Management system of elevator and elevator system

Abstract

Provided are a management system and an elevator system capable of releasing an evacuation function from water immersion regardless of the operation of a manager in a facility to which an elevator is applied. A monitoring system (18) is provided with an acquisition unit (19) and an instruction unit (20). The acquisition unit (19) sequentially acquires an emergency degree of a water immersion disaster of a site where a facility (3) to which an elevator (2) is applied is installed from an external meteorological information system (23). The instruction unit (20) causes the elevator (2) to start an evacuation function from water immersion when the emergency degree acquired by the acquisition unit (19) is a first reference value or more. The instruction unit (20) causes the elevator (2) to release the evacuation function when the emergency degree acquired by the acquisition unit (19) is less than a second reference value. The first reference value and the second reference value are set in advance such that the second reference value is less than the first reference value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an elevator management system and an elevator system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator system. In this elevator system, when a communication device receives a notification from a weather information service center that a heavy rainstorm may occur in the vicinity of the facility where the elevator is located, it outputs a mail receiving signal to a control device. Upon receiving the mail receiving signal from the communication device, the control device causes the elevator to perform a flood avoidance function.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-177475 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the elevator system of Patent Document 1, the operator releases the water-resistant function by pressing the release button on the control device. On the other hand, due to the impact of disasters, operators sometimes arrive at facilities using elevators late. In such cases, the delay in releasing the water-resistant function sometimes reduces the convenience for users.

[0008] The present invention provides a management system and an elevator system capable of deactivating a water-repellent function independent of the operation of management personnel in facilities using elevators.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The management system of the present invention comprises: an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires the urgency of a flooding disaster at the location where the facility using the elevator is located from an external system, the elevator having a car traveling in a shaft; and an instruction unit that, when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit is above a preset first reference value, causes the elevator to initiate a retreat function to avoid flooding, and when the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit is less than a second reference value preset to be below the first reference value, causes the elevator to deactivate the retreat function.

[0011] The elevator system of the present invention comprises: the aforementioned management system; a water immersion detection unit disposed in the shaft and not connected to the control panel that controls the operation of the elevator, for detecting water immersion in the shaft; and a remote monitoring device disposed in the facility and connected to the control panel, for being able to receive detection information from the water immersion detection unit and for providing the management system with elevator status information including the detection information from the water immersion detection unit.

[0012] The elevator system of the present invention includes: the aforementioned management system and a swing unit. The aforementioned management system includes an image processing unit that detects water immersion in the shaft based on an image of the shaft captured by a camera device installed at the lower part of the car. When the image processing unit detects water immersion in the shaft, the command unit causes the elevator to prevent the car from traveling to the water-immersed portion of the shaft. The swing unit performs an action to cause water surface ripples when the shaft is water-immersed. The image processing unit detects water immersion in the shaft based on an image of the shaft captured after the swing unit's action.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] If it is the management system of the present invention, the retreat function from flooding can be deactivated regardless of the operation of the management personnel in the facility using the elevator. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the elevator system according to Implementation Method 1.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a settings change screen in the management system of Implementation Method 1.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the management system in Implementation 1.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a hardware structure diagram of the main parts of the management system in Implementation Method 1.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the elevator system in Implementation Method 2.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the elevator system in Implementation Method 3.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the elevator system in implementation method 4.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the elevator system in implementation method 5.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the elevator system according to implementation method 6.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the elevator system according to implementation method 7. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are simplified or omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments; any modifications to the constituent elements of the embodiments or omissions of any constituent elements of the embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0026] Implementation method 1.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of elevator system 1 according to implementation method 1.

[0028] Elevator system 1 includes elevator 2. Elevator 2 is used, for example, in a facility 3 with multiple floors. In facility 3, a shaft 4 for elevator 2 is provided. Shaft 4 is a long space spanning multiple floors in the vertical direction. A pit is provided at the lower end of shaft 4. Each floor has a landing 5 adjacent to shaft 4. Each landing 5 has a landing door 6. Landing door 6 is the door that separates shaft 4 and landing 5. Elevator 2 includes traction machine 7, main rope 8, car 9, counterweight 10, and control panel 11.

[0029] The traction machine 7 is installed, for example, above or below the hoistway 4. For instance, if a machine room for the elevator 2 is located above the hoistway 4, the traction machine 7 can also be installed in the machine room. The traction machine 7 includes a motor and a sheave. The motor of the traction machine 7 is a device that generates driving force. The sheave of the traction machine 7 is a device that rotates due to the driving force generated by the motor of the traction machine 7.

[0030] The main rope 8 is wound around the sheave of the traction machine 7. The main rope 8 supports the load of the car 9 on one side of the sheave of the traction machine 7. The main rope 8 supports the load of the counterweight 10 on the other side of the sheave of the traction machine 7. The main rope 8 moves by being pulled by the sheave of the traction machine 7 or by being released from the sheave of the traction machine 7, through the rotation of the sheave.

[0031] The car 9 is a device that transports users of the elevator 2 between multiple floors by traveling vertically within the hoistway 4. The car 9 travels vertically within the hoistway 4 in conjunction with the movement of the main rope 8, which is achieved by the rotation of the sheaves of the traction machine 7. The car 9 is equipped with a car door 12. The car door 12 is a door that divides the interior and exterior of the car 9. The car door 12 is a device that opens and closes in conjunction with the landing door 6 of any floor when the car 9 stops at that floor.

[0032] The counterweight 10 is a device that balances the load applied to both sides of the sheave of the traction machine 7 between itself and the car 9. The counterweight 10 moves in the vertical direction in the opposite direction to the car 9 in the hoistway 4 in conjunction with the movement of the main rope 8, which is achieved by the rotation of the sheave of the traction machine 7.

[0033] The control panel 11 is a device for controlling the operation of the elevator 2. The control panel 11 is located, for example, above or below the hoistway 4. For example, if a machine room for the elevator 2 is located above the hoistway 4, the control panel 11 can also be located in the machine room. The operations of the elevator 2 controlled by the control panel 11 include the movement of the car 9 and the opening and closing of the car door 12. For example, the control panel 11 causes the car 9 to travel between multiple floors based on registered calls. When the car 9 stops at any floor, the control panel 11 causes the landing door 6 and the car door 12 to open in conjunction. During a preset opening time, the control panel 11 maintains the car door 12 and the landing door 6 fully open. After the opening time has elapsed since the car 9 was fully open, the control panel 11 causes the landing door 6 and the car door 12 to close in conjunction.

[0034] An anomaly detection unit 13 is installed in the facility 3 where elevator 2 is used. The anomaly detection unit 13 is responsible for detecting anomalies in the facility 3. Anomalies detected by the anomaly detection unit 13 include, for example, equipment malfunction of elevator 2 in facility 3, equipment malfunction of facility 3, and partial damage to facility 3. The anomaly detection unit 13 outputs the detected anomaly information to a remote monitoring device 15, etc. The anomaly detection unit 13 may be, for example, a sensor installed in the equipment of elevator 2 or facility 3.

[0035] A water immersion detection unit 14 is provided in elevator 2. The water immersion detection unit 14 is a component that detects water immersion in the shaft 4. The water immersion detection unit 14 is disposed within the shaft 4. For example, the water immersion detection unit 14 may also be disposed in the pit. In this example, the water immersion detection unit 14 outputs the detected water immersion information to the control panel 11. The water immersion detection unit 14 is, for example, a water immersion sensor.

[0036] Elevator system 1 includes a remote monitoring device 15. The remote monitoring device 15 is used for remote monitoring of the status of elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 15 is connected to a control panel 11 or similar device to collect status information of elevator 2. For example, the remote monitoring device 15 collects information input to and output from the control panel 11 as status information of elevator 2. The information collected by the remote monitoring device 15 is transmitted via a communication network 16, such as the Internet or telephone network, to a device located in an information center 17. The information center 17 is a location for collecting and managing the status information of elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 15 receives control signals from outside the facility 3 where elevator 2 is installed via the communication network 16. The remote monitoring device 15 outputs the received control signals to the control panel 11.

[0037] Elevator system 1 includes a management system 18. The management system 18 is a system for remotely managing elevator 2. The management system 18 may include, for example, one or more server devices. The server devices of the management system 18 may be located, for example, in an information center 17. The management system 18 is connected to a communication network 16. Some or all of the functions of the management system 18 may also be installed using processing and storage resources on a cloud service. The management system 18 collects status information of elevator 2, for example, through a remote monitoring device 15 of elevator 2. The management system 18 includes an acquisition unit 19, an instruction unit 20, a monitoring processing unit 21, and a management processing unit 22.

[0038] The acquisition unit 19 is the part that obtains information from external systems such as the communication network 16 to the management system 18. External systems include, for example, a meteorological information system 23 that publishes weather information. The meteorological information system 23 is, for example, a system of a public agency or private meteorological company that processes weather information, such as the Japan Meteorological Agency. In this example, the meteorological information system 23 publishes information indicating the urgency of flooding disasters at each location. The published information may be, for example, the hazard distribution of heavy rain warnings (flooding disasters) issued by the meteorological agency, or similar information. The published information may be, for example, information indicating the degree of urgency at each location using five levels from hazard 0 to hazard 4. The acquisition unit 19 sequentially obtains the urgency of flooding disasters at locations equipped with elevators 2 from the meteorological information system 23. In this example, the acquisition unit 19 obtains the urgency level periodically. The cycle for obtaining the urgency level is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0039] The command unit 20 outputs control signals for the water immersion avoidance function to the elevator 2 via the communication network 16 and the remote monitoring device 15. The avoidance function is a function of the elevator 2 used to avoid or suppress damage caused by water immersion in the shaft 4. The avoidance function includes, for example, upper floor standby and operation stop. Upper floor standby is a avoidance function that sets the standby floor of the car 9 to the upper floor. Here, the standby floor of the car 9 is the floor where the car 9 waits when it stops without direction. Normally, the standby floor is, for example, the entrance floor of the facility 3. The upper floor is a floor in the facility 3 that is above a preset floor. The upper floor is, for example, any floor above the entrance floor. The upper floor set as the standby floor can also be the top floor of the facility 3. Operation stop is a avoidance function that stops the car 9 from moving. At this time, the elevator 2 stops, for example, with the car 9 stopped at the upper floor.

[0040] The command unit 20 outputs a control signal based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 19. The command unit 20 has a first reference value and a second reference value preset with respect to urgency. The second reference value is set to a value lower than or equal to the first reference value. The first reference value is the urgency level at which the retreat function is initiated. The second reference value is the urgency level at which the retreat function is deactivated. That is, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to initiate the retreat function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit 19 is higher than or equal to the first reference value. Furthermore, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to deactivate the retreat function when the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit 19 is lower than the second reference value. The first and second reference values ​​can also be set, for example, according to each type of retreat function.

[0041] The monitoring processing unit 21 is responsible for receiving input monitoring information. This monitoring information is input by the monitoring personnel of elevator 2. These personnel are, for example, operators in the information center 17 who monitor elevator 2 as part of their work. The monitoring information may indicate that an anomaly has occurred in elevator 2. For example, when a user of elevator 2 reports an anomaly, the monitoring personnel input monitoring information indicating that an anomaly has occurred in elevator 2 into the monitoring processing unit 21. When an anomaly occurs in elevator 2, the monitoring personnel dispatch maintenance personnel corresponding to the anomaly to that elevator 2. When the anomaly is resolved through the maintenance personnel's actions, the monitoring personnel input monitoring information indicating that the anomaly has been resolved into the monitoring processing unit 21.

[0042] The management processing unit 22 is responsible for handling management operations by the personnel managing elevator 2. The personnel access the management processing unit 22 of the management system 18, for example, using a management terminal 24 connected to the communication network 16. The management terminal 24 is, for example, a general-purpose information terminal such as a personal computer. In this case, the management processing unit 22 operates, for example, as a network server. The personnel view the status information of elevator 2 through an application such as a web browser on the management terminal 24. The personnel perform management operations such as setting changes through the management terminal 24. These setting change operations include, for example, setting a first reference value and a second reference value.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a settings change screen in the management system 18 of Embodiment 1.

[0044] exist Figure 2 The image shown is an example of a screen displayed on the management terminal 24.

[0045] In management terminal 24, select elevator 2 as the object of the setting change. In this example, elevator 2 is selected by dropping down the menu. In this example, elevator 2 with the name "001" is selected.

[0046] In the management terminal 24, a first reference value and a second reference value are set for each backoff function. In this example, the first reference value and the second reference value are selected by a drop-down menu. In this example, the first reference value for starting operation stoppage is set to danger level 4. At this time, for example, when the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 increases from danger level 3 to danger level 4, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to start operation stoppage. Furthermore, the second reference value for releasing operation stoppage is set to danger level 3. At this time, for example, when the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 decreases from danger level 3 to danger level 2, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to release operation stoppage. In this example, the first reference value for starting upper floor standby is set to danger level 3. At this time, for example, when the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 increases from danger level 2 to danger level 3, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to start upper floor standby. Furthermore, the second reference value for releasing upper floor standby is set to danger level 3. At this time, for example, when the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 decreases from danger level 3 to danger level 2, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to release the standby status of the upper floor.

[0047] In the management terminal 24, the automatic control is set to be enabled or disabled for each backoff function. In this example, a switch is used to select whether the automatic control is enabled or disabled. In this example, the automatic control for operation stoppage is set to be enabled. In addition, the automatic control for standby on the upper floor is set to be enabled. Regarding the backoff function whose automatic control is set to be disabled, the instruction unit 20 does not output the control signal for the backoff function based on the change in urgency obtained by the acquisition unit 19.

[0048] In management terminal 24, the notification function is enabled or disabled. The notification function is a function that notifies management personnel from management system 18 based on changes in urgency obtained by acquisition unit 19. Management system 18 notifies management personnel, for example, through email or push notifications from management processing unit 22. In this example, a switch is used to select whether the notification function is enabled or disabled.

[0049] Regarding the notification function, an upward reference value and a downward reference value are preset. As a notification function, the management processing unit 22 notifies the management personnel, for example, when the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 is above the upward reference value, and when the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 is below the downward reference value. In this example, the upward reference value is designated as danger level 2. Furthermore, the downward reference value is designated as danger level 2. Therefore, the management processing unit 22 notifies the management personnel when the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 increases from danger level 1 to danger level 2, and when the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 decreases from danger level 2 to danger level 1.

[0050] Additionally, the rising reference value can also be set based on the first reference value of any backoff function. Furthermore, the falling reference value can also be set based on the second reference value of any backoff function. The activation or deactivation of the notification function can also be set separately for notifications based on the rising reference value and notifications based on the falling reference value.

[0051] Next, use Figure 2 An example illustrating the function of elevator system 1 is provided.

[0052] Here, regarding the situation in... Figure 2 When the settings are configured as shown, for locations where facilities 3 equipped with elevator 2 are installed, the situation is explained where the emergency level increases from danger level 0 to danger level 4 due to rainfall, and then decreases from danger level 4 to danger level 0.

[0053] Before the rain, Department 19 obtains an emergency level of 0 from the meteorological information system 23. At this time, elevator 2 is operating normally.

[0054] Then, as the rainfall intensifies, Department 19 obtains the urgency level of danger (level 1) from the meteorological information system 23. At this time, elevator 2 is operating normally.

[0055] Then, when the urgency of a flooding disaster increases due to factors such as increased rainfall, the acquisition unit 19 obtains the urgency level of danger (level 2) from the meteorological information system 23. Since the urgency level is above the threshold for notification, the management processing unit 22 notifies the management personnel. At this time, the elevator 2 is operating normally.

[0056] Then, when the urgency of the flooding disaster further increases, the acquisition unit 19 obtains the urgency level of danger level 3 from the meteorological information system 23. At this time, the urgency level is above the first reference value for waiting on the upper floor. Regarding waiting on the upper floor, the automatic control is set to be active, therefore, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to start waiting on the upper floor to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2 through the communication network 16 and the remote monitoring device 15. Here, the management processing unit 22 can also notify the management personnel when the urgency level is above the first reference value for waiting on the upper floor. According to the control signal from the command unit 20, the control panel 11 sets the waiting floor of the car 9 to, for example, the uppermost floor.

[0057] Then, as the flooding disaster progresses further, the acquisition unit 19 obtains the urgency level of danger (level 4) from the meteorological information system 23. At this time, the urgency level is above the first reference value for operation suspension. Regarding operation suspension, the automatic control is set to be active, therefore, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to initiate operation suspension to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2 via the communication network 16 and the remote monitoring device 15. Here, the management processing unit 22 can also notify the management personnel when the urgency level is above the first reference value for operation suspension. The control panel 11 stops the operation of the elevator 2 according to the control signal from the command unit 20. Before stopping the operation of the elevator 2, the control panel 11 stops the car 9 at any floor of the facility 3, allowing the user riding in the car 9 to disembark. In this example, the control panel 11 stops the car 9 at the nearest floor and allows the user to disembark.

[0058] Furthermore, when the water immersion detection unit 14 detects water immersion in the well passage 4, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to initiate the avoidance function even if the urgency level is less than the first reference value for the avoidance function. For example, when the water immersion detection unit 14 detects water immersion in the well passage 4, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to initiate the operation stoppage even if the urgency level is less than the first reference value for the operation stoppage. That is, as the output condition for the control signal to initiate the avoidance function, the command unit 20 prioritizes the water immersion detection of the well passage 4 performed by the water immersion detection unit 14 compared to the change in urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19.

[0059] Then, when the urgency eases due to a decrease in precipitation, the acquisition unit 19 obtains the urgency level of danger level 3 from the meteorological information system 23. At this time, since the urgency level is higher than the second reference value for operation suspension, the command unit 20 does not output a control signal to release the operation suspension. Furthermore, since the urgency level is higher than the second reference value for the upper floor standby, the command unit 20 does not output a control signal to release the upper floor standby.

[0060] Then, when the urgency further eases, the acquisition unit 19 obtains the urgency level of danger level 2 from the weather information system 23. At this time, the urgency level is less than the second reference value for operation suspension. Regarding operation suspension, the automatic control is set to be active, therefore, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to release the operation suspension to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2 through the communication network 16 and the remote monitoring device 15. Furthermore, the urgency level is less than the second reference value for waiting on the upper floor. Regarding waiting on the upper floor, the automatic control is set to be active, therefore, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to release the waiting on the upper floor to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2 through the communication network 16 and the remote monitoring device 15. Here, the management processing unit 22 can also notify the management personnel when the urgency level is less than the second reference value for operation suspension. Here, the management processing unit 22 can also notify the management personnel when the urgency level is less than the second reference value for waiting on the upper floor. The control panel 11 restarts the operation of the elevator 2 according to the control signal from the command unit 20. In addition, the control panel 11 releases the standby mode of the upper floors based on the control signal from the command unit 20.

[0061] Here, when the water immersion detection unit 14 detects water immersion in the well passage 4, even if the urgency level is less than the second reference value for the backoff function, the command unit 20 does not output a control signal to deactivate the backoff function. The command unit 20 postpones the deactivation of the backoff function until the water immersion detection unit 14 detects water immersion in the well passage 4. When the urgency level is less than the second reference value for the backoff function when the water immersion detection unit 14 detects water immersion in the well passage 4, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to deactivate the backoff function. That is, as the output condition for the control signal to deactivate the backoff function, the command unit 20 prioritizes the water immersion detection unit 14 detects water immersion in the well passage 4 compared to the change in urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19.

[0062] Furthermore, if the anomaly detection unit 13 detects an anomaly in facility 3, the command unit 20 may temporarily suspend the operation by not outputting a control signal to deactivate the retreat function, even if the urgency level is less than the second reference value for the retreat function. In this case, if the urgency level is less than the second reference value for the retreat function when the anomaly detection unit 13 deactivates the anomaly, the command unit 20 may output a control signal to deactivate the retreat function.

[0063] Furthermore, even if the monitoring processing unit 21 receives monitoring information indicating an anomaly has occurred in the elevator 2, the command unit 20 may temporarily refrain from outputting a control signal to deactivate the avoidance function, even if the urgency level is less than the second reference value for the avoidance function. Conversely, if the monitoring processing unit 21 receives monitoring information indicating that the anomaly in the elevator 2 has been eliminated, and the urgency level is less than the second reference value for the avoidance function, the command unit 20 may output a control signal to deactivate the avoidance function.

[0064] Then, as the urgency further eases, the acquisition unit 19 obtains the urgency level of danger level 1 from the weather information system 23. Since the urgency level is less than the descent threshold for the notification function, the management processing unit 22 notifies the management personnel. At this time, the elevator 2 is operating normally.

[0065] Then, as the urgency further eases, the acquisition department 19 sequentially obtains the urgency levels of danger 1 and danger 0 from the meteorological information system 23. At this time, elevator 2 is operating normally.

[0066] Furthermore, if the automatic control of the retraction function is set to be disabled, the instruction unit 20 will not output a control signal to start the retraction function when the urgency level is higher than the first reference value of the retraction function. On the other hand, when the urgency level is higher than the first reference value of the retraction function, the management processing unit 22 will notify the management personnel. The management personnel who receive the notification will perform a management operation, for example, to remotely start the retraction function through the management terminal 24. When the management processing unit 22 accepts the management operation, the instruction unit 20 will output a control signal to start the retraction function to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2.

[0067] Furthermore, when the automatic control of the back-off function is set to be disabled, the command unit 20 does not output a control signal to deactivate the back-off function if the urgency level is less than the second reference value of the back-off function. On the other hand, when the urgency level is less than the second reference value of the back-off function, the management processing unit 22 notifies the management personnel. The notified management personnel perform a management operation, for example, remotely deactivating the back-off function, through the management terminal 24. When the management processing unit 22 accepts the management operation, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to deactivate the back-off function to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2.

[0068] Next, use Figure 3 The action examples of management system 18 are explained.

[0069] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the management system 18 in Implementation 1.

[0070] exist Figure 3 The image shows an example of the processing when the backoff function is initiated.

[0071] Management system 18, for example, for each backoff function. Figure 3 The processing shown.

[0072] In step S1, the management processing unit 22 accepts the management operation for setting changes. Then, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S2.

[0073] In step S2, the acquisition unit 19 obtains the urgency of the flooding disaster at the location where the facility 3 equipped with the elevator 2 is located from the meteorological information system 23. Then, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S3.

[0074] In step S3, the instruction unit 20 determines whether the urgency level acquired by the acquisition unit 19 meets the start condition of the backoff function. In this example, the instruction unit 20 determines whether the urgency level has become higher than the first reference value. If the determination result is "no", the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S2. If the determination result is "yes", the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S4.

[0075] In step S4, the instruction unit 20 determines whether the automatic control has been set to active for the backoff function that has met the start conditions. If the determination result is "yes", the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S5. If the determination result is "no", the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S6.

[0076] In step S5, the instruction unit 20 outputs a control signal to the control panel 11 to initiate the backoff function. Then, the management system 18 ends the processing when the backoff function is initiated.

[0077] In step S6, the management processing unit 22 notifies the elevator 2's management personnel that the start conditions for the back-off function have been met. Then, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S7.

[0078] In step S7, the management processing unit 22 awaits input of management operations from the notified management personnel. Then, the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S8.

[0079] In step S8, the management processing unit 22 determines whether the management personnel have accepted the input for the management operation to start the remote backoff function. If the determination result is "yes", the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S5. If the determination result is "no", the processing in the management system 18 proceeds to step S7.

[0080] When the backoff function is deactivated, it also performs a process similar to... Figure 3 The same process applies. Alternatively, in the same process as step S3, the instruction unit 20 determines whether the water immersion detection unit 14 has detected water immersion. In this case, if the water immersion detection unit 14 detects water immersion, the instruction unit 20 determines that the release condition for the avoidance function is not met.

[0081] Additionally, urgency can be expressed on a scale of 6 levels or higher. Furthermore, urgency can also be expressed on a scale of less than 4 levels. Urgency can also be expressed as a series of consecutive numerical values.

[0082] As described above, the elevator system 1 of Embodiment 1 includes a remote monitoring device 15 and a management system 18. The remote monitoring device 15 is installed in the facility 3 where the elevator 2 is used. The remote monitoring device 15 is connected to a control panel 11 that controls the operation of the elevator 2. The remote monitoring device 15 provides the status information of the elevator 2 to the management system 18. The management system 18 includes an acquisition unit 19 and an instruction unit 20. The acquisition unit 19 sequentially acquires the urgency of the flooding disaster at the location where the facility 3 is located from an external meteorological information system 23. When the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 is above a first reference value, the instruction unit 20 initiates a flood avoidance function for the elevator 2. When the urgency acquired by the acquisition unit 19 is below a second reference value, the instruction unit 20 deactivates the flood avoidance function for the elevator 2. The first and second reference values ​​are preset such that the second reference value is below the first reference value.

[0083] According to this structure, in elevator 2, the back-off function is deactivated based on changes in emergency information from external sources such as the weather information system 23. Therefore, the back-off function to prevent flooding is deactivated regardless of the operations of the management personnel in facility 3. This suppresses delays in elevator 2's recovery caused by delayed arrival of management personnel. Furthermore, phenomena caused by meteorological disasters such as flooding may sometimes occur simultaneously in multiple facilities 3 managed by the management personnel. In such cases, since the back-off function is deactivated based on information from the weather system, elevator 2 can be restored without waiting for management personnel to arrive at each facility 3 sequentially. This minimizes disruption to user convenience. Moreover, since a first reference value related to the initiation of the back-off function and a second reference value related to the deactivation of the back-off function are set independently, the reference values ​​can be set such that the initiation of the back-off function is deactivated only after the emergency has been sufficiently alleviated. This more effectively suppresses damage caused by flooding.

[0084] In addition, the second benchmark value was set lower than the first benchmark value.

[0085] With this structure, the retreat function is deactivated only after the urgency has been sufficiently alleviated. This allows for more effective suppression of damage caused by flooding and other hazards.

[0086] Furthermore, the command unit 20 notifies the elevator 2 management personnel when the back-off function is activated. The command unit 20 also notifies the elevator 2 management personnel when the back-off function is deactivated.

[0087] With this structure, managers can more easily monitor the implementation status of the back-off function in elevator 2. This makes elevator 2 easier to manage.

[0088] In addition, as a reversal function, the command unit 20 stops the operation of elevator 2.

[0089] Based on this structure, the car 9 will not move when the urgency of a flood disaster is high, thus reducing the likelihood of damage caused by the car 9 being flooded or users being trapped in the elevator.

[0090] In addition, as a reversal function, the command unit 20 sets the standby floor of the car 9 to an upper floor that is above the floor preset in the facility 3.

[0091] Based on this structure, in the event of a high degree of urgency in a flood disaster, car 9 will remain in standby mode on an upper floor. This reduces the likelihood of damage such as car 9 being flooded while in standby mode, or water flowing into car 9 from an upper floor 5.

[0092] Furthermore, during the period when the anomaly detection unit 13 installed in facility 3 detects an anomaly in facility 3, the instruction unit 20 temporarily suspends the avoidance function of elevator 2.

[0093] Based on this structure, if an anomaly in facility 3 is detected, elevator 2 will not resume operation solely because weather conditions have recovered. Therefore, even if it resumes operation before weather conditions recover, secondary damage in elevator 2 can be suppressed.

[0094] In addition, when the water immersion detection unit 14 installed in the shaft 4 detects water immersion in the shaft 4, the command unit 20 temporarily suspends the avoidance function of the elevator 2.

[0095] Based on this structure, if water immersion is detected in the shaft 4, the elevator 2 will not resume operation solely based on the restoration of weather conditions. Therefore, even if the elevator resumes operation before the restoration of drainage in the shaft 4, secondary damage to the elevator 2 caused by flooding of the car 9 can be suppressed.

[0096] In addition, the management system 18 includes a monitoring processing unit 21. The monitoring processing unit 21 accepts the input of monitoring information from the monitoring personnel of elevator 2. When the monitoring processing unit 21 receives the input of monitoring information indicating that an anomaly has occurred in elevator 2, the instruction unit 20 temporarily suspends the elevator 2's back-off function until the monitoring processing unit receives the input of monitoring information indicating that the anomaly has been eliminated.

[0097] Based on this structure, even if no abnormality is detected in facility 3, elevator 2 will not resume operation solely based on the restoration of weather conditions if an abnormality is confirmed according to a notification. Therefore, even if operation resumes before the restoration of weather conditions, secondary damage to elevator 2 can be suppressed.

[0098] In addition, the management system 18 includes a management processing unit 22. The management processing unit 22 accepts management operation inputs from the management personnel of elevator 2. When the management processing unit 22 accepts a management operation to remotely release the back-avoidance function, the instruction unit 20 causes elevator 2 to release the back-avoidance function.

[0099] Based on this structure, even if weather conditions have not recovered, the function of elevator 2 can be restored according to the judgment of the management personnel. Therefore, it is less likely to impair the convenience of users. In addition, as the output condition for the control signal to release the avoidance function, the command unit 20 can prioritize the water immersion detection of the shaft 4 performed by the water immersion detection unit 14 compared to remote release based on management operations.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, if a communication failure occurs before the elevator 2's reversal function is deactivated, the acquisition unit 19 may sometimes be unable to acquire weather information from the weather information system 23. In this case, the command unit 20 can automatically output a control signal to deactivate the reversal function based on the elapsed time. For example, the command unit 20 determines whether a first time has elapsed since the acquisition unit 19 last acquired the urgency level. The first time is, for example, a time preset according to the urgency level acquisition cycle. If the first time has elapsed, the command unit 20 determines that the acquisition unit 19 is no longer able to acquire weather information from the weather information system 23. At this time, the command unit 20 determines whether a second time has elapsed since the elevator 2 activated its reversal function. The second time is, for example, a time preset to allow sufficient time for weather conditions to recover, such as 300 minutes. If the second time has elapsed, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to deactivate the reversal function to the elevator 2.

[0101] With this structure, even in the event of a communication failure, the backoff function is automatically deactivated over time. This further reduces the likelihood of compromising user convenience. Furthermore, as a condition for outputting the control signal to deactivate the backoff function, the command unit 20 can prioritize the water immersion detection of the wellbore 4 performed by the water immersion detection unit 14 over the second elapsed time.

[0102] Next, use Figure 4 An example of the hardware structure of the management system 18 is given.

[0103] Figure 4 This is a hardware structure diagram of the main parts of the management system 18 in Implementation Method 1.

[0104] The various processing functions in the management system 18 can be implemented by processing circuitry. Processing circuitry includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. Alternatively, processing circuitry may include at least one piece of dedicated hardware 200, in lieu of processor 100a and memory 100b.

[0105] When the processing circuit includes a processor 100a and a memory 100b, the functions of the management system 18 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is described as a program. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a implements the functions of the management system 18 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

[0106] The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing device, arithmetic device, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 100b is composed of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0107] When the processing circuit has dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit is implemented, for example, by a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programming processor, a parallel programming processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0108] Each function of the management system 18 can be implemented separately by processing circuitry. Alternatively, each function of the management system 18 can also be implemented uniformly by processing circuitry. Regarding each function of the management system 18, some can be implemented by dedicated hardware 200, while others can be implemented by software or firmware. Thus, the processing circuitry implements each function of the management system 18 through dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0109] In the various embodiments described below, the differences from the examples disclosed in other embodiments are described in particular detail. Any features of the examples disclosed in other embodiments may be used with respect to features not described in the following embodiments.

[0110] Implementation method 2.

[0111] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of elevator system 1 according to embodiment 2.

[0112] The management system 18 includes a facility information storage unit 25. The facility information storage unit 25 stores structural information about the facility 3. This structural information includes information such as whether each floor is an indoor floor or an outdoor floor. Indoor floors are floors where landing stations 5 are located indoors. Outdoor floors are floors where landing stations 5 extend outdoors. For example, if a landing station 5 is adjacent to an external corridor on any floor of the facility 3, that floor is stored as an outdoor floor in the facility information storage unit 25. Furthermore, if a landing station 5 is located on the roof of the facility 3, the roof is stored as an outdoor floor in the facility information storage unit 25. When the management system 18 manages elevators 2 in multiple facilities 3, the facility information storage unit 25 stores structural information for each facility 3.

[0113] The command unit 20 outputs control signals to the elevator 2 based on the structural information of the facility 3 stored in the facility information storage unit 25.

[0114] When elevator 2 begins its upper floor standby, command unit 20 outputs a control signal to control panel 11 to set any floor in the interior of facility 3 as the upper floor. The upper floor set at this time is, for example, the highest floor in the interior of facility 3. For instance, if all floors in facility 3 above a certain interior floor are outdoor floors, the upper floor is set to that indoor floor.

[0115] When elevator 2 is performing functions such as upper floor standby or avoidance, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the control panel 11 to set the door opening time based on the structural information of facility 3. In this example, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal so that the door opening time at the outdoor floor of facility 3 is shorter than the normal operating door opening time when elevator 2 begins upper floor standby. Then, when elevator 2 exits upper floor standby, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to restore the door opening time at the outdoor floor of facility 3 to the normal operating door opening time.

[0116] The command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the control panel 11 to set the floor where the car 9 will stop so that the user riding in the car 9 can disembark before the elevator 2 stops operating, based on the structural information of the facility 3. In this example, the command unit 20 sets this floor to any indoor floor of the facility 3. When there are multiple indoor floors in the facility 3, the command unit 20 can also stop the car 9 at the nearest indoor floor.

[0117] As explained above, the instruction unit 20 of the management system 18 in Embodiment 2 sets the indoor floor of the facility 3 to the floor where the user will disembark from the car 9 before the elevator 2 stops operating.

[0118] With this structure, since the open car door 12 allows users to descend to an indoor floor, it prevents wind and rain from blowing into the car 9 and the hoistway 4 through the open car door 12. This more effectively suppresses damage caused by water entering the hoistway 4.

[0119] In addition, the upper floors are pre-set as the indoor floors of facility 3.

[0120] With this structure, the car 9 is stationary at an indoor floor, thus preventing water blown into the landing 5 by the wind from flowing into the car 9 and the hoistway 4. This more effectively suppresses damage caused by water entering the hoistway 4.

[0121] In addition, the command unit 20 causes the elevator 2 to have a shorter door opening time at the outdoor floor of facility 3 during the period of implementing the back-off function than during normal operation.

[0122] During the standby period on the upper floors, the travel range of the car 9 is not particularly limited. At this time, the car 9 may sometimes travel to an outdoor floor in response to a user's call. Even in such cases, because the door opening time at the outdoor floor is shorter, it can prevent wind and rain from blowing into the car 9 and the hoistway 4 through the open car door 12. This more effectively suppresses damage caused by water entering the hoistway 4.

[0123] Implementation method 3.

[0124] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of elevator system 1 according to implementation method 3.

[0125] In the management system 18, multiple nearby facilities 3a are pre-defined for the facility 3 where the elevator 2 is installed. A nearby facility 3a of a particular facility 3 is, for example, a facility located within a pre-defined range for that facility 3. In this example, each nearby facility 3a is equipped with an elevator 2 and a remote monitoring device 15, which is used for remotely monitoring the status of the elevator 2.

[0126] The management system 18 includes a proximity information acquisition unit 26. The proximity information acquisition unit 26 is responsible for acquiring information about each of the neighboring facilities 3a of the facility 3. The proximity information acquisition unit 26 is connected to a remote monitoring device 15 of each neighboring facility 3a, for example, via a communication network 16. The proximity information acquisition unit 26 acquires, for example, information about water immersion occurring in each neighboring facility 3a from the remote monitoring device 15. This information could be, for example, water immersion detection information from a water immersion detection unit 14 installed in the shaft 4 of the elevator 2 in the neighboring facility 3a.

[0127] The command unit 20 outputs control signals to the elevator 2 based on the information obtained by the nearby information acquisition unit 26.

[0128] A baseline value for the number of facilities is preset in the command unit 20. The baseline value for the number of facilities is two or more. In this example, the baseline value for the number of facilities is set to two facilities. When the command unit 20 receives information about flooding from a nearby facility 3a that is above the baseline value, it outputs a control signal to the elevator 2 of that facility 3 to initiate a back-off function, such as suspending service on the upper floors or stopping operation. In this example, the command unit 20 initiates the back-off function of the elevator 2 of that facility 3 when it receives information about flooding from two or more nearby facilities 3a.

[0129] As explained above, the management system 18 of Embodiment 3 includes a proximity information acquisition unit 26. The proximity information acquisition unit 26 acquires information about flooding occurring in each of the various proximity facilities 3a pre-set for facility 3. When the proximity information acquisition unit 26 acquires information about flooding occurring from a number of proximity facilities 3a pre-set to a certain number, the instruction unit 20 initiates the elevator 2's back-off function. Here, the baseline value for the number of facilities is pre-set to 2 or more.

[0130] Based on this structure, even if the forecast from the meteorological information system 23, which forms the basis of the urgency level, is inaccurate, the retreat function can still be initiated based on information from nearby facilities 3a. Therefore, the retreat function can be initiated more reliably when necessary. Furthermore, if flooding occurs only in a single nearby facility 3a, it is possible that the flooding occurred due to inherent conditions. In such cases, since the command unit 20 suspends the output of the control signal to initiate the retreat function, it is less likely to initiate the retreat function unnecessarily. Therefore, user convenience is less likely to be compromised.

[0131] Implementation method 4.

[0132] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of elevator system 1 according to implementation method 4.

[0133] The management system 18 includes a learning unit 27 and an updating unit 28. The learning unit 27 learns the relationship between the occurrence of flooding in the wellbore 4 and the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19. The learning unit 27 learns based on the historical records of the urgency levels obtained by the acquisition unit 19 and the historical records of flooding occurrences in the wellbore 4. The updating unit 28 updates the reference values ​​in the instruction unit 20 based on the learning results of the learning unit 27. For example, the updating unit 28 updates the first reference value and the second reference value.

[0134] The learning unit 27 performs learning as described below. Based on past historical records, the learning unit 27 generates a frequency distribution for the urgency level when the immersion detection unit 14 begins to detect immersion. Furthermore, based on past historical records, the learning unit 27 generates a frequency distribution for the urgency level when the immersion detection unit 14 no longer detects immersion. These generated frequency distributions are examples of the relationship between immersion occurrence and urgency level.

[0135] The updating unit 28 updates the reference value as described below. The updating unit 28 calculates a representative value of the urgency based on the frequency distribution of the urgency level when flooding is first detected. The representative value of the urgency level may be, for example, the average value, the most frequent value, the median value, or the lowest value of the urgency level. The updating unit 28 updates the first reference value of the avoidance function in a manner that initiates a standby or operation stoppage function on the upper floor when the urgency level exceeds the calculated representative value. Furthermore, the updating unit 28 calculates a representative value of the urgency based on the frequency distribution of the urgency level when flooding is no longer detected. The updating unit 28 updates the second reference value of the avoidance function in a manner that does not deactivate the standby or operation stoppage function on the upper floor when the urgency level exceeds the calculated representative value.

[0136] In addition, the learning conducted by the learning department 27 and the updating of the benchmark values ​​conducted by the updating department 28 can be carried out regularly at a pre-set cycle, or whenever a meteorological disaster such as flooding of the well 4 occurs.

[0137] As explained above, the management system 18 of Embodiment 4 includes a learning unit 27 and an updating unit 28. The learning unit 27 learns the relationship between the occurrence of flooding in the well 4 and the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 based on the historical records of urgency levels obtained by the acquisition unit 19 and the historical records of flooding occurrences in the well 4. The updating unit 28 updates the first reference value and the second reference value based on the learning results of the learning unit 27.

[0138] Depending on the surrounding terrain or the inherent conditions of facility 3, such as its structure, the likelihood of flooding in facility 3 may differ from that in nearby facility 3a. In response, since the baseline values ​​are updated based on historical flooding occurrences and urgency records, a retreat function can be implemented based on these baseline values, taking into account the inherent conditions of facility 3. Thus, it is possible to balance reducing damage from flooding with ensuring user convenience, according to the conditions of each facility 3.

[0139] Implementation method 5.

[0140] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of elevator system 1 according to implementation method 5.

[0141] The management system 18 includes a facility information storage unit 25, a prediction unit 29, and a correction unit 30. The prediction unit 29 predicts the occurrence of flooding in the shaft 4. The prediction unit 29 makes predictions based on the conditions of the outdoor floor station 5 of the facility 3 and weather information of the location where the facility 3 is located. Here, the prediction unit 29 obtains the conditions of the outdoor floor station 5 of the facility 3 with reference to the facility information storage unit 25. The correction unit 30 corrects the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 based on the prediction results of the prediction unit 29.

[0142] The prediction unit 29 predicts the occurrence of flooding, for example, based on a prediction model generated as described below. The prediction model, for example, uses meteorological information obtained by the acquisition unit 19 from the meteorological information system 23 as input to calculate the probability of flooding occurring in the well shaft 4 after a predetermined time. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 60 minutes. The prediction unit 29, for example, groups past phenomena that may be associated with flooding, such as rainfall, according to the strength of their association with flooding. The strength of the association with flooding is calculated, for example, based on meteorological information such as precipitation. The prediction unit 29 calculates for each group the proportion of past phenomena that will cause flooding in the well shaft 4 after a predetermined time, as the probability of flooding occurring in the well shaft 4 after the predetermined time. The probability calculated for each group is an example of the prediction model. The prediction unit 29 determines which group the currently occurring phenomenon, such as rainfall, belongs to based on the meteorological information obtained by the acquisition unit 19. The prediction unit 29 calculates the probability for the group to which the currently occurring phenomenon belongs, as the probability of flooding occurring in the well shaft 4 after a predetermined time from the present.

[0143] Furthermore, the prediction unit 29 can also use historical records related to multiple different facilities 3 during the generation of the prediction model, ensuring a sufficient number of phenomena. In this case, the prediction unit 29 adjusts the probability in the prediction model based on the conditions of the outdoor floor station 5 of the facility 3 and meteorological information of the location where the facility 3 is located. Here, the conditions of the outdoor floor station 5 include, for example, the area of ​​the station 5, the orientation of the station 5 exposed outdoors, and the degree of exposure of the station 5. The degree of exposure includes, for example, whether there is a roof or the area of ​​an opening exposed outdoors. In addition, the meteorological information includes measured or predicted values ​​of wind speed, wind direction, or precipitation. The meteorological information also includes information such as weather disaster prevention warnings or alerts. For example, if the current upwind position is the orientation of the outdoor floor station 5, the prediction unit 29 calculates the probability of flooding by adding or subtracting the probability in the prediction model based on the wind speed, the degree of exposure of the station 5, etc.

[0144] The correction unit 30 corrects the urgency level as described below. If the probability of flooding predicted by the prediction unit 29 is greater than a preset probability, the correction unit 30 sets the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 to a higher level. Alternatively, when the urgency level is represented by consecutive numerical values, the correction unit 30 may also perform the correction by adding the value corresponding to the probability predicted by the prediction unit 29 to the urgency level.

[0145] The command unit 20 outputs control signals based on the urgency level corrected by the correction unit 30.

[0146] Alternatively, the prediction unit 29 can also generate a prediction model using other methods. For example, the prediction unit 29 can generate a prediction model that takes meteorological information of the location where facility 3 is located and structural information of facility 3 as input and outputs the time until flooding occurs. The prediction unit 29 can generate a prediction model, for example, using supervised learning methods that take meteorological information of past phenomena, structural information of facility 3, and the time until flooding occurs in facility 3 as learning data. The prediction unit 29 can also generate a prediction model using other machine learning methods. In this case, the correction unit 30, for example, sets the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 to a higher level if the time until flooding predicted by the prediction unit 29 is shorter than a preset time.

[0147] In addition, the prediction unit 29 can also use information about anomalies occurring in nearby facility 3a to predict the occurrence of flooding in well 4.

[0148] As explained above, the management system 18 of Embodiment 5 includes a prediction unit 29 and a correction unit 30. The prediction unit 29 predicts the occurrence of flooding in the shaft 4 based on the conditions of the outdoor floor station 5 of the facility 3 and the meteorological information of the location where the facility 3 is located. The correction unit 30 corrects the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit 19 based on the prediction results of the prediction unit 29.

[0149] Based on this structure, since the urgency level is corrected according to the prediction of the inherent conditions of facility 3, such as the conditions of the outdoor floor station 5 of facility 3, the retreat function can be implemented based on the urgency level taking into account the influence of the inherent conditions of facility 3. Thus, it is possible to balance the reduction of damage caused by flooding with the assurance of user convenience according to the conditions of each facility 3.

[0150] Implementation method 6.

[0151] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of elevator system 1 according to implementation method 6.

[0152] A camera device 32 is installed in elevator 2. The camera device 32 is used to capture images of the shaft 4. The camera device 32 is located in the lower part of the car 9. The camera device 32 captures images of the pit, for example. The images captured by the camera device 32 are collected into the management system 18, for example, via the control panel 11 and the remote monitoring device 15.

[0153] An oscillating section 33 is provided in elevator 2. The oscillating section 33 is the part that causes the water surface to fluctuate when the shaft 4 is flooded. The oscillating section 33 is located at the lower part of the car 9. The oscillating section 33 can, for example, drip liquid, supply air, or radiate sound waves to the lower part of the car 9. When the shaft 4 is flooded, the water surface will fluctuate due to this action. The management system 18, for example, activates the oscillating section 33 at a pre-set time when flooding is detected. The management system 18 activates the oscillating section 33, for example, via a control signal from the command unit 20.

[0154] The management system 18 includes an image processing unit 31. The image processing unit 31 detects water immersion in the well 4 based on images captured by the camera device 32. The image processing unit 31 detects water immersion in the well 4 based on images captured by the camera device 32 after the operation of the swinging part 33, which causes water surface ripples, when the well 4 is submerged. When the well 4 is submerged, the camera device 32 captures images of the water surface rippled due to the operation of the swinging part 33. The image processing unit 31 detects water immersion in the well 4 by detecting ripples or the like on the water surface. On the other hand, when the well 4 is not submerged, there is no water surface within the area captured by the camera device 32, so even if the swinging part 33 operates, the image processing unit 31 does not detect ripples or the like. Therefore, the image processing unit 31 does not detect water immersion in the well 4.

[0155] When the image processing unit 31 detects water immersion, the command unit 20 outputs a control signal to the control panel 11 of the elevator 2 to suppress the movement of the car 9 to prevent it from traveling to the water-immersed part.

[0156] Alternatively, the management system 18 can also use the equipment for operating the elevator 2 as the swing unit 33. For example, the management system 18 can also use a speed governor rope (not shown) or its tensioner pulley, etc., located in the pit, as the swing unit 33. These devices move within the pit as the car 9 travels. Therefore, in the case of water immersion in the shaft 4, the water surface will also fluctuate due to these devices as the car 9 travels. Therefore, the management system 18 can also, before image processing by the image processing unit 31, use control signals from the command unit 20, etc., to move the car 9 upwards as an action to cause water surface fluctuation in the case of water immersion in the shaft 4.

[0157] In addition, the image processing unit 31 can also detect water immersion in the well 4 by performing ripple detection based on the inflowing water, even when water has already flowed into the well 4.

[0158] As described above, the management system 18 of Embodiment 6 includes an image processing unit 31. The image processing unit 31 detects water immersion in the hoistway 4 based on images of the hoistway 4 captured by a camera device 32 installed at the bottom of the car 9. When the image processing unit 31 detects water immersion in the hoistway 4, the command unit 20 causes the elevator 2 to prevent the car 9 from traveling to the water-immersed portion of the hoistway 4.

[0159] With this structure, even in elevators 2 where the water immersion detection unit 14 is not installed in the shaft 4, or in elevators 2 where the water immersion detection unit 14 is installed at a high position, water immersion in the pit can be detected based on images. Therefore, damage to the elevator 2 caused by water immersion or other factors can be reduced more effectively.

[0160] Furthermore, the elevator system 1 includes a swing unit 33. The swing unit 33 performs an action that causes the water surface to ripple when the shaft 4 is submerged in water. The image processing unit 31 detects the submersion of the shaft 4 based on an image of the shaft 4 taken after the swing unit 33 has performed its action.

[0161] With this structure, even if the inflow of water into the well 4 has stopped, the image processing unit 31 can more reliably detect the water immersion in the well 4.

[0162] Implementation method 7.

[0163] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of elevator system 1 according to embodiment 7.

[0164] In this example, the water immersion detection unit 14 is a post-installed device added to the existing elevator 2. In this case, the water immersion detection unit 14 is not connected to the control panel 11. The water immersion detection unit 14 is connected to the remote monitoring device 15. The water immersion detection unit 14 is connected to the general-purpose switch, etc., of the remote monitoring device 15.

[0165] As described above, the elevator system 1 of Embodiment 7 includes a management system 18, a water immersion detection unit 14, and a remote monitoring device 15. The water immersion detection unit 14 is installed in the shaft 4. The water immersion detection unit 14 is not connected to the control panel 11. The water immersion detection unit 14 detects water immersion in the shaft 4. The remote monitoring device 15 is connected to the water immersion detection unit 14 in a manner capable of receiving detection information from the water immersion detection unit 14. The remote monitoring device 15 provides the management system 18 with information on the status of the elevator 2, including the detection information from the water immersion detection unit 14.

[0166] With this structure, since the detection information from the water immersion detection unit 14 is provided to the management system 18 without passing through the control panel 11, the water immersion detection unit 14 can be implemented without requiring any modification to the elevator 2 itself, which includes the control panel 11. Therefore, the management system 18 can be applied to a wider variety of elevators 2.

[0167] Industrial availability

[0168] The elevator system of the present invention can be applied to facilities with multiple floors. The management system of the present invention can be applied to the elevator system.

[0169] Label Explanation

[0170] 1: Elevator system; 2: Elevator; 3: Facilities; 3a: Nearby facilities; 4: Shaft; 5: Landing; 6: Landing door; 7: Traction machine; 8: Main rope; 9: Car; 10: Counterweight; 11: Control panel; 12: Car door; 13: Anomaly detection unit; 14: Water immersion detection unit; 15: Remote monitoring device; 16: Communication network; 17: Information center; 18: Management system; 19: Acquisition unit; 20: Command unit; 21: Monitoring and processing unit; 22: Management and processing unit; 23: Meteorological information system; 24: Management terminal; 25: Facility information storage unit; 26: Nearby information acquisition unit; 27: Learning unit; 28: Update unit; 29: Forecasting unit; 30: Calibration unit; 31: Image processing unit; 32: Camera device; 33: Swing unit; 100a: Processor; 100b: Memory; 200: Dedicated hardware.

Claims

1. An elevator system, wherein, The elevator system includes a management system and a swing mechanism. The management system has the following features: The acquisition unit obtains the urgency of the flooding disaster at the location where the facility using the elevator is located from an external system, the elevator having a car that travels in the shaft; The command unit, when the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit is above a preset first reference value, causes the elevator to start the retreat function to avoid water immersion; when the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit is less than a preset second reference value below the first reference value, causes the elevator to deactivate the retreat function. as well as The image processing unit detects water immersion in the shaft based on images of the shaft captured by a camera device installed under the car. The swinging part performs an action that causes the water surface to ripple when the well is already submerged. The image processing unit detects water immersion in the wellbore based on images of the wellbore taken after the swinging part's movement. When the image processing unit detects water immersion in the shaft, the command unit causes the elevator to prevent the car from traveling to the water-immersed portion of the shaft.

2. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, The second reference value is set to be lower than the first reference value.

3. The elevator system according to claim 1, wherein, As part of the avoidance function, the command unit causes the elevator to stop operating.

4. The elevator system according to claim 3, wherein, The command unit sets the indoor floor of the facility to the floor from which the user disembarks from the elevator car before stopping the elevator operation.

5. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The instruction unit notifies the elevator management personnel when the avoidance function is activated, and notifies the elevator management personnel when the avoidance function is deactivated.

6. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The elevator system also includes a proximity information acquisition unit, which acquires information regarding flooding occurring in multiple nearby facilities that are pre-defined for the facility. When the proximity information acquisition unit obtains information about flooding from two or more nearby facilities among the plurality of nearby facilities that have been pre-set to be nearby facilities, the instruction unit causes the elevator to start the avoidance function.

7. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, During the period when the anomaly detection unit installed in the facility detects an anomaly in the facility, the instruction unit temporarily suspends the elevator's back-off function.

8. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, While the water immersion detection unit installed in the shaft detects water immersion in the shaft, the command unit temporarily suspends the elevator's avoidance function.

9. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The elevator system also includes a management processing unit, which accepts input from the elevator's management personnel for management operations. When the management processing unit accepts a management operation to remotely cancel the back-off function, the instruction unit causes the elevator to cancel the back-off function.

10. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The elevator system also features: The monitoring and processing department accepts the monitoring information input from the elevator monitoring personnel. When the monitoring processing unit receives an input of monitoring information indicating an anomaly has occurred in the elevator, the instruction unit temporarily suspends the elevator's back-off function until the monitoring processing unit receives an input of monitoring information indicating that the anomaly has been eliminated.

11. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, If a predetermined first time has elapsed since the last urgency level was obtained by the acquisition unit, the instruction unit will deactivate the elevator's avoidance function after a predetermined second time has elapsed since the elevator started the avoidance function.

12. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The elevator system also features: The learning unit learns the relationship between flooding in the well and the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit based on the historical records of urgency levels obtained by the acquisition unit and the historical records of flooding in the well. as well as The updating unit updates the first reference value and the second reference value based on the learning results of the learning unit.

13. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The elevator system also features: The prediction unit predicts the occurrence of flooding in the shaft based on the conditions of the outdoor floors of the facility and meteorological information of the location where the facility is located; and The correction unit corrects the urgency level obtained by the acquisition unit based on the prediction result of the prediction unit.

14. The elevator system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, As part of the avoidance function, the command unit sets the standby floor of the car to an upper floor in the facility that is above a preset floor. The instruction unit causes the elevator to have a shorter door opening time at the outdoor floor of the facility during the implementation of the back-off function compared to normal operation.

15. The elevator system according to claim 14, wherein, The upper floor is pre-set as the indoor floor of the facility.

Images