Confirmation device for confirming a water-logged condition of an elevator shaft bottom

Abstract

Provided is a confirmation device of an elevator that can confirm the presence or absence of flooding at the bottom of a hoistway even without a flooding detector. The confirmation device of the elevator includes a reception unit that receives information, a storage unit that stores information, and a control unit that causes a monitoring device of the elevator to cause an imaging device provided to a car of the elevator to capture an image of the bottom of the hoistway based on information other than information from a flooding detector that detects flooding at the bottom of the hoistway of the elevator, then causes the monitoring device to transmit information of the image of the bottom of the hoistway, and then causes the storage unit to store information of the image of the bottom of the hoistway when the reception unit receives the information.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202180095744.4 (application date March 18, 2021, invention title "Confirmation device for confirming the water immersion status at the bottom of an elevator shaft") Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a confirmation device for confirming the water immersion status of the bottom of an elevator shaft. Background Technology

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an elevator verification system. According to this verification system, it is possible to verify whether there is water immersion at the bottom of the shaft.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-290842 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the verification system described in Patent Document 1 requires a water immersion detector. Therefore, the verification system becomes complicated.

[0009] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems. The object of this invention is to provide a confirmation device for elevators that can determine whether there is water immersion at the bottom of the shaft, even without a water immersion detector.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The elevator verification device of the present invention comprises: a receiving unit for receiving information; a storage unit for storing information; and a control unit that causes an elevator monitoring device to cause a camera device installed in the elevator car to acquire an image of the bottom of the shaft based on information other than information from a water immersion detector that detects water immersion at the bottom of the elevator shaft, then causes the monitoring device to transmit information about the image of the bottom of the shaft, and then causes the storage unit to store the information about the image of the bottom of the shaft when the receiving unit receives the information.

[0012] The elevator confirmation device of the present invention comprises: a sending unit for sending information; a receiving unit for receiving information; a storage unit for storing information; an accumulation unit for accumulating multiple rainfall data at locations where multiple elevators are respectively installed, corresponding to data on whether or not the bottom of the elevator shaft is flooded; an evaluation unit for quantitatively evaluating the likelihood of flooding at the bottom of the elevator shaft for the multiple elevators based on a comparison between the current rainfall prediction data and the data accumulated in the accumulation unit; and a selection unit for selecting multiple candidate elevators from the multiple elevators based on the evaluation results of the evaluation unit. The system includes a control unit that causes the sending unit to send information to the monitoring devices of the multiple candidate elevators selected by the selection unit, instructing them to collect images of the bottom of the shaft. Then, the monitoring devices of the multiple candidate elevators, based on this information, instruct each of the multiple candidate elevators to collect images of the bottom of the shaft. Next, multiple camera devices installed in the cars of the multiple candidate elevators collect images of the bottom of the shaft. Then, the monitoring devices of the multiple candidate elevators send information about the images of the bottom of the shaft. Finally, when the receiving unit receives this information, the storage unit stores the information about the images of the bottom of the shaft of the multiple candidate elevators.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, the verification device stores image information of the bottom of the well based on information other than that from the water immersion detector. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether there is water immersion at the bottom of the well even without a water immersion detector. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an elevator system that uses the elevator verification device of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the web server used as the elevator verification device in Implementation Method 1.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation summary of the WEB server used to explain the elevator confirmation device as described in Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a hardware structure diagram of the WEB server for the elevator confirmation device in Implementation Method 1.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the WEB server used as the elevator verification device in Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation summary of the WEB server used to explain the elevator confirmation device as described in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals. Repetitive descriptions of these parts have been simplified or omitted where appropriate.

[0022] Implementation method 1.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an elevator system that uses the elevator verification device of Embodiment 1.

[0024] exist Figure 1 In the elevator system, shaft 1 runs through all floors of a building (not shown). Traction machine 2 is located at the top of shaft 1. Main rope 3 is wound around traction machine 2.

[0025] A pair of car guide rails 4 are installed inside the hoistway 1. The length direction of each pair of car guide rails 4 is vertical. The car 5 is installed inside the hoistway 1. The car 5 is supported from below on one side of the main rope 3. The car 5 is guided vertically by the pair of car guide rails 4.

[0026] A pair of counterweight side guide rails 6 are installed inside the shaft 1. The length direction of each pair of counterweight side guide rails 6 is vertical. The counterweight 7 is installed inside the shaft 1. The upper part of the counterweight 7 is supported on the other side of the main rope 3. The counterweight 7 is guided vertically by the pair of counterweight side guide rails 6.

[0027] The speed governor 8 is located at the upper part of the shaft 1. The tension pulley 9 is located at the lower part of the shaft 1. The speed governor rope 10 is configured as a loop. The speed governor rope 10 is wound around the speed governor 8 and the tension pulley 9.

[0028] The socket 11 is located at the bottom of the car 5. The adapter 12 is mechanically and electrically connected to the socket 11 at the bottom of the car 5. The lighting 13 is mechanically and electrically connected to the adapter 12 at the bottom of the car 5.

[0029] The camera device 14 is located in the lower part of the car 5. One end of the power cord 15 is mechanically and electrically connected to the camera device 14. The plug 16 is mechanically and electrically connected to the other end of the power cord 15. The plug 16 is mechanically and electrically connected to the adapter 12.

[0030] Microphone 17 is located on the upper part of car 5.

[0031] The control device 18 is located at the top of the shaft 1.

[0032] The monitoring device 19 is located at the top of the shaft 1. The monitoring device 19 is electrically connected to the control device 18, the socket 11, and the microphone 17.

[0033] The first communication terminal 20 is held by the elevator owner.

[0034] The confirmation system 21 is installed at a location away from a building equipped with an elevator. For example, the confirmation system 21 is installed at an elevator maintenance company. For example, the confirmation system 21 includes a processing device 22, an input device 23, and a display device 24.

[0035] The second communication terminal 25 is located around the confirmation system 21.

[0036] For example, web server 26 is installed in the same location as verification system 21 as a verification device. Alternatively, web server 26 may be installed in a different location than verification system 21 as a verification device. Web server 26 is configured to communicate with monitoring device 19 via a monitoring line. Web server 26 is configured to communicate with processing device 22.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In the elevator, control device 18 causes the traction machine 2 to rotate. The main rope 3 moves in tandem with the rotation of the traction machine 2. The car 5 and counterweight 7 move up and down in opposite directions in tandem with the movement of the main rope 3. At this time, the speed governor rope 10 moves in tandem with the movement of the car 5. The speed governor 8 rotates in tandem with the movement of the speed governor rope 10. Control device 18 determines the vertical position of the car 5 based on the rotational speed of the speed governor 8.

[0038] During typhoons or heavy rainstorms, the personnel at the elevator maintenance company input information, indicating the acquisition of images of the bottom of the shaft 1, into the monitoring device 19 via the input device 23. For example, the personnel input pre-set "image acquisition" registration information based on the content displayed on the display device 24.

[0039] Web server 26 receives information from input device 23 via processing device 22. Based on the information from input device 23, web server 26 sends information to monitoring device 19 via monitoring line instructing it to acquire images of the bottom of well 1.

[0040] Based on information from the web server 26, the monitoring device 19 sends a message to the control device 18 instructing the car 5 to move to the lower part of the hoistway 1.

[0041] Based on information from the monitoring device 19, the control device 18 moves the car 5 to the lower part of the hoistway 1. For example, the control device 18 moves the car 5 to the lowest floor. For example, the control device 18 moves the car 5 to the floor above the lowest floor.

[0042] After the car 5 reaches the lower part of the hoistway 1, the monitoring device 19 supplies power to the socket 11. A portion of this power is supplied to the lighting 13 via the adapter 12. The remaining portion of this power is supplied to the camera device 14 via the adapter 12, the plug 16, and the power cord 15.

[0043] The lighting 13 is powered by electricity. The camera device 14 is powered by electricity to capture images of the bottom of the shaft 1.

[0044] The monitoring device 19 obtains image information of the bottom of the shaft 1 from the camera device 14. The monitoring device 19 sends the image information of the bottom of the shaft 1 to the WEB server 26 through the monitoring line.

[0045] Web server 26 stores image information of the bottom of shaft 1 from monitoring device 19. Web server 26 uses processing device 22 to display the image information of the bottom of shaft 1 on display device 24.

[0046] The personnel in charge use their naked eyes to check the information displayed on the display device 24 to determine whether there is water at the bottom of the well 1.

[0047] Next, use Figure 2 The WEB server 26 is explained.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the web server used as the elevator verification device in Implementation Method 1.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the WEB server 26 includes a sending unit 26a, a receiving unit 26b, a storage unit 26c, and a control unit 26d.

[0050] The transmitting unit 26a is configured to transmit information. The receiving unit 26b is configured to receive information. The storage unit 26c is configured to store information. The control unit 26d is configured to control the operation of the transmitting unit 26a, the receiving unit 26b, and the storage unit 26c.

[0051] For example, based on the operation of the input device 23, the control unit 26d causes the transmission unit 26a to send information to the monitoring device 19 instructing it to acquire images of the wellbore 1. For example, when the receiving unit 26b receives image information of the bottom of the wellbore 1 from the monitoring device 19, it causes the storage unit 26c to store the information. For example, the control unit 26d causes the display device 24 to display the image information of the bottom of the wellbore 1 stored in the storage unit 26c.

[0052] Next, use Figure 3 A summary of the actions of web server 26 is provided.

[0053] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating the operation summary of the WEB server used to explain the elevator confirmation device as described in Embodiment 1.

[0054] In step S1, the web server 26 determines whether information indicating the acquisition of an image of the bottom of the shaft 1 has been input from the input device 23. If no information indicating the acquisition of an image of the bottom of the shaft 1 has been input in step S1, the web server 26 repeats the action of step S1. If information indicating the acquisition of an image of the bottom of the shaft 1 has been input in step S1, the web server 26 performs the action of step S2.

[0055] In step S2, the web server 26 sends a message to the monitoring device 19 instructing it to acquire an image of the bottom of the wellbore 1. Then, the web server 26 performs step S3. In step S3, the web server 26 determines whether it has received image information of the bottom of the wellbore 1 from the monitoring device 19.

[0056] If no image information of the bottom of shaft 1 is received in step S3, the WEB server 26 repeats step S3. If image information of the bottom of shaft 1 is received in step S3, the WEB server 26 performs step S4.

[0057] In step S4, the web server 26 stores the image information of the bottom of the shaft 1. Then, the web server 26 performs the action in step S5. In step S5, the web server 26 causes the display device 24 to display the image information of the bottom of the shaft 1. Then, the web server 26 ends the action.

[0058] According to Embodiment 1 described above, the WEB server 26 stores the image information of the bottom of the shaft 1 captured by the camera device 14 based on information other than that from the water immersion detector detecting water immersion at the bottom of the shaft 1. Therefore, even without a water immersion detector, it is possible to confirm whether there is water immersion at the bottom of the shaft 1 in a short time without having to go to the site. In this case, the downtime of the elevator for investigation is reduced. Therefore, the elevator can be used continuously.

[0059] Furthermore, the web server 26 enables the display device 24 to display image information of the bottom of the shaft 1. Therefore, the personnel in charge can visually confirm whether the bottom of the shaft 1 is flooded.

[0060] Furthermore, based on the operation of the input device 23, the web server 26 sends information to the monitoring device 19 instructing it to collect images of the bottom of the shaft 1. Therefore, it is possible for the responsible personnel to determine whether to confirm whether the bottom of the shaft 1 is flooded.

[0061] Alternatively, when the car 5 has moved to the lower or upper part of the shaft 1, the monitoring device 19 can determine whether to trigger the camera device 14 to capture an image of the bottom of the shaft 1 based on the sound information collected by the microphone 17. Specifically, the monitoring device 19 can trigger the camera device 14 to capture an image of the bottom of the shaft 1 when it collects the sound of the car 5 or the counterweight 7 being submerged in water accumulated at the bottom of the shaft 1. In this case, it is also possible to confirm whether there is water immersion at the bottom of the shaft 1.

[0062] Alternatively, the system can be configured such that, if the elevator owner has communicated with the second communication terminal using the first communication terminal 20, the responsible personnel can check whether there is water seepage at the bottom of the elevator shaft 1 based on a request from the owner. In this case, it is possible to check whether there is water seepage at the bottom of the shaft 1 more efficiently.

[0063] Next, use Figure 4 The example of web server 26 is explained.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a hardware structure diagram of the WEB server for the elevator confirmation device in Implementation Method 1.

[0065] The various functions of the web server 26 can be implemented through processing circuitry. For example, the processing circuitry includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuitry includes at least one dedicated hardware 200.

[0066] When the processing circuitry includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, the functions of the web server 26 are implemented through software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is described as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a implements the functions of the web server 26 by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a is also referred to as a central processing unit, a computing unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. For example, at least one memory 100b is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), disk, floppy disk, optical disk, CD (compact disk), mini disc, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc.

[0067] When the processing circuitry has at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry can be 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. For example, the various functions of the web server 26 can be implemented separately by the processing circuitry. Alternatively, the various functions of the web server 26 can be implemented collectively by the processing circuitry.

[0068] Regarding the various functions of the web server 26, some can be implemented by dedicated hardware 200, while others can be implemented by software or firmware. For example, the functions of the control unit 26d can be implemented by processing circuitry as dedicated hardware 200, while functions other than those of the control unit 26d can be implemented by at least one processor 100a reading and executing programs stored in at least one memory 100b.

[0069] In this way, the processing circuitry implements the various functions of the WEB server 26 through hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0070] Although not shown, the functions of the control device 18 and the monitoring device 19 can be implemented by the same processing circuitry that implements the functions of the web server 26. Similarly, the functions of the processing device 22 can be implemented by the same processing circuitry that implements the functions of the web server 26.

[0071] Implementation method 2.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the web server for the elevator verification device in Embodiment 2. Furthermore, parts that are identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 are labeled with the same reference numerals. Descriptions of these parts are omitted.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, in addition to the sending unit 26a, receiving unit 26b, storage unit 26c and control unit 26d, the WEB server 26 also has an accumulation unit 26e, an evaluation unit 26f and a selection unit 26g.

[0074] The transmitting unit 26a is configured to transmit information. The receiving unit 26b is configured to receive information. The storage unit 26c is configured to store information.

[0075] The accumulation unit 26e is configured to accumulate multiple rainfall data points at the locations where the multiple elevators are respectively located, along with data on whether the bottom of the elevator shaft 1 is flooded. The evaluation unit 26f is configured to quantitatively evaluate the likelihood of flooding at the bottom of the shaft 1 for the multiple elevators based on a comparison between the current rainfall forecast data obtained from a meteorological bureau or similar source and the information accumulated in the accumulation unit. The selection unit 26g is configured to select multiple candidate elevators from the multiple elevators based on the evaluation results of the evaluation unit 26f.

[0076] The control unit 26d is configured to control the operation of the transmitting unit 26a, the receiving unit 26b, the storage unit 26c, the accumulation unit 26e, the evaluation unit 26f, and the selection unit 26g.

[0077] For example, the control unit 26d causes the sending unit 26a to send information to the monitoring devices 19 of the multiple candidate elevators selected by the selection unit 26g, instructing them to collect images of the bottom of the shaft 1. For example, when the receiving unit 26b receives image information of the bottom of the shaft 1 from the multiple monitoring devices 19, the control unit 18 causes the storage unit 26c to store the information of the bottom of the shaft 1 of the multiple candidate elevators. For example, the control unit 26d causes the display device 24 to display the image information of the bottom of the shaft 1 of the multiple candidate elevators stored in the storage unit 26c.

[0078] Next, use Figure 6 A summary of the actions of web server 26 is provided.

[0079] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation summary of the WEB server used to explain the elevator confirmation device as described in Embodiment 2.

[0080] In step S11, the WEB server 26 quantitatively evaluates the likelihood of waterlogging at the bottom of the shaft 1 for multiple elevators based on a comparison between the current rainfall prediction and the information stored in the storage unit 22e. Then, the WEB server 26 proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the WEB server 26 displays the information representing the multiple elevators and the information representing the likelihood of waterlogging at the bottom of the shaft 1 on the display device 24. For example, the WEB server 26 causes the display device 24 to display the multiple elevators in descending order of the likelihood of waterlogging at the bottom of the shaft.

[0081] Then, the web server 26 performs step S13. In step S13, the web server 26 determines whether any elevator has been specified through the operation of the input device 23. If no elevator has been specified in step S13, the web server 26 repeats step S13. If any elevator has been specified in step S13, the web server 26 performs step S14.

[0082] In step S14, the web server 26 sets the elevator as a temporary candidate elevator. Then, the web server 26 performs the action in step S15. In step S15, the web server 26 determines whether a registration request has been made through the operation of the input device 23.

[0083] If no registration request is made in step S15, the web server 26 performs the action in step S13. If a registration request is made in step S15, the web server 26 performs the action in step S16.

[0084] In step S16, the WEB server 26 sets the temporary candidate elevator at the current moment as the actual candidate elevator. Then, the WEB server 26 performs the action in step S17. In step S17, the WEB server 26 instructs the monitoring device 19 of the elevator that has been set as the actual candidate elevator to capture the image of the bottom of the shaft 1.

[0085] Then, the WEB server 26 performs step S18. In step S18, the WEB server 26 determines whether it has received image information from the bottom of the well 1 of the monitoring device 19.

[0086] If no image information of the bottom of shaft 1 is received in step S18, the WEB server 26 repeats the action of step S18. If image information of the bottom of shaft 1 is received in step S18, the WEB server 26 performs the action of step S19.

[0087] In step S19, the web server 26 stores image information of the bottom of the shaft 1. Then, the web server 26 performs the action in step S20. In step S20, the web server 26 determines whether a display request has been made through the operation of the input device 23.

[0088] If it is determined in step S20 that no display request has been made, the web server 26 performs the action in step S18. If it is determined in step S20 that a display request has been made, the web server 26 performs the action in step S21.

[0089] In step S21, the web server 26, upon request, causes the display device 24 to display image information of the bottom of the shaft 1. For example, the web server 26 causes the display device 24 to display all the information of the images stored at the current moment. For example, the web server 26 causes the display device 24 to display an image of the bottom of the specified elevator shaft 1. Then, the web server 26 performs the action of step S18.

[0090] According to Embodiment 2 described above, the WEB server 26 instructs the monitoring device 19 of the elevator whose shaft 1 is likely to be flooded to acquire an image of the bottom of the shaft 1. The likelihood of flooding at the bottom of the shaft 1 is determined by considering past rainfall data and past flooding records. For example, even if the predicted rainfall at the current moment is low, if flooding of the bottom of the shaft 1 has occurred in the past due to such rainfall, it is determined that the likelihood of flooding at the bottom of the shaft 1 is high. Therefore, it is possible to more efficiently confirm whether the bottom of the shaft 1 is flooded for multiple elevators.

[0091] Furthermore, the web server 26 sets the elevators specified based on external information as temporary candidate elevators, and sets the temporary candidate elevators at the current moment as actual candidate elevators based on external information. Therefore, the responsible personnel can efficiently confirm whether the bottom of the shaft 1 of the elevator of interest is flooded.

[0092] Alternatively, if water is detected at the bottom of shaft 1, the elevator can be stopped. At this time, a message indicating that the elevator has been stopped and that maintenance personnel have been arranged can be sent to the portable terminals of frequent elevator users.

[0093] Furthermore, if it is confirmed that the bottom of the shaft 1 is flooded, the elevator cars 5 around that elevator can be kept from moving to the lowest floor. For example, the elevator cars 5 around that elevator can be moved to the highest floor. In this case, even if it is not confirmed that the bottom of the shaft 1 of the elevators around that elevator is flooded, the safety of the elevators around that elevator can be ensured.

[0094] Alternatively, the WEB server 26 of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 can be applied to elevators where the traction machine 2, control device 18, and monitoring device 19 are located at the bottom of the shaft 1, or to elevators where the traction machine 2, control device 18, and monitoring device 19 are located in the machine room.

[0095] Industrial availability

[0096] As described above, the elevator verification device of the present invention can be used in elevator systems.

[0097] Label Explanation

[0098] 1: Hoistway; 2: Traction machine; 3: Main rope; 4: Car guide rail; 5: Car; 6: Counterweight side guide rail; 7: Counterweight; 8: Speed ​​governor; 9: Tensioner pulley; 10: Speed ​​governor rope; 11: Socket; 12: Adapter; 13: Lighting; 14: Camera device; 15: Power cord; 16: Plug; 17: Microphone; 18: Control device; 19: Monitoring device; 20: First communication terminal; 21: Confirmation system; 22: Processing device; 23: Input device; 24: Display device; 25: Second communication terminal; 26: Web server; 26a: Transmitting unit; 26b: Receiving unit; 26c: Storage unit; 26d: Control unit; 26e: Accumulation unit; 26f: Evaluation unit; 26g: Selection unit; 100a: Processor; 100b: Memory; 200: Hardware.

Claims

1. A confirmation device for an elevator, wherein, The elevator's confirmation device includes: The sending department, which transmits information; The receiving unit receives information; The storage department stores information. The storage unit stores the rainfall data at the locations where the elevators are located, and records whether the bottom of the elevator shafts is flooded. The evaluation department quantitatively evaluates the likelihood of water inundation at the bottom of the shaft for the multiple elevators based on a comparison between the current rainfall forecast and the information stored in the storage unit. The selection unit selects multiple candidate elevators from the plurality of elevators based on the evaluation results of the evaluation unit; as well as The control unit causes the sending unit to send information to the monitoring devices of the multiple candidate elevators selected by the selection unit, instructing them to collect images of the bottom of the shaft. Then, the monitoring devices of the multiple candidate elevators are instructed to collect images of the bottom of the shaft according to the information. Then, multiple camera devices installed in the cars of the multiple candidate elevators are used to collect images of the bottom of the shaft. Then, the monitoring devices of the multiple candidate elevators are sent information about the images of the bottom of the shaft. When the receiving unit receives the information, the storage unit stores the information about the images of the bottom of the shaft of the multiple candidate elevators.

2. The elevator verification device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit causes the display device to display information about the image of the bottom of the wellbore stored in the storage unit.

3. The elevator verification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit displays information about the multiple elevators on a display device, along with information indicating the possibility of water immersion at the bottom of the shaft. When the display device displays information indicating the plurality of elevators in correspondence with information indicating the possibility of water immersion at the bottom of the shaft, the selection unit sets the elevator specified based on external information as a temporary candidate elevator, and sets the temporary candidate elevator at the current moment as an actual candidate elevator based on external information.

Images