Elevator system and elevator operating device for different operating modes

Abstract

An elevator operating device (4) has a bus interface device (30), a memory device (32), a screen system (5, 37) and a control device (50). A storage device (32) stores configuration data and electronic instructions for selectable operating modes of the elevator operating device (4), a first operating mode being designed to process an elevator call indicating a driving direction and a second operating mode being designed to process an elevator call indicating a target floor. The screen system is designed to display a graphical user interface (36) on the touch screen (5). The control device (50) is designed to read configuration data and electronic instructions for the selected operating mode from the memory device (32) and to operate the elevator operating device (4) in accordance with the selected operating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology presented here generally relates to an elevator system. Embodiments of the technology particularly relate to an elevator operating device, use of such an elevator operating device in an elevator system, and a method for operating such an elevator operating device. Background Art

[0002] In buildings equipped with elevator systems, elevator operators are arranged on each floor, with which passengers can call the elevator. According to known control technology for elevator systems, the elevator operators arranged on the floor have mechanical buttons, with which the personnel can enter the desired direction of travel (up / down); this control technology is also referred to as up / down direction control in the following. By pressing one of these buttons, the elevator call is entered, after which the elevator controller confirms the elevator call at the elevator operator and makes the elevator car available for boarding on the floor, for example, the elevator car moves to the floor (boarding floor) and opens the elevator door. A car operator (car call device) is arranged in the elevator car, with which the personnel in the elevator car can enter the desired destination floor; the destination floor is also referred to as car call.

[0003] According to another known control technology (which is also called target call control), an elevator operating device arranged on a floor has buttons or fields displayed on a touch screen that are assigned to each target floor. By pressing or touching the button assigned to the desired target floor, an elevator call called a target call can be input. Based on the input of the target call, the landing floor and the target floor are obtained; then, the call input in the elevator car can no longer be set.

[0004] Elevator installations equipped with a target call control mechanism can be advantageously used in buildings with a large number of floors and a correspondingly high flow of people. In contrast, elevator installations with up / down direction control are used in buildings with a relatively small number of floors. In addition, elevator installations using two control technologies are known, for example, from US Pat. No. 7,766,129 B2. In this elevator installation, two types of elevator operating devices are installed in the building: For example, for cost reasons, the target call control elevator operating device is only provided for floors with a large flow of people. Although these known solutions use the flow of people to select the control technology and the associated costs, for some buildings there may be other or even more extensive building-specific requirements and therefore also the above requirements for the elevator installations intended therein. Therefore, a technology is needed that can better meet these requirements. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of the technology described herein relates to an elevator operating device, which includes: a bus interface device, a storage device, a screen system, and a control device communicatively connected to the bus interface device, the screen system, and the storage device. The bus interface device is designed to communicate with the elevator operating device of the elevator equipment via the communication bus system. The storage device stores configuration data and electronic instructions for selectable operating modes of the elevator operating device. The first operating mode is designed to process an elevator call indicating a travel direction, and the second operating mode is designed to process an elevator call indicating a target floor. The screen system has a touch screen and is designed to display a graphical user interface on the touch screen. The control device is designed to read the configuration data and electronic instructions for the selected operating mode from the storage device and operate the elevator operating device according to the selected operating mode.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an elevator system having a plurality of such elevator operating devices. The elevator system also has an elevator operating device, at least one elevator car, and a communication bus system, wherein the at least one elevator car can be moved between floors of a building under the control of the elevator operating device and driven by a drive machine. The elevator operating device can be communicatively connected to the communication bus system and is arranged on the floor for inputting elevator calls.

[0007] Another aspect of the technology relates to a method for operating an elevator operating device in such an elevator installation. The elevator operating device is connected to a communication bus system of the elevator installation. The method includes generating a configuration input mask on a graphical user interface, which displays a touch screen of a screen system under the control of a control device of the elevator operating device. The configuration mask includes a first selection input field for a first operating mode of the elevator operating device and a second selection input field for a second operating mode of the elevator operating device. When the screen system detects a touch on the first selection input field, configuration data and electronic instructions for the first operating mode are read from a storage device, and the elevator operating device is configured corresponding to the first operating mode according to the read configuration data and electronic instructions. When the screen system detects a touch on the second selection input field, configuration data and electronic instructions for the second operating mode are read from a storage device, and the elevator operating device is configured corresponding to the second operating mode according to the configuration data and electronic instructions.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the technology presented here, an elevator operating device is mainly provided, which stores configuration data and electronic instructions for a plurality of optional operating modes of the elevator operating device. Thus, the elevator operating device can be adapted on site to the requirements of the elevator installation and its use in the building. For example, the elevator operating device can be configured to input and process elevator calls indicating the direction of travel, or the elevator operating device can be configured to input and process elevator calls indicating the target floor. Thus, a single elevator operating device can be configured for one operating mode or another operating mode as required.

[0009] Two operating modes can also be used for one elevator installation. The elevator operating device on the first floor can, for example, be configured for the first operating mode, and the elevator operating device on the second floor can, for example, be configured for the second operating mode. Despite the different operating modes, the two elevator operating devices according to one embodiment have the same appearance or design.

[0010] For the mentioned on-site configuration, it is advantageous if the control device of the elevator operating device is designed to operate the screen system and to display a configuration input mask on the graphical user interface. The configuration mask comprises a first selection input field for the first operating mode and a second selection input field for the second operating mode. When the first selection input field is touched, the elevator operating device is configured according to the configuration data and electronic instructions for the first operating mode. When the second selection input field is touched, the elevator operating device is configured according to the configuration data and electronic instructions for the second operating mode. The configuration input mask is designed in such a way that the selection of the operating mode becomes simple and intuitive. After the selection, the elevator operating device itself is configured.

[0011] In an embodiment that can be used in combination with one or more of the above-described embodiments, the control device is designed to: in a first operating mode, operate the screen system to display a driving direction field on the graphical user interface, and in a second operating mode, operate the screen system to display a destination floor field on the graphical user interface. The driving direction field can be displayed in a known manner. The destination floor field can include a number and / or floor information (e.g., name, stop level, information about services (e.g., restaurant), etc.). In addition, other information can be displayed in both operating modes.

[0012] In an embodiment which can be used in combination with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the control device is designed to generate a first request message in a first operating mode, the first request message comprising the address of the elevator controller, the identifier of the elevator operating device and the travel direction, and to generate a second request message in a second operating mode, the second request message comprising the address of the elevator controller, the identifier of the elevator operating device and an indication of the target floor. In both operating modes, the corresponding request message is sent to the elevator controller via the bus interface device and the communication bus system.

[0013] In an embodiment which can be used in combination with one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments, the bus interface device stores data and instructions for certain communication bus technologies, in particular their transmission methods, communication protocols and / or framework structures. The bus interface device is designed to communicate via the communication bus system according to one of the stored communication bus technologies. Since the bus interface device stores the properties of the mentioned bus technologies, the elevator operating device is independent in terms of the bus and can be selectively connected to any communication bus system designed according to the bus technology suitable for use in the elevator installation.

[0014] In an embodiment that can be combined with one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, the elevator controller can be communicatively connected to the communication bus system and is designed to: receive an elevator call indicating a travel direction from an elevator operating device arranged on a first floor and configured for a first operating mode, and when a car call indicating a target floor is received input in the car, move the car to the target floor.

[0015] In an embodiment that can be used in combination with one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, the elevator controller can be communicatively connected to the communication bus system and configured to: receive an elevator call indicating a target floor from an elevator operating device arranged on a first floor and configured for a second operating mode, provide an elevator car on the first floor, and after receiving a status signal indicating that the elevator door is closed, move the elevator car to the target floor indicated by the elevator call.

[0016] In an embodiment which can be applied in combination with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the elevator installation further comprises a destination call control device which is communicatively connected to the elevator controller and the communication bus system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Below, various aspects of the improved technology are explained in more detail based on embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same elements have the same reference numerals. Among them:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary situation in a building with multiple floors and an exemplary elevator installation;

[0019] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Shown in accordance with Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface of an elevator operating device arranged on one floor in an elevator installation of FIG.

[0020] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D A schematic diagram showing possible application scenarios of an elevator operating device; and

[0021] Figure 4 a schematic diagram showing an exemplary elevator operating device; and

[0022] Figure 5 An exemplary illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating an elevator operating device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary situation in a building 2, which has a plurality of floors L0, L, Ln served by an elevator system 1. Floor L0 may be the entrance hall of the building 2, into which a person enters when entering the building 2 and from which he leaves the building 2. When a person enters floor L0, from there, with the corresponding access authorization, he can reach each floor L, Ln of the building 2 served by the elevator system 1. For the sake of explanation, in Figure 1 In the figure, only the elevator controller 8, the drive machine 14, the suspension 16 (for example, a steel cable or a flat belt), the elevator car 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the car 10) suspended on the suspension 16 and movable in the shaft 18, and a plurality of elevator operating devices 4 are shown in the elevator system 1, which are communicatively connected to the elevator controller 8 via a communication bus system 22. It is known to those skilled in the art that the elevator system 1 can also include a plurality of cars 10 located in one or more shafts 18, which are controlled by a group controller. Instead Figure 1 Although a traction elevator is shown, the elevator installation 1 can also have one or more hydraulic elevators.

[0024] In the embodiment of the elevator device 1 described herein, a person located on one of the floors L0, L, Ln inputs a travel intention on the elevator operating device 4 arranged on the floor, thereby registering an elevator call. The floor L0, L, Ln where the person is located when the call is input and from which the person is intended to be sent to the target floor may also be referred to as the boarding floor or call input floor below. As explained in more detail elsewhere in this specification, the person can touch a button or a display field to input a call, and the registration of the elevator call on the elevator operating device 4 is then confirmed to the person, for example, the button or field can be lit up. The elevator controller 8 then provides the elevator car 10 for boarding on the boarding floor, that is, when the elevator car 10 is not on the boarding floor, it is moved to the boarding floor and its car door is opened together with the shaft door, otherwise only the car door of the elevator car 10 that has stopped there is opened, whereby the shaft door is also opened. The car door and the shaft door are in Figure 1 In the figure, it is indicated by reference numeral 6; on the floors L0, L, Ln where the car 10 is located, the shaft door and the car door of the floor constitute the elevator door 6 accordingly.

[0025] exist Figure 1 , the elevator controller 8 is an up / down direction controller. The elevator operating device 4 arranged on the floors L, Ln is designed to display buttons or fields for inputting the desired travel direction (up or down). The elevator operating device 4 arranged on the floor L0 is designed to display buttons or fields for inputting the target floor. It is known to those skilled in the art that such arrangement and design of the elevator operating device 4 are exemplary.

[0026] Figure 1 Also shown is a car call device 11 arranged in the elevator car 10. The car call device 11 is connected to the elevator controller 8 by means of a communication line 20. In particular, a person on the floor L, Ln can only enter a desired direction of travel, and then enter a target floor (car call) on the car call device 11. The availability of the car call device 11 for call input can depend on the building 2 and / or the elevator system 1; depending on the situation, the car call device 11 can, for example, be activated or deactivated and can also be covered when not in use.

[0027] The elevator operating device 4 has a screen system (5, 37), which includes a touch screen 5 (hereinafter also referred to as a touch-sensitive screen 5) and a screen controller 37 ( Figure 4 The control device 50 (CPU) present in the elevator operating device 4 ( Figure 4 ) manipulates the screen controller 37 to display a graphical user interface 36 having content suitable for the situation on the touch screen 5 ( Figure 4 ). Those skilled in the art know that this control process is performed according to the current situation of the elevator system 1.

[0028] When the elevator operating device 4 is commissioned, for example in conjunction with the commissioning of the elevator system 1 or at a later point in time, the elevator operating device 4 is in the basic state. In this basic state, the elevator operating device 4 according to the exemplary embodiment is not configured for any of the operating modes described here. In the basic state, in particular, the screen system and Figure 4 The configuration interface device 34 shown in FIG. 1 is activated so that the elevator operating device 4 can be configured for the operating mode. The touch screen 5 displays, for example, on the graphical user interface 36 Figure 2A The configuration input mask 41 shown in FIG. The configuration input mask 41 can, for example, indicate that a technician has subsequently activated the configuration mode, for example by entering a password.

[0029] The configuration mask 41 shown comprises, for example, a first selection input field 40.1, when the first input field is selected, the elevator operating device 4 is configured for the input of a direction call and the corresponding operating mode, and a second selection input field 42.1, when the second selection input field 42.1 is selected, the elevator operating device 4 is configured for the input of a destination floor and the corresponding operating mode. Figure 2A , the corresponding call input possibilities are symbolically indicated next to the selection input fields 40.1, 40.2. During commissioning, the technician can select one of the selection input fields 40.1, 42.1 (symbolized by a finger) in order to configure the elevator operating device 4 according to one of the two operating modes. In one embodiment, the elevator operating device 4 is designed to be configured according to the selected operating mode essentially by itself (i.e. without necessary intervention by the technician); the central control device (50) of the elevator operating device 4 loads data, computer instructions (software) from the storage device (32) according to the selected operating mode. It is known to the person skilled in the art that the configuration input mask 41 can display other display and / or input fields; it is also possible to determine sub-masks that can be opened starting from the configuration input mask 41.

[0030] exist Figure 2B In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the touch screen 5 displays two travel direction fields 40 . 2 on the graphical user interface 36 . Thus, the elevator operating device 4 is configured for inputting direction calls. For example, during the commissioning mentioned, the technician selected Figure 2A The selection input field shown in 40.1. Figure 2C The touch screen 5 shown in FIG. 4 shows an exemplary number of fields or domains on its graphical user interface 36; these fields or domains are referred to below as destination floor fields 42.2. In this case, the technician selected during commissioning Figure 2A The selection input field shown in 42.1.

[0031] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3DVarious application examples of the elevator operating device 4 according to the technology described here are shown. The elevator operating device 4 is shown by a graphical user interface 36, a control device 50 (CPU), and a bus interface device 30 (bus IF). The communication bus system 22 connects the bus interface device 30 with the control system components (8, 12) of the elevator device 1, wherein the elevator controller 8 controls the drive machine 14. The elevator operating device 4 according to the technology described here can be configured for one of these application examples. This is advantageous because, depending on the situation of the building 2, all elevator operating devices 4 in the building 2 may be expected or required to have the same external shape and form, regardless of which operating mode they are configured for.

[0032] exist Figure 3A In the figure, the elevator operating device 4 is configured for direction call input and the corresponding operating mode. It is known to those skilled in the art that any other elevator operating device 4 present in the elevator system 1 can also be configured for this operating mode. The graphical user interface 36 displays a driving direction field 40.2. The elevator operating device 4 sends the input direction call as a direction call message via the bus communication system 12 to the elevator controller 8 (up / down direction control), which controls the drive machine 14 accordingly to provide the car 10 on the landing floor 10. The direction call message includes, for example, the identifier of the elevator operating device 4 (performing the sending) and the desired driving direction. The position or the landing floor of the elevator operating device 4 is derived from the identifier. When a person enters the car 10, they can enter the desired target floor as a car call on the elevator operating device 11 arranged in the car. If the elevator controller 8 recognizes that the car 10 is ready to go, for example, the door sensor or the safety circuit indicates that the elevator door 6 is closed, the elevator controller 8 controls the drive machine 14 according to the car call to move the car 10 to the target floor.

[0033] exist Figure 3B In the figure, the elevator operating device 4 is configured for inputting a target floor and for the corresponding operating mode. It is known to those skilled in the art that any other elevator operating device 4 present in the elevator system 1 can also be configured for this operating mode. The graphical user interface 36 displays a target floor field 42.2. The elevator operating device 4 sends the input target floor call as a target floor call message via the bus communication system 12 to the elevator controller 8, and the elevator controller controls the drive machine 14 accordingly to provide the car 10 at the boarding floor. The target floor call message includes, for example, an identifier of the elevator operating device 4 (performing the sending), from which the position or boarding floor of the elevator operating device 4 is derived.

[0034] In one embodiment, the destination floor call message includes information about the desired destination floor. The destination floor can be stored in the elevator controller 8. When the person boards the elevator at the landing floor and the car 10 provided on the landing floor is ready for departure, for example, when the door sensor or the safety circuit indicates that the elevator door 6 is closed, the elevator controller 8 moves the car 10 to the (stored) destination floor. In another embodiment, the destination floor call message does not contain information about the destination floor. According to this embodiment, the information about the destination floor is stored in the elevator operating device 4 until the car 10 is ready for departure. The elevator operating device 4 then sends the destination floor in another message addressed to the elevator controller 8. In both embodiments, the movement to the destination floor is realized without the person in the car 10 having to make a car call; in one embodiment of the elevator system, no car call is provided.

[0035] exist Figure 3C In the elevator device 1, the elevator operating device 4 is provided for different operating modes. That is, in the elevator device 1, there may be an elevator operating device 4 for inputting a target floor and an elevator operating device 4 for inputting a direction call. For example, when it is necessary to enable inputting a target call on at least one floor L0, L, Ln in the building 2, such an elevator device 1 may appear, for example, in an entrance hall with a large flow of people, as well as in Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 . Accordingly, the elevator operating device 4 arranged on the floor L0 is configured accordingly, and its graphical user interface 36 displays a destination floor field 42.2. On the other floors L, Ln, the elevator operating device 4 displays a travel direction field 40.2 on its graphical user interface 36. The calls (direction calls, destination floor calls) inputted on these elevator operating devices 4 are respectively combined with Figure 3A and Figure 3B Proceed as described.

[0036] exist Figure 3D In the embodiment, the elevator system 1 is equipped with a destination call control device 12 (DCS). It is known to those skilled in the art that the elevator system 1 with the destination call control device 12 is particularly installed in a building with a large number of floors and with more than one car 11 (elevator). The multiple elevators of the elevator system 1 can be organized into one or more elevator groups. Therefore, the elevator operating device 4 is configured for inputting a destination floor, and its graphical user interface 36 displays a destination floor field 42.2. In Figure 3DIn the schematic diagram of FIG. 4 , the elevator operating device 4 is connected to the target call control device 12, and the target call control device 12 is also connected to the elevator controller 8. The target call control device 12 processes the input target floor (i.e., the target call) according to the allocation algorithm. Based on the target call, the landing floor (for example, with the help of the identifier of the elevator operating device 4) and the target floor are obtained. The allocation algorithm determines the elevator that serves the target call. As a result, the target call control device 12 can control the elevator controller 8 of the allocated elevator.

[0037] Call allocation can be performed by the destination call control device 12 alone (centrally) or in cooperation with the elevator operating device 4 of the elevator system 1 (decentrally). Such allocation algorithms are known to those skilled in the art; the allocation algorithm in cooperation with the elevator operating device (decentralized) is for example found in: Koehler, Jana, et al., An AI-Based Approach to Destination Control in Elevators, AI Magazine, Vol.23, No. 3, 2002, pp. 59-78 (Koehler, Jana, et al., An AI-Based Approach to Destination Control in Elevators, AI Magazine, Vol.23, No. 3, 2002, pp. 59-78). According to the decentralized allocation algorithm, the elevator operating device 4 that inputs the destination call sends the information of the destination call to each elevator (or its computer unit) of the elevator system 1 via the bus communication system 12. The elevators individually evaluate whether the destination call can be allocated and how much "cost" ("cost" can also be called "cost") is required to serve the destination call. Each elevator sends back a reply to the (requesting) elevator operator 4; the reply indicates whether the target call can be served and, if so, how much it will cost. When the elevator operator 4 has received all replies, it selects the elevator with the lowest cost. This selection is then sent to the elevator controller of the corresponding elevator together with another message. In this embodiment, the entirety of the elevator operator 4 and the computer unit can represent the target call control 12.

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an elevator operating device 4 is shown. In this illustration, the elevator operating device 4 is connected to the elevator controller 8 (or via the destination call control device 12) via a communication bus system 22. The elevator operating device 4 has a bus interface device 30 (bus IF), a control device 50 (CPU), a storage device 32, a configuration interface device 34 and a screen system with a screen controller 37 (CTRL) and a touch screen 5 (for illustration purposes, a graphical user interface 36 that can be shown by way of example with a travel direction field 40.2 or a destination floor field 42.2 is shown).

[0039] The bus interface device 30 is connected to the control device 50 and is designed to communicate with the elevator controller 8 via the communication bus system 22. The communication bus system 22 may, for example, include a CAN bus system (Controller Area Network), wherein the transmission method, communication protocol and framework structure of the CAN bus system are used. In another embodiment, the communication bus system 22 may include a dedicated bus system, wherein the transmission method, communication protocol and framework structure may also be determined for this purpose. Such a proprietary bus system is, for example, the Biobus system disclosed in EP 1 876 129 B1. It is known to those skilled in the art that the technology described here is not limited to these bus systems and can also be used in combination with other bus systems suitable for elevator equipment.

[0040] The bus interface device 30 is designed to communicate according to one of these bus technologies. In one embodiment, the bus interface device 30 stores data and instructions for at least one property of the mentioned bus technologies, such as a transmission method, a communication protocol and / or a framework structure of one of these bus technologies. Thus, the bus interface device 30 stores the properties of the mentioned bus technologies, wherein one of these bus technologies is used during operation.

[0041] In one embodiment, the bus interface device 30 automatically recognizes which communication system 22 it is connected to and according to which bus technology the communication bus system 22 operates, for example, based on the voltage level of the communication bus system 22 (e.g. approximately 5V in a CAN bus system and approximately 24V in a Biobus system). In another embodiment, the bus technology of the communication bus system 22 can be entered into the elevator operating device 4 during configuration. Since the bus interface device 30 stores the properties of the mentioned bus technologies, the elevator operating device 4 is independent with respect to the bus, i.e. the elevator operating device can selectively be connected to any communication bus system 22 designed according to one of the mentioned bus technologies.

[0042] The storage device 32 is connected to the controller 50 and stores FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D Configuration data and electronic instructions for the mentioned operating modes. These data and instructions can be stored during the manufacture of the elevator operating device 4 (or before its delivery), so that the stored data and instructions can be used for the mentioned operating modes during configuration in the building 2. In another embodiment, during configuration (see Figure 2A ) can be provided by the elevator controller 8, downloaded and stored in the storage device 32 within the scope of the configuration. Suitable storage devices and memory technologies (e.g. semiconductor memories) for storing these data and instructions are known to those skilled in the art.

[0043] The control device 50 is designed to operate the screen system so that the screen system displays the graphical user interface 36 according to the configuration. The working principle of the screen system with the touch screen 5, its operation scheme and the generation of the graphical user interface are known to those skilled in the art, so it seems unnecessary to further detail them here. The control device 50, for example, operates the screen system so that the touch screen 5 displays FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C . It is known to those skilled in the art that these graphical user interfaces 36 are exemplary, can have additional information or content, and / or can be designed in a different manner. It is also known to those skilled in the art that, for example, call confirmation and / or elevator information (e.g., an indication of the elevator assigned to service the elevator call) can be transmitted via the graphical user interface 36. The call confirmation and elevator information can be communicated visually and / or audibly.

[0044] The control device 50 is designed to process stored data and execute stored instructions (e.g., computer programs), including reading data and instructions from the storage device 32 and / or storing data and instructions in the storage device, so as to operate the elevator operating device 4 according to one of the above-mentioned operating modes. The control device 50 is also designed to operate the configuration interface device 34 within the scope of the above-mentioned configuration. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the operating mode for inputting the travel direction is shown in the lower half of the control device 50 , while the operating mode for inputting the destination floor is shown in the upper half.

[0045] Figure 4 , the processing of the driving direction entered in the driving direction field 40.2 is illustrated by the call identification module 38 and the call processing module 28 (EC ADR+Ln) in the control device 50. The call identification module 38 and the call processing module 28 are shown in the path between the bus interface device 30 and the graphical user interface 36 (driving direction field 40.2). The call identification module 38 recognizes the desired driving direction and provides this information (person's driving intention) to the call processing module 28. Therefore, the call processing module 28 generates a request message (data packet) (EC ADR) addressed to the elevator controller 8 and includes floor information (EC ADR+Ln), that is, an indication of the floor Ln where the elevator operating device 4 is arranged and a car 10 can be provided. The request message can also indicate the driving direction. For example, when the elevator system 1 has multiple elevators (that is, multiple cars 10), the algorithm of the elevator controller 8 can use the driving direction information to select, for example, the car 10 that can serve the elevator call the fastest. According to the exemplary algorithm, all other elevators can be asked whether and with what cost they can be served by the elevator.

[0046] The bus interface device 30 feeds the request message into the communication bus system 22 according to the communication protocol determined for the communication bus system 22. The elevator controller 8 confirms the receipt of the request message via the communication bus system 22 with an acknowledgment notification (ACK(EC)) and provides the assigned car 10 at the landing floor; as appropriate, the elevator controller 8 moves the assigned car 10 to the landing floor. The elevator operating device 4 confirms the input elevator call to the person, which can be visually perceived, for example, by means of a graphical user interface 36. For illustration purposes, the communication between the call processing module 28 and the elevator controller 8 is represented by different types of lines. In the car 10, the person can enter the desired destination floor on the elevator controller 8.

[0047] exist Figure 4 In FIG. 5 , the processing of the target floor input at the target floor field 42.2 is illustrated by the target floor identification module 24 and the target floor processing module 26 (ADR / L0→Ln) 28 (EC ADR+Ln) in the control device 50. The target floor identification module 24 and the target floor processing module 26 are shown in an exemplary manner in the path between the bus interface device 30 and the graphical user interface 36 (target floor field 42.2). The target floor identification module 24 identifies the desired target floor and provides the target information to the target floor processing module 26. As described above, the landing floor (at the floor) is obtained by inputting the target floor. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the example, this is floor L0) and the destination floor. Starting from this (i.e. the destination floor is higher or lower than the landing floor), the travel direction of the car 10 to transport people to the desired destination floor is also obtained.

[0048] if Figure 4 The elevator operating device 4 shown in FIG. 1 is used in accordance with Figure 3BIn the elevator device 1, the target floor processing module 26 (ADR / L0→Ln) generates a request message (data packet) addressed to the elevator controller 8 and floor information, namely, an indication of the floor L0 on which the elevator operating device 4 is arranged and the car 10 can be provided, and an indication of the target floor Ln. The bus interface device 30 feeds the request message into the communication bus system 22 according to the communication protocol determined for the communication bus system 22. After receiving the request message, the elevator controller 8 saves the target floor and confirms the receipt of the request message through the communication bus system 22 with an acknowledgment notification (ACK, #X). The acknowledgment notification indicates the assigned car 10 (#X). Under corresponding control, the car 10 serving the elevator call is provided on the boarding floor; according to the position of the car 10, the drive machine 14 can make the car 10 move to the boarding floor first. If the elevator controller 8 detects that the car 10 is ready to depart, for example the door sensor or the safety circuit indicates that the elevator door 6 is closed, the elevator controller 8 controls the drive 14 according to the stored target floor in order to move the car 10 to the target floor.

[0049] If the elevator operating device 4 is used in a Figure 3D In an elevator device 1 having a target call control device 12, the elevator operating device 4 is configured to input a target call. In one embodiment, the elevator device 1 includes a plurality of cars 10 or elevators, wherein all elevator operating devices 4 of the elevator device 1 are designed for target call input. The target floor processing module 26 processes the target call by generating a request message (data packet) addressed to the target call control device 12 and including floor information, i.e., including an indication of the floor L0 on which the elevator operating device 4 is arranged and on which the car 10 can be provided. The bus interface device 30 feeds the request message into the communication bus system 22 according to the communication protocol determined for the communication bus system 22.

[0050] The destination call control device 12 executes an allocation algorithm, for example according to the disclosure in the above-mentioned Koehler document, to determine the car 10 that can serve the destination call in a "lowest cost" manner. This allocation occurs very quickly, so that the receipt of the request message can be confirmed by an acknowledgment (ACK, #X) via the communication bus system 22, which also indicates the elevator or car 10 (#X) that is allocated to serve the destination call. The elevator operating device 4 notifies the personnel of the allocated car 10. The destination call control device 12 controls the elevator controller 8 of the allocated elevator to move the allocated car 10 to the landing floor L0 (if it is not already at the landing floor) through its drive machine 14 and make the car available for boarding, for example, by opening the elevator door 6. If the car 10 is ready at the landing floor, the elevator controller 8 generates a signal that is sent to the destination call control device 12. The destination call control device 12 responds by sending the destination floor to the elevator controller 8. The car 10 then departs from the landing floor and moves to the destination floor. A car call, ie the input of a destination floor in the car 10 , is generally not possible.

[0051] With the above basic system components and their functions understood, Figure 5 For operation such as Figure 1 An exemplary method for an elevator operating device 4 used in the elevator installation 1 shown is described. It is described with reference to the operation of the elevator operating device 4 after it is installed in the elevator installation 1 or the building 2 and connected to the communication bus system 22. Electrical energy is supplied to the elevator operating device 4. The method starts in step S1 and ends in step S10.

[0052] In step S2, a configuration input mask 41 is generated. The configuration mask 41 is displayed on the graphical user interface 36, which displays the touch screen 5 of the screen system under the control of the control device 50 of the elevator operating device 4. Figure 2A As shown in FIG. 4 , the configuration mask 41 comprises a first selection input field 40 . 1 for a first operating mode of the elevator operating device 4 and a second selection input field 42 . 1 for a second operating mode of the elevator operating device 4 .

[0053] In step S3, a touch of a selection input field 40.1, 42.1 is detected. The detection is performed by the screen system. Depending on the detected selection input field 40.1, 42.1, the method proceeds to step S4 or step S7.

[0054] In step S4, when a touch on the first selection input field 40.1 is detected, configuration data and electronic instructions for the first operating mode are read in from the storage device 32. In step S5, the elevator operating device 4 is then configured for the first operating mode according to the read configuration data and electronic instructions. In the case of configuration in this way, in step S6, the driving direction field 40.2 is displayed, as it is displayed, for example, in Figure 2B as shown in .

[0055] In step S7, when a touch of the second selection input field 42.1 is detected, configuration data and electronic instructions for the second operating mode are read in from the storage device 32. In step S8, the elevator operating device 4 is configured for the second operating mode according to the read configuration data and electronic instructions. In the case of configuration in this way, in step S9 the destination floor field 42.2 is displayed, as it is, for example, in Figure 2C as shown in .

[0056] In both branches, the method ends in step S10 .

Claims

1. An elevator operating device (4), comprising: A bus interface device (30) designed to communicate with an elevator controller (8) of an elevator installation (1) via a communication bus system (22); a memory device (32) storing configuration data and electronic instructions for selectable operating modes of the elevator operating device (4), wherein a first operating mode is designed for processing elevator calls indicating an input travel direction and a second operating mode is designed for processing elevator calls indicating an input destination floor; A screen system (5, 37), comprising a touch screen (5) and being designed to display a graphical user interface (36) on the touch screen (5); and A control device (50) is communicatively connected to a bus interface device (30), a screen system (5, 37) and a storage device (32), wherein the control device (50) is designed to read configuration data and electronic instructions for a selected operating mode from the storage device (32) and to operate an elevator operating device (4) according to the selected operating mode.

2. The elevator operating device (4) according to claim 1, wherein: The control device (50) is designed to operate the screen system (5, 37) to display a configuration input mask (41) on the graphical user interface (36), wherein the configuration mask (41) includes a first selection input field (40.1) for a first operating mode and a second selection input field (42.1) for a second operating mode. When the first selection input field (40.1) is touched, the elevator operating device (4) is configured according to the configuration data and the electronic instructions for the first operating mode, and When the second selection input field (42.1) is touched, the elevator operating device (4) is configured according to the configuration data and electronic instructions for the second operating mode.

3. The elevator operating device (4) according to claim 2, wherein: The control device (50) is designed to: actuating the screen system (5, 37) in a first operating mode to display a driving direction field (40.2) on the graphical user interface (36) according to the first operating mode, and In a second operating mode, the screen system (5, 37) is actuated to display a destination floor field (42.2) on the graphical user interface (36) according to the second operating mode.

4. An elevator operating device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The control device (50) is configured to: In a first operating mode, a first request message is generated, the first request message comprising an address of an elevator controller (8), an identifier of an elevator operating device (4) and a travel direction, and the first request message is sent to the elevator controller (8) via a bus interface device (30) and a communication bus system (22); and In a second operating mode, a second request message is generated, which includes the address of the elevator controller (8), the identifier of the elevator operating device (4) and an indication of the target floor, and the second request message is sent to the elevator controller (8) via the bus interface device (30) and the communication bus system (22).

5. An elevator operating device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Data and instructions for a specific communication bus technology, in particular a transmission method, a communication protocol and / or a framework structure of the communication bus technology, are stored in the bus interface device (30), and the bus interface device (30) is designed to communicate via the communication bus system (22) according to one of the stored communication bus technologies.

6. An elevator device (1), comprising: Elevator Controller (8); An elevator car (10) that moves between floors (L0, L, Ln) of a building (2) while being controlled by an elevator controller (8) and driven by a drive machine (14); a communication bus system (22); and An elevator operating device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is communicatively connected to the communication bus system (22) and is arranged on a floor (L0, L, LN) for inputting an elevator call.

7. The elevator installation (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The elevator controller (8) is communicatively connected to the communication bus system (22) and is designed to: provide a car (10) on the first floor when an elevator call indicating a travel direction is received from an elevator operating device (4) arranged on the first floor (L, L0, Ln) and configured for a first operating mode, and to cause the car (10) to travel to the target floor when a car call indicating a target floor is received and input into the car (10).

8. The elevator installation (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The elevator controller (8) is communicatively connected to the communication bus system (22) and is designed to: upon receiving an elevator call indicating a target floor from an elevator operating device (4) arranged on a first floor (L, L0, Ln) and configured for a second operating mode, provide a car (10) on the first floor, and upon receiving a status signal indicating that the elevator door (6) is closed, cause the car (10) to travel to the target floor indicated in the elevator call.

9. The elevator system (1) according to claim 6, further comprising a destination call control device (12), which is communicatively connected to the elevator controller (8) and the communication bus system (22).

10. A method for operating an elevator operating device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in an elevator installation (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The elevator operating device (4) of the elevator system is connected to a communication bus system (22), and the method comprises: generating a configuration input mask (41) on a graphical user interface (36) which is displayed on a touch screen (5) of a screen system (5, 37) under the control of a control device (50) of the elevator operating device (4), wherein the configuration mask (41) comprises a first selection input field (40.1) for a first operating mode of the elevator operating device (4) and a second selection input field (42.1) for a second operating mode of the elevator operating device (4); When the screen system (5, 37) detects that the first selection input field (40.1) is touched, configuration data and electronic instructions for the first operating mode are read from the storage device (32), and the elevator operating device (4) is configured corresponding to the first operating mode according to the read configuration data and electronic instructions; and When the screen system (5, 37) detects that the second selection input field (40.1) is touched, configuration data and electronic instructions for the second operating mode are read from the storage device (32), and the elevator operating device (4) is configured corresponding to the second operating mode based on the read configuration data and electronic instructions.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: In a first operating mode, the screen system (5, 37) is actuated by the control device (50) to display a driving direction field (40.2) on the graphical user interface (36); and In a second operating mode, the screen system (5, 37) is actuated by the control device (50) to display a destination floor field (42.2) on the graphical user interface (36).

12. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 11, further comprising: In a first operating mode, a first request message is generated by the control device (50), wherein the first request message includes an address of the elevator controller (8), an identifier of the elevator operating device (4) and a travel direction, and the first request message is sent to the elevator controller (8) via the bus interface device (30) and the communication bus system (22); and In a second operating mode, a second request message is generated by the control device (50), wherein the second request message includes the address of the elevator controller (8), the identifier of the elevator operating device (4) and an indication of the target floor, and the second request message is sent to the elevator controller (8) via the bus interface device (30) and the communication bus system (22).

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: Data and instructions for a specific communication bus technology, in particular a transmission method, a communication protocol and / or a framework structure of the communication bus technology, are stored in the bus interface device (30), and the bus interface device (30) is designed to communicate via the communication bus system (22) according to one of the stored communication bus technologies.

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