Elevator remote point inspection system and elevator remote point inspection method

Abstract

The plurality of running states include an acceleration running state in which the car (10) runs while accelerating, a constant-speed running state in which the car (10) runs at a constant speed, and a deceleration running state in which the car (10) runs while decelerating. The inspection items include the plurality of running states. In each of the plurality of running states, in a case where a running time corresponding to the plurality of running states is within a reference range decided on the basis of a reference time, the control unit (152) determines that the running state corresponding to the running time is a normal state, and in a case where the running time is outside the reference range, the control unit (152) determines that the running state corresponding to the running time is a misadjusted state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator remote point inspection system and an elevator remote point inspection method that perform remote point inspection of an elevator. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, in the maintenance business of elevators, the demand for an elevator remote point inspection system that performs remote point inspection of an elevator using a communication line is increasing. As a device that performs such remote point inspection, for example, there is a remote monitoring support device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-019900 (Patent Literature 1). The remote monitoring support device determines whether the operation state of the elevator is a normal operation state based on the output state of a signal acquired from a control board of the elevator.

[0003] By the implementation of remote point inspection, the point inspection work in the maintenance site is reduced, and thus the maintenance business is greatly efficient. In addition, there is a legal provision (for example, the General Guidelines for Building Maintenance Business established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan) that the implementation period of the statutory periodic point inspection work can be extended in the case where remote point inspection is implemented, and thus the maintenance business can be further efficient.

[0004] In particular, in the global market where various manufacturers' elevators are installed, maintenance companies need to perform maintenance response regardless of the manufacturer and model of the elevator (make the maintenance multi-brand). On the other hand, on the side of the building owner who signs a maintenance contract, there is a high demand for the freedom to select a maintenance company regardless of the manufacturer of the installed elevator and to sign a maintenance contract that enables remote point inspection.

[0005] According to such circumstances, the demand for an elevator remote point inspection system that can perform remote point inspection based on a signal acquired from an elevator system regardless of the manufacturer and model of the elevator is increasing.

[0006] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0007] PATENT LITERATURE

[0008] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-019900 SUMMARY

[0009] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] However, in the elevator industry, the communication specifications and signal specifications of each manufacturer and model are not common. In addition, these specifications are not usually disclosed. Therefore, a common elevator remote point inspection system cannot usually be used between different manufacturers.

[0011] In the case where a remote point inspection system for elevators is developed to correspond to various elevators different in communication specifications and signal specifications, for example, it is necessary to take in a contact signal of a switch or the like and acquire signals exchanged by parallel transmission. Further, since signal specifications are not commonized among manufacturers, the types of signals that can be commonly used are greatly limited.

[0012] Further, even if signals can be commonly used, there are signals that are not suitable to be used due to constraints on hardware such as installation cost or installation difficulty when the remote point inspection system for elevators is installed in a building. Therefore, in order to realize such a remote point inspection system for elevators, it is necessary to sufficiently study which signal is used and which method is used to judge a point inspection item of remote point inspection.

[0013] The present disclosure was completed in order to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a remote point inspection system for elevators and a remote point inspection method for elevators that can perform remote point inspection as simply as possible in correspondence to various elevators different in communication specifications and signal specifications.

[0014] Means for solving the problem

[0015] The elevator remote inspection system of the present disclosure is a system that performs remote inspection of an elevator. The elevator remote inspection system has an instruction unit, an acquisition unit, a control unit, and an output unit. The instruction unit performs transmission processing of transmitting a hall call signal that generates a hall call of the elevator to a group of devices of the elevator. The acquisition unit acquires, as a determination signal, a signal that is input and output between the group of devices of the elevator and a control panel that controls the group of devices of the elevator by parallel transmission. The control unit generates the hall call signal transmitted by the transmission processing, and performs determination processing in which, based on the determination signal acquired by the acquisition unit as a result of the transmission processing, an inspection item of the remote inspection is determined. The output unit outputs a determination result of the inspection item. The transmission processing includes: a first transmission processing of transmitting a second hall call signal after a prescribed time elapses from when a car of the elevator arrives at a first floor based on transmission of a first hall call signal that generates a first hall call in the upward direction at the first floor, the second hall call signal generating a second hall call in the downward direction at a second floor higher than the first floor; and a second transmission processing of transmitting the first hall call signal after a prescribed time elapses from when the car arrives at the second floor based on transmission of the second hall call signal. The determination signal includes a first signal that indicates any of a first state in which the car is positioned within a door zone that indicates a range of positions of the car in which the doors of the car can be opened and closed, and a non-first state that is not the first state. The control unit calculates a position of the car, and a travel time of the car within a travel section in which the car travels in each of a plurality of travel states using information including the first signal. The plurality of travel states include an acceleration travel state in which the car travels while accelerating, a constant speed travel state in which the car travels at a constant speed, and a deceleration travel state in which the car travels while decelerating. The inspection item includes the plurality of travel states. In each of the plurality of travel states, in a case where a travel time corresponding to the plurality of travel states is within a reference range that is determined based on a reference time that is determined in advance, the control unit determines that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is a normal state, and in a case where the travel time is outside the reference range, the control unit determines that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is a misadjustment state.

[0016] The elevator remote point inspection method of the present disclosure is a method of performing remote point inspection of an elevator. The elevator remote point inspection method includes the following steps: a transmission process in which a hall call signal that generates a hall call of the elevator is transmitted to a device group of the elevator; a step of acquiring, as a determination signal, a signal that is input and output between the device group of the elevator and a control panel that controls the device group of the elevator through parallel transmission; a step of generating the hall call signal transmitted in the transmission process; a determination process in which, based on the determination signal acquired in the step of acquiring as a result of the transmission process, a point inspection item of the remote point inspection is determined; and a step of outputting a determination result of the point inspection item. The transmission process includes a first transmission process in which, after a prescribed time elapses from when a car of the elevator arrives at a first floor based on transmission of a first hall call signal that generates a first hall call in an upward direction at the first floor, a second hall call signal that generates a second hall call in a downward direction at a second floor higher than the first floor is transmitted, and a second transmission process in which, after a prescribed time elapses from when the car arrives at the second floor based on transmission of the second hall call signal, the first hall call signal is transmitted. The determination signal includes a first signal that indicates any of a first state in which the car is positioned within a door zone that indicates a range of positions of the car in which a door of the car can be opened and closed, and a non-first state that is not the first state. The step of performing the determination process includes a step of calculating a position of the car and a travel time of the car within a travel interval in which the car travels in each of a plurality of travel states using information including the first signal. The plurality of travel states include an acceleration travel state in which the car travels while accelerating, a constant speed travel state in which the car travels at a constant speed, and a deceleration travel state in which the car travels while decelerating. The point inspection item includes the plurality of travel states. The step of performing the determination process also includes a step of determining that a travel state corresponding to the travel time is a normal state when the travel time corresponding to the travel state is within a reference range that is determined based on a reference time in each of the plurality of travel states, and determining that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is a misadjustment state when the travel time is outside the reference range.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, by performing determination of the travel state based on the first signal that is suitable for use in remote point inspection, remote point inspection can be performed as simply as possible in correspondence with various elevators that differ in communication specifications and signal specifications. That is, multi-branding of maintenance can be achieved in remote point inspection. As a result, a maintenance company can reduce the frequency of maintenance point inspection at a maintenance site, and can increase the number of elevators that can be subjected to maintenance. A building owner can freely select a maintenance company and conclude a maintenance contract that enables remote point inspection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an elevator system and a remote point inspection system.

[0020] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which a conventional type of remote point inspection system is connected to an elevator system.

[0021] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an elevator system.

[0022] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an elevator in outline.

[0023] Figure 5A FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hall of an elevator.

[0024] Figure 5B FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the inside of a car of an elevator.

[0025] Figure 6 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a modified example of an elevator system.

[0026] Figure 7 FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of a remote point inspection system and signals used in the remote point inspection system.

[0027] Figure 8 FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the running of a car in a diagnostic operation and signals.

[0028] Figure 9 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block diagram of a remote point inspection system.

[0029] Figure 10 FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a remote point inspection system.

[0030] Figure 11 FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a remote point inspection processing and a terminal setting processing.

[0031] Figure 12 FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a reference time DB.

[0032] Figure 13 FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a reference time update processing.

[0033] Figure 14 FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a reference time acquisition processing.

[0034] Figure 15 FIG. 16 is a timing chart for explaining a running state.

[0035] Figure 16 FIG. 17 is a timing chart for explaining a running state.

[0036] Figure 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation for diagnosis.

[0037] Figure 18 is a diagram for explaining the operation for diagnosis.

[0038] Figure 19 is a diagram for explaining the operation for diagnosis.

[0039] Figure 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation for diagnosis.

[0040] Figure 21 is a flowchart of the process at the time of operation diagnosis.

[0041] Figure 22 is a flowchart of the travel generation process.

[0042] Figure 23 is an example of a hall call signal generation table.

[0043] Figure 24 is a flowchart of the car information measurement process.

[0044] Figure 25 is an example of a travel state table.

[0045] Figure 26 is a flowchart of the determination process.

[0046] Figure 27 is a flowchart of the multi-car process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. They also have the same names and functions. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0048] [Structure of elevator system 200 and elevator remote inspection system 1]

[0049] Hereinafter, the structure of the elevator system 200 and the elevator remote inspection system (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "remote inspection system") 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of the elevator system 200 and the remote inspection system 1.

[0050] In a case where an elevator is installed in a building, the owner of the building needs to conclude a maintenance contract with a maintenance company of the elevator. The maintenance staff of the maintenance company performs maintenance inspection and periodic inspection of the elevator based on the maintenance contract. The owner of the building can conclude the contract including remote inspection or remote monitoring as an option at the time of conclusion of the maintenance contract.

[0051] Remote monitoring refers to the continuous monitoring of elevator malfunctions and abnormalities by the maintenance company's monitoring center (information center) using communication lines. Remote inspection refers to the maintenance company's monitoring center, in addition to remote monitoring, using communication lines to inspect the elevator's operating status and the proper functioning of each piece of equipment, focusing on the parts necessary for normal elevator operation.

[0052] Remote inspection includes three types of checks: elevator performance checks, equipment checks, and usage status checks. Performance checks include inspecting the car's starting status, acceleration status, constant speed travel status, deceleration status, and stop status. Equipment checks include checking the temperature of the machine room or control panel, the status of control equipment, the status of the destination floor buttons inside the car, the status of the intercom, the door opening and closing status, the status of the floor buttons, the status of the door switches, and whether there are any abnormalities in the electromagnetic brake. Usage status checks include checking the car's travel distance, travel time or number of starts, and the number of door openings and closings.

[0053] By implementing such remote inspections, on-site inspection work is reduced, thus significantly improving maintenance efficiency. Furthermore, there are legal provisions allowing for extended legally mandated periodic inspection cycles when remote inspections are implemented, further enhancing maintenance efficiency. For example, in Japan, implementing the aforementioned remote inspections can reduce the legally required periodic inspection cycle from once a month to once every three months (as stipulated in the General Regulations for Building Maintenance Operations of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism).

[0054] Furthermore, as will be described later, there is a growing demand from maintenance companies seeking to promote multi-brand maintenance in the global market, and from building owners who want the freedom to choose maintenance companies and sign maintenance contracts that enable remote inspections. The remote inspection system 1 of this embodiment is a system for remotely inspecting elevators, constructed to meet these demands. It will be described in detail below.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the remote inspection system 1 includes a remote inspection device 100, a management server 300, and a terminal 400. The elevator system 200 and the remote inspection device 100 are located within the building 2. The remote inspection device 100 is connected to the elevator system 200 to perform remote inspections of the elevator. The remote inspection device 100 may be configured, for example, to include a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0056] The management server 300 is provided, for example, in an information center (monitoring center) of a maintenance company. The terminal 400 can be provided in the information center of the maintenance company or in any place. The terminal 400 and the remote point inspection device 100 can be connected to the management server 300 via a communication line.

[0057] The management server 300 manages various data such as customer information of each building to which a maintenance contract of an elevator is concluded, building information, information of an elevator provided in the building, and a remote point inspection result. The management server 300 is a device that manages the remote point inspection device 100, transmits an execution instruction of remote point inspection to the remote point inspection device 100, and acquires a point inspection result of remote point inspection performed by the remote point inspection device 100.

[0058] The terminal 400 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet. The terminal 400 has a display portion 410 that displays various information and an input portion 420 that can input an operation from a user who uses the terminal 400. In the present embodiment, the terminal 400 is used by a maintenance staff of a maintenance company. That is, the "user" who uses the terminal 400 refers to the maintenance staff of the maintenance company, but is not limited thereto, and any person who can use the terminal 400 can be included in the user. For example, the user can be an employee other than the maintenance staff of the maintenance company, and can be a person who manages the building 2. The terminal 400 can cause the remote point inspection device 100 to perform remote point inspection via the management server 300 by an operation of the maintenance staff from the input portion 420. Further, the terminal 400 can cause the remote point inspection device 100 to perform a point inspection result of remote point inspection to be displayed on the display portion 410.

[0059] The elevator system 200 has a control panel 210 and an elevator equipment group 220. The elevator equipment group 220 is constituted by various devices including an elevator and a landing device of the elevator. The control panel 210 controls various devices of the elevator equipment group 220.

[0060] The control panel 210 inputs and outputs signals to and from the elevator equipment group 220 via a plurality of signal lines. Among the signals transmitted and received between the elevator equipment group 220 and the control panel 210, there are signals transmitted and received by parallel transmission (parallel communication) and signals transmitted and received by serial transmission (serial communication).

[0061] The former (parallel transmission) is, for example, a signal directly acquired from various switches or various sensors of the elevator equipment group 220. In the present embodiment, a contact signal of a switch (for example, a prescribed voltage is detected in an ON state of the switch) is assumed, but for example, a signal such as a pulse signal acquired from a rotary encoder can be used.

[0062] The latter (serial transmission) is a signal that is transmitted and received by the control board of the device provided on the landing side or the car side of the elevator and the control panel 210 through serial communication. For example, assume a scenario in which communication is established between the management software (program) of the elevator started in the control panel 210 and the software (program) started in the control board on the car side, and data (internal signal) such as the position of the car, the direction of travel, and the like are transmitted and received through serial communication.

[0063] In the present embodiment, a part of the signal lines in which signals are transmitted and received through parallel transmission between the control panel 210 and the elevator equipment group 220 is branched and connected to the terminal provided in the remote point inspection device 100. Thus, a part of the signals transmitted and received between the control panel 210 and the elevator equipment group 220 through parallel transmission can be input and output on the side of the remote point inspection device 100.

[0064] On the other hand, the control panel 210 of the elevator system 200 is configured to be connectable to various maintenance devices of the elevator. A connector 261 is provided on the control board of the control panel 210. By connecting the connector 262 of the cable connected to the maintenance device to the connector 261 of the control panel 210, communication connection based on serial communication (serial transmission) can be performed between the maintenance device and the control panel 210.

[0065] The various maintenance devices of the elevator are, for example, a maintenance computer, a remote monitoring device, a remote point inspection device, and the like, which are used as dedicated devices of the elevator system 200. These maintenance devices are devices developed and used by a maintenance company of the manufacturer or the system of the manufacturer in correspondence with each model of the elevator. Therefore, these maintenance devices cannot be connected to elevators of manufacturers other than the manufacturer. Here, the maintenance company of the manufacturer or the system of the manufacturer refers to, for example, a subsidiary or an affiliated company of the manufacturer, which is hereinafter referred to as "manufacturer-based maintenance company".

[0066] On the other hand, the remote point inspection device 100 of the present embodiment is configured to be connectable to the elevator system 200 regardless of the manufacturer of the elevator system 200. However, as described later, the types of signals suitable for use in the remote point inspection device 100 are considerably limited (DZ signal, LB signal, GS signal, DS signal, landing call signal, and the like described later).

[0067] The above maintenance device can acquire internal signals held by the management software of the elevator by establishing communication between the software started in the maintenance device and the management software of the elevator started in the control panel 210.

[0068] These internal signals include signals based on parallel transmission (contact signals of switches and the like) input and output between the control panel 210 and the elevator equipment group 220, signals based on serial transmission (various instructions and the like), and signals generated in accordance with these signals.

[0069] For example, the control panel 210 calculates the position, speed, travel direction, state (acceleration travel state, constant speed travel state, deceleration travel state), and the like of the car based on a signal obtained from a rotary encoder that measures the rotational position of a traction machine (motor) that drives the elevator. Thus, the control panel 210 can hold this information as an internal signal on software.

[0070] Based on the fact that the maintenance device connected by serial communication with the control panel 210 can obtain not only the contact signals input and output by parallel transmission but also the internal signals of software input and output by serial transmission. Further, the maintenance device can transmit various instructions such as a halt instruction for the elevator, a waiting instruction to a specific floor, and the like, set various action options, change the settings of various parameters, and the like by communication with the control panel 210.

[0071] The maintenance computer in the maintenance device that can be connected by serial communication is a computer (terminal device) that can be used in on-site maintenance and inspection of the elevator. Various maintenance software that act on the maintenance computer can be started, and the confirmation of various internal signals of the elevator, various instructions for the elevator, setting changes, rewriting of software, and the like can be performed.

[0072] The maintenance computer can be used on site, and on the other hand, the remote monitoring device and the remote inspection device are used at a remote location via a network. The remote monitoring device in the maintenance device that can be connected by serial communication is a device that can obtain and display the above-mentioned internal signals remotely via a network. The remote inspection device in the maintenance device that can be connected by serial communication is a device that can obtain and display the above-mentioned internal signals remotely via a network and perform an action instruction for remote inspection for the elevator.

[0073] (Comparison with the conventional type remote inspection system)

[0074] Hereinafter, differences between the remote inspection device (conventional type remote inspection device) that can be connected by serial communication and the remote inspection device 100 in the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a view showing an example in which a conventional type remote inspection system is connected to the elevator system 200, 200a.

[0075] In the example of Figure 2 , the elevator system 200 is provided in Building A, and the elevator system 200a is provided in Building B. The elevator system 200 is an elevator system manufactured by Company X, and the model of the elevator is Model M. In elevators of each company, there are a plurality of models depending on the purpose, the year, and the like. The elevator system 200a is an elevator system manufactured by Company Y, and the model of the elevator is Model N.

[0076] The remote inspection device 500 (conventional type) of the X Company alone can be connected to the elevator system 200 of the X Company via the connector 261. The remote inspection device 500 can be connected to the management server managed by the X Company via a network. In this example, the X Company is both the manufacturer of the elevator and the maintenance company of the elevator (manufacturer-based maintenance company).

[0077] For example, the server of the X Company is provided in the information center of the X Company. By communicatively connecting a terminal to the management server of the X Company, remote inspection of the elevator system 200 can be performed by operation of the terminal.

[0078] The remote inspection device 500a (conventional type) of the Y Company alone can be connected to the elevator system 200a of the Y Company via the connector 261. The remote inspection device 500a can be connected to the management server managed by the Y Company via a network. In this example, the Y Company is both the manufacturer of the elevator and the maintenance company of the elevator (manufacturer-based maintenance company).

[0079] For example, the server of the Y Company is provided in the information center of the Y Company. By communicatively connecting a terminal to the management server of the Y Company, remote inspection of the elevator system 200a can be performed by operation of the terminal.

[0080] In this case, as described above, the remote inspection device 500 of the X Company can acquire various internal signals generated by the management software of the control panel 210 by communicatively connecting to the control panel 210, and can transmit various instructions to the control panel 210. For example, by terminal operation, an instruction to cause the car to travel between two floors is transmitted, and as a result, the travel time, speed information, and the like between the two floors can be acquired. The same applies to the remote inspection device 500a of the Y Company.

[0081] However, in this case, the remote inspection device 500 of the X Company corresponding to the model M needs to be used for the elevator system 200 of the X Company, and the remote inspection device 500a of the Y Company corresponding to the model N needs to be used for the elevator system 200a of the Y Company. In this way, in the case where a remote inspection device based on serial communication is to be provided, the remote inspection device needs to be prepared for each manufacturer of the elevator, and in addition, even if the manufacturers are the same, the remote inspection device corresponding to the model needs to be prepared.

[0082] As for such a remote inspection device, it is sometimes prepared for each manufacturer of the elevator, but generally can only be used by the manufacturer or the manufacturer-based maintenance company of the installed elevator. In addition, in the case of an old model, there is sometimes no corresponding remote inspection device.

[0083] In this way, the remote inspection device 500 of the X Company and the remote inspection device 500a of the Y Company are different in the type of the connector 261, the type of the communication protocol, and the like. Figure 2For example, a manufacturer-maintenance company (manufacturer) X company can use the remote point inspection device 500 made by the X company, but cannot use the remote point inspection device 500a made by the Y company. On the other hand, a manufacturer-maintenance company (manufacturer) Y company can use the remote point inspection device 500a made by the Y company, but cannot use the remote point inspection device 500 made by the X company.

[0084] This is because the communication specifications and signal specifications are not commonized between the manufacturers and the models, and these specifications are not disclosed. Assuming that such communication specifications, signal specifications, or address mapping are disclosed, by establishing communication with the control panel 210, it is basically possible to acquire any internal signal, internal flag, or setting parameter from the external device.

[0085] Further, in the maintenance companies of elevators, there are maintenance companies (referred to as "independent maintenance companies") that have no association with any manufacturer in addition to the manufacturer-maintenance companies. The independent maintenance companies cannot use either the remote point inspection device 500 made by the X company or the remote point inspection device 500a made by the Y company.

[0086] In Figure 2 In the example, the owner of the building A can perform remote point inspection by the remote point inspection device 500 in the case where a maintenance contract is made with the manufacturer-maintenance company X, but cannot perform remote point inspection by the remote point inspection device 500 in the case where a maintenance contract is made with the manufacturer-maintenance company Y or the independent maintenance company.

[0087] On the other hand, the owner of the building B can perform remote point inspection by the remote point inspection device 500a in the case where a maintenance contract is made with the manufacturer-maintenance company Y, but cannot perform remote point inspection by the remote point inspection device 500a in the case where a maintenance contract is made with the manufacturer-maintenance company X or the independent maintenance company. Assuming that the elevators made by the X company and the Y company are installed in the same building, in order to perform remote point inspection of all the elevators, it is necessary to make a maintenance contract with both the manufacturer-maintenance companies X and Y.

[0088] Thus, for the owner of the building who wants to make a maintenance contract including remote point inspection, in the case where the remote point inspection device of the conventional type is introduced, the selection width of the maintenance contract becomes narrow. According to such a situation, in recent years, in Japan, the demand for the remote point inspection device that can be applied regardless of the manufacturer and the model has increased. Especially in the global market where elevators of various manufacturers are installed, the maintenance companies need to perform maintenance response regardless of the manufacturer and the model of the elevators (multi-branding of maintenance).

[0089] Thus, the remote point inspection device 100 in the present embodiment is configured as a remote point inspection device capable of coping with manufacturers and models. As described above, since the communication specifications and signal specifications are not commonized between manufacturers and models, it is difficult to configure the remote point inspection device 100 that performs communication based on serial transmission.

[0090] Thus, as used Figure 1 As described above, the remote point inspection device 100 is connected with the elevator system 200 by parallel transmission (taking in of the contact signal of the switch, etc.). Further, since the signal specifications are not commonized between manufacturers, the types of signals that can be commonly used are limited. Further, even if the signals that can be commonly used, there are signals that are not suitable for use due to constraints in hardware (from the viewpoint of ease of installation, installation cost). Thus, in order to realize the remote point inspection device 100, it is necessary to sufficiently study which signal is used and which method is used to judge the point inspection items of the remote point inspection. After that, the Figure 7 The following figures will explain the signal used in the present embodiment and the judgment method of the point inspection items.

[0091] Returning to Figure 2 the description of , the remote point inspection device 100 in the present embodiment can be connected with the elevator system 200 of the X company installed in the building A and the elevator system 200a of the Y company installed in the building B. The remote point inspection device 100 installed in the building A and the remote point inspection device 100 installed in the building B are connected with the management server 300 via the network. If the terminal 400 is used, the remote point inspection of the elevator system 200 in the building A and the elevator system 200a in the building B can be performed.

[0092] Further, in the case where the elevator system 200 of the X company and the elevator system 200a of the Y company are installed in one building, it is configured so that the elevator systems 200, 200a can be connected by one remote point inspection device 100.

[0093] In the case of being configured as above, regardless of which elevator is installed, the owner of the building can freely select the maintenance company regardless of whether it is a manufacturer-based maintenance company or an independent maintenance company, and conclude a maintenance contract for performing remote point inspection.

[0094] Furthermore, the management server 300 is not limited to a single server device; it can also consist of multiple server devices. For example, server devices can be set up for each region to respond to access requests from each region. In this case, the server devices in each region can communicate with each other and share information (customer information, elevator information, etc.). Alternatively, a master server device can be provided to manage the servers in each region, and the master server device manages the information in each region.

[0095] The aforementioned regions are not limited to regions within a single country and may include regions from multiple countries. For example, it may be configured such that a server device is set up within Japan and shares information with server devices located outside Japan. Furthermore, a master server device may be set up in any country, and information stored on the master server device may be referenced from server devices located in each country.

[0096] Servers set up in different countries can also be configured with language codes according to each country or region they manage. For example, a server managing buildings in Japan might be set to "Japanese" as the language code. A server managing buildings in China might be set to "Chinese" as the language code. A server managing buildings in English-speaking countries might be set to "English" as the language code.

[0097] The server device has language data corresponding to each language code. For example, when there is access from terminals within Japan, information is displayed in Japanese on these terminals. When there is access from terminals within China, information is displayed in Chinese on these terminals. Furthermore, information can be managed according to each language. The management server 300 can also be composed of a group of servers such as a communication server (web server), a data server, and an application server connected to the remote inspection device 100 and the terminal 400.

[0098] With such a configuration, remote inspection systems can be utilized in countries around the world. For example, in... Figure 2 In the example, building A in country 1 (e.g., the United States) is equipped with elevator system 200 (control panel 210 and elevator equipment group 220) and remote inspection device 100, while building B in country 2 (e.g., Japan) is equipped with elevator system 200a (control panel 210a and elevator equipment group 220a) and remote inspection device 100.

[0099] The management server 300 is provided in the information center of the second country. The management server 300 provided in the second country is capable of connecting to the remote point inspection device 100 provided in the first country and the remote point inspection device 100 provided in the second country via a network. The management server 300 is capable of transmitting an execution instruction of remote point inspection to the remote point inspection device 100 provided in the first country or the second country, and is capable of receiving a determination result of each point inspection item of remote point inspection from the remote point inspection device 100 that received the execution instruction.

[0100] The terminal 400 can be provided in the first country or the second country. For example, the management server 300 provided in the second country can be accessed from the terminal 400 provided in the second country, and remote point inspection can be performed by the remote point inspection device 100 provided in the first country or the second country. The management server 300 provided in the second country can be accessed from the terminal 400 provided in the first country, and remote point inspection can be performed by the remote point inspection device 100 provided in the first country or the second country.

[0101] The remote point inspection device 100 provided in the first country is connected to a network by a communication line network (LTE line network, etc.) of the first country. The remote point inspection device 100 provided in the second country is connected to a network by a communication line network of the second country. The management server 300 provided in the second country is connected to the remote point inspection device 100 provided in the first country or the second country via a communication line of the second country.

[0102] By being configured as above, the remote point inspection device 100 that performs remote point inspection of the elevator system 200 operated in the first country can be managed by the management server 300 of the second country. Thus, regardless of in which country the elevator system 200 and the remote point inspection device 100 are provided, management of the remote point inspection device 100 by the management server 300 can be performed across countries.

[0103] In addition, the determination of each point inspection item of remote point inspection is not limited to being performed by the remote point inspection device 100, and can be performed by the management server 300. In this case, the remote point inspection device 100 transmits signal data for determination, which is acquired from the elevator system 200, to the management server 300. The management server 300 can perform determination of each point inspection item based on the signal data. Of course, the management server 300 can be provided for each country, and the remote point inspection device 100 can be managed for each country.

[0104] (Detailed configuration of the elevator system 200)

[0105] Figure 3is a drawing showing an example of a hardware structure of the elevator system 200. In the present embodiment, the building 2 in which the elevator system 200 is installed is a five-story building. Further, one elevator (which will be referred to as "No. 1 machine") is installed in the building 2.

[0106] The control panel 210 is provided with each-car control unit 212. The each-car control unit 212 is a control board that controls the elevator equipment group 220. The elevator equipment group 220 is provided with the hall device 230 installed in each floor hall from the first floor (1F) to the fifth floor (5F), various sensors and various switches (for example, a coast-up switch, a coast-down switch, and the like, which will be described later) used in the elevator system 200, and the traction machine 250 and the car device 240 of No. 1 machine.

[0107] The traction machine 250 is a motor that drives to raise and lower the car of the elevator. The car device 240 is various equipment provided in the car, including a destination floor button that registers a destination floor. The hall device 230 is various equipment provided in each floor hall, including a hall button that registers a hall call. The use of Figure 4 The details thereof will be described in the drawings hereinafter.

[0108] The each-car control unit 212 is connected to the hall device 230 of each floor, various sensors, and various switches, and the like via the control cable 21 in which a plurality of signal lines are bundled. Further, the each-car control unit 212 is connected to the traction machine 250 and the car device 240 of No. 1 machine, and the like via the control cable 22 in which a plurality of signal lines are bundled.

[0109] The each-car control unit 212 is provided with a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). They are connected to each other via a bus in a communicable manner.

[0110] The ROM stores a program of management software for controlling the elevator equipment group 220. The CPU reads the program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it to control the elevator equipment group 220. The RAM becomes a work area when the CPU executes the program, and temporarily stores the program, data at the time of execution of the program, and the like.

[0111] The each-car control unit 212 is configured to be able to communicate with the elevator equipment group 220, or the like, such as the hall device 230, the traction machine 250, the car device 240, and the like, via the communication interface by serial communication or parallel communication. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The various maintenance devices shown in the drawing communicate.

[0112] Figure 4 Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an elevator. A car 10 of the elevator is provided in a shaft 8 provided in a building 2. The car 10 moves between a plurality of floors by ascending and descending in the shaft 8. In the present embodiment, the car 10 is able to stop at each of the first floor (1F) to the fifth floor (5F).

[0113] A machine room 5 is provided directly above the shaft 8. A hoisting machine 250, a control panel 210, and a remote point inspection device 100 are provided in the machine room 5. A car device 240 is provided to the car 10.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the elevator is a traction type elevator. The traction type elevator is one way of a rope type elevator. The present elevator is provided with the car 10, a counterweight (balance weight) 12, a rope 11, the hoisting machine 250, and a diverting pulley 13. The rope (main rope) 11 is suspended between the hoisting machine 250 and the diverting pulley 13. The car 10 and the counterweight 12 are in a suspended state at both ends of the rope 11.

[0115] The elevator is able to cause the car 10 provided in the shaft 8 to travel in an upward direction (also referred to as an "UP direction") or a downward direction (also referred to as a "DN direction") by causing the hoisting machine 250 to drive.

[0116] The car 10 has any of an UP direction, a DN direction, and a no direction as a traveling direction. In order to respond to a traveling instruction of the car 10 to an upper floor, in a case where the car 10 travels or stops (stops in a state of being scheduled to travel in the UP direction) in the UP direction, the traveling direction of the car 10 becomes the UP direction. In order to respond to a traveling instruction of the car 10 to a lower floor, in a case where the car 10 travels or stops (stops in a state of being scheduled to travel in the DN direction) in the DN direction, the traveling direction of the car 10 becomes the DN direction. In a case where the traveling direction of the car 10 is neither the UP direction nor the DN direction, the car direction of the car 10 is defined as the "no direction". In addition, it can also be that, in a case where the car 10 stops at the lowermost floor, the car direction becomes the UP direction, and in a case where the car 10 stops at the uppermost floor, the car direction becomes the DN direction.

[0117] The car 10 is able to travel when an electromagnetic brake (not shown, also simply referred to as a "brake") of the hoisting machine 250 is released. The car 10 becomes a braking state (a stationary state) when the brake of the hoisting machine 250 operates. The brake of the hoisting machine 250 is configured to be able to brake by pressing a brake shoe against a brake drum by the force of a spring. The brake is released by supplying electric power to a brake coil to cause the brake shoe to move away from the brake drum. If the supply of electric power to the brake coil is cut off, the electromagnetic brake becomes a braking state, and the car 10 is unable to travel any more.

[0118] The elevator is designed so that the weight of the counterweight 12 balances with the weight of the car 10 including passengers in a state where the car 10 is loaded with 50% of the maximum load weight. For example, in a state where there are no passengers, the counterweight 12 becomes heavier than the car 10. Therefore, in a case where the brake is simply released, the car 10 travels in the UP direction. On the other hand, if the car 10 is full of passengers, the car 10 becomes heavier than the counterweight 12. Therefore, in a case where the brake is simply released, the car 10 travels in the DN direction.

[0119] A buffer (shock absorber) 14 is provided in the pit 6 that is the bottom of the shaft 8. The buffer 14 is a device that absorbs the impact at the time of falling in a case where the car 10 falls due to an abnormality.

[0120] Each of the control sections 212 is connected to the car device 240 via a control cable 22 ( Figure 3 ) that is bundled with a plurality of signal lines for communication between the control sections 212 and the car device 240.

[0121] Each of the control sections 212 is connected to the hall device 230, various sensors, and various switches provided at each floor via a control cable 21 ( Figure 3 ) laid along the wall surface of the shaft 8. The control cable 21 is composed of a plurality of signal lines for communication between the control sections 212 and the hall device 230 or various switches, etc. In addition, in the case where the machine room 5 is not provided, the hoist machine 250 and the control panel 210, etc. are provided in the shaft 8 (in the wall surface or the pit 6, etc.).

[0122] In addition, the elevator is not limited to the traction type elevator described above in which the car 10 and the counterweight 12 are balanced. For example, it can be a drum type elevator in which the car 10 is raised and lowered by winding the rope 11 around a drum without using the counterweight 12. The drum type elevator is one of the rope type elevators. Further, it can be a hydraulic type elevator in which the car 10 is raised and lowered by supplying oil to a hydraulic jack by an electric pump and by the operation of the hydraulic jack.

[0123] In the case of a hydraulic elevator, the position of the car 10 is controlled by control of the amount of oil supplied to the hydraulic jack. In the case of a hydraulic elevator, since the characteristics of oil change depending on the season or temperature, the running characteristics of the car 10 tend to vary. For example, the oil becomes thick in winter compared to when the air temperature is high in summer, and thus, it takes time to start. Further, in the case of a hydraulic elevator that controls the amount of oil (hydraulic pressure), the travel time between floors tends to deviate compared to a rope elevator that controls the amount of rotation of the motor. Further, in the case where the car 10 stops at a certain floor, the car slightly sinks over time, and the floor of the car 10 sometimes gradually lowers with respect to the floor of the lobby (moves away from the door zone in the stop).

[0124] Figure 5A FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a lobby of an elevator. In Figure 5A FIG. 2 is a view showing the lobby of the elevator when viewed from the front.

[0125] Here, in the present embodiment, a lobby call in the UP direction (upper direction) is also referred to as an "UP call" or an "UP lobby call", a lobby call in the DN direction (lower direction) is also referred to as a "DN call" or a "DN lobby call", and a destination floor call in the car 10 is also referred to as a "car call". A key for registering these respective calls is referred to as a "call key".

[0126] The call keys include a car call key (also referred to as a "destination floor key") provided in the car 10 and a lobby call key (also referred to as a "lobby key") provided in the lobby. The lobby call key (lobby key) includes an UP direction lobby call key (also referred to as an "UP call key" or an "UP lobby call key") provided in the lobby and a DN direction lobby call key (also referred to as a "DN call key" or a "DN lobby call key") provided in the lobby.

[0127] As described above, the lobby device 230 is provided at each floor. The lobby device 230 includes a lobby operation panel 70. Here, an example of a lobby at 1F is described. The lobby at 1F is provided with a door 61 and the lobby operation panel 70.

[0128] The UP lobby call key 81 and the DN lobby call key 82 are provided in the lobby operation panel 70. For example, when the UP lobby call key 81 is pressed, the UP lobby call at 1F is registered.

[0129] An indicator 71 is provided in the lobby operation panel 70. The indicator 71 displays the running direction of the car 10 and which floor (car position) the car 10 is located at. In the example of the view, it is shown that the car 10 is running or stopped at 2F in the UP direction.

[0130] Next, the car 10 is described. Figure 5Bis a view showing an example of the inside of the car of the elevator. In Figure 5B A view when looking at the exit direction in the car 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The car device 240 includes the car operation panel 50. The car 10 is provided with the door 60 and the car operation panel 50. In the car operation panel 50, there are provided a door opening button 52 for opening the door, a door closing button 53 for closing the door, and car call buttons for registering the destination floors (car calls) of 1st to 5th floors.

[0131] The car call buttons include a 1st floor car call button 31 for registering a car call to the 1st floor, a 2nd floor car call button 32 for registering a car call to the 2nd floor, a 3rd floor car call button 33 for registering a car call to the 3rd floor, a 4th floor car call button 34 for registering a car call to the 4th floor, and a 5th floor car call button 35 for registering a car call to the 5th floor. Further, in the car operation panel 50, there is provided an indicator 51 for displaying the traveling direction and the car position of the car 10.

[0132] In the case where the hall call button is pressed, a call signal corresponding to the pressed hall call is sent to the control panel 210 (each control section 212). The control panel 210 registers the hall call. Then, the control panel 210 allocates the car 10 to the registered hall call, and the control panel 210 causes the car 10 to respond to the registered hall call.

[0133] For example, in the case where the UP hall call button 81 of the 1st floor is pressed, a signal corresponding to the UP hall call of the 1st floor is sent, and the control panel 210 registers the UP hall call of the 1st floor. The control panel 210 decides the allocation of the car 10 with respect to the UP hall call of the 1st floor. The car 10, in response to the UP hall call of the 1st floor, stops and opens the door after traveling to the 1st floor.

[0134] In the case where the car call button is pressed, a call signal corresponding to the pressed car call is sent to the control panel 210. The control panel 210 registers the car call. The control panel 210 causes the car 10 to respond to the registered car call.

[0135] For example, in the case where the car call button 32 of the 2nd floor is pressed, a call signal corresponding to the car call to the 2nd floor is sent to the control panel 210. The control panel 210 registers the car call to the 2nd floor. The car 10, in response to the car call to the 2nd floor, stops and opens the door after traveling to the 2nd floor.

[0136] Here, "door opening" means that both the door 60 on the car 10 side and the door 61 on the hall side are opened in conjunction with each other, and is also expressed as "opening the door" hereinafter. Similarly, "door closing" means that both the door 60 on the car 10 side and the door 61 on the hall side are closed in conjunction with each other, and is also expressed as "closing the door" hereinafter.

[0137] (input / output signals to / from the control panel 210)

[0138] Here, among the signals input / output between the control panel 210 that controls the elevator equipment group 220 and the elevator equipment group 220 by parallel transmission, the signal acquired by the remote inspection device 100 is referred to as a "determination signal". The remote inspection device 100 uses the determination signal to determine each item of remote inspection. The determination signal includes the 1st signal to the 4th signal. Each determination signal has either of an ON (active) state and an OFF (inactive) state. In the present embodiment, a DZ signal that is one mode of the 1st signal, a LB signal that is one mode of the 2nd signal, a GS signal that is one mode of the 3rd signal, and a DS signal that is one mode of the 4th signal are exemplified, respectively.

[0139] The landing device 230 provided at each floor includes a landing door switch (also referred to as an "interlock switch") that is not illustrated. The landing door switch becomes an ON (on) state when the door 61 on the landing side is in a closed state, and becomes an OFF (off) state when the door 61 on the landing side is in an open state. When the landing door switch is in the OFF state (state in which the door is not closed), the car 10 is controlled by the control panel 210 so as not to be able to travel for safety.

[0140] In the present embodiment, the DS signal becomes the ON state when the door 61 of the landing is closed and the landing door switch is in the ON state (the landing door switch is pressed and the contact becomes the ON state), and becomes the OFF state when the door 61 of the landing is not closed and the landing door switch is in the OFF state, and is transmitted to the control panel 210.

[0141] Further, the car device 240 includes a car door switch (also referred to as a "door switch") that is not illustrated. The car door switch becomes an ON state when the door 60 on the car 10 side is in a closed state, and becomes an OFF state when the door 60 on the car 10 side is in an open state. When the car door switch is in the OFF state (state in which the door is not closed), the car 10 is controlled by the control panel 210 so as not to be able to travel for safety.

[0142] In the present embodiment, the GS signal becomes the ON state when the door 60 of the car 10 is closed and the car door switch is in the ON state (the car door switch is pressed and the contact becomes the ON state), and becomes the OFF state when the door 60 of the car 10 is not closed and the car door switch is in the OFF state, and is transmitted to the control panel 210. The door 60 of the car 10 is opened and closed in conjunction with the door 61 of the landing.

[0143] Further, the car device 240 includes a door zone detecting device (also called a "landing device") which is not shown. Here, the door zone shows a position range of the car 10 in which the doors 60 of the car 10 of the elevator can be opened and closed. The door zone detecting device is provided to the car 10, and in each landing, in a case where the car 10 is located within the position range in which the doors can be opened (within the door zone), the door zone detecting device detects the DZ signal as an ON state, and in a case where the car 10 is not located within the door zone, the door zone detecting device detects the DZ signal as an OFF state, and sends to the control panel 210.

[0144] For example, the door zone detecting device provided to the car 10 is provided with a magnetic proximity sensor. On the other hand, a plate for door zone detection is provided at the landing position of each landing within the hoistway 8. For example, in a case where the magnetic proximity sensor of the door zone detecting device detects the plate for door zone detection, the DZ signal is configured to be ON. For example, in a case where the floor position of the car 10 is within 150 mm above and below the floor position of each landing, the DZ signal is configured to be ON.

[0145] In a case where the car 10 is located outside the door zone (the DZ signal is in an OFF state), in order to ensure safety, the control panel 210 controls so that the doors cannot be opened. In addition, it can be configured that the door zone detecting device is provided to the hoistway 8 side, and the plate for door zone detection is provided to the car 10 side.

[0146] Further, in a case where the brake of the elevator is released by supplying power to the brake coil of the hoisting machine 250, the LB signal is in an ON state. In a case where the brake of the elevator is operated (the brake is not released) by stopping the supply of power to the brake coil of the hoisting machine 250, the LB signal is in an OFF state.

[0147] Further, a slow-up switch (not shown) and a slow-down switch (not shown) are provided to the wall surface of the hoistway 8. The slow-up switch is a switch provided so that the car 10 does not collide with the top of the hoistway 8. The slow-up switch is configured to be in an ON state by contact with a predetermined member installed to the car 10 when the position of the car 10 traveling in the UP direction becomes a predetermined position between the 5th floor (the uppermost floor) and the 4th floor.

[0148] In a case where the slow-up switch is in an ON state, the SUL signal is in an ON state, and in a case where the slow-up switch is in an OFF state, the SUL signal is in an OFF state. In a case where the car 10 approaches the uppermost floor and the slow-up switch is in an ON state, in a case where the car 10 travels at a speed equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, in order to ensure safety, the control panel 210 controls so that the car 10 is decelerated.

[0149] The slow-down switch is configured to prevent the car 10 from colliding with the bottom of the hoistway 8 (or entering the pit 6). The slow-down switch is configured to become ON when the car 10 traveling in the DN reaches a predetermined position between the 1st floor (lowest floor) and the 2nd floor, by contacting a predetermined component installed on the car 10.

[0150] When the slow-down switch is ON, the SDL signal is ON; when the slow-down switch is OFF, the SDL signal is OFF. When the car 10 approaches the lowest floor and the slow-down switch is ON, if the car 10 is traveling at a speed exceeding the specified speed, for safety reasons, the control panel 210 controls the car 10 to slow down.

[0151] Alternatively, the slow-speed upward switch and slow-speed downward switch can be configured to be located on the side of the car 10, and these switches become ON by contact with a specified component located on the side of the hoistway 8.

[0152] In this embodiment, only one elevator is installed in building 2. Figure 3 (Car 10 of elevator No. 1). Therefore, if a call to the elevator is registered at a floor, elevator No. 1 must be assigned, and elevator No. 1 will respond to the call at that floor.

[0153] For example, if a call for elevator DN is registered at a landing station on floor 2, elevator 1 is assigned to that call. Elevator 1, traveling in the DN direction, responds to the call by the elevator at floor 2 and opens its doors after stopping at floor 2.

[0154] The above structure is for controlling only one elevator in Building 2 (single-car structure), but the following will also describe the structure for setting up and controlling multiple elevators in Building 2 (multi-car structure). Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a modified elevator system 200b.

[0155] In this modified example, elevator system 200b has two elevators, "Elevator No. 1" and "Elevator No. 2". Elevator equipment group 220b includes landing devices 230 installed at each landing on each floor from the 1st to the 5th floor, traction machine 250 and car device 240 for elevator No. 1, various sensors and switches for elevator No. 1, traction machine 250 and car device 240 for elevator No. 2, and various sensors and switches for elevator No. 2.

[0156] The control panel 210b has a group management control unit 211 and two car control units 212. The group management control unit 211 is a control board that manages a plurality of elevators. The car control units 212 are control boards that control the operation of the corresponding elevators. The group management control unit 211 and the two car control units 212 communicate with each other and exchange various data related to the elevators.

[0157] The group management control unit 211 collectively controls the hall devices 230 of the respective floors. The group management control unit 211 is connected to the hall devices 230 provided in the hall of each of the first to fifth floors via a control cable 21. The car control units 212 are connected to the hoist machines 250 and the car devices 240, and various sensors and various switches of each car, via control cables 22 and 23.

[0158] In Figure 6 In the modification shown in the drawing, the hall device 230 of each floor includes a hall operation panel 70 provided with hall call buttons. However, in the present modification, the indicator 71 is not included in the hall operation panel 70. In the present modification, one hall operation panel 70 is provided in each floor, and the number of indicators 71 corresponding to the number of cars of the elevator (two) is provided.

[0159] The group management control unit 211 is connected to the hall devices 230 (hall call buttons) provided in each floor via the control cable 21 laid along the wall surface of the hoistway 8. The car control units 212 are connected to the hoist machines 250 and the car devices 240 of the car corresponding to the car control unit 212 via the control cable 22. The car device 240 includes a car operation panel 50 provided with destination floor buttons, a car door switch, and a door zone detection device.

[0160] The car control units 212 are connected to various sensors and various switches of the car corresponding to the car control unit 212 via the control cable 23 laid along the wall surface of the hoistway 8. The various sensors and various switches include a soft up switch, a soft down switch, a hall door switch of each floor, and the indicator 71 of each floor, which are provided for each car.

[0161] In the present example, when the hall call button is pressed, the group management control unit 211 registers the hall call corresponding to the hall call button. Then, the group management control unit 211 assigns any of the plurality of cars 10 (car No. 1, car No. 2) to the registered hall call. The car control unit 212 corresponding to the assigned car 10 (assigned car) causes the assigned car to respond to the registered hall call.

[0162] For example, when the UP landing call button 81 of the 1st floor is pressed, the UP landing call signal of the 1st floor becomes an ON state. The group management control section 211 receives the UP landing call signal of the 1st floor as the ON state, and registers the UP landing call of the 1st floor. The group management control section 211 allocates any of the cars 10 of the 1st and 2nd floor cars to the UP landing call of the 1st floor.

[0163] For example, the group management control section 211 allocates the car 10 of the 1st floor. In this case, the group management control section 211 transmits an instruction to each floor control section 212 of the 1st floor so as to respond to the UP landing call of the 1st floor. Each floor control section 212 of the 1st floor causes the car 10 of the 1st floor to travel so as to respond to the UP landing call of the 1st floor. The car 10 stops at the 1st floor and opens the door after traveling to the 1st floor.

[0164] In addition, the control panel 210b can not have the group management control section 211, and can have only the two floor control sections 212. In this case, the function of the group management control section 211 can be possessed by each floor control section 212 of the 1st floor. Each floor control section 212 of the 1st floor controls the landing device 230 via the control cable 21, and is communicatively connected directly to each floor control section 212 of the 2nd floor.

[0165] (Forced stop and waiting action)

[0166] Further, the elevator system 200 (200a, 200b) can set a forced stop floor and a waiting floor. In a case where the setting of the forced stop floor is made, the car 10 must stop at the forced stop floor and open the door when the car 10 passes the forced stop floor. For example, assume a scenario where the 2nd floor is set as the forced stop floor in a case where the lobby of a hotel is the 2nd floor. In a case where the car 10 travels from the 1st floor to the 5th floor, the car 10 must stop at the 2nd floor, which is an intermediate floor, and open the door.

[0167] In a case where the setting of the waiting floor is made, the car 10 travels to the set waiting floor after the response to all landing calls and car calls ends (this state is referred to as "available for use"). For example, the 1st floor (main floor) is set as the waiting floor. The car 10 waits at the 1st floor (waiting floor) after traveling from the 5th floor toward the 1st floor in a case where the response to the final call of the 5th floor ends and becomes available for use.

[0168] In setting the waiting floor, the presence or absence of door opening waiting and the number of waiting floors can also be set. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the 1st floor is set as the waiting floor, and the door opening waiting is set to be performed. Figure 6As in the example where there are two elevators managed by control panel 210b, one or both cars 10 can be made to wait at a waiting floor. In this case, they can be set to either an open or closed door state while waiting at the waiting floor. In the open door waiting state, after the car 10 arrives at the waiting floor and opens its door, it closes the door after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute or 3 minutes). The waiting floor for which the open door waiting setting is configured is also called the "open door waiting floor".

[0169] Furthermore, the elevator system 200b can also perform distributed waiting actions. For example, when there are two elevators managed by the control panel 210b, the two cars 10 are made to wait separately, so that the two usable cars 10 do not stop at the same floor or adjacent floors. For example, if both usable cars 10 are stopped at the 1st floor (the main floor), one car is made to travel to an upper floor (e.g., the 3rd floor) and then its doors are closed while it waits.

[0170] In this way, even if there is no floor call or car call, the car 10 can sometimes be moved or the door opened by setting a forced stop floor, setting a waiting floor, or dispersing the waiting action.

[0171] (Detailed structure and signals used by remote inspection system 1)

[0172] The following will Figure 3 The elevator system 200 shown (with 1 car) is described as a premise. Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate the hardware structure of the remote inspection system 1 and the signals used by the remote inspection system 1.

[0173] As described above, the elevator system 200 includes a control panel 210 and an elevator equipment assembly 220. The elevator equipment assembly 220 includes landing devices 230 for floors 1 to 5. The control panel 210 and the elevator equipment assembly 220 are connected via multiple signal lines, thereby enabling the transmission and reception of multiple signals.

[0174] These signals include the aforementioned DZ, LB, GS, DS, SUL, SDL, UP, DN signals, the UP call signal for floor 1, and the DN call signal for floor 5. All signals illustrated here are transmitted and received via parallel transmission.

[0175] The DZ signal is detected by the door zone detection device as described above. When the car 10 is within the door zone on each floor, the DZ signal is ON; when it is outside the door zone, the DZ signal is OFF.

[0176] The LB signal is a signal that becomes ON when the brake is released by supplying electric power to the brake coil of the traction machine 250 as described above. When the brake is operated by stopping the supply of electric power to the brake coil of the traction machine 250, the LB signal becomes OFF.

[0177] The GS signal is a signal that is detected by the car door switch as described above. The GS signal becomes ON when the door 60 on the car side is in the closed state, and becomes OFF when the door 60 on the car side is in the open state.

[0178] The DS signal is a signal that is detected by the landing door switch as described above. The DS signal becomes ON when the door 61 on the landing side is in the closed state, and becomes OFF when the door 61 on the landing side is in the open state.

[0179] The SUL signal is a signal that is detected by the slow-up switch as described above. The SUL signal becomes ON when the slow-up switch is in the ON state, and becomes OFF when the slow-up switch is in the OFF state.

[0180] The SDL signal is a signal that is detected by the slow-down switch as described above. The SDL signal becomes ON when the slow-down switch is in the ON state, and becomes OFF when the slow-down switch is in the OFF state.

[0181] The UP signal becomes ON when the travel direction of the car 10 is the UP direction, and becomes OFF when the travel direction of the car 10 is other than the UP direction. The DN signal becomes ON when the travel direction of the car 10 is the DN direction, and becomes OFF when the travel direction of the car 10 is other than the DN direction.

[0182] The UP landing call signal of the 1st floor is a signal that becomes ON when the UP landing call button 81 of the landing device 230 of the 1st floor is in the pressed state. The contact becomes ON in the pressed state of the UP landing call button 81, and becomes OFF when the pressed state of the UP landing call button 81 is released.

[0183] The DN landing call signal of the 5th floor is a signal that becomes ON when the DN landing call button 82 of the landing device 230 of the 5th floor is in the pressed state. The contact becomes ON in the pressed state of the DN landing call button 82, and becomes OFF when the pressed state of the DN landing call button 82 is released.

[0184] Further, although not shown, a hall call signal output from other hall call buttons and a car call signal output from a car call button are also input to the control panel 210.

[0185] The remote inspection device 100 is provided with a control device 110, an input IF (interface) 130, an output IF (interface) 140, and a communication IF (interface) 120.

[0186] The input IF 130 is a substrate for inputting a part of signals input and output between the control panel 210 and the elevator equipment group 220 by parallel transmission as a determination signal. The signal lines of the respective DZ signal, LB signal, GS signal, DS signal, SUL signal, SDL signal, UP signal, and DN signal input to the control panel 210 are branched, and the respective signal lines after the branching are connected to the terminals provided in the input IF 130. Each signal input to the input IF 130 is also transmitted to the control device 110.

[0187] The output IF 140 is a substrate for outputting signals to the elevator equipment group 220. The control device 110 can output a 1st floor UP hall call signal and a 5th floor DN hall call signal to the output IF 140. The output IF 140 outputs the received 1st floor UP hall call signal to the elevator equipment group 220 when receiving the 1st floor UP hall call signal from the control device 110, and outputs the received 5th floor DN hall call signal to the elevator equipment group 220 when receiving the 5th floor DN hall call signal from the control device 110.

[0188] The 1st floor UP hall call button 81 is provided in the 1st floor hall device 230. A signal line for transmitting the 1st floor UP hall call signal is provided between the 1st floor hall device 230 and the control panel 210. The 5th floor DN hall call button 82 is provided in the 5th floor hall device 230. A signal line for transmitting the 5th floor DN hall call signal is provided between the 5th floor hall device 230 and the control panel 210. Further, in the present embodiment, since the hall call signals are transmitted from the hall device 230 to the control panel 210 by serial transmission, the parallel transmission line cannot be branched from the control panel 210 side to input and output the hall call signals with respect to the remote inspection device 100.

[0189] When the UP landing call button 81 of the 1st floor is pressed, the contacts are short-circuited, and a signal in the ON state is input to the landing device 230 of the 1st floor. Thus, the landing device 230 of the 1st floor transmits (serial transmission) the 1st floor UP landing call signal in the ON state to the control panel 210. The signal line for transmitting the 1st floor UP landing call signal is connected to the terminal of the output IF 140, and is connected to the landing device 230. Also, the contacts of the UP landing call button 81 of the 1st floor are short-circuited in the case where the 1st floor UP landing call signal in the ON state is output from the output IF 140. Thus, the 1st floor UP landing call signal in the ON state is transmitted from the landing device 230 of the 1st floor to the control panel 210. That is, by transmitting the 1st floor UP landing call signal in the ON state from the output IF 140, the state where the UP landing call button 81 of the 1st floor is pressed can be simulated.

[0190] When the DN landing call button 82 of the 5th floor is pressed, the contacts are short-circuited, and a signal in the ON state is input to the landing device 230 of the 5th floor. Thus, the landing device 230 of the 5th floor transmits (serial transmission) the 5th floor DN landing call signal in the ON state to the control panel 210. The signal line for transmitting the 5th floor DN landing call signal is connected to the terminal of the output IF 140, and is connected to the landing device 230. Also, the contacts of the DN landing call button 82 of the 5th floor are short-circuited in the case where the 5th floor DN landing call signal in the ON state is output from the output IF 140. Thus, the 5th floor DN landing call signal in the ON state is transmitted from the landing device 230 of the 5th floor to the control panel 210. That is, by transmitting the 5th floor DN landing call signal in the ON state from the output IF 140, the state where the DN landing call button 82 of the 5th floor is pressed can be simulated.

[0191] In the present embodiment, in order to perform remote inspection, the case where the remote inspection device 100 generates a simulated landing call to make the car 10 travel is referred to as "diagnostic operation". In the present example, the remote inspection device 100 generates a simulated 1st floor UP landing call and a simulated 5th floor DN landing call as described above. By combining these two landing calls, a diagnostic operation to make the car 10 travel between the lowermost floor (1st floor) and the uppermost floor (5th floor) can be performed.

[0192] The elevator equipment group 220 transmits and receives signals to and from the input IF 130 and the output IF 140 by parallel transmission. The input IF 130 and the output IF 140 also transmit and receive signals to and from the control device 110 by parallel transmission. The signals input from the respective signal lines connecting the elevator equipment group 220 and the input IF 130 differ in voltage and the like depending on the manufacturer (for example, 24 V, 48 V, 100 V), and thus the signals are unified by the input IF 130 and input to the control device 110.

[0193] Further, in the present embodiment, a temperature sensor 15 is provided in the machine room 5. The control device 110 is configured to be able to acquire the detection result of the temperature sensor 15. Thus, the control device 110 is able to detect the temperature of the machine room 5. The temperature sensor 15 is not limited to the machine room, and can be provided at an arbitrary position in the hoistway 8 of the elevator, the periphery of the hoistway 8, or the periphery of the elevator. Further, in the present embodiment, the control device 110 is configured to be able to acquire the voltage of the interphone 16 installed in the car 10. Using this information, it is possible to determine whether the temperature of the machine room 5 or the like or the state of the interphone is normal.

[0194] The control device 110 is a PLC provided with at least a processor (CPU) 111 and a memory 112. The memory is, for example, a ROM and a RAM. They are connected to each other in a communicable manner via a bus. The ROM stores a program for controlling the control device 110. The CPU reads the program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it to control the control device 110. The RAM becomes a work area when the CPU executes the program, and temporarily stores the program, data at the time of execution of the program, and the like. The control device 110 is configured to be able to communicate with the input IF 130, the output IF 140, and the communication IF 120. The communication IF 120 is a board for communicating with the management server 300 via a network.

[0195] As described above, the terminal 400 is provided with a display portion 410 and an input portion 420. The display portion 410 is, for example, a display. The input portion 420 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel display integrated with the display portion 410.

[0196] The management server 300 instructs remote inspection of the control device 110 via the communication IF 120, and acquires the result of the remote inspection from the control device 110. The terminal 400 and the management server 300 are also provided with a processor (CPU) and a memory (ROM, RAM) like the control device 110.

[0197] The control device 110 transmits a 1st floor UP landing call signal to the landing device 230 of the 1st floor via the output IF 140, thereby simulating generation of a 1st floor UP landing call. The control device 110 transmits a 5th floor DN landing call signal to the landing device 230 of the 5th floor via the output IF 140, thereby simulating generation of a 5th floor DN landing call. Thus, it is possible to cause the car 10 to travel between the 1st floor and the 5th floor, and to perform the above-described diagnostic operation.

[0198] The control device 110 acquires the DZ signal, the LB signal, the GS signal, the DS signal, the SUL signal, the SDL signal, the UP signal, and the DN signal input and output with respect to the control panel 210 via the input IF 130. Further, the control device 110 acquires the detection result of the temperature sensor 15 and the voltage of the intercom 16 as signals. The control device 110 determines each item of the remote inspection based on these signals, and transmits the determination result to the management server 300 via the communication IF 120. The determination result can be confirmed on the terminal 400.

[0199] Here, the specifications of each signal input from the elevator system 200 are sometimes different depending on the manufacturer of the elevator or the model of the elevator. For example, in a case where signals corresponding to the DZ signal, the LB signal, the GS signal, and the DS signal are acquired, the ON state and the OFF state are sometimes input in reverse states. For example, with respect to the LB signal, two cases are assumed: a case where the signal becomes ON in a state where the brake is applied (a state where the brake is not released), and a case where the signal becomes ON in a state where the brake is released.

[0200] In the present embodiment, the memory 112 of the control device 110 stores a conversion map corresponding to each manufacturer or each model. Each signal is converted by the conversion map (for example, conversion that reverses the ON / OFF of the DZ signal, the LB signal, the GS signal, and the DS signal), so that the specifications of the signals are unified. Further, the SUL signal, the SDL signal, the UP signal, and the DN signal are not necessary signals, and it is not a hindrance even if these signals cannot be acquired (described later in detail).

[0201] For example, the signal of the rotary encoder of the hoisting machine 250 can also be taken in, and the UP signal and the DN signal can be generated based on the signal, and the UP signal and the DN signal can also be generated based on the DZ signal (described later in detail). In this case, the signal of the rotary encoder or the DZ signal is converted into the UP signal and the DN signal using the conversion map described above.

[0202] In addition, as described above, the control panel 210 is configured to be able to perform communication connection based on serial communication with the maintenance device of the X company via the connector 261 provided to the control panel 210. Figure 2 As described above, the control panel 210 is configured to be able to perform communication connection based on serial communication with the maintenance device of the X company via the connector 261 provided to the control panel 210.

[0203] (Diagnosis operation)

[0204] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the travel of the car 10 and the signals in the diagnosis operation. As described above, in the present embodiment, the simulated 1st floor UP landing call and the 5th floor DN landing call can be generated, and the diagnosis operation in which the car 10 travels between the lowest floor (1st floor) and the highest floor (5th floor) is implemented. Thereby, for example, the travel time from the 1st floor to the 5th floor and the like can be measured.

[0205] The diagnostic operation is implemented in a state in which the car 10 is not excluded from the allocation target cars, that is, in a state in which the car 10 can respond to a hall call from a user of the elevator. Therefore, even if the car 10 is called to the 1st floor by the diagnostic operation and then caused to travel to the 5th floor, it can travel to a floor different from the 1st floor by a hall call from a user, and in the diagnostic operation, it sometimes stops at a floor between the 1st floor and the 5th floor by a car call from a user. Therefore, for example, the diagnostic operation is implemented once a month at a late night time or the like in which there are few users of the elevator.

[0206] The determination of the point inspection items of the remote point inspection includes determination based on "operation diagnosis" and determination based on "normal diagnosis". A case in which the diagnostic operation is performed and the diagnosis of the remote point inspection items is performed based on the diagnostic operation is referred to as "operation diagnosis". In the operation diagnosis, determination is performed using the determination-use signals acquired when the car 10 travels in response to a hall call signal transmitted by the instruction section 155 (to be described later) of the remote point inspection device 100.

[0207] On the other hand, a case in which the diagnosis of the remote point inspection items is performed each time the car 10 is caused to operate by a user of the elevator or the like, not limited to the diagnostic operation, is referred to as "normal diagnosis". In the normal diagnosis, determination is performed using determination-use signals acquired regardless of whether or not a hall call signal is transmitted by the instruction section 155 of the remote point inspection device 100.

[0208] In the present example, at time t0, the car 10 stops at the 1st floor. At this time, since the car 10 stops at the lowermost floor (1st floor), the SUL signal is in the OFF state and the SDL signal is in the ON state. Since the brake of the hoist machine 250 is operating, the LB signal is in the OFF state. Since the position of the car 10 is in a position range (door zone) in which the door can be opened in the 1st floor, the DZ signal is in the ON state. Since the door 60 on the car 10 side is in a closed door state, the GS signal is in the ON state. Since the door 61 on the hall side is in a closed door state, the DS signal is in the ON state.

[0209] Here, the remote point inspection device 100 outputs the DN hall call signal of the 5th floor to the hall device 230 of the 5th floor in order to perform the diagnostic operation. Thereby, a pressed state of the DN hall call button 82 of the hall device 230 of the 5th floor is simulated.

[0210] Thus, the 5th floor DN landing call 92 is registered, and at time tl, the car 10 starts running toward the 5th floor. At this time, the brake of the hoisting machine 250 is released, and the LB signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. Since the position of the car 10 is away from the door zone of the 1st floor, the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state. Further, since the deceleration-down switch changes from the ON state to the OFF state, the SDL signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state. The car 10 becomes an acceleration running state, and runs in the UP direction.

[0211] After that, the car 10 becomes a constant-speed running state (a state in which the speed of the car 10 reaches the rated speed and the car 10 runs while maintaining the rated speed), and at time t2, the position of the car 10 becomes the 2nd floor. At this time, the position of the car 10 enters the door zone of the 2nd floor, and the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. Further, when the position of the car 10 is away from the door zone of the 2nd floor, the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0212] At time t3, the position of the car 10 becomes the 4th floor, and the position of the car 10 enters the door zone of the 4th floor, and the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. When the position of the car 10 is away from the door zone of the 4th floor, the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state. After that, at time t4, the car 10 changes to a deceleration running state so as to stop at the 5th floor.

[0213] At time t5, the car 10 stops at the 5th floor (the uppermost floor). By the deceleration-up switch changing from the OFF state to the ON state, the SUL signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. By the position of the car 10 entering the door zone of the 5th floor, the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. The brake of the hoisting machine 250 is activated (the release state is canceled), and the LB signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0214] At time t6, if the car 10 becomes a door-open state (the car 10 side door 60 and the landing side door 61 are in the door-open state), the GS signal and the DS signal change from the ON state to the OFF state. When a predetermined time elapses, the car 10 becomes a door-closed state. Thus, the GS signal and the DS signal change from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0215] Thus, in a case where the remote point inspection device 100 outputs the 5th floor DN landing call signal to the elevator system 200 in a state in which the car 10 stops at the 1st floor, it is possible to make the car 10 run from the 1st floor to the 5th floor. At this time, it is possible to acquire various signals of the elevator which change in the remote point inspection device 100, and perform remote point inspection based on these signals.

[0216] In order to make the car 10 stop at the 1st floor, the remote point inspection device 100 outputs the UP landing call signal of the 1st floor to the elevator system 200 in the ON state. Thus, the car 10 travels toward the 1st floor.

[0217] Further, in a state where the car 10 stops at the 5th floor, the remote point inspection device 100 outputs the UP landing call signal of the 1st floor to the elevator system 200 in the ON state. In this case, it is possible to make the car 10 travel from the 5th floor to the 1st floor. At this time, it is possible to acquire various signals of the elevator that change in the remote point inspection device 100, and perform remote point inspection based on these signals.

[0218] In addition, the diagnostic operation is not limited to generating and implementing the UP landing call of the lowermost floor and the DN landing call of the uppermost floor, and can be implemented by the landing calls of any two floors. For example, service cut setting is performed so that the elevator service for the uppermost floor (5th floor) is not performed (the car cannot stop at the uppermost floor). In this case, it is also possible to generate the UP landing call of the 1st floor and the DN landing call of the 4th floor to implement the diagnostic operation. However, in this case, in the Figure 7 In the example shown, it is necessary to be modified so that the 4th floor DN landing call signal is output to the landing device 230 of the 4th floor instead of the landing device 230 of the 5th floor.

[0219] (Regarding signals suitable for remote point inspection)

[0220] In the present embodiment, the signals used for condition determination for operating the safety circuit of the elevator (DZ signal, LB signal, DS signal, GS signal) are used as determination signals for remote point inspection. Further, from the viewpoint of installation easiness (workability), the landing call is not used but the landing call is used as an output signal for operation diagnosis (diagnostic operation) of remote point inspection. The reason for this will be described below.

[0221] The elevator is provided with a safety circuit that stops the operation of the elevator when a predetermined abnormality is detected by hardware or software. For example, it is configured so that when any one of the plurality of contacts provided in the safety circuit is released, the supply of power to the brake coil of the electromagnetic brake of the hoist machine 250 and the hoist machine 250 is cut off. Thus, the driving force of the hoist machine 250 disappears, and the electromagnetic brake becomes a braking state, and the car 10 stops.

[0222] In the elevator system 200, as a safety device, a governor (not shown), an emergency stop device (not shown), a buffer 14, and the like are provided. The governor is a device provided to the car 10 and physically detects the speed of the car 10. The emergency stop device is a device provided to the car 10 and physically applies a brake to the car 10 when the governor detects an abnormal speed. The buffer 14 is a device provided in the pit 6 and absorbs the impact when the car 10 falls.

[0223] For example, in a case where the travel of the car 10 at an abnormal speed is detected by hardware (a governor) or software (an internal signal), a stop instruction of the car 10 is performed by software, and a safety circuit is operated by hardware or software. By the operation of the safety circuit, the power supply to the elevator is stopped, and the movement of the car 10 is stopped. Further, the car 10 can be physically stopped by an emergency stop device or a buffer 14.

[0224] In a case where the safety circuit is operated, the power supply to the brake coil of the electromagnetic brake of the hoisting machine 250 is cut off (the LB signal is in an OFF state), whereby the electromagnetic brake becomes a braking state, and the car 10 is stopped.

[0225] Alternatively, the limit switch (final limit switch) provided in the lower portion of the slow-down downward switch or the upper portion of the slow-down upward switch becomes an ON state, whereby the safety circuit is operated, and the car 10 is stopped to prevent a collision with the top or bottom of the hoistway.

[0226] Further, in a case where the car 10 travels in a state where the door is open, there is a risk that a passenger falls into the hoistway 8 from the landing side or a person is caught between the entrance of the landing side and the car 10. Therefore, the elevator is controlled so that the car 10 does not travel in a state where the door 61 of the landing side is open (the landing door switch (DS signal) is in an OFF state) or a state where the door 60 of the car side is open (the car door switch (GS signal) is in an OFF state).

[0227] Further, in a case where the car 10 is outside the door zone (the DZ signal is OFF), the elevator is controlled so that the door is not opened. For example, in a case where the car 10 is outside the door zone (the DZ signal is OFF) and in an open door state (the DS signal or the GS signal is in an OFF state), the safety circuit is operated, and the car 10 is stopped.

[0228] The safety device and the safety circuit of the elevator described above perform the above actions in accordance with the Building Standards Act and the like. Therefore, the elevators of each manufacturer generally output the DS signal (ON / OFF of the landing door switch), the GS signal (ON / OFF of the car door switch), the LB signal (release / braking of the electromagnetic brake), the DZ signal (detection / non-detection of the door zone), or a signal similar thereto as a contact signal. These signals are signals used for condition determination for operating the safety circuit of the elevator.

[0229] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the DS signal, the GS signal, the LB signal, the DZ signal, or a signal similar thereto, which are commonly used in each company, are used for determination of the inspection item of the remote inspection. Depending on the manufacturer or the model of the elevator, other signals can be acquired as the signals of the parallel transmission at times, and can not be acquired as the signals of the parallel transmission at times. In a case where such a signal is used, depending on the elevator, a case where the item of the remote inspection can be determined and a case where the item of the remote inspection cannot be determined can occur.

[0230] The DZ signal can be used for calculation of the moving time between floors or the car position. For example, at present, the car 10 is stopped at the lowermost floor (1F). When the car 10 starts running, the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state, and when the car position reaches 2F, the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0231] Therefore, in a case where the car 10 is stopped at 1F, the time from when the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state to when the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state can be calculated as the running time of the car 10 from 1F to 2F. Further, at the timing when the DZ signal becomes the ON state from the OFF state, it is only necessary that the car position changes from 1F to 2F. In this way, at the change timing of the DZ signal, the moving time between floors and the floor position can be calculated.

[0232] At this time, in a case where the SDL signal is the ON state, it is only necessary that the car position = 1F (the lowermost floor) is set, and in a case where the SUL signal is the ON state, it is only necessary that the car position = 5F (the uppermost floor) is set. Further, in a case where the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state, it is only necessary that the car position is increased by 1F if the UP signal is the ON state, and the car position is decreased by 1F if the DN signal is the ON state.

[0233] However, in the remote inspection, the SDL signal, the SUL signal, the UP signal, and the DN signal are not necessarily necessary signals. For example, in a state where there is no elevator user at all in the middle of the night, a 1F UP landing call is generated by the diagnostic operation. The car 10 can also set the stopped floor to "1F" in response to the 1F UP landing call. Or, a 5F DN landing call is generated. The car 10 can also set the stopped floor to "5F" in response to the 5F DN landing call.

[0234] Further, in the diagnosis operation at midnight, in a case where a 1st floor UP landing call, a 5th floor DN landing call, and a 1st floor UP landing call are generated, in a state where the 1st floor UP landing call is responded, the car position = 1st floor and the car direction = UP direction are set. Next, in a state where the car travels by the 5th floor DN landing call, the floor of the car position is increased by 1 each time the DZ signal changes to the ON state. In a state where the 5th floor DN landing call is responded, the car position = 5th floor and the car direction = DN direction are set. Next, in a state where the car travels by the 1st floor UP landing call, the floor of the car position is decreased by 1 each time the DZ signal changes to the ON state. In a state where the 1st floor UP landing call is responded, the car position = 1st floor and the car direction = UP direction are set. In the case of being configured like this, even if the SDL signal, the SUL signal, the UP signal, and the DN signal are not taken in, the car position and the travel direction can be grasped.

[0235] Further, in a case where the UP signal and the DN signal cannot be acquired, the detection result of the door zone detection device can be used. For example, the door zone detection device is provided with a plurality of sensors, and a plurality of plates for door zone detection are provided corresponding to the plurality of sensors. The detection timing of the plurality of sensors differs depending on the position of the car 10. In a case where the car direction is the UP direction and the DN direction, in a case where the timing at which each sensor changes to the ON state (or the timing at which each sensor changes to the OFF state) differs, the car direction can be determined using the timing at which the state of each sensor changes.

[0236] Further, in a case where the UP signal and the DN signal cannot be acquired, the pulse information of the rotary encoder of the hoisting machine 250 can be used. In this case, the signal line output from the rotary encoder to the control panel 210 is branched, and signal input to the remote point inspection device 100 is enabled. In this case, the car direction is determined depending on which pulse of the A phase and the B phase is output first. For example, in a case where the pulse of the B phase is output with a delay of 1 / 4 cycle with respect to the pulse of the A phase, the car direction is set to the UP direction, and in a case where the pulse of the A phase is output with a delay of 1 / 4 cycle with respect to the pulse of the B phase, the car direction is set to the DN direction.

[0237] In addition, in a case where the output information from the rotary encoder is used, the car position and the car speed of the car 10 can also be calculated. The distance (car position) moved by the car 10 can also be calculated depending on the number of pulses detected from the rotary encoder. Further, the car speed can also be calculated depending on the number of pulses detected per unit time. In such a case, which state of the car 10, the stopped state, the acceleration travel state, the constant speed travel state, and the deceleration travel state, the car position, and the car speed are appropriate can be grasped, and it is easy to determine whether the car position and the car speed are appropriate.

[0238] However, the relationship between the number of pulses output from the rotary encoder and the car position varies depending on the rated speed of the elevator, the model of the elevator, the manufacturer of the elevator, the type of the rotary encoder, and the like. Therefore, the relationship between the number of pulses and the car position needs to be measured at each site, and the construction design and installation work of the remote point inspection system 1 become complicated. Therefore, if the ease of installation and the installation cost are taken into consideration, it is desirable to use the DZ signal as described above in the grasping of the position information of the elevator.

[0239] Further, in the present embodiment, in a case where the diagnostic operation in which the car 10 is caused to travel is performed, the remote point inspection device 100 is configured to output the uppermost floor DN landing call and the lowermost floor UP landing call in simulation. Thereby, it is possible to cause the car 10 to travel between the lowermost floor and the uppermost floor.

[0240] In a case where it is desired to cause the car 10 to travel between the lowermost floor and the uppermost floor like this, the remote point inspection device 100 can also be configured to output the car call to the uppermost floor and the car call to the lowermost floor instead of the landing call in simulation. However, in the present embodiment, the landing call is output from the remote point inspection device 100 instead of the car call from the viewpoint of the ease of installation (workability).

[0241] As described above, in order to generate the landing call in simulation, the landing device 230 provided at the landing is modified in such a manner that the contact of the landing call button is short-circuited by signal input. The signal line (signal cable) for transmitting the landing call signal can be connected to the landing call button of the landing device 230 of the uppermost floor and the lowermost floor buried in the wall surface of the hoistway 8 from the remote point inspection device 100 provided in the machine room 5 along the wall surface of the hoistway 8. In a case where the signal line is provided along the wall surface of the hoistway 8 like this, there is no obstacle in the middle, and thus the installation is relatively easy.

[0242] On the other hand, in order to generate the car call in simulation, the car device 240 provided at the car 10 is modified in such a manner that the contact of the car call button is short-circuited by signal input. For this purpose, the signal line for transmitting the car call signal needs to be connected to the car call button of the car device 240 provided inside the car 10 from the remote point inspection device 100 provided in the machine room 5.

[0243] In this case, it is necessary to make the signal line enter the inside of the car 10, and thus it is necessary to use an empty line among the signal lines in the control cable 22 connecting the machine room 5 and the car 10. However, it is necessary to confirm which line is the empty line, and there is also a possibility that there is no empty line. Further, it is also necessary to confirm whether the signal lines of the control cable 22 are consistent on the machine room 5 side and the car 10 side, and the installation is not easy. In light of such a situation, in the present embodiment, the landing call is generated in simulation in the diagnostic operation without generating the car call in simulation.

[0244] As explained above, in the present embodiment, in the determination of the inspection items for remote inspection, a signal based on parallel transmission is used instead of a communication specification based signal that differs for each manufacturer and model. In particular, in the present embodiment, a signal commonly used regardless of the manufacturer and model is used for the determination of the inspection items for remote inspection, which is a signal suitable for use from the viewpoint of installation easiness (workability) and installation cost.

[0245] Specifically, a hall call signal, and a DS signal, a GS signal, a LB signal, a DZ signal, or the like used for the determination of the conditions for operating the safety circuit of the elevator are used for the determination of the inspection items for remote inspection. In this way, how to implement remote inspection in a situation where the signals suitable for use in the remote inspection device 100 are greatly limited becomes a large problem in the present embodiment.

[0246] For example, in the case where a signal based on serial transmission is used (for example, the remote inspection device 500 of the X company that performs serial communication with the control panel 210 as shown in FIG. 6), remote inspection can be easily implemented as follows. Figure 2

[0247] The elevator has an elevator-specific speed pattern for each model and rated speed. The speed pattern is a pattern showing the relationship between the elapsed time and the car speed in the case where the car 10 travels from the start floor to the destination floor. The car 10 becomes an acceleration traveling state when it starts traveling from the start floor, then becomes a constant speed traveling state, and becomes a deceleration traveling state before reaching the destination floor. The control panel 210 can calculate and hold the measured value of the speed pattern from the start floor to the destination floor based on the pulse signal obtained from the rotation encoder of the hoisting machine 250. Therefore, by comparing the measured value of the speed pattern with the elevator-specific speed pattern (a value prepared in advance), it is possible to determine whether the start state, the acceleration traveling state, the constant speed traveling state, and the deceleration traveling state of the elevator are normal or not. As shown in FIG. 7, if it is a remote inspection device 500 connected to the control panel 210 by serial communication, it can access the internal signals held by the control panel 210, and thus remote inspection can be easily implemented by such a method. Figure 2

[0248] ​​On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the remote point inspection device 100 uses a "DZ signal" (a signal to determine whether or not in a door zone) as a signal to determine a position, in accordance with a restriction of a signal suitable for use in remote point inspection. It is not possible to determine whether the car 10 is in an accelerating travel state, a constant speed travel state, or a decelerating travel state from the DZ signal. Therefore, in order to perform remote point inspection using limited signals, it is necessary to put effort into a determination method. In other words, in a case where remote point inspection is performed by the remote point inspection device 500 capable of serial communication, there is neither a motive to determine a point inspection item of remote point inspection by combining such signals as the DS signal, the GS signal, the LB signal, and the DZ signal, nor such a thought.

[0249] In the present embodiment, a case where the control panel 210 controls one elevator (car 10) is assumed as a premise (refer to Figure 3 ) and, as shown in Figure 1 , Figure 7 , the configuration is such that one remote point inspection device 100 is connected to the elevator system 200. In contrast, as shown in Figure 6 , in a case where the control panel 210b controls a plurality of elevators (cars 10) (a multi-car configuration), the configuration is such that the remote point inspection device 100 is provided for each of the plurality of elevators (cars 10). Alternatively, the configuration can be such that one remote point inspection device 100 is provided for the plurality of elevators.

[0250] In a case where the remote point inspection device 100 is provided for each of the plurality of elevators (cars 10), the configuration can be such as follows. For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 6 , the configuration is such that a part of signal lines included in the control cables 22, 23 that connect each control section 212 that controls the No. 1 machine to the elevator equipment group 220b (car device 240 and the like) of the No. 1 machine is branched, and the determination signal of the No. 1 machine, such as the DZ signal, is input to the remote point inspection device 100 (input IF 130) connected to the No. 1 machine.

[0251] Similarly, the configuration is such that a part of signal lines included in the control cables 22, 23 that connect each control section 212 that controls the No. 2 machine to the elevator equipment group 220b (car device 240 and the like) of the No. 2 machine is branched, and the determination signal of the No. 2 machine, such as the DZ signal, is input to the remote point inspection device 100 (input IF 130) connected to the No. 2 machine. In this case, each remote point inspection device 100 acquires the determination signal of the car 10 of the elevator connected to the remote point inspection device 100 (the subject car as a determination target of the control section 152) and performs determination of a remote point inspection item with respect to the subject car.

[0252] The plurality of remote point inspection devices 100 connected to the plurality of elevators are configured to be connected to one management server 300 and one terminal 400. In addition, in the case of a plurality of cars, the hall call signal is not transmitted to the hall device 230. Assuming that in the case of a plurality of cars and the hall call signal is transmitted to the hall device 230, each remote point inspection device 100 (output IF 140) is connected to the hall device 230 through a signal line. Also, the hall device 230 is configured such that the contact of the hall call button can be short-circuited regardless of the signal output from which remote point inspection device 100.

[0253] In the case where one remote point inspection device 100 is provided for a plurality of elevators (cars 10), it can be configured as follows. In the case of a plurality of cars, the hall call signal is not transmitted to the hall device 230. Assuming that in the case of a plurality of cars and the hall call signal is transmitted to the hall device 230, each remote point inspection device 100 (output IF 140) is connected to the hall device 230 through a signal line. Also, the hall device 230 is configured such that the contact of the hall call button can be short-circuited regardless of the signal output from which remote point inspection device 100. Figure 6 In the configuration shown, it is configured such that a signal line obtained by branching a part of the signal line included in the control cable 22, 23 that connects each control section 212 that controls the No. 1 machine to the elevator equipment group 220b of the No. 1 machine, and a signal line obtained by branching a part of the signal line included in the control cable 22, 23 that connects each control section 212 that controls the No. 2 machine to the elevator equipment group 220b of the No. 2 machine, are both input to one remote point inspection device 100. In this case, the remote point inspection device 100 performs determination of the remote point inspection items for each number of machines, and transmits the determination results for each number of machines to the management server 300.

[0254] (Process performed by remote point inspection system 1)

[0255] Hereinafter, the process performed by the remote point inspection system 1 will be described in detail. Figure 9 is a drawing showing an example of a functional block diagram of the remote point inspection system 1. The remote point inspection system 1 has a retrieval section 151, a control section 152, an output section 153, a reception section 154, and an instruction section 155, and stores a data group 156.

[0256] The reception section 154 receives the operation of the maintenance staff (user who operates the terminal 400) from the input section 420 of the terminal 400. For example, the maintenance staff can set the date and time at which to perform the operation diagnosis, perform the operation diagnosis based on manual, and the like (refer to the description of the operation diagnosis based on manual described later) by the operation of the input section 420 in the display screen of the display section 410 of the terminal 400. Figure 10

[0257] The control section 152 can access the data group 156. The data group 156 contains setting data 422, a reference time database (also referred to as "DB") 423, a running history 424, and a determination result 425. The control section 152 performs reading or updating of the setting data 422, the reference time DB 423, the running history 424, and the determination result 425.

[0258] ​The setting data 422 is data in which various information related to the remote inspection is stored. For example, the setting data 422 records information of the building 2 and the elevators related to the remote inspection, and the like. In a case where the setting of the date and time of the implementation of the diagnostic operation is made by the operation of the input section 420, the control section 152 records the date and time in the setting data 422.

[0259] The reference time DB 423 is a database in which reference times used by the control section 152 in the determination of each inspection item of the remote inspection (for example, the reference time KA of the start time described later) are recorded. In detail, the reference times used in the determination of each inspection item of the remote inspection are described later. Figure 12 , Figure 13 are described. The operation history 424 is historical data of the signals of the elevator system 200 acquired by the remote inspection system 1. The determination result 425 is data in which the determination results of each inspection item of the remote inspection are stored.

[0260] The control section 152 generates a hall call signal that generates a hall call of the elevator based on the implementation date and time of the operation diagnosis recorded in the setting data 422 or the execution instruction of the operation diagnosis based on the operation (manual) of the maintenance person, to implement the operation diagnosis.

[0261] The instruction section 155 transmits the hall call signal generated by the control section 152 to the elevator equipment group 220 of the elevator system 200. The elevator system 200 executes the diagnostic operation in response to the hall call.

[0262] The acquisition section 151 acquires determination signals (DZ signal, LB signal, GS signal, DS signal, and the like) from the elevator equipment group 220 of the elevator system 200. The acquisition section 151 acquires the determination signals not only at the time of the operation diagnosis described above, but also always acquires the signals from the elevator equipment group 220.

[0263] The control section 152 determines the inspection items of the remote inspection (performs the determination process) based on the determination signals acquired by the acquisition section 151, and generates the determination results. The inspection items of the remote inspection include the start state of the car 10, the acceleration running state, the constant speed running state, the deceleration running state, the stop floor state, the state of the destination floor button, the state of the hall button, the door opening and closing state, and the brake state (presence or absence of abnormality of the electromagnetic brake). The control section 152 records the acquired determination signals in the operation history 424, and records the determination results of the inspection items of the remote inspection in the determination result 425.

[0264] The output section 153 outputs information such as the determination results of the inspection items of the remote inspection, so that the information is displayed on the display section 410 of the terminal 400. Thereby, the maintenance person can confirm the determination results of the remote inspection and the like through the display section 410 of the terminal 400.

[0265] In the present embodiment, the remote point inspection system 1 is configured of the remote point inspection device 100, the management server 300, and the terminal 400. However, the remote point inspection system 1 is not limited thereto, and can be configured to not include the management server 300 and the terminal 400, or can be configured as a device obtained by integrating them. For example, the remote point inspection system 1 can be configured of only the remote point inspection device 100, or can be configured of the remote point inspection device 100 and the management server 300. Further, the remote point inspection device 100 is configured of the control device 110, the input IF 130, the output IF 140, and the communication IF 120. However, the remote point inspection device 100 is not limited thereto, and can be configured to integrate the functions of the input IF 130, the output IF 140, and the communication IF 120, and realize all the functions in the control device 110.

[0266] The processes performed by each of the acquisition section 151, the control section 152, the output section 153, the reception section 154, and the instruction section 155 can be processes performed by the processor 111 of the control device 110, or can be processes performed by any processor in the substrate included in the remote point inspection device 100. For example, the acquisition section 151 can be a process performed by a processor of the input IF 130. The instruction section 155 can be a process performed by a processor of the output IF 140. The output section 153 and the reception section 154 can be processes performed by any processor in the communication IF 120, the management server 300, and the terminal 400. The remote point inspection device 100 can be configured to include the acquisition section 151, the control section 152, the output section 153, the reception section 154, and the instruction section 155, or can be configured such that the remote point inspection device 100 includes the acquisition section 151 and the instruction section 155, and the management server 300 includes the control section 152, the output section 153, and the reception section 154. The data group 156 can be stored in the memory 112 of the control device 110, or a part of it can be stored in the memory of the management server 300.

[0267] Figure 10 FIG. 42 is an example of a display screen 421 of the remote point inspection system 1. The display screen 421 is displayed on the display section 410 of the terminal 400. In the display screen 421, the setting information of the remote point inspection, the determination results of each item of the remote point inspection, a setting button, and the like are displayed.

[0268] In the uppermost part of the display screen 421, the property name of the building 2 is shown as "ABC Building". Below it, the determination status of the operation diagnosis association is displayed. In the present example, the results obtained by the diagnosis operation between the 1st floor and the 5th floor are shown for each of the different traveling directions. Figure 8

[0269] ​The column of "UP direction" shows the results of traveling from the 1st floor to the 5th floor in the UP direction. The "travel time" is the time required to travel from the 1st floor to the 5th floor. The "start time" is the time required to start the car 10 from the 1st floor (until the door zone is reached). Further, the time required to travel from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor (including the acceleration traveling state), the time required to travel from the 2nd floor to the 3rd floor (the constant speed traveling state), the time required to travel from the 3rd floor to the 4th floor (the constant speed traveling state), and the time required to travel from the 4th floor to the 5th floor (including the deceleration traveling state) are shown in the UP direction. The same applies to the column of "DN direction".

[0270] Here, the "measured time" is the time actually measured at the time of the diagnosis operation. The "reference time" is the time that becomes a reference for determining whether the measured time is normal. The "determination condition" is a condition decided based on the reference time, and in the case where the measured time is within the numerical range of the determination condition, it is determined to be "normal state". On the other hand, in the case where the measured time is outside the numerical range of the determination condition, it is determined to be "misalignment state".

[0271] In the present embodiment, the "misalignment state" indicates a state that does not match the normal state. The misalignment state cannot be said to reach an abnormal state, but is a state including a state that shows a precursor of a failure or an abnormal state of some device of the elevator system 200. By determining whether it is a "misalignment state", it is possible to capture a precursor of a failure (a state before reaching a failure). In the column of "determination", in the case where the determination result is "normal state", a circle mark is displayed, and in the case where the determination result is "misalignment state", a triangle mark is displayed.

[0272] For example, in the "start time" of the display screen 421, the reference time is KA, the measured time is TA, the determination condition is KAL to KAH, and the determination result is normal state. This means that since the condition of KAL ≤ TA ≤ KAH is satisfied, the determination result as the start time is normal state.

[0273] Further, the determination result based on the operation diagnosis is shown in the lower part thereof. In the present example, it is determined that the start state, the traveling state, the car call button state, and the hall call button state are "normal state", and it is determined that the door opening and closing state is "misalignment state". The determination result based on the normal diagnosis is shown in the lower part thereof. In the present example, it is determined that the brake state and the stop floor state are "normal state".

[0274] In the lowermost portion of the display screen 421, various keys that can be clicked by the input section 420 are arranged. In the "operation diagnosis setting", the date and time at which the operation diagnosis is to be performed can be set. In this example, in the "operation diagnosis setting", 23:59 on the 23rd is input by the input section 420. When the "set" key is clicked, the operation diagnosis is performed at 23:59 on the 23rd of each month. This setting information is recorded in the setting data 422.

[0275] Further, unlike the automatic execution of the operation diagnosis once a month, the operation diagnosis can be immediately performed by clicking the "manual operation diagnosis" key. When the operation diagnosis is performed, the display of the "measurement time" is updated based on the execution result, and "normal state" or "malfunction state" is shown as the determination result.

[0276] In the column of "reference time", in principle, the operation diagnosis is performed when the remote monitoring system 1 is installed in the building 2, and the measurement time at that time is set as the reference time. However, when the "reference time save" key is clicked, the reference time is updated to the measurement time in the operation diagnosis that was most recently performed, and the determination condition is updated based on the updated reference time.

[0277] For example, in the example of Figure 10 In this state, when the "reference time save" key is clicked, the reference time is updated to "TA", and the determination conditions KAL and KAH are updated based on the updated reference time.

[0278] Hereinafter, the processing performed by the remote monitoring system 1 will be described based on a flowchart. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the remote monitoring processing and the terminal setting processing. The remote monitoring system 1 performs the remote monitoring processing. The remote monitoring processing is processing for determining the remote monitoring of the monitoring items based on the determination signal. The remote monitoring processing can be started periodically (for example, every 100 msec). Hereinafter, "step" will be simply referred to as "S".

[0279] On the other hand, in the display screen 421 of the terminal 400, when the operation key is clicked, the terminal setting processing is performed. After the terminal setting processing is started, the terminal 400 determines whether the "manual operation diagnosis" key is clicked in S151. The terminal 400 performs the request setting of the manual operation diagnosis (S152) in the case where the "manual operation diagnosis" key is clicked (Yes in S151), and the processing proceeds to S153. In this case, the request of the manual operation diagnosis is transmitted to the remote monitoring device 100. The terminal 400 directly proceeds to S153 without clicking the "manual operation diagnosis" key (No in S151).

[0280] In the terminal 400, it is determined in S153 whether or not the "reference time saving" button is clicked. The terminal 400, in a case where the "reference time saving" button is clicked (Yes in S153), performs a request setting of the reference time saving (S154), and the processing proceeds to S155. In this case, a request of the reference time saving is transmitted to the remote inspection device 100. The terminal 400, in a case where the "reference time saving" button is not clicked (No in S153), directly proceeds to S155.

[0281] The terminal 400 determines in S155 whether or not the "setting" button is clicked. The terminal 400, in a case where the "setting" button is clicked (Yes in S155), performs a setting request of the operation diagnosis setting time (S156), and ends the terminal setting processing. In this case, the operation diagnosis setting time is transmitted to the remote inspection device 100. The terminal 400, in a case where the "setting" button is not clicked (No in S155), directly ends the terminal setting processing.

[0282] On the other hand, after the remote inspection processing is started, the control section 152 of the remote inspection system 1 performs a reference time acquisition processing (refer to the later-described Figure 14 ) in S100. In the reference time acquisition processing, the reference time used in the determination of the inspection item of the remote inspection is set, which is acquired from the reference time DB 423.

[0283] The control section 152 determines in S101 whether or not there is a "manual operation diagnosis" request, or whether or not the current time has become the operation diagnosis setting time. In a case where the "manual operation diagnosis" button is clicked, the request of the "manual operation diagnosis" is set (S152). The operation diagnosis setting time is a time set based on the setting request of the operation diagnosis setting time (S156).

[0284] The control section 152, in a case where any of the above conditions is established (Yes in S101), proceeds to S102. On the other hand, the control section 152, in a case where it is determined that none of the above conditions is established (No in S101), proceeds to S104.

[0285] The control section 152 performs an operation diagnosis time processing in S102. The operation diagnosis time processing is a processing of performing the transmission of the landing call signal at the time of performing the operation diagnosis and the determination processing based on the landing call signal. In the operation diagnosis time processing, the landing call signal is generated. For example, as described using Figure 8 , the 1st floor UP landing call signal and the 5th floor DN landing call signal for causing the car 10 to travel from the 1st floor to the 5th floor and from the 5th floor to the 1st floor are generated.

[0286] Then, the instruction section 155 outputs the hall call signal generated by the control section 152 to the elevator system 200. Thereby, the car 10 travels in response to the hall call. Then, a determination process is performed based on the result of the travel. Details of the operation diagnosis time process are described later.

[0287] The acquisition section 151 acquires the determination signal (DZ signal, LB signal, GS signal, DS signal, etc.) from the elevator system 200 in S104. The acquisition section 151 continuously acquires the determination signal from the elevator system 200 until the end condition is established (Yes in S105).

[0288] For example, the end condition can be established at a timing when the car 10 reciprocates between the 1st floor and the 5th floor, can be established each time the car 10 completes a prescribed motion (for example, door opening / closing, release / braking of the brake, completion of the stop floor), or can be periodically (for example, every several minutes).

[0289] The control section 152 performs the determination process (S106) when it is determined that the end condition is established (Yes in S105). In the determination process, determination of the inspection item of the remote inspection is performed. As the inspection item, determination of any one or more of the items including the start state, the acceleration travel state, the constant speed travel state, the deceleration travel state, the stop floor state, the state of the destination floor button, the state of the hall button, the door opening / closing state, and the brake state is performed.

[0290] The control section 152 records the acquired determination signal in the operation history 424 and records the determination result obtained in the determination process in the determination result 425 in S107.

[0291] The output section 153 outputs the determination result obtained in the determination process in S108. For example, the output section 153 outputs (transmits) the determination result to the management server 300 via the network. The terminal 400 can acquire the determination result by accessing the management server 300 via the network. Thereby, as shown in Figure 10 , the determination result can be confirmed in the display section 410 of the terminal 400.

[0292] The control section 152 performs the reference time update process in S109 and ends the remote inspection process. In detail, the reference time in mode B in the reference time DB 423 is updated by the process described later. Figure 13

[0293] (Switching of Reference Time)

[0294] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the reference time DB 423. Figure 10 ​The "reference time" shown is a value read out from the reference time recorded in the reference time DB 423.

[0295] In the reference time DB 423, the values of the "travel time", the "start time", and the like are set. Figure 10 The values of the "travel time", the "start time", and the like are set in the same manner. As the mode at the time of reading out the reference time DB 423, any of the modes A to D can be set in advance. Although not shown, it is sufficient to be configured so that the change to any of the modes A to D can be set by the operation of the terminal 400 by the maintenance person.

[0296] In the example of FIG. 27, the mode A is set. Therefore, the time KU is read out as the "travel time" of the UP direction in the reference time DB 423, the time KA is read out as the "start time", and is displayed on the display screen 421 of FIG. 27. Figure 10 Figure 10

[0297] Here, the mode A is set each time the fixed value is desired to be used as the reference time. In the case where the mode A is set, the reference time set in the item of the mode A of the reference time DB 423 is used each time. As for these reference times, the times measured when the remote point inspection device 100 is installed in the building 2 are set in principle. However, in the case where the "reference time save" button is clicked in the display screen 421, the reference time is replaced with the measured time at the time of the most recent operation diagnosis (diagnostic operation).

[0298] The mode B is set in the case where the value of the last time is desired to be used as the reference time. In the case where the mode B is set, the reference time set in the item of the mode B of the reference time DB 423 is used. The reference time set in the item of the mode B is updated each time the operation diagnosis (diagnostic operation) is performed.

[0299] In the example of FIG. 27, the mode A is set. Therefore, the time KU is read out as the "travel time" of the UP direction in the reference time DB 423, the time KA is read out as the "start time", and is displayed on the display screen 421 of FIG. 27. Figure 10 In the example of FIG. 27, the diagnostic operation is performed once a month at 23:59 on the 23rd. For example, in the diagnostic operation at 23:59 on the 23rd of January, in the case where the reference time is the time KAl and the measured time is the time TX in the start time of the UP direction, the reference time of the mode B of the reference time DB 423 is updated from the time KAl to the time TX. Thereby, in the diagnostic operation at 23:59 on the 23rd of February of the next month (the following month), the time TX is used as the reference time of the start time of the UP direction.

[0300] ​​In a case where it is desired to change the reference time in accordance with the temperature of the machine room 5, mode C is set. The temperature of the machine room 5 is measured by the temperature sensor 15. The reference time set in the item of mode C is a value measured in a case where the temperature of the machine room 5 is classified into a case where it is less than K1°C (-K1°C), a case where it is K1°C or more and less than K2°C (K1°C-), a case where it is K2°C or more and less than K3°C (K2°C-), and a case where it is K3°C or more (K3°C-). For example, the reference time can be changed every 5°C or every 10°C.

[0301] The reference time can be set based on the result of the diagnostic operation. For example, in a case where the temperature of the machine room 5 at the time of the diagnostic operation for measuring the reference time is K1°C or more and less than K2°C, the reference time is recorded in the item of K1°C or more and less than K2°C (K1°C-) of the reference time DB 423. It is also possible to perform the diagnostic operation a plurality of times and set the average value thereof as the reference time.

[0302] In a case where mode C is set, the reference time set in the item of mode C of the reference time DB 423 is used in accordance with the current temperature of the machine room 5. For example, in a case where the temperature of the machine room 5 at the time of the diagnostic operation is less than K1°C (-K1°C), the reference time set in the item of less than K1°C (for example, "KA2" in the start time in the UP direction) is used.

[0303] In addition, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 15 is not limited to the temperature of the machine room 5. The temperature sensor 15 can also be provided at an arbitrary position inside the hoistway 8 of the elevator, the periphery of the hoistway 8, or the periphery of the elevator.

[0304] In a case where it is desired to change the reference time in accordance with the season, mode D is set. The reference time set in the item of mode D is a value measured by classifying the season into spring, summer, autumn, and winter. For example, in a case where the season at the time of the diagnostic operation for measuring the reference time is summer, the reference time is recorded in the item of summer.

[0305] In a case where mode D is set, the reference time set in the item of mode D of the reference time DB 423 is used in accordance with the season. For example, in a case where the season at the time of the diagnostic operation is spring, the reference time set in the item of spring (for example, "KU126" in the start time in the UP direction) is used.

[0306] Modes B to D are modes prepared for hydraulic elevators. In the case of a hydraulic elevator, the characteristics of oil change depending on the season, temperature, and the like, and thus the running characteristics of the car 10 tend to vary. This is because, for example, the oil becomes thick in winter compared to when the air temperature is high in summer, and thus the time taken to start up takes time and the running time tends to vary. Therefore, the reference time is switched depending on the season or temperature in which the characteristics of the oil change. Further, in Mode B, the value at the time of the last diagnosis (the value of the previous month) is used in order to use a reference time close to the temperature environment or equipment environment at the time of the most recent diagnosis.

[0307] Further, the reference time recorded in the reference time DB 423 includes a time "to become outside the door zone (also expressed as "DZ")". This is measured from when the car 10 stops at a certain floor (the LB signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state) until the car leaves the door zone in the stopped state (the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state). For example, in the item of Mode A of the reference time DB 423, a time KX is set as the "time to become outside the DZ".

[0308] In a hydraulic elevator, in the case where the car 10 stops at a certain floor, the car slightly sinks (the floor of the car gradually lowers with respect to the floor of the landing) over time, and thus sometimes leaves the door zone. Also, due to the characteristics of the oil, this time varies depending on the season or temperature, and thus the reference time is configured to be able to be changed in each hydraulic elevator.

[0309] Further, the reference time recorded in the reference time DB 423 includes the door opening time for the 1st to 5th floors. The door opening time in the reference time DB 423 is measured from when the car 10 stops at a certain floor and the GS signal and the DS signal change from the ON state to the OFF state until they change from the OFF state to the ON state (the door opening time). For example, in the item of Mode A of the reference time DB 423, a time KY1 is set as the door opening time for the 1st floor. In the item of Mode A of the reference time DB 423, a time KY5 is set as the door opening time for the 5th floor.

[0310] Figure 13 is a flowchart of the reference time update processing. The reference time update processing is processing performed in S109 of the remote inspection processing shown in Figure 11 in FIG. 15. Further, the reference time update processing is also performed when there is a reference time saving request (S154).

[0311] After the start of the reference time update processing, the control section 152 updates the reference time DB 423 (S252) in a case where it is determined that there is a "reference time saving" request (Yes in S251), and advances the processing to S253. The control section 152 directly advances the processing to S253 in a case where it is determined that there is no "reference time saving" request (No in S251).

[0312] In S252 (a case where the "reference time saving" button is clicked), each reference time (travel time, start time, elapsed time between floors, time to become outside of the DZ, door opening time) of the modes A to D is updated. For example, in the UP direction travel time, in a case where the season at the time of the operation diagnosis performed before the "reference time saving" button is to be clicked is summer and the machine room temperature is K3°C or higher, and the measurement time is "TUX", "KU" of mode A, "KU1" of mode B, "KU5" of "K3°C or higher" of mode C, and "KU7" of "summer" of mode D are respectively changed to "TUX". Thereby, in a case where the operation diagnosis is performed, it is possible to update the reference time to the measurement time in the operation diagnosis.

[0313] The control section 152 updates each reference time (travel time, start time, elapsed time between floors, time to become outside of the DZ, door opening time) of mode B of the reference time DB 423 (S254) in a case where the reference time update processing is called in S109 of the remote point inspection processing (Yes in S253), and ends the reference time update processing. The control section 152 directly ends the reference time update processing in a case where the reference time update processing is not called in S109 (No in S253).

[0314] In S254, for example, in the UP direction travel time, in a case where the measurement time at the time of the operation diagnosis is "TUY", "KU1" of mode B is changed to "TUY". Thereby, the measurement time is changed to the reference time of mode B each time the operation diagnosis is performed. Therefore, in a case where mode B is set, the measurement time at the time of the operation diagnosis performed last time (last month) is used as the reference time.

[0315] Figure 14 is a flowchart of the reference time acquisition processing. The reference time acquisition processing is processing performed in S100 of the remote point inspection processing shown in Figure 11 is a flowchart of the reference time acquisition processing. The reference time acquisition processing is processing performed in S100 of the remote point inspection processing shown in

[0316] The control section 152, in a case where the mode A is not set (NO in S201) and in a case where the mode B is set (YES in S203), acquires the reference time of the mode B (S204), and causes the processing to proceed to S209. For example, in the UP direction travel time, "KU1" of the mode B is acquired.

[0317] The control section 152, in a case where the mode B is not set (NO in S203) and in a case where the mode C is set (YES in S205), acquires the reference time of the mode C that is appropriate to the current machine room temperature (S206), and causes the processing to proceed to S209. For example, in a case where the current machine room temperature is K3°C or more, in the UP direction travel time, "KU5" of "K3°C or more" of the mode C is acquired.

[0318] The control section 152, in a case where the mode C is not set (NO in S205) and in a case where the mode D is set (YES in S207), acquires the reference time of the mode D that is in accordance with the current season (S208), and causes the processing to proceed to S209. For example, in a case where the current season is summer, in the UP direction travel time, "KU7" of "summer" of the mode D is acquired.

[0319] The control section 152, in a case where the mode D is not set (NO in S207), causes the processing to proceed to S209. The control section 152, in S209, sets the acquired reference time as the reference time to be used, and ends the reference time setting processing.

[0320] The following summarizes the structure and effects in the present embodiment with respect to the switching of the reference time.

[0321] (A) The control section 152 can update the reference time (travel time, start time, time to pass between floors, time to become outside the DZ, door opening time) of the reference time DB 423 to the measured time calculated (measured) at the time of the operation diagnosis. For example, the control section 152 can update the reference time KA (in the case of the UP direction) of the start time of the reference time DB 423 to the start time TA measured at the time of the operation diagnosis. In this way, it is possible to perform the determination of the inspection item of the remote inspection using a value that conforms to the operation state of the elevator in the field.

[0322] (B) The reference time (travel time, start time, time between floors, time to become outside of the DZ, door opening time) recorded in the reference time DB 423 contains a plurality of values measured for each season (values for spring, summer, autumn, and winter). The control section 152 determines the inspection item by selecting any of the plurality of values according to the current season. For example, the reference time of the start time recorded in the reference time DB 423 contains a plurality of values measured for each season (KA6 to KA9 (case of UP direction) of pattern D). The control section 152 selects KA7 to determine the start time in the case where the current season is summer. In this way, not only the rope type elevator but also the hydraulic elevator in which the characteristics of oil change according to the season, a highly accurate determination result can be obtained.

[0323] (C) The reference time (travel time, start time, time between floors, time to become outside of the DZ, door opening time) recorded in the reference time DB 423 contains a plurality of values for each temperature range measured by the temperature sensor 15 (values for -K1°C, K2°C to, K3°C to, K4°C to). The control section 152 determines the inspection item by selecting any of the plurality of values according to the current temperature measured by the temperature sensor 15. For example, the reference time of the start time recorded in the reference time DB 423 (reference time KA) contains a plurality of values for each temperature range measured by the temperature sensor 15 (KA2 to KA5 of pattern C (case of UP direction)). The control section 152 selects KA5 to determine the start time in the case where the current temperature measured by the temperature sensor 15 is K4°C or more. In this way, not only the rope type elevator but also the hydraulic elevator in which the characteristics of oil change according to the temperature, a highly accurate determination result can be obtained.

[0324] (D) The instruction section 155 periodically sends the floor call signal. Specifically, as shown in S101 to S102, every time it becomes the operation diagnosis setting time every month, the floor call is generated and output. The control section 152 changes the reference time (travel time, start time, time between floors, time to become outside of the DZ, door opening time) of the reference time DB 423 to the measured time calculated at the time of the operation diagnosis after the operation diagnosis (S109). For example, the control section 152 changes the reference time KA of the start time of the reference time DB 423 to the measured time TA of the start time calculated at the time of the operation diagnosis after the operation diagnosis. In this way, a highly accurate determination result can be obtained using a value that conforms to the latest operation state of the elevator on site. For example, even in the case where the state of the equipment changes according to the deterioration of the equipment over the years or the adjustment of the valve in the hydraulic elevator, etc., it is possible to cope with such a case.

[0325] (E) The reception unit 154 receives an operation of a maintenance person (user) ("manual operation diagnosis" button click, "reference time saving" button click, and the like). The control unit 152 generates a hall call signal when the "manual operation diagnosis" button is clicked (S151, S101). The instruction unit 155 transmits the generated hall call signal. The control unit 152 changes the reference time (travel time, start time, time between floors, time to become outside of the DZ, door opening time) of the reference time DB 423 to the measured time calculated at the time of operation diagnosis when the "reference time saving" button is clicked (S153) (S252). For example, the control unit 152 changes the reference time KA of the start time of the reference time DB 423 to the measured time TA of the start time calculated at the time of operation diagnosis when the "reference time saving" button is clicked (case of the UP direction). In this way, by manually changing to a value that conforms to the latest operation state of the elevator in the field, a highly accurate determination result can be obtained. For example, even in the case where the state of the equipment changes due to the degradation of the equipment over the years or adjustment of the valve in the hydraulic elevator, or the like, this situation can be dealt with.

[0326] [Judgment of the inspection item of remote inspection]

[0327] Next, the judgment of the inspection item of remote inspection performed in the present embodiment will be described. The judgment of the inspection item of remote inspection is performed in the judgment processing performed at the time of the operation diagnosis described later or the like. The inspection item of remote inspection includes the start state of the car 10, the travel state (acceleration travel state, constant speed travel state, deceleration travel state), the stop floor state, the state of the destination floor button, the state of the hall button, the door opening and closing state, and the brake state.

[0328] In the judgment processing, the determination of any one or more of the above-described inspection items is performed. In the present embodiment, the determination of the travel state as the inspection item of remote inspection in the judgment processing will be described. Hereinafter, the case where the travel state is determined will be described using the UP direction as an example. Figures 15-27 The determination of the travel state will be described.

[0329] (Determination of the travel state)

[0330] There are a plurality of travel states in the travel state. The plurality of travel states include the acceleration travel state in which the car 10 travels while accelerating, the constant speed travel state in which the car 10 travels at a constant speed, and the deceleration travel state in which the car 10 travels while decelerating. The plurality of travel states are included in the inspection item of remote inspection.

[0331] Hereinafter, the process in which the instruction section 155 transmits the hall call signal will be referred to as "transmission process". The transmission process includes a first transmission process and a second transmission process. The first transmission process is a process in which, after the elapse of a waiting time TW (30 seconds in the present embodiment) from the arrival of the car 10 at the first floor (1F) based on the transmission of the UP hall call signal of the first floor (1F in the present embodiment), the 5F DN hall call signal of the hall call of the second floor (5F) in the DN direction is transmitted.

[0332] The second transmission process is a process in which, after the elapse of a waiting time TW (30 seconds) from the arrival of the car 10 at the second floor (5F) based on the transmission of the DN hall call signal of the second floor (5F), the UP hall call signal of the first floor (1F) is transmitted.

[0333] In the present embodiment, the first floor is the lowermost floor (the lowermost floor on which the car 10 can stop) among the floors on which the car 10 can stop = 1F. The second floor is the uppermost floor (the uppermost floor on which the car 10 can stop) among the floors on which the car 10 can stop = 5F. For example, if the car cannot stop at 1F because it is a floor on which service cut setting is performed or a floor on which physical stopping is not possible, the first floor is set to 2F, and if the car cannot stop at 5F, the second floor is set to 4F. Note that the present embodiment is not limited to this, and any floor can be set as the first floor, and any floor above the first floor can be set as the second floor.

[0334] In this case, the modification is such that the contact of the UP hall call button 81 of the first floor is short-circuited when the UP hall call signal of the first floor is transmitted from the output IF 140 to the hall device 230 of the first floor (see FIG. 6). The modification is such that the contact of the DN hall call button 82 of the second floor is short-circuited when the DN hall call signal of the second floor is transmitted from the output IF 140 to the hall device 230 of the second floor. Figure 7 ) The modification is such that the contact of the DN hall call button 82 of the second floor is short-circuited when the DN hall call signal of the second floor is transmitted from the output IF 140 to the hall device 230 of the second floor.

[0335] The control section 152 generates the hall call signal transmitted by the transmission process. The instruction section 155 performs the transmission process of transmitting the generated hall call signal. In the present embodiment, the operation of the car 10 based on the hall call signal transmitted by the transmission process will be referred to as "diagnostic operation". Furthermore, the case in which the control section 152 performs the determination process based on the determination signal acquired by the acquisition section 151 as a result of the above-described transmission process will be referred to as "operation diagnosis".

[0336] Figure 15 , Figure 16 is a time chart for explaining the running state. In Figure 15In this embodiment, a case where the car 10 is caused to travel from the 1st floor to the 5th floor in response to a 5th floor DN hall call (a 5th floor DN hall call signal transmitted by the indication section 155) generated by the remote inspection device 100 will be described.

[0337] At time tO, the car 10 is stopped at the 1st floor. At this time, the position of the car 10 is in the door zone of the 1st floor (the DZ signal is in the ON state), and the speed of the car 10 is 0 (the car 10 is in the stopped state).

[0338] Here, the remote inspection device 100 generates a 5th floor DN hall call. The car 10 starts traveling in response to the 5th floor DN hall call. As a result, at time tl, the position of the car 10 becomes outside the door zone of the 1st floor, and the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0339] When the car 10 starts traveling, the car 10 becomes in the accelerating travel state. At time t2, when the speed of the car 10 reaches the rated speed, the car 10 changes from the accelerating travel state to the constant speed travel state. At time t3, which is time TU12 after time tl, the position of the car 10 becomes in the door zone of the 2nd floor, and the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. Further, at time t4, the position of the car 10 becomes outside the door zone of the 2nd floor, and the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0340] At time t5, which is time TU23 after time t3, the position of the car 10 becomes in the door zone of the 3rd floor, and the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. At time t6, the position of the car 10 becomes outside the door zone of the 3rd floor, and the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0341] At time t7, which is time TU34 after time t5, the position of the car 10 becomes in the door zone of the 4th floor, and the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. At time t8, the position of the car 10 becomes outside the door zone of the 4th floor, and the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0342] At time t9, the car 10 changes from the constant speed travel state to the decelerating travel state in order to stop at the 5th floor. At time tlO, which is time TU45 after time t7, the position of the car 10 becomes in the door zone of the 5th floor, and the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. The car 10 stops at the 5th floor, and the car speed becomes 0 (becomes the stopped state). At time tl l, the speed of the car 10 is 0, and the DZ signal is in the ON state.

[0343] Next, at Figure 16In this case, a case where the car 10 travels from the 5th floor to the 1st floor by a 1st floor UP landing call is described. At time tO, the car 10 stops at the 5th floor. At this time, the position of the car 10 is in the door zone of the 5th floor (DZ signal is in the ON state), and the speed of the car 10 is 0 (the car 10 is in the stop state).

[0344] Here, the remote inspection device 100 generates a 1st floor UP landing call (the instruction unit 155 sends a 1st floor UP landing call). The car 10 starts traveling in response to the 1st floor UP landing call. Thus, at time tl, the position of the car 10 becomes outside the door zone of the 5th floor, and the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0345] When the car 10 starts traveling, the car 10 becomes in the acceleration traveling state. At time t2, when the speed of the car 10 reaches the rated speed, the car 10 changes from the acceleration traveling state to the constant speed traveling state. At time t3, which is time TD54 from time tl, the position of the car 10 becomes in the door zone of the 4th floor, and the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. Further, at time t4, the position of the car 10 becomes outside the door zone of the 4th floor, and the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0346] At time t5, which is time TD43 from time t3, the position of the car 10 becomes in the door zone of the 3rd floor, and the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. At time t6, the position of the car 10 becomes outside the door zone of the 3rd floor, and the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0347] At time t7, which is time TD32 from time t5, the position of the car 10 becomes in the door zone of the 2nd floor, and the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. At time t8, the position of the car 10 becomes outside the door zone of the 2nd floor, and the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0348] At time t9, the car 10 changes from the constant speed traveling state to the deceleration traveling state in order to stop at the 1st floor. At time tlO, which is time TD21 from time t7, the position of the car 10 becomes in the door zone of the 1st floor, and the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. The car 10 stops at the 1st floor, and the car speed becomes 0 (becomes the stop state). At time tl l, the speed of the car 10 is 0, and the DZ signal is in the ON state.

[0349] Next, the relationship between the landing call signal and the diagnostic operation is described. Figures 17-20is a diagram for explaining a diagnostic operation. The diagnostic operation includes a diagnostic operation A and a diagnostic operation B. The diagnostic operation A is a shuttle operation in which the car 10 travels from the 5th floor to the 1st floor and then travels from the 1st floor to the 5th floor by sequentially sending the 5th floor DN hall call signal, the 1st floor UP hall call signal, and the 5th floor DN hall call signal. The diagnostic operation B is a shuttle operation in which the car 10 travels from the 1st floor to the 5th floor and then travels from the 5th floor to the 1st floor by sequentially sending the 1st floor UP hall call signal, the 5th floor DN hall call signal, and the 1st floor UP hall call signal.

[0350] Using Figure 17 , Figure 18 the diagnostic operation A will be explained. In the diagnostic operation A, the 2nd sending process is performed after the 1st sending process is performed. As shown in Figure 17 at time tO, the car 10 stops at the 2nd floor. At time tl, the remote inspection device 100 generates the 1st floor UP hall call 91. At time t2, the car 10 travels toward the DN direction toward the 1st floor in response to the 1st floor UP hall call 91.

[0351] At time t3, the car 10 arrives at the 1st floor. The remote inspection device 100 generates the 5th floor DN hall call 92 at time t4 which is 30 seconds after time t3. In addition, in a case where the car position of the car 10 is the 1st floor, the 1st floor UP hall call 91 can be generated instead of the 5th floor DN hall call 92.

[0352] As shown in Figure 18 at time t5, the car 10 travels toward the UP direction toward the 5th floor in response to the 5th floor DN hall call 92. At time t6, the car 10 arrives at the 5th floor in response to the 5th floor DN hall call 92.

[0353] The remote inspection device 100 generates the 1st floor UP hall call 91 at time t7 which is 30 seconds after time t6. At time t8, the car 10 travels toward the DN direction toward the 1st floor in response to the 1st floor UP hall call 91. At time t9, the car 10 stops at the 1st floor.

[0354] Through the above process, the car 10 performs the shuttle operation between the lowermost floor (1st floor) and the uppermost floor (5th floor) at times t4 to t9.

[0355] Next, the diagnostic operation B will be explained using Figure 19 , Figure 20 In the diagnostic operation B, the 1st sending process is performed after the 2nd sending process is performed. As shown in Figure 19As shown, at time tO, the car 10 stops at the 4th floor. At time tl, the remote inspection device 100 generates the 5th floor DN landing call 92. At time t2, the car 10 travels in the UP direction toward the 5th floor in response to the 5th floor DN landing call 92.

[0356] At time t3, the car 10 arrives at the 5th floor. The remote inspection device 100 generates the 1st floor UP landing call 91 at time t4, which is 30 seconds after time t3. Alternatively, in the case where the car position of the car 10 is the 5th floor, the 1st floor UP landing call 91 can be generated instead of the 5th floor DN landing call 92.

[0357] As shown, at time t5, the car 10 travels in the DN direction toward the 1st floor in response to the 1st floor UP landing call 91. At time t6, the car 10 arrives at the 1st floor. Figure 20

[0358] At time t7, which is 30 seconds after time t6, the remote inspection device 100 generates the 5th floor DN landing call 92. At time t8, the car 10 travels in the UP direction toward the 5th floor in response to the 5th floor DN landing call 92. At time t9, the car 10 arrives at the 5th floor.

[0359] Through the above process, the car 10 travels between the lowermost floor (1st floor) and the uppermost floor (5th floor) in a reciprocating manner at times t4 to t9.

[0360] Hereinafter, the determination method of the travel state will be described using a flowchart. Figure 21 is a flowchart of the operation diagnosis time processing. As shown, Figure 11 the operation diagnosis time processing is executed in S102 of the remote inspection processing. That is, in the display screen 421 shown in Figure 10 , the operation diagnosis time processing is executed in the case where the "manual operation diagnosis" button is clicked or the operation diagnosis set time (for example, 23:59 on the 23rd of each month) is reached.

[0361] When the operation diagnosis time processing is started, the control section 152 executes the travel generation processing in S301. As will be described later, in the travel generation processing, the control section 152 generates a plurality of landing call signals. The instruction section 155 performs the transmission processing of sequentially transmitting the generated landing call signals, whereby the diagnosis operation is executed. The control section 152 calculates the car position of the car 10, the travel time, the travel state, and the like, based on the determination signal acquired by the acquisition section 151 at the time of the diagnosis operation in the transmission processing.

[0362] ​The control portion 152 determines whether there is no stop at a middle layer (2nd to 4th layers) between the lowermost layer (1st layer) and the uppermost layer (5th layer) except for the forced stop layer in S302. The control portion 152 makes the process proceed to S303 in a case where it is determined that there is no stop at a middle layer except for the forced stop layer (Yes in S302). The control portion 152 makes the process proceed to S305 in a case where it is not determined that there is no stop at a middle layer except for the forced stop layer (No in S302).

[0363] The control portion 152 performs the determination process in S303. As described later, in the travel generation process, the control portion 152 determines whether the travel state (each of the acceleration travel state, the constant speed travel state, and the deceleration travel state) is a normal state or a misalignment state.

[0364] The control portion 152 determines whether determination is completed for all of the acceleration travel state, the constant speed travel state, and the deceleration travel state in S304. The control portion 152 ends the operation diagnosis time process in a case where it is determined that determination is completed for all of the states (Yes in S304).

[0365] On the other hand, the control portion 152 makes the process proceed to S305 in a case where it is not determined that determination is completed for all of the states (No in S304). The control portion 152 performs the cancellation process of determination in S305. In the cancellation process of determination, the determination is cancelled in a case where there is determination of the travel state that has been performed.

[0366] The control portion 152 determines whether determination of the determination process is continuously cancelled 10 times by the cancellation process in S306. The control portion 152 makes the process proceed to S307 in a case where it is determined that determination of the determination process is continuously cancelled 10 times by the cancellation process (Yes in S306). The control portion 152 makes the process proceed to S308 in a case where it is not determined that determination of the determination process is continuously cancelled 10 times by the cancellation process (No in S306).

[0367] The control portion 152 sets determination of the travel state (acceleration travel state, constant speed travel state, and deceleration travel state) as undeterminable and ends the operation diagnosis time process in S307. The control portion 152 performs the waiting process (3 minutes) in S308 and makes the process return to S301. Thus, the travel generation process and the determination process are performed again after the waiting time of 3 minutes elapses.

[0368] As explained above, in a case where the car 10 traveling between the 1st floor and the 5th floor based on the transmission processing cancels at a floor between the 1st floor and the 5th floor, the control section 152 performs cancel processing of canceling the determination of the determination processing. Here, the cancel refers to the determination of the determination processing performed based on the transmission processing of the landing call signal in the travel generation processing.

[0369] In a case where the cancel processing is performed, the instruction section 155 performs the transmission processing of the landing call signal again in the travel generation processing after a certain time (3 minutes) elapses from the cancel processing. The control section 152 performs the determination processing again based on the transmission processing performed again. Also, in a case where the car 10 stops at an intermediate floor in only one of the UP direction or the DN direction, the operation can be performed again only for the travel direction in which the car 10 stops at the intermediate floor.

[0370] The cancel processing is performed like this because, in a case where the car 10 stops at an intermediate floor, the determination of whether the travel time between the 1st floor and the 5th floor is appropriate cannot be performed in the determination processing of the travel state. Further, in a case where the determination of the state of the car call button and the determination of the state of the landing call button are performed, it is not possible to determine whether the car 10 stops between the 1st floor and the 5th floor by the car 10 stopping by the car call button or the landing call button pressed by the passenger or the car 10 stops due to a failure of the car call button or the landing call button, and thus the reconfirmation is performed again by the travel generation processing and the determination processing on the basis of the cancel processing performed.

[0371] Further, in a case where the car 10 responds to another landing call registered by a passenger, the determination of the travel state can not be performed in all cases (NO in S304). In such a case, the travel generation processing and the determination processing are performed again on the basis of the cancel processing performed.

[0372] However, the control section 152 does not perform the cancel processing even if the car 10 stops at a forced stop floor in a case where the floors between the 1st floor and the 5th floor are set as the forced stop floor. This is because the car 10 must stop at the forced stop floor, and the determination of whether the stop at the forced stop floor is the misalignment state has no relation. Thus, in the determination of the travel time between the 1st floor and the 5th floor, the stop at the forced stop floor can be included in advance (the travel time is set on the premise that the car 10 stops at the forced stop floor). Or, the travel time between the floors before and after the forced stop floor can be removed to perform the determination processing.

[0373] The control section 152 sets that the determination by the determination processing cannot be made in the case where the cancel processing is continuously canceled 10 times in the determination processing. Also, in the case where the diagnostic operation cannot be started for 30 minutes or more, it is sufficient to set that the determination by the determination processing cannot be made.

[0374] The diagnostic operation is executed at midnight or the like when there is no user. In the case where there is a user at that time zone, the car 10 can be stopped at an intermediate floor by the user generating a car call or a hall call. In this case, the travel time between each floor from the 1st floor to the 5th floor cannot be accurately measured, so the cancel processing is performed and the determination is performed again. In such a situation, the possibility that the car 10 is stopped at an intermediate floor by the user generating a car call and a hall call 10 times in a row is almost zero. However, in the case where the car 10 is stopped at an intermediate floor 10 times in a row, it is possible that some kind of trouble has occurred.

[0375] In the case where it is set that the determination by the determination processing cannot be made, the maintenance person can confirm this on the terminal 400. In this case, for example, it is possible that the hall call button or the car call button of an intermediate floor is pressed down all the time due to a trouble, and an ON signal from these buttons is always sent. Therefore, the maintenance person goes to the site to confirm this. In the case where the result of the confirmation is that the trouble is resolved, it is sufficient to perform the manual operation diagnosis by clicking the "manual operation diagnosis" button of the display screen 421 (refer to FIG. 22). Figure 10

[0376] Figure 22 is a flowchart of the travel generation processing. After the operation diagnosis time processing is started, the control section 152 generates and sets the generated hall call signal and the waiting time TW based on the hall call signal generation table in S401.

[0377] Figure 23 is an example of the hall call signal generation table. In the hall call signal generation table, based on the current car position of the car 10, a plurality of hall call signals that should be generated and the waiting time TW when the next hall call signal is sent are specified.

[0378] In the present embodiment, the instruction section 155 first performs the second sending processing in which the car 10 is caused to travel to the 2nd floor by a hall call and then travel to the 1st floor in the case where the car 10 is positioned closer to the 2nd floor (the uppermost floor = 5th floor) than to the 1st floor (the lowermost floor = 1st floor). However, in the case where the car 10 is positioned at the 2nd floor from the start, it is not necessary to cause it to travel to the 2nd floor.

[0379] ​When the car 10 is located closer to the first floor (lowest floor = 1) than to the second floor (upper floor = 5), the instruction unit 155 first performs a first dispatch process to move the car 10 to the first floor via a landing call, and then to the second floor. However, if the car 10 is already located on the first floor, it is not necessary to move it to the first floor. Thus, when the car responds to a landing call from a floor close to its current position, the necessary operation of the car 10 for diagnostic purposes is reduced to a minimum (lower power costs for operational diagnostics).

[0380] In this embodiment, when the car 10 is located on an intermediate floor, the instruction unit 155 performs a second sending process. Here, "intermediate floor" refers to the floor located exactly in the middle between the first floor (lowest floor = 1st floor) and the second floor (upper floor = 5th floor). In this example, the 3rd floor, which is 2 floors away from both the 1st and 5th floors, is the intermediate floor.

[0381] Specifically, when the car is located above the middle floor but not at the top floor, the car 10 is moved... Figure 19 , Figure 20 The diagnostic operation shown is called using Operation B. First, the instruction unit 155 sends a call signal to the top floor (5th floor) DN. When the car 10 reaches the top floor, after a waiting time TW (30 seconds) from arrival, the instruction unit 155 sends a call signal to the bottom floor (1st floor) UP. When the car 10 reaches the bottom floor, after a waiting time TW (30 seconds) from arrival, the instruction unit 155 sends a call signal to the top floor DN. Thus, the car 10 shuttles back and forth between the bottom and top floors.

[0382] The 30-second wait after arrival before issuing a floor call is to confirm that no calls other than those generated for operational diagnostics have been issued. Operational diagnostics are performed assuming passengers are not using the elevator. If no passengers are using the elevator, after the car 10 has opened and closed in response to the floor call generated for operational diagnostics, it should be usable within 30 seconds of arrival. In this case, the car 10 should remain stopped at the arrival floor as long as no further floor call is generated.

[0383] Conversely, if the car 10 starts moving 30 seconds before arrival, a call may be registered at any floor due to user registration or other issues. To detect this, in this embodiment, a call for the next floor is generated after a waiting time TW (30 seconds) from arrival. In this embodiment, if the car 10 has moved 30 seconds before arrival, a cancellation process (S305) is executed.

[0384] In the present embodiment, "reaching" a certain floor means the timing of entering the door zone in that floor (the timing of the DZ signal changing from the OFF state to the ON state). In the present embodiment, the determination using the DZ signal is performed, but in the case where the determination is also performed using the LB signal, "reaching" a certain floor can also mean the timing of the DZ signal changing from the OFF state to the ON state and the LB signal changing from the ON state to the OFF state (i.e., the timing of the car 10 being stopped by the brake).

[0385] In the case where the car position is below the intermediate floor and other than the lowermost floor, the car 10 performs the operation of the diagnostic operation A shown in FIG. 12. First, the instruction section 155 sends the lowermost floor UP landing call signal. When the car 10 reaches the lowermost floor, after elapsing the waiting time TW (30 seconds) from the reaching, the instruction section 155 sends the uppermost floor DN landing call signal. When the car 10 reaches the uppermost floor, after elapsing the waiting time TW (30 seconds) from the reaching, the instruction section 155 sends the lowermost floor UP landing call signal. Thus, the car 10 reciprocates between the lowermost floor and the uppermost floor. Figure 17 Figure 18 In the case where the car position is the uppermost floor, the car 10 performs the operation after the time t4 in the operation of the diagnostic operation B shown in FIG. 13. First, the instruction section 155 sends the lowermost floor UP landing call signal. When the car 10 reaches the lowermost floor, after elapsing the waiting time TW (30 seconds) from the reaching, the instruction section 155 sends the uppermost floor DN landing call signal.

[0386] In the case where the car position is the lowermost floor, the car 10 performs the operation after the time t4 in the operation of the diagnostic operation A shown in FIG. 12. First, the instruction section 155 sends the uppermost floor DN landing call signal. When the car 10 reaches the uppermost floor, after elapsing the waiting time TW (30 seconds) from the reaching, the instruction section 155 sends the lowermost floor UP landing call signal.

[0386] Figure 19 Figure 20

[0387] In the case where the car position is the lowermost floor, the car 10 performs the operation after the time t4 in the operation of the diagnostic operation A shown in FIG. 12. First, the instruction section 155 sends the uppermost floor DN landing call signal. When the car 10 reaches the uppermost floor, after elapsing the waiting time TW (30 seconds) from the reaching, the instruction section 155 sends the lowermost floor UP landing call signal. Figure 17 Figure 18

[0388] Figure 22

[0389] ​​​​​​Thus, when a waiting floor is set, the control unit 152 sets the waiting time TW to 0 seconds. For example, if the waiting floor is set to floor 2, after reaching floor 1 or 5 due to diagnostic operation, the usable car 10 starts moving towards floor 2, which is the waiting floor, before 30 seconds have elapsed. Therefore, for example, it cannot be distinguished from a call due to a malfunction, and thus, a false alarm occurs. In this embodiment, to prevent such false alarms, the waiting time TW is set to 0 seconds when a waiting floor is set.

[0390] In step S404, instruction unit 155 processes the transmission of the next floor call signal. "Next floor call signal" refers to the next floor call signal that should be transmitted. For example, in... Figure 23 In the current car position, which is above the middle floor and below the top floor, the call signal is sent in the following order: top floor DN call signal, bottom floor UP call signal, and back to top floor DN call signal. In S404, if no call signal has been sent, the top floor DN call signal is sent as the first call signal. If the top floor DN call signal has been sent, the bottom floor UP call signal is sent as the second call signal. If the bottom floor UP call signal has also been sent, the top floor DN call signal is sent as the third call signal.

[0391] In S405, the control unit 152 performs the car information measurement and processing described later. Through the car information measurement and processing, the control unit 152 calculates the car position, travel time, travel status, etc. of the car 10 based on the determination signal obtained by the acquisition unit 151 during diagnostic operation based on the transmission processing.

[0392] In step S406, control unit 152 determines whether car 10 has reached the floor where the call was generated. If control unit 152 determines that car 10 has reached the floor where the call was generated (Yes in S406), the process proceeds to step S407. If control unit 152 does not determine that car 10 has reached the floor where the call was generated (No in S406), the process returns to step S406. Thus, the process waits until car 10 reaches the floor where the call was generated.

[0393] In step S407, control unit 152 determines whether all landing call signals have been sent. All landing call signals refer to signals sent at all landings. Figure 23 The floor call signal generation table shown contains all signals that are scheduled to be sent. If the control unit 152 determines that all floor call signals have been sent (Yes in S407), it terminates the operation diagnostic process. If the control unit 152 does not determine that all floor call signals have been sent (No in S407), it proceeds to S408.

[0394] The control section 152 determines whether the waiting time TW has elapsed in S408. The control section 152 returns the process to S404 in the case where it is determined that the waiting time TW (30 seconds) has elapsed (YES in S408). The control section 152 returns the process to S408 in the case where it is not determined that the waiting time TW has elapsed (NO in S408). Thus, waiting is performed until the waiting time TW elapses. Thus, the next landing call signal is transmitted after waiting for 30 seconds from the time when the landing where the landing call is generated is reached. The process of S404 to S408 is repeated until there is no landing call signal to be transmitted.

[0395] Figure 24 is a flowchart of the car information measurement process. When the car information measurement process is started, the control section 152 determines whether the SDL signal is in the ON state in S501. The process of S501 to S510 is the process in the case where the car 10 travels from the lowermost floor (1F) to the uppermost floor (5F).

[0396] The control section 152 advances the process to S502 in the case where it is determined that the SDL signal is in the ON state (YES in S501). In the case where the SDL signal is in the ON state, it can be determined that the car position is the lowermost floor (1F). In addition, as described above, even if the SDL signal is not used, it is possible to determine whether the car position is the lowermost floor.

[0397] The control section 152 advances the process to S511 in the case where it is not determined that the SDL signal is in the ON state (NO in S501). The control section 152 sets the floor position i of the car 10 to the lowermost floor in S502.

[0398] The control section 152 determines whether the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state in S503. The control section 152 advances the process to S504 in the case where it is determined that the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state (YES in S503). In this case, the car 10 is in the traveling state.

[0399] The control section 152 returns the process to S503 in the case where it is not determined that the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state (NO in S503). Thus, waiting is performed until the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0400] The control section 152 starts the timer in S504. Thus, the measurement of the traveling time from 1F is started at the timing when the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state. In addition, in the case where the LB signal is also used, the measurement of the traveling time from 1F can be started at the timing when the LB signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state (the brake is released).

[0401] In S505, control unit 152 determines whether the driving direction is the UP direction. Whether it is the UP direction can be determined based on the UP signal, or it can be determined using other methods described above without using the UP signal.

[0402] If the control unit 152 determines that the travel direction is UP (Yes in S505), it initiates the process in S506. If the control unit 152 does not determine that the travel direction is UP (No in S505), it terminates the car information measurement process. If the travel direction is not UP, other floor calls may have been responded to. In this case, operation diagnosis cannot be performed, therefore, the car information measurement process is terminated.

[0403] In step S506, control unit 152 sets a stop marker at floor position i if the DZ signal remains in the ON state for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) or more. This allows it to determine whether a stop exists between floors 1 and 5 (intermediate floors) (S302). Alternatively, it can also determine if a stop exists at an intermediate floor if the travel time is longer than the reference time by a predetermined amount of time.

[0404] In step S507, control unit 152 determines whether the DZ signal has changed from the OFF state to the ON state. If control unit 152 determines that the DZ signal has changed from the OFF state to the ON state (Yes in S507), the process proceeds to step S508. If control unit 152 does not determine that the DZ signal has changed from the OFF state to the ON state (No in S507), the process returns to step S505. Therefore, it waits until the DZ signal changes to the ON state.

[0405] In step S508, control unit 152 sets the travel time and travel status for floor positions i to i+1. For example, if floor 1 is set as the floor position, Figure 15 The situation at times t1 to t3 is similar. During the timing of the DZ signal changing from ON to OFF... Figure 15 The timing of the DZ signal changing from OFF to ON state from t1) to t1) Figure 15 t3), set the travel time TU12 for the floor position from floor 1 to floor 2 and the corresponding travel status (described later).

[0406] In S509, control unit 152 increments floor position i by one floor. In S510, control unit 152 determines whether floor position i is the top floor. If control unit 152 determines that floor position i is the top floor (Yes in S510), control unit 152 terminates the car information measurement process. If control unit 152 does not determine that floor position i is the top floor (No in S510), control unit 152 returns the process to S505.

[0407] Thus, for each time the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state from the lowermost floor (i = 1) to the uppermost floor (i = 5), the floor position is updated, and the travel time and the travel state are set each time.

[0408] For example, in a case where the 2nd floor is set as the floor position, Figure 15 the situation from time t3 to time t5 in FIG. 10 corresponds thereto. From the timing at which the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state (t3 of FIG. 10) to the timing at which the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state next time (t5 of FIG. 10), the travel time TU23 of the floor positions 2nd floor to 3rd floor and the travel state corresponding thereto are set. Similarly, for each time the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state, the floor position is updated, and the travel time TU34 of the floor positions 3rd floor to 4th floor, the travel time TU45 of the floor positions 4th floor to 5th floor, and the travel state corresponding thereto are set. Figure 15 Figure 15 The travel state is determined on the basis of a travel state table.

[0409] The travel state table is an example of a travel state table. In the travel state table, the relationship between the travel interval and the travel state is defined. Figure 25 The travel time table of FIG. 10 is an example of a travel time table in a case where the number of stops is 4 or more. In the present embodiment, since the stops can be made from the 1st floor to the 5th floor, the number of stops is 4 or more. Figure 25 In a case where the travel direction of the car 10 is the UP direction, the following is the case. In a case where the travel interval of the car 10 is "the lowermost floor (1st floor) to the lowermost floor + 1 (2nd floor)", the travel state of the car 10 is the acceleration travel state. In a case where the travel interval of the car 10 is "the uppermost floor - 1 (4th floor) to the uppermost floor (5th floor)", the travel state of the car 10 is the deceleration travel state. In a case where the travel interval of the car 10 is other than the above (2nd floor to 3rd floor, 3rd floor to 4th floor), the travel state of the car 10 is the constant speed travel state.

[0410] As for the example of FIG. 10,

[0411] the travel state in the travel interval of the 1st floor to the 2nd floor (time t1 to time t3) is set to "the acceleration travel state". The travel state in the travel interval of the 2nd floor to the 3rd floor (time t3 to time t5) is set to "the constant speed travel state". The travel state in the travel interval of the 3rd floor to the 4th floor (time t5 to time t7) is set to "the constant speed travel state". The travel state in the travel interval of the 4th floor to the 5th floor (time t7 to time t10) is set to "the deceleration travel state". Figure 15

[0412] ​​The driving state is determined based on the relationship between the driving state and driving time within the driving range defined above. For example, if the driving time in the driving range between floors 1 and 2 is inappropriate, it is determined that the "accelerated driving state" is an out-of-balance state.

[0413] In addition, Figure 15 In this embodiment, the driving range between floors 1 and 2 includes both accelerated driving and constant speed driving states. In this embodiment, the constant speed driving state is determined using the driving ranges between floors 2 and 3, and between floors 3 and 4. Therefore, only the accelerated driving state is determined within the driving range between floors 1 and 2. However, this is not a limitation; both accelerated driving and constant speed driving states can be determined within the driving range between floors 1 and 2. Similarly, the driving range between floors 4 and 5 includes both constant speed driving and deceleration driving states, but only the deceleration driving state is determined within this driving range.

[0414] Return to Figure 25 When the travel direction of car 10 is DN, the following applies: When the travel range of car 10 is "top floor (5th floor) to top floor -1 (4th floor)," car 10 travels at an accelerating speed. When the travel range of car 10 is "bottom floor +1 (2nd floor) to bottom floor (1st floor)," car 10 travels at a decelerating speed. When the travel range of car 10 is other than the above (4th floor to 3rd floor, 3rd floor to 2nd floor), car 10 travels at a constant speed. These correspondences will be used in the processing from S511 onwards.

[0415] Return to Figure 24 The processing described in S511 to S520 refers to the handling of the car 10 when it travels from the top floor (5th floor) to the bottom floor (1st floor). Figure 16 (Example). In S511, the control unit 152 determines whether the SUL signal is ON.

[0416] If the control unit 152 determines that the SUL signal is ON (Yes in S511), it proceeds to S512. When the SUL signal is ON, it can be determined that the car is on the top floor (5th floor). Furthermore, as described above, the determination of whether the car is on the top floor can be performed even without using the SUL signal. If the control unit 152 does not determine that the SUL signal is ON (No in S511), it terminates the car information measurement process.

[0417] The control section 152 sets the floor position i of the car 10 to the uppermost floor (5F) in S512. The control section 152 determines whether the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state in S513. The control section 152 makes the process proceed to S514 in the case where it is determined that the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state (YES in S513). The control section 152 returns the process to S513 in the case where it is not determined that the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state (NO in S513). Thus, waiting is performed until the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0418] The control section 152 starts the timer in S514. Thus, the measurement of the travel time from 5F is started at the timing at which the DZ signal changes from the ON state to the OFF state. In the case where the LB signal is also used, the measurement of the travel time from 5F can also be started at the timing at which the LB signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state (the brake is released).

[0419] The control section 152 determines whether the travel direction is the DN direction in S515. As to whether it is the DN direction, the determination can be made on the basis of the DN signal, or the determination can be made by the above-described other method without using the DN signal. The control section 152 makes the process proceed to S516 in the case where it is determined that the travel direction is the DN direction (YES in S515).

[0420] The control section 152 ends the car information measurement process in the case where it is not determined that the travel direction is the DN direction (NO in S515). In the case where the travel direction is not the DN direction, another landing call can have been responded to. In this case, it is not possible to normally acquire the data for diagnosis, and thus the process is ended.

[0421] The control section 152 sets the stop flag at the floor position i in the case where the DZ signal continues to be in the ON state for a prescribed time or more in S516. Thus, it is possible to determine whether there is a stop between 5F and 1F (an intermediate floor).

[0422] The control section 152 determines whether the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state in S517. The control section 152 makes the process proceed to S518 in the case where it is determined that the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state (YES in S517). The control section 152 returns the process to S515 in the case where it is not determined that the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state (NO in S517). Thus, waiting is performed until the DZ signal changes to the ON state.

[0423] In S518, control unit 152 sets the travel time and travel status for floor positions i to i-1. In S519, control unit 152 decreases floor position i by one floor. In S520, control unit 152 determines whether floor position i is the lowest floor. If control unit 152 determines that floor position i is the lowest floor (Yes in S520), control unit 152 ends the car information measurement process. If control unit 152 does not determine that floor position i is the lowest floor (No in S520), control unit 152 returns the process to S515.

[0424] The processing steps S517 to S520 are the same as those in S507 to S510. Figure 16 For example, the travel time TD54 is calculated for the travel section between floors 5 and 4 (time t1 to time t3), and the travel state is set to "acceleration travel state". The travel time TD43 is calculated for the travel section between floors 4 and 3 (time t3 to time t5), and the travel state is set to "constant speed travel state". The travel time TD32 is calculated for the travel section between floors 3 and 2 (time t5 to time t7), and the travel state is set to "constant speed travel state". The travel time TD21 is calculated for the travel section between floors 2 and 1 (time t7 to time t10), and the travel state is set to "deceleration travel state".

[0425] In this embodiment, the car position is determined by the floor position as described above. The car position (floor position) is updated each time the DZ signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state. Therefore, the timing of the floor position update differs in the UP direction and the DN direction. For example, in the UP direction, the area from the doorway to the doorway to the 3rd floor is defined as the car position = floor 2. On the other hand, in the DN direction, the area from the doorway to the 1st floor is defined as the car position = floor 2. Furthermore, the division between floors can be arbitrarily set, not limited to this. For example, the area from the midpoint between the doorway to the 1st floor to the midpoint between the doorway to the 3rd floor can also be defined as the car position = floor 2. This midpoint can also be calculated based on the travel time.

[0426] In addition, the car position can also be set based on the distance from the lowest floor, rather than the floor location. For example, if the distance between each floor is 3m, the car position when stopping at the 1st floor is 0m, the car position when stopping at the 2nd floor is 3m, and the car position when stopping at the 5th floor is 12m (3m×4).

[0427] As explained above, the control unit 152 uses information including the DZ signal to calculate the position of the car 10 and the travel time of the car 10 within the travel intervals it travels in various travel states (acceleration travel state, constant speed travel state, and deceleration travel state). Then, it determines the travel state based on these. "Information including the DZ signal" includes not only the DZ signal but also the floor call signal, etc. Alternatively, it may include the SUL signal, SDL signal, UP signal, and DN signal, but as mentioned above, the travel state can be determined even without using these signals. In addition, in this embodiment, the DZ signal is used to set the stop mark at floor position i in S506 and S516, but it is not limited to this. The stop mark at floor position i can also be set at floor position i other than the top floor and the bottom floor when the LB signal is in the OFF state (brake braking state).

[0428] Figure 26 This is a flowchart of the decision-making process. Here, the decisions are made for each of the acceleration driving state, constant speed driving state, and deceleration driving state.

[0429] When the determination process begins, in S601, control unit 152 determines whether, within all driving intervals corresponding to the acceleration driving state, the reference time of driving time × 90% ≤ the measured time of driving time ≤ the reference time of driving time × 110%. If control unit 152 determines that this condition is met (Yes in S601), control unit 152 proceeds to S602. If control unit 152 does not determine that this condition is met (No in S601), control unit 152 proceeds to S603. In S602, control unit 152 determines that the acceleration driving state is a normal state. In S603, control unit 152 determines that the acceleration driving state is an out-of-balance state.

[0430] like Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 25 As illustrated, the time TU12 in the UP direction ( Figure 15 Time t1 to time t3, 1st floor to 2nd floor) and time TD54 in the DN direction ( Figure 16 The times t1 to t3 and the times 5 to 4 correspond to the "measurement time of travel time" mentioned above.

[0431] In addition, such as Figure 12the reference time DB 423, for example, in the case where the mode A is set, in the UP direction, the reference time KU12 decided in advance is selected as the reference time of the acceleration running state. The reference time recorded in the reference time DB 423 is a value obtained by actually measuring the running time in advance. In the case where the mode B is set, the reference time KU121 is selected as the reference time of the acceleration running state. In this way, the reference time used in the determination of the running state is a value calculated from a value obtained by actually measuring the running time in advance.

[0432] In the determination of the running state, the reference range is set to a range of 90% or more and 110% or less of the reference time. In the above example, the reference range (KU12L ~ KU12H) is decided as KU12 x 90% ≤ TU12 ≤ KU12 x 110% (KU12L ≤ TU12 ≤ KU12H). These values are also displayed in the display screen 421. Figure 10

[0433] Here, in the statutory periodic inspection, it is prescribed that the speed of the car 10 should be run at 125% or less of the rated speed. In other words, the running time is calculated to be 80% or more (1 / 1.25) of the standard running time. In the periodic inspection, an error of 20% is allowed in the running time, but in the present embodiment, an error of 10% or less than that is allowed. Thus, the propriety of the running time is ensured.

[0434] Then, in the determination processing, it is judged whether the measured time TU12 in the UP direction is within the reference range (KU12L ~ KU12H). Also, it is judged whether the time TD54 in the DN direction is also within the reference range decided based on the reference time taken from the reference time DB 423. When both the time TU12 and the time TD54 are within the reference range, it is determined that the acceleration running state is a normal state, and when either one is outside the reference range, it is determined that the acceleration running state is a maladjusted state.

[0435] The control portion 152 determines whether the reference time x 90% of the running time ≤ the measured time of the running time ≤ the reference time x 110% of the running time in all the running sections corresponding to the constant speed running state in S604. The control portion 152 makes the processing proceed to S605 in the case where it is determined that this condition is satisfied (Yes in S604). The control portion 152 makes the processing proceed to S606 in the case where it is not determined that this condition is satisfied (No in S604). The control portion 152 determines that the constant speed running state is a normal state in S605. The control portion 152 determines that the constant speed running state is a maladjusted state in S606.

[0436] As described above, as Figure 15 , Figure 16 ,​Figure 25 As illustrated, time TU23 and time TU34 in the UP direction ( Figure 15 ) and time TD43 and time TD32 in the DN direction. Figure 16 This corresponds to the "measurement time of driving time". When both are within the reference range, the constant speed driving state is judged to be in a normal state. When either one is outside the reference range, the constant speed driving state is judged to be in an out-of-range state.

[0437] In S607, control unit 152 determines whether, within all driving intervals corresponding to the deceleration driving state, the reference time of driving time × 90% ≤ the measured time of driving time ≤ the reference time of driving time × 110%. If control unit 152 determines that this condition is met (Yes in S607), it proceeds to S608. If control unit 152 does not determine that this condition is met (No in S607), it proceeds to S609. In S608, control unit 152 determines that the deceleration driving state is a normal state and ends the determination process. In S609, control unit 152 determines that the deceleration driving state is an out-of-balance state and ends the determination process.

[0438] Similarly, as mentioned above, Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 25 As illustrated, the time TU45 in the UP direction ( Figure 15 ) and time TD21 in the DN direction ( Figure 16 This corresponds to the "measurement time of driving time". When both are within the reference range, the deceleration driving state is judged to be a normal state. When either one is outside the reference range, the deceleration driving state is judged to be an out-of-balance state.

[0439] As explained above, in each of the multiple driving states (accelerated driving state, constant speed driving state, decelerated driving state), if the driving time corresponding to each of the multiple driving states is within a reference range determined based on a predetermined reference time, the control unit 152 determines that the driving state corresponding to the driving time is a normal state. On the other hand, if the driving time is outside the reference range, it determines that the driving state corresponding to the driving time is an out-of-balance state.

[0440] Next, as a variation, the determination of the driving state when there are multiple cars 10 controlled by the control panel 210 (multiple cars) will be explained. Figure 27 This is a flowchart for multi-car processing. Multi-car processing can also be done in... Figure 11 In the remote inspection process, it replaces the processing of S101 to S106.

[0441] In the case where the car 10 controlled by the control panel 210 has multiple units, the transmission process of the indication section 155 that transmits the generated hall call signal and the determination process of the control section 152 based on the transmission process are not performed. That is, in the case of multiple cars, the operation diagnosis is not implemented. Even if the indication section 155 transmits the hall call signal, it is not clear which car 10 is assigned to the hall call. For example, it is also assumed that the condition where the No. 1 car is always assigned to the hall call, and thus all the cars 10 cannot be made to act freely by the transmission process.

[0442] Therefore, in the present modification example, when the car travels from the lowermost floor (1F) to the uppermost floor (5F) by chance by the hall call and the car call issued by the user, the determination of the travel state is performed by using the determination signal at that time.

[0443] In the present modification example, the remote point inspection device 100 is provided for each of the multiple elevators (cars 10) (the remote point inspection device 100 is provided for each of the cars of the elevators). The multiple car processing is implemented for each remote point inspection device 100 corresponding to each elevator. After the multiple car processing is started, the control section 152 determines whether or not a predetermined period (for example, one month) has elapsed from the last operation diagnosis setting time in S701. The control section 152 makes the process proceed to S705 in the case where it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed (Yes in S701). The control section 152 makes the process proceed to S702 in the case where it is not determined that the predetermined period has elapsed (No in S701).

[0444] The acquisition section 151 acquires the determination signal of the object car that is the determination object of the control section 152 in S702. The object car is the car 10 of the elevator connected to the remote point inspection device 100. The control section 152 determines whether or not the UP travel of the object car from the lowermost floor (1F) to the uppermost floor (5F) and the DN travel of the object car from the uppermost floor to the lowermost floor (which will be referred to as "shuttle travel") have occurred in S703. The control section 152 makes the process proceed to S704 in the case where it is determined that the shuttle travel of the object car has occurred (Yes in S703).

[0445] The control section 152 returns the process to S701 in the case where it is not determined that the shuttle travel of the object car has occurred (No in S703). Thereby, the determination signal is continuously acquired until the shuttle travel of the object car occurs within the predetermined period.

[0446] In S704, control unit 152 performs a determination process for the target car and ends the multi-car processing. Additionally, if multiple sets of data from reciprocating travel are obtained within a specified period during the determination process, the latest reciprocating travel data can be used for the determination. On the other hand, in S705, control unit 152 determines that each of the target car's travel states is out of balance (acceleration travel, constant speed travel, and deceleration travel are all out of balance), and ends the multi-car processing.

[0447] Thus, in this embodiment, when there are multiple elevator cars 10 controlled by the control panel 210, if the target car, which is the object of the determination by the control unit 152, performs a reciprocating motion from the lowest floor to the highest floor and from the highest floor to the lowest floor, the determination process is performed based on the determination signal obtained from the acquisition unit 151 during the reciprocating motion. Then, if the target car does not perform a reciprocating motion within a specified period, the control unit 152 determines that each of the multiple driving states of the target car (acceleration driving state, constant speed driving state, and deceleration driving state) is out of balance. The management server 300 obtains the determination results of each car 10 from the remote inspection device 100 corresponding to the elevator.

[0448] Alternatively, if a remote inspection device 100 is installed for multiple elevators (cars 10), multi-car processing can be performed on each of the multiple cars 10. For example, when performing multi-car processing on the first car, in S702, the determination signal for the first car is obtained, and in S703, it is determined whether the reciprocating travel of the first car has occurred.

[0449] In addition, if the above is used Figures 12-14 As explained, the reference time for "travel time (elapsed time)" can be switched according to the mode and season, and the travel status is determined based on the switched "travel time (elapsed time)". For example, when mode C or mode D is set, the value of "travel time (elapsed time)" corresponding to the temperature or season that changes with the characteristics of the hydraulic elevator oil can be used. Thus, it can be configured as shown in structures (A) to (E) above, and achieve the effects shown in structures (A) to (E).

[0450] Regarding the determination of driving status, the structure and effects of this embodiment are summarized below.

[0451] (1) The control section 152 calculates the position of the car 10 and the travel time of the car 10 in the travel section in which the car 10 travels in each of the plurality of travel states using the information including the DZ signal. In a case where the travel time corresponding to each of the plurality of travel states is within a reference range decided on the basis of a reference time decided in advance, the control section 152 determines that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is a normal state, whereas in a case where the travel time is outside the reference range, the control section 152 determines that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is a misaligned state.

[0452] In the present embodiment, the signals used for condition determination for operating the safety circuit of the elevator (DZ signal, LB signal, DS signal, GS signal) are used as the determination signals for remote point inspection. Further, from the viewpoint of installation easiness (workability), a car call is not used and a hall call is used as the output signal for operation diagnosis (diagnosis operation) for remote point inspection. By performing determination of the travel state on the basis of the DZ signal and the hall call signal suitable for use of remote point inspection, remote point inspection can be performed as simply as possible in correspondence with various elevators different in communication specifications and signal specifications. That is, multi-branding of maintenance can be realized in remote point inspection. Thus, a maintenance company can reduce the frequency of maintenance point inspection at a maintenance site, and can increase the number of elevators that can be dealt with. A building owner can freely select a maintenance company and conclude a maintenance contract that enables remote point inspection.

[0453] (2) The reference time is a value obtained on the basis of a value of a travel time actually measured in advance. In this way, determination of the travel state can be performed using a value that conforms to the operation state of the elevator in the field.

[0454] (3) The reference range is a range of 90% or more and 110% or less of the reference time. In this way, by allowing an error (10%) more strict than an error (20%) allowed in a statutory periodic inspection, the propriety of the travel state can be ensured.

[0455] (4) The instruction section 155 performs the second transmission process in a case where the car 10 is located closer to the 5th floor than to the 1st floor. The instruction section 155 performs the first transmission process in a case where the car 10 is located closer to the 1st floor than to the 5th floor. In this way, the power cost required for operation diagnosis can be suppressed.

[0456] (5) The control section 152 performs cancel processing that cancels the determination of the determination processing based on the transmission processing in a case where the car 10 that travels between the 1st floor and the 5th floor based on the transmission processing stops at a floor between the 1st floor and the 5th floor. The instruction section 155, in a case where the cancel processing is performed, performs the transmission processing again after a certain time (3 minutes) elapses from the cancel processing. The control section 152 performs the determination processing again based on the transmission processing performed again. In this way, it is possible to exclude a situation where the car 10 stops due to a car call button or a hall call button pressed by a passenger by chance, and to detect a situation where the car 10 stops due to a malfunction of a call button or the like.

[0457] (6) The control section 152 sets so that determination by the determination processing is not possible in a case where the determination of the determination processing is continuously canceled a prescribed number of times by the cancel processing. In this way, it is possible to detect a situation where a certain malfunction such as a malfunction of a call button occurs.

[0458] (7) The control panel 210 controls so that, in a case where a forced stop floor is set, the car 10 must stop at the forced stop floor when the car 10 passes the forced stop floor. The control section 152 does not perform the cancel processing even if the car 10 stops at the forced stop floor in a case where a floor between the 1st floor and the 5th floor is set as the forced stop floor. In this way, it is possible to prevent a false detection of a malfunction due to a stop at the forced stop floor, and to detect a call or the like due to a malfunction.

[0459] (8) The car 10 can stop at a plurality of floors. The control panel 210 controls so that, in a case where a waiting floor is set, the car 10 is caused to wait at the waiting floor after the car 10 is caused to travel to the waiting floor when it is possible to use the car 10. The control section 152 sets the waiting time TW to 0 seconds in a case where the waiting floor is set. In this way, it is possible to prevent a false detection of a malfunction due to a travel to the waiting floor, and to detect a call or the like due to a malfunction.

[0460] (9) The control section 152, in a case where a plurality of cars 10 are controlled by the control panel 210 (multiple cars), does not perform the determination processing based on the transmission processing, and performs the determination processing based on the determination signal at the time of the round trip travel that is acquired by the acquisition section 151 in a case where the subject car that is a determination target performs round trip travel from the 1st floor to the 5th floor and from the 5th floor to the 1st floor. In the case of multiple cars, it is not possible to freely travel a plurality of cars 10 by transmission of a hall call signal, but it is possible to perform determination of a travel state by performing round trip travel using the above-described method.

[0461] (10) When there are multiple cars 10 controlled by the control panel 210, if the target car does not travel back and forth within a specified period, the control unit 152 determines that the multiple travel states of the target car are out of balance. In this way, it is possible to detect situations where the travel state cannot be determined when there are multiple cars.

[0462] (11) The management server 300 can send remote inspection execution instructions to the remote inspection device 100 and receive judgment results from the remote inspection device 100. The elevator system 200 (elevator equipment group 220 and control panel 210) and the remote inspection device 100 are located in a first country (e.g., the United States), and the management server 300 is located in a second country (e.g., Japan) different from the first country. In this way, the remote inspection device 100, which performs remote inspections of the elevator system 200 operating in the first country, can be managed by the management server 300 in the second country. Thus, regardless of which country the elevator system 200 and the remote inspection device 100 are located in, the remote inspection device 100 can be managed across countries via the management server 300.

[0463] (12) If using the above Figures 12-14 As explained, the reference time for "travel time (elapsed time)" can be switched according to the mode and season, and the travel status is determined based on the switched "travel time (elapsed time)". For example, when mode C or mode D is set, the value of "travel time (elapsed time)" corresponding to the temperature or season that changes with the characteristics of the hydraulic elevator oil can be used. Thus, it can be configured as shown in structures (A) to (E) above, and achieve the effects shown in structures (A) to (E).

[0464] [Postscript]

[0465] The above-described implementation methods are specific examples of the following notes.

[0466] (Postscript 1)

[0467] An elevator remote inspection system is disclosed, which performs remote inspection of elevators, wherein...

[0468] The elevator remote inspection system has the following features:

[0469] The instruction unit performs a transmission process, in which it sends a floor call signal that generates the elevator's floor call function to the elevator's equipment group.

[0470] The acquisition unit acquires signals that are input and output between the equipment group of the elevator and the control panel of the equipment group that controls the elevator via parallel transmission, and uses these signals as determination signals.

[0471] a control section that generates the hall call signal transmitted by the transmission processing and performs determination processing in which a point inspection item of the remote point inspection is determined based on the determination signal acquired by the acquisition section as a result of the transmission processing; and

[0472] an output section that outputs a determination result of the point inspection item,

[0473] the transmission processing includes: first transmission processing of transmitting a second hall call signal after a prescribed time elapses from when a car of the elevator arrives at a first floor based on transmission of a first hall call signal that generates a first hall call in an upward direction at the first floor, the second hall call signal generating a second hall call in a downward direction at a second floor higher than the first floor; and second transmission processing of transmitting the first hall call signal after the prescribed time elapses from when the car arrives at the second floor based on transmission of the second hall call signal,

[0474] the determination signal includes a first signal that indicates any of a first state in which the car is positioned within a door zone that indicates a range of positions of the car in which a door of the car can be opened and closed and a non-first state that is not the first state,

[0475] the control section uses information including the first signal to calculate a position of the car and travel times of the car within travel intervals in which the car travels in a plurality of travel states, respectively,

[0476] the plurality of travel states includes an acceleration travel state in which the car travels while accelerating, a constant speed travel state in which the car travels at a constant speed, and a deceleration travel state in which the car travels while decelerating,

[0477] the point inspection item includes the plurality of travel states,

[0478] in a case where the travel time corresponding to each of the plurality of travel states is within a reference range that is determined based on a reference time that is determined in advance in each of the plurality of travel states, the control section determines that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is a normal state, and in a case where the travel time is outside the reference range, the control section determines that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is an abnormal state.

[0479] (Addendum 2)

[0480] The elevator remote point inspection system according to Addendum 1, in which

[0481] The reference time is a value obtained from a value of the travel time measured in advance.

[0482] (Paragraph 3)

[0483] The elevator remote point inspection system according to any one of Paragraphs 1 or 2,

[0484] The reference range is a range of 90% or more of the reference time and 110% or less of the reference time.

[0485] (Paragraph 4)

[0486] The elevator remote point inspection system according to any one of Paragraphs 1 to 3,

[0487] The instruction section performs the second transmission processing when the car is located closer to the second floor than to the first floor,

[0488] The instruction section performs the first transmission processing when the car is located closer to the first floor than to the second floor.

[0489] (Paragraph 5)

[0490] The elevator remote point inspection system according to any one of Paragraphs 1 to 4,

[0491] The control section performs a cancel processing that cancels a determination of the determination processing based on the transmission processing when the car that travels between the first floor and the second floor based on the transmission processing stops at a floor between the first floor and the second floor,

[0492] The instruction section performs the transmission processing again after a predetermined time elapses from the cancel processing when the cancel processing is performed,

[0493] The control section performs the determination processing again based on the transmission processing performed again.

[0494] (Paragraph 6)

[0495] The elevator remote point inspection system according to Paragraph 5,

[0496] The control section is set to be unable to determine by the determination processing when a determination of the determination processing is continuously canceled by the cancel processing a predetermined number of times.

[0497] (Paragraph 7)

[0498] The elevator remote point inspection system according to any one of Paragraphs 5 or 6,

[0499] The control panel controls so that, in a case where a forced stop floor is set, the car must stop at the forced stop floor when the car passes the forced stop floor,

[0500] The control section does not perform the cancel process even if the car stops at the forced stop floor in a case where a floor between the first floor and the second floor is set as the forced stop floor.

[0501] (Paragraph 8)

[0502] The elevator remote inspection system according to any one of Paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein

[0503] The car can stop at a plurality of floors,

[0504] The control panel controls so that, in a case where a waiting floor is set, the car waits at the waiting floor after the car is caused to travel to the waiting floor when the car can be used,

[0505] The control section sets the prescribed time to 0 seconds in a case where the waiting floor is set.

[0506] (Paragraph 9)

[0507] The elevator remote inspection system according to any one of Paragraphs 1 to 8, wherein

[0508] The control section does not perform the determination process based on the transmission process in a case where a plurality of cars are controlled by the control panel, and performs the determination process based on the determination signal at the time of the round trip travel obtained from the acquisition section in a case where a subject car that is a determination object performs round trip travel from the first floor to the second floor and from the second floor to the first floor.

[0509] (Paragraph 10)

[0510] The elevator remote inspection system according to Paragraph 9, wherein

[0511] The control section determines that the plurality of travel states of the subject car are the misalignment state in a case where the subject car does not perform the round trip travel within a prescribed period in a case where a plurality of cars are controlled by the control panel.

[0512] (Paragraph 11)

[0513] The elevator remote inspection system according to any one of Paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein

[0514] The elevator remote inspection system further includes:

[0515] a remote inspection device including the instruction unit, the acquisition unit, the control unit, and the output unit; and

[0516] a management server capable of connecting to the remote inspection device via a network and managing the remote inspection device,

[0517] the management server being capable of transmitting an execution instruction of the remote inspection to the remote inspection device and receiving the determination result from the remote inspection device,

[0518] the equipment group of the elevator, the control panel, and the remote inspection device being provided in a first country,

[0519] the management server being provided in a second country different from the first country.

[0520] (Addendum 12)

[0521] An elevator remote inspection method of performing remote inspection of an elevator, in which

[0522] the elevator remote inspection method includes the following steps:

[0523] a transmission process in which a hall call signal generating a hall call of the elevator is transmitted to an equipment group of the elevator is performed;

[0524] a signal input and output between the equipment group of the elevator and a control panel controlling the equipment group of the elevator through parallel transmission is acquired as a determination signal;

[0525] the hall call signal transmitted through the transmission process is generated, and a determination process in which a determination of an inspection item of the remote inspection is performed based on the determination signal acquired through the acquisition step as a result of the transmission process is performed; and

[0526] a determination result of the inspection item is output,

[0527] the transmission process includes a first transmission process in which a second hall call signal generating a downward hall call in a second floor higher than a first floor is transmitted after a prescribed time elapses from arrival of a car of the elevator at the first floor based on transmission of a first hall call signal generating an upward hall call in the first floor, and a second transmission process in which the first hall call signal is transmitted after the prescribed time elapses from arrival of the car at the second floor based on transmission of the second hall call signal,

[0528] The determination signal includes a first signal indicating any of a first state and a non-first state that is not the first state, the first state being a state in which the car is positioned in a door zone indicating a position range of the car in which a door of the car can be opened and closed,

[0529] The step of performing the determination processing includes a step of calculating a position of the car and a travel time of the car in a travel section in which the car travels in each of a plurality of travel states using information including the first signal,

[0530] The plurality of travel states include an acceleration travel state in which the car travels while accelerating, a constant speed travel state in which the car travels at a constant speed, and a deceleration travel state in which the car travels while decelerating,

[0531] The point inspection items include the plurality of travel states,

[0532] The step of performing the determination processing further includes a step of determining that a travel state corresponding to the travel time is a normal state in a case where the travel time corresponding to each of the plurality of travel states is within a reference range that is decided based on a reference time, and determining that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is an abnormal state in a case where the travel time is outside the reference range.

[0533] The embodiments disclosed this time are examples in all aspects and are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above-described embodiments, and intends to include all modifications equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims.

[0534] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0535] 1 remote inspection system, 2 building, 5 machine room, 6 pit, 8 shaft, 10 car, 11 rope, 12 counterweight, 13 deflector, 14 buffer, 15 temperature sensor, 16 intercom, 21-23 control cable, 311 1st floor car call button, 321 2nd floor car call button, 331 3rd floor car call button, 341 4th floor car call button, 351 5th floor car call button, 50 car operation panel, 51 indicator, 52 door opening button, 53 door closing button, 60, 61 door, 70 hall operation panel, 71 indicator, 81 UP hall call button, 82 DN hall call button, 91 UP hall call, 92 DN hall call, 100 remote inspection device, 110 control device, 111 processor, 112 memory, 120 communication IF, 130 input IF, 140 output IF, 151 acquisition section, 152 control section, 153 output section, 154 reception section, 155 indication section, 156 data group, 200, 200a, 200b elevator system, 210, 210a, 210b control panel, 211 group management control section, 212 each control section, 220, 220a, 210b elevator equipment group, 230 hall device, 240 car device, 250 hoisting machine, 261, 262 connector, 300 management server, 400 terminal, 410 display section, 420 input section, 421 display screen, 422 setting data, 423 reference time DB, 424 operation history, 425 determination result, 500 X company's remote inspection device, 500a Y company's remote inspection device.

Claims

1. An elevator remote inspection system that performs remote inspection of an elevator, wherein the elevator remote inspection system is provided with: an instruction section that performs transmission processing in which a hall call signal that generates a hall call of the elevator is transmitted to a device group of the elevator; an acquisition section that acquires, as a determination signal, a signal that is input and output between the device group of the elevator and a control panel that controls the device group of the elevator through parallel transmission; a control section that generates the hall call signal that is transmitted through the transmission processing and performs determination processing in which a determination is made of an inspection item of the remote inspection based on the determination signal that is acquired by the acquisition section as a result of the transmission processing; and an output section that outputs a determination result of the inspection item, the transmission processing includes: first transmission processing in which, after a prescribed time elapses from when a car of the elevator arrives at a first floor on which a first hall call that is upward is generated based on transmission of a first hall call signal, a second hall call signal that generates a second hall call that is downward in a second floor that is higher than the first floor is transmitted; and second transmission processing in which, after the prescribed time elapses from when the car arrives at the second floor based on transmission of the second hall call signal, the first hall call signal is transmitted, the determination signal includes a first signal that indicates either a first state in which the car is positioned within a door zone that indicates a range of positions of the car in which a door of the car can be opened and closed, and a non-first state that is not the first state, the control section uses information that includes the first signal to calculate a position of the car and travel times of the car within travel intervals in which the car travels in a plurality of travel states, respectively, the plurality of travel states include an acceleration travel state in which the car travels while accelerating, a constant speed travel state in which the car travels at a constant speed, and a deceleration travel state in which the car travels while decelerating, the inspection item includes the plurality of travel states, in each of the plurality of travel states, the travel time corresponding to the plurality of travel states, respectively, is within a reference range that is determined based on a reference time that is determined in advance, in a case where the travel time corresponding to the travel state is within the reference range, the control section determines that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is a normal state, and in a case where the travel time is outside the reference range, the control section determines that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is an abnormal state.

2. The elevator remote inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the reference time is a value that is calculated from a value that is obtained by actually measuring the travel time in advance.

3. The elevator remote inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reference range is a range that is 90% or more of the reference time and 110% or less of the reference time.

4. The elevator remote inspection system according to claim 1, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the indication section performs the second transmission processing when the car is located closer to the second floor than to the first floor, the indication section performs the first transmission processing when the car is located closer to the first floor than to the second floor.

5. The elevator remote point inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the control section performs a cancel processing that cancels a determination of the determination processing based on the transmission processing when the car traveling between the first floor and the second floor based on the transmission processing stops at a floor between the first floor and the second floor, the indication section performs the transmission processing again after a certain time elapses from the cancel processing when the cancel processing is performed, the control section performs the determination processing again based on the transmission processing performed again.

6. The elevator remote point inspection system according to claim 5, wherein the control section is set to be unable to determine by the determination processing when a determination of the determination processing is continuously canceled a prescribed number of times by the cancel processing.

7. The elevator remote point inspection system according to claim 5, wherein the control panel is controlled so that, when a forced stop floor is set, the car must stop at the forced stop floor when the car passes the forced stop floor, the control section does not perform the cancel processing even when the car stops at the forced stop floor when a floor between the first floor and the second floor is set as the forced stop floor.

8. The elevator remote point inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the car can stop at a plurality of floors, the control panel is controlled so that, when a waiting floor is set, the car is caused to wait at the waiting floor after the car is caused to travel to the waiting floor when the car can be used, the control section sets the prescribed time to 0 seconds when the waiting floor is set.

9. The elevator remote point inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the control section does not perform the determination processing based on the transmission processing when a plurality of cars are controlled by the control panel, and performs the determination processing based on the determination signal at the time of the round trip travel obtained from the acquisition section when the subject car that is a determination target performs round trip travel from the first floor to the second floor and from the second floor to the first floor.

10. The elevator remote point inspection system according to claim 9, wherein the control section determines that the plurality of travel states of the subject car are the misalignment state respectively when the subject car does not perform the round trip travel within a prescribed period when a plurality of cars are controlled by the control panel.

11. The elevator remote point inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the elevator remote point inspection system further comprises: a remote point inspection device including the indication section, the acquisition section, the control section, and the output section; and a management server capable of connecting with the remote point inspection device via a network and managing the remote point inspection device, the management server is capable of transmitting an execution instruction of the remote point inspection to the remote point inspection device and capable of receiving the determination result from the remote point inspection device, the equipment group of the elevator, the control panel, and the remote point inspection device are provided in a first country, the management server is provided in a second country different from the first country.

12. An elevator remote point inspection method of performing remote point inspection of an elevator, wherein the elevator remote point inspection method comprises the steps of: performing transmission processing in which a hall call signal generating a hall call of the elevator is transmitted to an equipment group of the elevator; acquiring, as a determination signal, a signal input and output between the equipment group of the elevator and a control panel controlling the equipment group of the elevator by parallel transmission; generating the hall call signal transmitted by the transmission processing and performing determination processing in which a point inspection item of the remote point inspection is determined based on the determination signal acquired by the acquiring step as a result of the transmission processing; and outputting a determination result of the point inspection item, the transmission processing includes: first transmission processing of transmitting a second hall call signal generating a downward hall call in a second floor higher than the first floor after a prescribed time elapses from when a car of the elevator arrives at a first floor where a first hall call generating an upward hall call is generated in the first floor based on transmission of the first hall call signal; and second transmission processing of transmitting the first hall call signal after the prescribed time elapses from when the car arrives at the second floor based on transmission of the second hall call signal, the determination signal includes a first signal indicating any state of a first state in which the car is positioned in a door zone indicating a range of positions of the car in which a door of the car can be opened and closed and a non-first state other than the first state, the step of performing the determination processing includes a step of calculating a position of the car and a travel time of the car in a travel section in which the car travels in each of a plurality of travel states using information including the first signal, the plurality of travel states include an acceleration travel state in which the car travels while accelerating, a constant speed travel state in which the car travels at a constant speed, and a deceleration travel state in which the car travels while decelerating, the point inspection item includes the plurality of travel states, ​ The step of performing the determination processing further includes the steps of: in a case where the travel time corresponding to each of the plurality of travel states is within a reference range decided based on a reference time in each of the plurality of travel states, determining that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is a normal state; and in a case where the travel time is outside the reference range, determining that the travel state corresponding to the travel time is a misaligned state.

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