection range drive unit drives the operator detection unit in a direction in which its optical axis becomes the detection direction.

2. The worker detection system on the car according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: The determination unit, based on the detection result of the worker detection unit, determines whether the worker's body has exceeded the work area, and outputs the determination result to the control unit; and The notification unit, upon receiving a notification instruction from the control unit, issues a warning to the operator on the car. If the determination result is obtained that the operator's body has exceeded the work area, the control unit outputs the notification instruction to the notification unit if no elevator stop measure information indicating the elevator stop measure is input.

3. The worker detection system on the car according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a work plan information storage unit, which stores work plan information representing the operator's plan for maintenance work on each of the equipment. The control unit determines the target device among the plurality of devices based on the work plan information, and determines the detection direction for the target device at the location of the car based on the determined target device and the verification result. The determination unit determines whether the operator exists within the detection range based on the detection result of the operator detection unit, and outputs the determination result to the control unit. If the determination result is obtained that the operator does not exist within the detection range, the control unit outputs the notification command to the notification unit at least once.

4. The worker detection system on the car according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a work history information storage unit, which stores work history information representing the operator's maintenance work history for each of the aforementioned devices. Upon determining that the operator is within the detection range, the control unit records information indicating that the task has been completed in the task history information storage unit. After obtaining the determination that the operator does not exist within the detection range, if the notification command to the notification unit is output multiple times, or if the time on the built-in clock exceeds the scheduled end time of the operation registered in the operation plan information, the information indicating that the operation has not been performed will be recorded in the operation history information storage unit.

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