Inspection system and inspection method for external contact device for elevator

Abstract

The invention provides an inspection system and an inspection method for an external contact device for an elevator, which can efficiently inspect the operation of the external contact device for the elevator through the operation of one operator. The inspection system of the external contact device for the elevator is used for communicating between a master interphone arranged outside a car of the elevator and a slave interphone arranged in the car. An input of an execution timing of an inspection operation that calls from a slave interphone to a master interphone and outputs a notification sound from a speaker in a car is received from an external device, a timer time is set to output an execution instruction of the inspection operation according to the execution timing, and then the execution instruction is received to execute the inspection operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an inspection system and method for external communication devices used in elevators. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system related to an emergency call function for inspecting elevators. In this technology, even if maintenance personnel are located far from the inspection site, they can switch the call mode of the inbound and outbound intercom by accessing the monitoring device at the monitoring center via a public line from a portable terminal.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-264810

[0004] When inspecting the external communication device for elevators, operation of both the main unit intercom and the slave unit intercom is required, thus typically necessitating two people. However, as with the technology in Patent Document 1, a single-person operation can be performed if the maintenance personnel operate the external communication device from a location far from the inspection site. However, operation instructions via public lines can sometimes be delayed due to line congestion. In such cases, there is a problem of increased downtime for the operator and reduced efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technique that enables efficient operation checks of external communication devices for elevators through the work of a single operator.

[0006] This disclosure relates to an inspection system for an elevator external communication device that enables communication between a master intercom located outside the elevator car and a slave intercom located inside the elevator car. The system comprises: a receiving unit that receives input from an external device for an execution timing of an inspection action, wherein the inspection action involves calling from the slave intercom to the master intercom and outputting a notification tone from a speaker inside the elevator car; a timer setting unit that sets a timer duration to output an execution command for the inspection action based on the execution timing; and a control unit that receives the execution command and executes the inspection action.

[0007] Additionally, this disclosure relates to a method for inspecting an external communication device for elevators that enables communication between a master intercom located outside the elevator car and a slave intercom located inside the elevator car. The method involves a computer performing the following steps: receiving input from an external device for an execution timing of an inspection action, wherein the inspection action involves calling from the slave intercom to the master intercom and outputting a notification tone from a speaker inside the elevator car; setting a timer to output an execution command for the inspection action based on the execution timing; and receiving the execution command and executing the inspection action.

[0008] According to the technology of the elevator external communication device inspection system disclosed herein, the operation of the elevator external communication device can be checked at any time interval by a single operator. This reduces the standby time during operation checks, thus achieving high efficiency in the inspection operation. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevator device for an inspection system implemented in an application.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram used to illustrate the functions of the inspection system in the implementation method.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a flowchart representing the control routine executed by the communication device of the inspection system to set the timer.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware resources of a communication device.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram representing other examples of the hardware resources of a communication device.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an elevator device used in a modified inspection system.

[0015] Label Explanation

[0016] 1: Car; 2: Counterweight; 3: Hoistway; 4: Main rope; 5: Traction machine; 6: Drive sheave; 7: Elevator control device; 8: Machine room; 9: Control panel; 10: Speaker; 11: Sub-unit intercom; 12: Management room; 13: Main unit intercom; 20: Communication device; 22: Reception department; 24: Timer setting department; 30: Maintenance computer; 40: Mobile terminal; 70: Control department; 100: Inspection system; 200: Processing circuit; 201: Processor; 202: Memory; 203: Dedicated hardware. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, identical elements in each drawing will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0018] Implementation

[0019] 1. Structure of the elevator unit

[0020] Figure 1This diagram illustrates an example of an elevator assembly for an inspection system implemented using this method. The elevator assembly, for example, includes a car 1 and a counterweight 2. The car 1 moves vertically within a shaft 3. The counterweight 2 also moves vertically within the shaft 3. The car 1 and counterweight 2 are suspended from the shaft 3 by a main rope 4.

[0021] The main rope 4 is wound around the drive pulley 6 of the traction machine 5. The car 1 is driven by the traction machine 5. The traction machine 5 is controlled by the elevator control device 7. Figure 1 This illustrates an example where a traction machine 5 and an elevator control device 7 are installed in a machine room 8 above the shaft 3. The traction machine 5 and elevator control device 7 can also be installed in the shaft 3. When the traction machine 5 is installed in the shaft 3, it can be installed at the top of the shaft 3 or at the bottom of the shaft 3.

[0022] The elevator car 1, for example, has an operation panel 9. The operation panel 9 includes a speaker 10 and a handset intercom 11, which serves as an external communication device for the elevator. The speaker 10 functions as a sound output device that outputs sound into the elevator car 1. The handset intercom 11 is a device for allowing people inside the elevator car 1 to communicate with people outside the elevator car 1 via the main intercom 13.

[0023] A master intercom 13 is installed in the management room 12 of a building equipped with an elevator as an external communication device for the elevator. The master intercom 13 is a device for communication between a person in the management room 12 and a person in the elevator car 1 via a handset intercom 11.

[0024] The handset intercom 11 is equipped with a call button to request communication with the main intercom 13. When a person in the car 1 operates the call button on the handset intercom 11, a call tone is emitted from the main speaker of the main intercom 13. When the call tone is emitted, a person in the control room 12 can pick up the handset from the main unit and communicate with the person in the car 1. Then, when the handset is placed back on the main unit, the communication with the handset intercom 11 is closed.

[0025] The elevator control unit 7 is connected to the communication unit 20 via a communication line. The communication unit 20 communicates, for example, with a maintenance computer 30, which is an external device held by maintenance personnel. The communication unit 20 is located in the same location as the elevator system. The maintenance computer 30 is connected to the communication unit 20 via a communication network such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

[0026] 2. Inspection system for external communication devices in elevators

[0027] Next, the inspection system for the elevator's external communication device will be explained. During maintenance inspections, the operation of the elevator's external communication device is sometimes verified. When multiple personnel are involved in verifying the operation, personnel are positioned in both the car 1 and the management room 12. Then, the personnel in the car 1 operate the call button to call the main intercom 13 from the handset intercom 11. This triggers a call tone from the main speaker of the main intercom 13. When the personnel in the management room 12 make a call and communicate via the main intercom 13, the handset intercom 11 and the main intercom 13 are in communication mode. Then, as part of the operation verification, it is confirmed whether the personnel in the management room 12 can hear the personnel in the car 1.

[0028] In this case, the aforementioned operation confirmation method cannot be used when the operation confirmation of the elevator external communication device is performed by a single operator. The inspection system of this embodiment is a system equipped with the function of enabling a single operator to confirm the operation of the elevator external communication device. The functional structure of the inspection system will be described below.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions of the inspection system in the embodiment. The inspection system 100 includes a receiving unit 22 and a timer setting unit 24 that function as a communication device 20, and a control unit 70 that functions as an elevator control device 7.

[0030] The receiving unit 22 is a function block that receives the execution timing of inspection actions from the maintenance computer 30 connected to the communication device 20. The inspection action here is the action of calling from the handset intercom 11 to the main intercom 13 and outputting a notification tone from the speaker 10 inside the car 1. The operator specifies the execution timing of the inspection action via the maintenance computer 30. This execution timing can be, for example, based on a specific time or on an elapsed time from the current time.

[0031] The timer setting unit 24 is a function block that sets the timer for sending the execution command for the inspection action to the control unit 70. Here, the timer setting unit 24 sets the timer time so as to send the execution command for the inspection action to the control unit 70 according to the execution timing received by the receiving unit 22.

[0032] The control unit 70 is a function block that receives execution instructions and performs inspection actions. Here, the control unit 70 calls the main intercom 13 from the hand intercom 11 according to the execution instructions, and outputs a notification tone from the speaker 10 in the car 1.

[0033] 3. Inspection actions using the external communication device of the inspection system.

[0034] Next, the inspection actions and methods for using the inspection system 100 to inspect external inspection devices will be explained.

[0035] 3-1. Preparation Steps

[0036] In the preparation step, the operator sets the elevator system to maintenance mode. This maintenance mode is the mode set by the operator during maintenance checks, and is set by turning on a maintenance switch or inspection switch. Then, the operator connects the maintenance computer 30 to the communication device 20 in the machine room 8 and sets the execution time for the inspection action of the elevator's external communication device. Since the operator needs to perform the inspection work in the management room 12, which is equipped with a master intercom 13, the execution time is set to at least any time when the operator can reach the management room 12. The operator moves to the management room 12 after setting the execution time. Alternatively, if the execution time is set, the maintenance computer 30 can be disconnected from the communication device 20.

[0037] 3-2. Check the action steps

[0038] During the inspection process, timer setting control is performed via the communication device 20 of the inspection system 100. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the control routine for timer setting control executed by the communication device of the inspection system. Furthermore, Figure 3 The flowchart shown also represents part of a check method that causes the computer to perform check actions according to the execution timing.

[0039] In step S100 of this routine, the communication device 20 determines whether the maintenance mode has been set by the operator. The process of step S100 is repeated until the determination is confirmed. When the determination is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0040] In step S102, it is determined whether the execution time of the inspection action has been accepted in the receiving unit 22. The process of step S102 is repeated until the determination is confirmed. When the determination is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0041] In step S104, the timer time is set in the timer setting unit 24, so that the action specification of the inspection action is output to the elevator control device 7 according to the accepted execution timing. When the processing of step S104 is executed, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0042] In step S106, it is determined whether the timer period set in the timer setting unit 24 has elapsed. If the determination is not true, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0043] In step S108, the timer setting unit 24 determines whether the maintenance mode setting has been deactivated by the operator. If the determination is not confirmed, the process returns to step S106; if the determination is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0044] In step S110, the timer setting unit 24 releases the timer duration set in step S104. When step S110 is executed, the process of this routine ends.

[0045] On the other hand, if the determination in step S106 is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the timer setting unit 24 outputs an operation command for checking the operation to the elevator control device 7. This operation command is a call command to the master intercom 13 for the handset intercom 11 and a notification tone output command for the speaker 10 inside the car 1. Upon receiving the operation command, the handset intercom 11 and the speaker 10 respectively output the call command to the master intercom 13 and the notification tone. When step S112 is executed, the process of this routine ends.

[0046] 3-3. Confirmation Steps

[0047] The operator moves to the control room 12 before the timer expires. When the timer expires, a call tone is emitted from the main speaker of the master intercom 13. The operator in the control room 12 initiates communication via the master intercom 13 when the call tone is emitted. This establishes communication between the slave intercom 11 and the master intercom 13. A notification tone is emitted from the speaker 10 inside the car 1. Therefore, whether the notification tone can be heard from the master intercom 13 confirms whether the slave intercom 11 and the master intercom 13 are in normal communication mode.

[0048] According to the inspection method for external communication devices using the inspection system 100 configured as described above, a single operator can perform a call check on the external communication device. Furthermore, the start time of the inspection operation can be set in accordance with the timing of the confirmation operation performed in the management room 12, thus reducing standby time and achieving higher operational efficiency.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the inspection system 100, the execution timing of the inspection action can be set from the maintenance computer 30 connected via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN, thus eliminating problems such as communication congestion or delay that may occur when the execution timing of the inspection action is set via an external server utilizing a public line.

[0050] Furthermore, if the maintenance mode is deactivated by the operator before the timer expires, the set timer is deactivated. This prevents unintended inspection actions from being performed due to operator error.

[0051] 4. Variations in the implementation method

[0052] The inspection system 100 of the implementation method can also be applied in the following variations.

[0053] 4-1. Communication device

[0054] In this embodiment, the receiving unit 22 and the timer setting unit 24 represent the functions of the communication device 20. Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware resources of a communication device. The communication device 20, for example, includes a processing circuit 200 comprising a processor 201 and a memory 202 as its hardware resources. The processor 201 is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 202 is, for example, a semiconductor memory. The communication device 20 implements the functions of the receiving unit 22 and the timer setting unit 24 shown by the processor (computer) 201 executing the program stored in the memory 202.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a diagram representing other examples of the hardware resources of a communication device. In Figure 5 In the example shown, the communication device 20 includes, for example, a processing circuit 200 comprising a processor 201, a memory 202, and dedicated hardware 203. Figure 5 This illustrates an example of implementing a portion of the functions of the communication device 20 using dedicated hardware 203. Alternatively, all the functions of the communication device 20 can be implemented by dedicated hardware 203. Dedicated hardware 203 can be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmable processor, a parallel programmable processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0056] During the inspection procedure, if the maintenance mode setting was canceled before the timer expired, the timer setting was canceled, but this action is not mandatory. In this case, Figure 3 In the flowchart shown, if the determination is not confirmed in step S106, the process does not proceed to step S108. The process of step S106 is repeated until the determination is confirmed.

[0057] 4-2. Computer maintenance 30

[0058] The maintenance computer 30 can also be configured to be remotely operated from other mobile terminals held by the operator. Figure 6 This figure shows an example of an elevator device in an inspection system with a modified application. In the modified example shown, the operator waiting in the management room 12 holds a mobile terminal 40. The mobile terminal 40 is a terminal device capable of remotely operating a maintenance computer 30 connected to a communication device 20, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer.

[0059] The inspection actions and methods for inspecting external inspection devices using a modified inspection system are explained. In the preparation step, the operator sets the elevator system to maintenance mode. Then, the operator connects the maintenance computer 30 to the communication device 20 in the machine room 8 and moves to the management room 12. In the management room 12, the operator remotely operates the maintenance computer 30 using a mobile terminal 40, setting the execution time for the inspection action of the external communication device for the elevator. Here, since the operator is already waiting in the management room 12, the execution time is set to, for example, the current time. Therefore, in the inspection action step, the inspection action command is immediately output to the elevator control device 7, and the inspection action begins. Thus, the operator waiting in the management room 12 can immediately perform the confirmation step.

Claims

1. An inspection system for an external communication device for an elevator, the external communication device being used for communication between a main intercom located outside the elevator car and a slave intercom located inside the car, the inspection system for the external communication device for an elevator comprising: The receiving unit receives the timing input for the execution of an inspection action from external devices. The inspection action is a call from the slave intercom to the master intercom and a notification tone output from the speaker in the car. A timer setting unit sets a timer duration to output an execution command for the inspection action based on the execution timing; and The control unit receives the execution command and performs the inspection action.

2. The inspection system for an external communication device for an elevator according to claim 1, wherein, The inspection system for the external communication device of the elevator is configured as follows: The receiving unit is configured to receive the timing input from the external device during the period when the elevator is set to maintenance mode. If the maintenance mode setting is deactivated before the timer expires, the timer setting unit cancels the set timer duration.

3. The inspection system for an external communication device for an elevator according to claim 1, wherein, The inspection system for the external communication device of the elevator is configured as follows: The external device is configured to be remotely operated from a mobile terminal. The receiving unit receives input from the external device remotely operated by the mobile terminal, setting the execution time of the inspection action to the current time.

4. A method for inspecting an external communication device for an elevator, the external communication device being used to communicate between a main intercom located outside the elevator car and a slave intercom located inside the car, the method for inspecting the external communication device for an elevator causing a computer to perform the following steps: The inspection action is initiated by receiving the timing input from an external device, wherein the inspection action is a call from the slave intercom to the master intercom and a notification tone is output from the speaker in the car. Set a timer to output the execution command for the inspection action according to the execution timing; as well as The inspection action is performed upon receiving the execution instruction.

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