Building system with elevator installation for a mixed use building

Abstract

The invention relates to a lift system (1) comprising a lift group with multiple lifts (E1-E6) and a group controller (12), which is designed to receive building information from a building management system (30). For a determined floor (L0) and for each lift (E1-E6), the received building information provides an assignment of each lift (E1-E6) to at least one lift lobby (H, H1-H9) from which the assigned lift (E1-E6) can be accessed on the determined floor (L0). Building information stored in a memory device (26) of the lift system (1) is updated by the received building information, wherein, for the determined floor (L0) and for each lift (E1-E6), the stored building information indicates an existing assignment of the respective lift (E1-E6) to at least one lift lobby (H, H1-H9). Upon receipt of a lift call, the lift system (1) is operated according to the updated building information. (Fig. 3)

Description

[0001] The technology described here generally relates to a building system with an elevator. Exemplary embodiments of the technology also relate to a method for operating the building system with an elevator.

[0002] Buildings are typically designed and constructed for a single use or for mixed use. A residential building is an example of a single-use building, as is an office building. Mixed use exists when a building contains, for example, apartments and commercially used spaces. An elevator system is designed and installed for the intended use of the building. Depending on the building, the elevator system may include a single elevator, a group of elevators, or several groups of elevators; in addition, one or more special elevators (e.g., freight elevators) may be provided.

[0003] Over time, the originally planned use of a building may change for various reasons. For example, the need for office space or commercial space in general may decrease due to changing living and working conditions. In an office building, for instance, vacant spaces on one or more floors may be converted into apartments. In such a case, the elevator system installed in the building remains essentially unchanged, as it was designed for the building's original intended use. Document US 2011 / 048866 A1 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 7.

[0004] Although an elevator system remains available for transporting people and goods after a change of use, such a change may result in altered requirements for the elevator system. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that meets these requirements fully or at least partially.

[0005] One aspect of the technology described here concerns a method for operating a building system with an elevator in a multi-story building. The elevator system comprises an elevator group with several elevators and a group controller for the elevator group. The group controller has an interface device configured to receive building information from a building management system. According to the method, building information is received by the interface device of the group controller. The building management system transmits the building information to the interface device. Based on the received building information, for a given floor, each elevator is assigned to at least one elevator hall from which access to the assigned elevator on that floor is possible.In the elevator system's storage unit, stored building information is updated by received building information. The stored building information specifies, for each elevator on a given floor, an existing assignment of the respective elevator to at least one elevator hall. Upon receiving an elevator call from a person, the elevator system operates according to the updated building information stored in the storage unit.

[0006] Another aspect concerns a building management system for a multi-story building. This system comprises a building management system and an elevator system, which includes an elevator group with multiple elevators and a group control unit for the elevator group. The group control unit has an interface device configured to receive building information from the building management system. Based on this information, the group control unit assigns each elevator on a given floor to at least one elevator hall, from which access to the assigned elevator on that floor is possible. The group control unit is configured to update the building information stored in a memory device within the elevator system using the received building information.The stored building information specifies, for each elevator on the designated floor, an existing assignment of the respective elevator to at least one elevator hall. The group control system is also designed to operate the elevator system upon receiving building information entered by a person.

[0007] In one embodiment of the method, building system, or elevator system, the updated building information is stored in the storage device. The elevator system can then be configured according to the updated building information.

[0008] The technology described here creates a building system whose elevator system essentially adapts itself to changes in building use when updated building information is available. This allows the elevator system's operation to be adjusted, particularly to changes in the elevator hall layout on a specific floor. This eliminates the need for an on-site technician to adapt the elevator system to changes in building use.

[0009] In other words, this means, for example, that the building system informs the elevator system, using building information, that the elevator system needs to access its elevator.

[0010] The elevator system uses building information to inform the building that it needs to modify or configure its operation for a specific floor, for example, a call allocation algorithm and / or a control process for cabin doors. This means, for instance, that the building system specifies that a particular elevator hall cannot be served by all elevators, but only by one or more specific elevators, or which cabin door should open towards that particular elevator hall.

[0011] In one embodiment, which can be used in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the configuration is performed by the group controller. The group controller reads the updated building information from the storage device, generates a data record from it, and stores this record in a storage device of the group controller. The data record specifies for each elevator which elevator hall it is assigned to on the designated floor.

[0012] In one embodiment, which may be applicable in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, an elevator has two elevator doors. The data set specifies for this elevator which elevator hall each of the elevator doors on the specified floor is assigned to, with each assignment indicating the elevator hall toward which an elevator door opens and closes. The technology described here is therefore applicable to both an elevator with one cabin door and an elevator with two cabin doors.

[0013] In one embodiment, which can be used in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the data set specifies for each elevator control device located on the designated floor which elevator hall it is assigned to. The data set thus reflects the situation on the designated floor also with regard to the elevator control devices.

[0014] In an embodiment that may be applicable in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the elevator system, upon receiving an elevator call input from a person on the designated floor at an elevator control unit, can be operated such that the elevator call is received by the elevator control unit via the group control, the elevator hall to which the elevator control unit is assigned is determined, and at least one elevator assigned to that elevator hall is identified. This allows an elevator assigned to the identified elevator hall to be determined for handling the elevator call, and the elevator control of the assigned elevator can be activated to handle the elevator call.

[0015] In one embodiment, which may be applicable in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the elevator call specifies a direction of travel requested by the person, or the received elevator call specifies a destination floor requested by the person. The technology described here is not limited to a particular control technology; it can be used in an elevator system with destination call control and in an elevator system with conventional up / down direction control. The elevator call can be a destination call initiated by the person outside the elevator car, with the elevator control determining the call input floor and the destination floor from the destination call. This embodiment relates to an elevator system with destination call control.In one embodiment of an elevator system with a conventional up / down direction control, the elevator call can be a floor call initiated by the person outside the elevator car, indicating a desired direction of travel, with the elevator control determining the call input floor from the floor call.

[0016] With the technology described here, a key advantage is that the elevator system can be adapted to temporary changes (potentially limited to days or a few weeks, e.g., during events) with relatively little effort. For example, a separate elevator hall can be created for a user group during such a period, served only by one or more selected elevators. If high traffic volume is expected during this time, a larger elevator hall can be created (while another is temporarily reduced in size) and served by a greater number of elevators. A further advantage is that the changes are reversible, for example, if they are no longer needed after the event.

[0017] In an embodiment that may be applicable in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, at least one device may be provided by which one elevator hall can be separated from another. The at least one device may comprise a partition wall, a barrier, and / or separating devices. The at least one device may be used alone or in conjunction with security personnel to create the elevator halls. In one embodiment, the separation of elevator halls may be carried out solely by security personnel. The separating devices, which may be in a closed or an open state depending on the situation and requirements, also make it possible to direct people into the respective elevator halls by opening a separating device leading to the elevator hall.

[0018] In an embodiment that can be used in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the building system can include a sensor system that is communicatively connected to the building management system and is configured to detect the state of the at least one device and transmit it to the building management system. The state indicates whether the at least one device is open or closed, and the building information includes this state. This allows the detection of state changes to be automated.

[0019] In an embodiment that can be used in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the building management system can include an input device for manually entering the status of the at least one device. The status indicates whether the at least one device is open or closed, and the building information includes this status. The manual input option can be advantageous, for example, if the building does not have a sensor system. Those skilled in the art will recognize that an embodiment of a building system can include both an input device for manual input and a sensor system. The manual input option can be used, for example, when security personnel are employed to create temporarily separated elevator lobbies.

[0020] In the technology described here, according to one or more of the preceding embodiments, an elevator call can be made using a permanently installed elevator control unit or a mobile device. The mobile device can be, for example, a (card-shaped) access card with (RFID) radio technology or an optical code (e.g., QR code), or a mobile device with appropriate software, possibly in conjunction with Bluetooth technology or an optical code. The technology described here is particularly applicable when an elevator call is made with such a mobile device, even without identifying the passenger, because the user group can still be determined using the information regarding the boarding and alighting floors. For example, if passengers are traveling from an access floor (e.g.,If users wish to travel from the ground floor to an upper floor, the user group distinguishes the target floor (exit floor).

[0021] The following section explains various aspects of the technology in more detail using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures. In the figures, identical elements have the same reference numerals. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an exemplary building system in a multi-story building and an exemplary elevator system; Figs. 2-5 schematic representations of the elevator system on one floor with exemplary arrangements of elevator halls; and Fig. 6 an exemplary representation of an embodiment of a method for operating the building system.

[0022] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary building system in a building 2, which has several floors L0, L1, Ln and an elevator system 1 serving the floors L0, L1, Ln. The building 2 is shown schematically in a side view, with an elevator E1 of the elevator system 1 visible, which has at least one elevator car 10 that can travel along an elevator shaft 18. Fig. 2 - Fig. 5 Figures 1 and 2 show (for example, at the level of floor L0, which may be designated as the building access floor) a schematic top view of the elevator system 1, which in one embodiment comprises a total of six elevators E1-E6. The six elevators E1-E6 can be grouped together to form an elevator group controlled by a group controller 12 (GC); this is shown in Figure 3. Fig. 1 indicated by an arrow P1.

[0023] In one embodiment, each of the elevators E1-E6 is analogous to the one in Fig. 1 The elevator E1 shown is configured as follows, whereby the person skilled in the art recognizes that in another embodiment, one of the elevators E1-E6 may have a different configuration because, for example, it is designed as a special elevator (e.g., a freight elevator) and / or only serves certain floors. In addition to the elevator car 10, the elevator E1 comprises an elevator control unit 8 (EC), a drive unit 14 (M), and elevator operating devices 4 arranged on floors L0, L1, L2, L3, where persons can enter elevator calls. The person skilled in the art recognizes that the elevator system 1 can also be configured for call input using mobile devices. The elevator control unit 8 is communicatively connected to the group control unit 12 in order to receive control signals from the group control unit 12 and to transmit signals (e.g., status signals) to it. The group control unit 12 is communicatively connected to a storage device 26 in order to access data stored therein.

[0024] The group control unit 12 includes an interface device 28 (IF) configured to receive building information from a building management system 30. The interface device 28 (IF) is connected to the building management system 30 directly or indirectly via a cable or a communication network for wireless (radio) and / or wired communication. As detailed elsewhere in this description, the building information includes data relating to building use (e.g., floor layout and / or use, location and / or number of elevator halls H, H1-H9 ( Fig. 2 - Fig. 5 )) specify; the building information can be documented in a computer-readable building plan. Based on the building information, for a given floor (in the embodiment described here, this is floor L0), each elevator E1-E6 is assigned to at least one elevator hall H, H1-H9, from which access to the assigned elevator E1-E6 is available on the given floor L0.

[0025] In the exemplary implementations described here, Building 2 is a mixed-use building containing, for example, apartments and commercially used spaces. Building 2 may have originally been planned for mixed use, or this mixed use may have developed over time following a corresponding adaptation or conversion of Building 2. The elevator system 1 can therefore be used by several user groups: Residents, for example, may be assigned to a resident user group (user group "Residents"), and commercial users may be assigned to a commercial user group (user group "Commercial Person"). These groups may be further subdivided, for example, for VIP residents or individual commercial enterprises. These assignments may be specified in the aforementioned building information and can be updated there as needed.The building information can be updated if the building's use changes, particularly if the floor layout, floor use, and / or the location or number of elevator lobbies change. Fig. 1 The updatability of the building information is represented by an arrow P2 (IN); the update can be carried out by a sensor system 33 and / or by manual input at an input device 31.

[0026] The operation of elevator system 1 can be adapted if, according to the change of use, several elevator lobbies H, H1-H9 are required on a designated floor L0, from which access to specific elevators E1-E6 is to be possible. The requirement for multiple elevator lobbies H, H1-H9 may be justified, for example, by the need to separate users or user groups on the designated floor L0, particularly regarding access to elevator system 1. In a building 2 containing apartments and a hotel, such separation may be desired, for example, for residents of building 2 and hotel guests. An elevator lobby for the hotel may be designed according to the hotel reception area or the hotel's design concept, while an elevator lobby for residential floors may, for example, have an information board for the house rules or similar information and may be less elaborately designed.

[0027] Elevator system 1 generally responds to a person's elevator call by transporting an elevator E1-E6 (or an elevator car 10 of elevators E1-E6) from a boarding floor to a destination floor. In one embodiment, the service begins with the receipt of the elevator call and ends when the person leaves the elevator car 10 on the destination floor. Elevator system 1 processes the received elevator call to, for example, select an elevator E1-E6 or a car 10 for a trip and plan the trip (e.g., traveling to the boarding floor and then to the destination floor with or without an intermediate stop), and controls the selected elevator car 10 accordingly. According to the technology described here, the elevator hall H, H1-H9 to be served can be determined for the selection of the elevator E1-E6 or the elevator car 10, and, if as in Fig. 1 - Fig. 5 The elevator car 10 has two elevator doors 6, 7, which of the elevator doors 6, 7 is to be opened.

[0028] In the Fig. 1 The technology described here can be advantageously applied to the exemplary building situation shown. In short, and by way of example, the technology described here enables the operation of an elevator system 1 to be adapted to changes in the use of a building 2 that occur over time. As part of such an adaptation, the elevator system 1 receives building information that the building management system 30 transmits to the interface device 28 of the group control unit 12. Based on the received building information, for a given floor L0, each elevator E1-E6 is assigned to at least one elevator hall H, H1-H9, from which access to the assigned elevator E1-E6 is possible on the given floor L0. The received building information updates the building information stored in the storage device 26 of the elevator system 1.This stored building information for the designated floor L0 specifies an existing assignment for each elevator E1-E6 to at least one elevator hall H, H1-H9. Before the aforementioned update, elevator system 1 operates according to this stored building information. The updated building information is stored in storage device 26 and used to configure elevator system 1 accordingly. Upon receiving an elevator call entered by a person, elevator system 1 operates according to the updated building information. Further details regarding the configuration of the elevator system and its operation according to the updated building information are provided in conjunction with [reference to relevant documentation]. Fig. 6 .

[0029] The storage device 26 comprises a computer-readable storage medium for storing data that the group controller 12 can access; that is, it can read data from and write data to the storage device 26 (or initiate such writing). The group controller 12 is configured, for example, to store, modify, and update data in the storage device 26 and to read data from the storage device 26. The stored data includes building information, such as the number of floors L0, L, Ln, the number of elevator halls H, H1-H9 on a floor L0, L, Ln, particularly on floor L0, and the assignment of an elevator hall H, H1-H9 to one or more elevators E1-E6. The data specifically represents an assignment situation (i.e., the access to the elevators E1-E6) existing at a given time on floor L0. Examples of such assignment situations are shown in Fig. 2 - Fig. 5 shown.

[0030] The storage device 26 can be an internal data storage device of the group controller 12 or an external storage device of the elevator system 1, which is communicatively connected to the group controller 12. The storage device 26 can, for example, comprise a hard disk storage device, a solid-state drive (SSD) storage device, a CD storage device, and / or a DVD storage device. Such storage devices 26 and their operation, including data organization, reading, and writing, are known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] The expert recognizes that the building management system 30 can be wholly or partially outsourced to an IT infrastructure for so-called cloud computing (colloquially also referred to as "the cloud"). This includes, for example, storing data in a remote data center, but also running programs that are not installed locally, but remotely. Depending on the configuration, a specific functionality can be provided, for example, on a (local) computer system in building 2 or via the "cloud." For instance, a software application or parts thereof can be run in the "cloud." The computer system then accesses this infrastructure as needed to execute the software application.

[0032] Fig. 2 - Fig. 5 Each figure shows a schematic top view of the elevator system 1, as it exists in one embodiment on the level of floor L0 of building 2. In this top view, the elevators E1-E3 are arranged side by side (essentially in a row next to each other) without a passageway between them.

[0033] Elevators E4-E6 are also arranged side-by-side in a row and are located opposite the row of elevators E1-E3, particularly from the perspective of a passenger who is in a zone between the two rows and sees six elevators E1-E6 or their elevator doors 6, 7. In the illustrated embodiments, the elevator car 10 of each elevator E1-E6 has two opposing elevator doors 6, 7, wherein the elevator doors 6 open towards the aforementioned zone and the elevator doors 7 open towards zones that are, for example, located on opposite sides of an elevator car 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the technology described here is not limited to the number of elevators E1-E6 shown, nor to their arrangement, nor to elevator cars 10 with two elevator doors 6, 7.

[0034] Floor L0 is the building access floor, where people enter and exit Building 2, for example, via one or more exterior doors. Floor L0 may be located at street level. Depending on the building, there may be multiple access floors on different levels (e.g., due to different street levels). At least one elevator hall H, H1-H8 is provided on floor L0, from which there is access to elevators E1-E6. The elevator hall H, H1-H8 may also be referred to as the entrance hall in Building 2. Depending on the Building 2, the elevator hall H, H1-H9 may be directly adjacent to a building door and extend from there onto floor L0, or it may extend onto floor L0 from one or more corridors or passageways, with at least one of these corridors or passageways leading to a building door.After entering the building, a person arrives, for example, in the area in . Fig. 2 The elevator hall H shown is accessible from which one of the elevators E1-E6 can be used; to leave building 2, one elevator E1-E6 takes them back to elevator hall H. The at least one elevator hall H, H1-H9 can be located on floor L0, particularly in the area of ​​elevators E1-E6, and may be surrounded, for example, by one or more corridors or passageways. For illustrative purposes, such corridors or passageways are shown in Fig. 2 - Fig. 5 not shown.

[0035] The in Fig. 2 - Fig. 5 The illustrations of floor L0 shown demonstrate that the elevator hall H, H1-H9, and consequently the operation of elevator system 1, can be adapted to a changed building use according to the technology described here. The in Fig. 2 The situation shown exists, for example, after completion of building 2 and commissioning of the elevator system 1 according to the original construction and building plans. A single elevator control unit 4 may be located in elevator hall H, or, as shown in Fig. 2 As shown, several (e.g., two) elevator control units 4 are arranged. Access to all elevators E1-E6 is via elevator hall H. This also means that each elevator E1-E6 can serve elevator hall H. To operate an elevator call entered at an elevator control unit with a travel start on floor L0, the group control 12 can therefore select one of the elevators E1-E6. The building information stored in the memory unit 26 forms the basis for the Fig. 2 shown situation.

[0036] The in Fig. 3 The example situation shown could exist, for instance, after a change of use of Building 2 and include several elevator halls H1, H2, H3, which may be assigned to different users or user groups. In addition to elevators E1-E6 and elevator halls H1-H3, the following is shown: Fig. 3 Separating devices 32, 34, 36, 38, which can be opened or removed, or closed or inserted as needed. The separating devices 32, 34, 36, 38 can be designed as partitions, doors, sliding doors, barriers, turnstiles, or similar; they can be operated manually (e.g., opened / closed or removed / inserted) or controlled by the building management system 30 (unlocked / locked) and / or moved (opened / closed).

[0037] Fig. 3 The following example illustrates the situation of elevator halls H1-H3: Elevator hall H1 provides access to elevators E2 and E3 (elevator doors 7) and is separated from elevator hall H3 by these elevators and partitions 32 and 38. Elevator hall H2 provides access to elevators E4-E6 (elevator doors 7) and is separated from elevator hall H3 by these elevators and partitions 34 and 36. Elevator hall H3, which is separated from elevator halls H1 and H2 by partitions 32, 34, 36, 38 and elevators E2-E6, provides access to elevators E1-E6 (elevator doors 6 and 7). If the following exists in building 2: Fig. 3 The situation shown is represented by the building information stored in storage device 26.

[0038] Access to elevators E1-E6 is indicated by various example routes W, which may lead through doors, corridors, and barriers to elevator halls H1, H2, and H3. In the Fig. 3 In the example shown, people enter an elevator hall H1, H2, H3 within a limited area; the paths W are therefore shown bundled together in this area. A door or similar may be located in such an area, which in Fig. 5 shown.

[0039] In the Fig. 3 In the situation shown, elevator E1 can only serve elevator hall H3, while elevators E2 and E3 can serve elevator halls H1 and H3. Elevator hall H3 can also be served by elevators E4-E6. These elevators E4-E6 can also serve elevator hall H2. As explained elsewhere in this description, elevator doors 6 and 7 of these elevators E1-E6 are controlled accordingly.

[0040] Another exemplary situation is in Fig. 4 shown, which can also result, for example, from a change of use of building 2 and may comprise two elevator halls H4, H5, which are assigned to different users or user groups. In one embodiment, the elevator halls H4, H5 can be derived from the in Fig. 3 The situation shown arises from the fact that the separating devices 32, 34 are open or removed. Fig. 4 The separating devices 32, 34 are shown open (referring to their position in Fig. 3 The positions shown are in Fig. 4 (shown rotated 90°). The person skilled in the art will recognize that in one embodiment, the separating devices 36, 38 can also be opened or removed if necessary; this also applies to the in Fig. 4 The barrier shown, number 60, can be closed or deployed as needed.

[0041] Fig. 4 The following example shows the situation of the elevator halls H4, H5: The elevator hall H4 provides access to the elevators E2-E6 and is separated by the partitions 36, 38 (see. Fig. 3 ), the barrier 60 and the elevator E6 opposite elevator hall H5 are separated. Elevator hall H5 provides access to elevators E1 and E6. In the Fig. 4 In the situation shown, elevator E1 can only serve elevator hall H5, while elevator E6 can serve elevator halls H4 and H5. Access to elevators E1-E6 is analogous to that shown in Fig. 3 The situation shown is also indicated by various exemplary paths W. Does the following exist in building 2? Fig. 4 The situation shown is represented by the building information stored in storage device 26.

[0042] Another exemplary situation is in Fig. 5 The illustration shows how, for example, the building 2 can also exist after a change of use and can comprise several elevator halls H6, H7, H8, H9, which are assigned to different users or user groups. In the illustrated embodiment, elevator halls H6-H9 can each be accessed via an entrance 40, 42, 44, 46. Exemplary paths W lead from entrance 40 into elevator hall H6, from where there is access to elevators E2-E5; this applies analogously to entrances 42-46 and elevator halls H7-H9. Those skilled in the art will recognize that more than one entrance 40-46 can be provided for an elevator hall H6-H9. The entrances 40-46 can lead to other building zones, or they can be entrances and exits of building 2. Depending on their location and purpose, the entrances 40-46 can include doors, sliding doors, turnstiles, barriers, or similar features. Access control may be in place at entrances 40-46; depending on building 2, people at entrances 40-46 may also request elevators, if necessary.in connection with access control and credentials.

[0043] In addition to entrances 40-46, it shows Fig. 5 Partitions 48, 50, the barrier 60 ( Fig. 4 ) and separating devices 52, 54, 56, 58. In the situation shown, the partitions 48, 50 and the barrier 60 separate the elevators E1 and E6 from the elevators E2-E5, wherein the partitions 48, 50 are designed as essentially permanent barriers, i.e. they are not designed for opening and closing on demand, whereas the barrier 60 may be designed for such opening and closing.

[0044] Fig. 5 The following example illustrates the situation of elevator halls H6-H9: Elevator hall H6 provides access to elevators E2-E5, elevator hall H7 provides access to elevators E4 and E5, elevator hall H8 provides access to elevators E1 and E6, and elevator hall H9 provides access to elevator E1. If the following exists in building 2: Fig. 5 The situation shown is represented by the building information stored in storage device 26. In particular, from Fig. 5 It is evident that the separating devices 52, 54, 56, 58 alone or in conjunction with the separation 60 can create elevator halls of different sizes and different elevator assignments as required and reversibly.

[0045] The expert recognizes that the in Fig. 4 situation shown from the in Fig. 2 shown situation or from the in Fig. 3 The situation shown can arise. The building information stored in storage device 26, which is contained in Fig. 2 or those in Fig. 3 The situation shown is updated by the (current) building information transmitted by the building management system 30. After this update, the storage device 26 saves the building information data, which is displayed in Fig. 4 The situation shown depicts the situation. The expert also recognizes that the in Fig. 4 The situation shown can be reversible, e.g., if necessary, the [situation] can be reversed. Fig. 2 The situation shown (initial situation) is restored, and the building information in storage unit 26 is updated accordingly. The same applies to the situation described in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 situations shown.

[0046] A building conversion can be documented in the building management system 30, for example, in a (digitized) building plan. According to one embodiment, the building management system 30 can have an input device 31 (e.g., a computer terminal) where a person responsible for building 2 manually enters the changes resulting from the building conversion. The responsible person can make the corresponding entries if the desired elevator halls H1-H9 exist.

[0047] The elevator halls H1-H9 can be created, for example, by constructing or installing (movable and / or foldable) partitions, doors, sliding doors, barriers, (movable) curtains, or similar privacy screens, or by opening or closing these devices. Depending on their design, these devices can include electrically controlled activation and / or drive units that allow them to be unlocked / locked and / or opened / closed. In one embodiment, one or more of the elevator halls H1-H9 can be created by deploying security personnel. The inputs made by the responsible person can also include a state (open / closed or unlocked / locked) of, for example, a door, a sliding door, or a barrier.

[0048] In one embodiment, the changes can be detected by the sensor system 33 and transmitted to the building management system 30. The sensor system 33 can, for example, detect the (current) state (e.g., open / closed) of one of the aforementioned devices (e.g., sliding door) that are provided in building 2 to create the elevator halls H1-H9. The sensor system 33 detects a corresponding number of states for several of these devices. The sensor system 33 can, for example, include an electrical door contact switch (wired or wireless), a light barrier, a proximity switch, or an optical monitoring device (video camera with associated image processing and evaluation unit (including image processing software)). For illustration purposes, the sensor system 33 is shown in Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 in conjunction with the separating device 36 and in Fig. 5 in conjunction with the isolating devices 52, 54 and the inputs 44, 46. The person skilled in the art recognizes that the sensor system 33 can also be connected to the other isolating devices 56, 58, 60 and inputs 40, 42.

[0049] The changes could, for example, include one of the in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5 the situations shown and indicate the corresponding assignments, for example, that in Fig. 3 The cabin doors 7 of elevators E2 and E3 in elevator hall H1 and the cabin doors 6 of these elevators E2 and E3 in elevator hall H3 are assigned, etc. Once the changes are entered, the updated building information is saved; thus, the building information stored in building management system 30 defines the current situation in building 2. Subsequently, building management system 30 can transmit the data relating to the building information to interface device 28 of elevator system 1, thereby initiating the update of the building information in storage device 26 of elevator system 1. Devices for transmitting data are known to those skilled in the art; wireless (radio) and / or wired communication technologies may be used in these devices.

[0050] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows various configurations of the elevator control devices 4 that can be used in building 2 or elevator system 1. In an arrangement of elevators E1-E6 as shown in Figure 2, the elevator control devices 4 can be used in building 2 or elevator system 1. Fig. 2 As shown, for example, an elevator control unit 4 can be arranged on the designated floor L0 in the area of ​​each elevator E1-E6 (or in the area of ​​several elevators), for example on a building wall or an elevator door frame. In one embodiment, an elevator control unit 4 can be arranged standing on the floor. Since the elevator control units 4 are communicatively connected to the group control 12, it is possible to recognize which elevator E1-E6 and in which elevator hall H (e.g., Fig. 2 ) the person is located when the call is entered. At such an elevator control unit 4, for example, a desired direction of travel can be entered. After an elevator E1-E6 assigned to the elevator call is ready for boarding on the designated floor L0, the person can enter the elevator car 10 and enter the desired destination floor at an elevator control unit inside.

[0051] In another embodiment, a desired destination floor can be entered on an elevator control unit 4; in Fig. 2 Two elevator control units 4 are shown. In the elevator system 1, this represents a destination call; that is, in addition to the destination floor, the boarding floor is determined by the location of the elevator control unit 4. The group control unit 12 identifies an elevator E1-E6 that fulfills the destination call. An allocation algorithm known to those skilled in the art can be used for this purpose. The assigned elevator E1-E6 is communicated to the person, e.g., via the elevator control unit, immediately after the call is entered, so that they can proceed to the assigned elevator E1-E6.

[0052] Exemplary elevator control devices 4 are also in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5 shown, whereby for illustrative reasons only a single elevator control unit 4 is shown in each instance. Fig. 3 The elevator control device 4 shown is located in the area of ​​elevator hall H2, in particular where the paths W lead into elevator hall H2. The elevator control device 4 can be mounted on a building wall or placed on the floor in this area. Fig. 5 The elevator control device 4 shown is arranged on or in the area of ​​a door or barrier of the entrance 44 to the elevator hall H8. The person skilled in the art recognizes that for the elevator halls H1, H3 in Fig. 3 and the elevator halls H6, H7, H9 in Fig. 5 Corresponding elevator control devices 4 are provided, and that more than one elevator control device 4 may be provided for an elevator hall H1-H9. These elevator control devices 4 are communicatively connected to the group control 12, which is indicated by an arrow pointing towards the group control 12. The respective in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 The illustrated exemplary elevator control device 4 has a display device that shows target floors and is equipped with a code scanner 4a for capturing an optical code (e.g. barcode or QR code).

[0053] In the Fig. 4 In the situation shown, the elevator system 1 is designed for call input using a mobile device 5. A transmitter and receiver for radio signals is located on floor LO for this purpose, which is, for example, located in an elevator control unit 4 (in Fig. 4 (It is depicted as a radio device in elevator hall H4). The mobile device 5 can, for example, be a mobile phone with an installed software application (app) for elevator operation. If the mobile phone is located in elevator hall H4, it communicates with the radio device of the elevator control unit 4 located there (e.g., using Bluetooth technology). This ensures, among other things, that the mobile phone is located in elevator hall H4 when a call is initiated. A person skilled in the art recognizes that a corresponding elevator control unit 4 is provided for elevator hall H5 and that more than one such elevator control unit 4 may be provided for elevator halls H4 and H5.

[0054] In one embodiment, the mobile device 5 can be, for example, a (card-shaped) authorization card using RFID technology or an optical code (e.g., a barcode or QR code). The mobile phone in question can also be equipped with a code scanner (camera) to read an optical code displayed in an elevator hall (e.g., on an elevator control panel 4), or have a function to display an optical code that can be read by an elevator control panel 4. Depending on the option(s) used in building 2, the elevator system 1 is configured accordingly on the floor side and / or in the cabin side; such configurations are known to those skilled in the art.

[0055] Understanding the elevator system 1 described above and its functionalities is achieved by means of Fig. 6 An exemplary procedure for operating elevator system 1 is described. Elevator system 1 and building 2 are, as shown in Fig. 1 The storage device 26 stores building information corresponding to an existing building use; for the defined floor L0, this stored building information specifies an existing assignment of each elevator E1-E6 to at least one elevator hall H, H1-H4. As explained above, before an update, the operation of the elevator system 1 is carried out according to this stored building information. Fig. 6 The process is illustrated by means of an exemplary flowchart with a number of steps. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the division into these steps is exemplary and that one or more of these steps can be divided into one or more sub-steps, or that several of the steps can be combined into one step. Some steps can also be carried out in a different order than shown, and some steps can be carried out essentially simultaneously.

[0056] The procedure according to Fig. 6 begins in one step S1 and ends in one step S7. In one step S2The building information is received. The building management system 30 transmits the building information to the interface device 28 of the group control 12. Based on the received building information, for the specified floor L0, each elevator E1-E6 is assigned to at least one elevator hall H, H1-H9, from which access to the assigned elevator E1-E6 is available on the specified floor L0.

[0057] In step S3, the building information stored in the storage device 26 of elevator system 1 is updated by the received building information. As explained above, the stored building information for the defined floor L0 specifies an existing assignment of each elevator E1-E6 to at least one elevator hall H, H1-H9. In step S4, the updated building information is stored in the storage device 26. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the steps S3 and S4 These steps can be combined into one, for example, updating can be accompanied by saving.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator system 1 is installed in step S5 according to the step S4The updated building information is configured. In one embodiment, the group controller 12 recognizes that updated building information is stored in the storage device 26. This can be done, for example, by querying the storage device 26 at regular intervals to check for data changes, or by receiving a data change message from the storage device 26.

[0059] In one embodiment, the elevator system 1 configures itself. The group controller 12 reads the updated building information stored in the memory device 26. Since the building information for the defined floor L0 specifies the assignment of each elevator E1-E6 to at least one elevator hall H, H1-H9, the group controller 12 determines which elevator E1-E6 on the defined floor L0 can serve which elevator hall H, H1-H9. Fig. 1 - Fig. 5 Elevators E1-E6 on the designated floor L0 each have two elevator doors 6 and 7. The group control unit 12 therefore determines for each elevator E1-E6 which elevator door 6 or 7 on the designated floor L0 opens and closes to which elevator hall H, H1-H9. The group control unit 12 can store these determinations in the form of a table or as a data record of assignment rules, for example, in an internal storage device 13 of the group control unit 12. The data record specifies for each elevator E1-E6 which elevator hall H, H1-H9 it is assigned to on the designated floor L0. This allows for quick access by a computer unit when an elevator E1-E6 needs to be designated to handle an elevator call.The expert recognizes that, as an alternative to such a configuration with internal storage, the group control 12 can directly read the (current) building information stored in the storage device 26 for call allocation and execute the call allocation accordingly.

[0060] In one embodiment, the configuration of the elevator system 1 can also include the elevator control devices 4 on the designated floor L0. If each elevator E1-E6 has an elevator control device 4, no configuration of these elevator control devices 4 may be necessary, since the configuration in conjunction with Fig. 3 - Fig. 5 The described assignments refer to the elevators. However, if, prior to a building conversion, an elevator control unit 4 is assigned to several elevators E1-E6, it must be determined which elevator E1-E6 it will be assigned to after the conversion. This also applies if additional elevator control units 4 are installed in connection with the modification of the elevator halls. Their arrangement can be chosen according to the situation; they can be connected to the group control unit 12 via wired and / or wireless connections. Depending on the design, each of these elevator control units 4 can have an individual identifier, which may include building information. With reference to the in Fig. 4 The situation shown can specify the building information, for example, that the elevator control unit 4 (with a specific identifier) ​​is located on the designated floor L0 in elevator hall H4. According to one embodiment, the aforementioned data set defines for each elevator control unit 4 located on the designated floor L0 which elevator hall H, H1-H9 it is assigned to.

[0061] In one step S6Elevator system 1 is operated according to the updated building information upon receiving an elevator call input from a person. Group control 12 receives the elevator call from an elevator control unit 4, where the call is input by the person. The elevator control unit 4 is identified, for example, by its identifier. Since the building information stored in elevator system 1 includes the location of the elevator control unit 4, the call input floor can be determined from this. If the call is input on the designated floor L0, the elevator hall assigned to this elevator control unit 4 can also be determined from the stored building information. From the information thus determined (call input floor and elevator hall), at least one elevator E1-E6 can be identified that can serve this elevator hall.

[0062] If the call is entered on the designated floor L0, for example at the in Fig. 5 According to the elevator control unit 4 shown at entrance 44 to elevator hall H8, only elevators E1 and E6 can operate this elevator call. Therefore, to operate the elevator call, the group control unit 12 can only select one of these elevators E1 or E6; that is, it assigns the elevator call to one of these elevators E1 or E6 and sends a corresponding control signal to the elevator control unit 8. Fig. 1 ), which then controls the elevator car 10. Since the elevator car 10, as described above, has two elevator doors 6, 7 in the embodiments described above, the control signal can contain information about which elevator door 6, 7 is to be opened. If in the Fig. 5 In the situation shown, for example, if elevator E1 is assigned, its elevator door 6 must be opened, as it opens towards elevator hall H8.

[0063] The following are further examples of how to implement the in Fig. 1 The building shown, 2, and its elevator system 1 are specified. The upper floors (Ln) can, for example, be exclusively residential floors with at least one apartment each, and the lower floors (L0) can be exclusively commercially used floors (hereinafter also referred to as commercial floors). In addition to these exclusive uses, one part of a floor can be used for at least one apartment ("residential building section") and another part can be used commercially ("commercial building section"). A company, for example, can use one or more floors L0, L. If there are multiple floors, these can be consecutive in a vertical direction, i.e., the company uses the adjacent floors L0 and L, but one or more floors can also be non-consecutive, i.e., there is at least one floor not used by the company between two floors used by the company.In the latter case, a floor not used by this company can be used by another company or for one or more apartments; on this unused floor, one part of the building can be used for residential purposes and another part for commercial purposes. The expert recognizes that, analogous to the commercial floors, the residential floors cannot be consecutive.

[0064] The expert also recognizes that the technology described here is not limited to mixed use by residential and commercial properties, but also includes use solely by commercial users (e.g., various companies). For example, one or more floors or parts of a building could be used by a hotel, while other floors or parts of those floors could be used by other businesses (e.g., shops, law firms, etc.).

[0065] The elevator system 1 installed in building 2 is designed to serve floors L0, L, and Ln according to the usage scenarios described above. Residents of the apartments can use elevator system 1 to travel from one residential floor (apartment building section) to another residential floor (apartment building section) or to a building access floor (elevator hall), or from the elevator hall to a residential floor (apartment building section). Similarly, persons (e.g., employees, hotel guests, visitors, etc.) who use the floors for commercial purposes can be transported between the individual commercial floors and between the commercial floors and the elevator hall. A specialist recognizes that elevator system 1, possibly in conjunction with an access control system, may be designed to capture and verify proof of authorization before a resident or person can be transported to a floor.

[0066] In the Fig. 1 In the exemplary situation shown, for example, a building section B to the left of elevator shaft 18 on floor L can be used for commercial purposes. People therefore use the elevator system 1 from this left-hand commercial building section B; that is, while a person is in the commercially used commercial building section B, they, for example, make an elevator call there and then enter the elevator car 10, which operates the elevator call. Fig. 1 To the right of elevator shaft 18, a residential building section R can be used for residential purposes. The residents therefore use elevator system 1 from this (right-hand) residential building section R. Building sections B and R can be separated from each other by structural measures (e.g., walls). A person skilled in the art recognizes that other floors L0 and Ln can also be divided into building sections. As explained elsewhere in this description, elevator system 1 recognizes on which floor L0, L, or Ln, and in which building section B or R, an elevator call is entered, and what destination (floor L0, L, Ln, and / or building section B or R) a passenger has.

[0067] The use of building 2, for example, its division into floors L0, L, Ln, the arrangement of any building sections B, R, and the access points to building 2 and elevator 1, are defined in a building plan in one exemplary embodiment. The building plan can be stored electronically in elevator 1 or in building management system 30. Elevator 1 can use this stored building plan, for example, when planning an elevator trip. If, for example, the use and / or the division of floors L0, L, Ln or building sections B, R changes in building 2, the building plan can be updated centrally.

[0068] The elevator control unit 8 is connected to a position determination device 20 (P); these can be arranged, for example, as a single unit at a central location in the elevator shaft 18 (e.g., in the shaft head); they can also be arranged separately and / or distributed. Functions of the elevator control unit 8 can also be performed wholly or partially by the elevator operating devices 4 and / or by components of the elevator car 10 or components arranged on it. Instead of a in Fig. 1 In addition to the traction elevator shown, the elevator system 1 can also include one or more hydraulic elevators.

[0069] The in Fig. 1 The elevator cabin 10 shown as an example has a cabin door 10a on a cabin wall 10d and a cabin door 10b on a cabin wall 10c. Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a number of elevator doors 6, 7 that separate the elevator shaft 18 from the floors L0, L1, L1. In one embodiment, an elevator door 6, 7 is opened and closed by being coupled to one of the car doors 10a, 10b when the elevator car 10 is on the floor L0, L1, L1 and can thus be moved by the car door 10a, 10b. In the illustrated embodiment, the car doors 10a, 10b and the elevator doors 6, 7 are connected to the elevator control system 8 via a communication network 24.

[0070] A communication network 22 connects the elevator operating devices 4 with the group control 12, thereby enabling communication between the group control 12 and the elevator operating devices 4. For this communication, the elevator operating devices 4 and the group control 12 can be connected directly or indirectly to the communication network 22.

[0071] The communication networks 22 and 24 can each comprise a communication bus system, individual point-to-point lines, or a combination thereof. Depending on the implementation of the communication networks 22 and 24, individual addresses and / or identifiers can be assigned to the group controller 12, the elevator controller 8, each elevator operating unit 4, each car door 10a, 10b, and each elevator door 6, 7, so that, for example, the elevator controller 8 can address and send a message specifically to a particular elevator operating unit 4 or a control signal to a specific car door 10a, 10b. Communication can take place according to a protocol for wired communication, such as the Ethernet protocol. Through the aforementioned addressing or the point-to-point line connection, the group controller 12 recognizes (e.g., in conjunction with the aforementioned building plan), among other things...The system identifies the floor (L0, L, Ln), building section (B, R), and elevator control panel (4) on which a resident or person makes an elevator call. The identified floor (L0, L, Ln) or building section (B, R) specifies an entry point (entry floor and entry side into cabin 10) for a desired trip to a destination floor.

[0072] The elevator system 1 can be equipped with an up / down control (also called directional control) or with a destination call control. Those skilled in the art recognize that hybrid forms of the aforementioned control technologies are also possible. If the elevator system 1 is equipped with an up / down control, elevator operating units 4 are arranged on floors L, L0, Ln, at each of which an elevator call (also called floor call or directional call) for a desired direction of travel can be entered. For illustration, such an elevator operating unit 4 is shown in Fig. 1 shown on floor L in building section R. The entry floor, or building section B, R on this entry floor, is determined by the location of the elevator control unit 4, which is documented, for example, in the building plan. The desired destination floor is then entered in cabin 10 at an elevator control unit located there (in Fig. 1 (not shown); such a call input is also referred to as a cabin call. A communication line (24) connects the (cabin-side) elevator control unit to the elevator control unit 8. The drive control unit 14 controls the movement of the elevator cabin 10 according to the target floor entered in the cabin 10.

[0073] If the elevator system 1 is equipped with a destination call control, elevator control units 4 are arranged on floors L, L0, Ln, at which a passenger can enter a desired destination floor; a destination call is then registered as the elevator call. For illustration, such elevator control units 4 are shown in Fig. 1 The levels shown are L0, Ln, and L in building section B. After the passenger enters the destination level, information is available about the boarding level, the destination level, and, on the specified level L0, the elevator hall H, H1-H9. The boarding level (including building section B, R on that boarding level or elevator hall H, H1-H9) is determined by the location of the elevator control unit 4 (e.g., from the building plan) where the destination level is entered. The information in Fig. 1The group control unit 12 shown includes a destination call control device that assigns an elevator car 10 to the entered destination call. The elevator control unit 8 controls the operation of the assigned elevator car 10 according to the destination call.

Claims

1. A method for operating a building system with an elevator system (1) in a building (2) having a plurality of floors (L0, L, Ln), wherein the elevator system (1) comprises an elevator group with a plurality of elevators (E1-E6) and a group controller (12) for the elevator group, wherein the group controller (12) has an interface device (28), which is configured to receive building information from a building management system (30), wherein the method comprises: receiving building information by the interface device (28) of the group controller (12), wherein the building management system (30) transmits the building information to the interface device (28) and wherein, for each elevator (E1-E6), the received building information results in an assignment of the respective elevator (E1-E6) to at least one elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) for a specified floor (L0), from which elevator lobby the assigned elevator (E1-E6) can be accessed on the specified floor (L0); updating building information stored in a memory device (26) of the elevator system (1) with the received building information, wherein, for each elevator (E1-E6), the stored building information indicates an existing assignment of the respective elevator (E1-E6) to at least one elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) for the specified floor (L0); and operating the elevator system (1) upon receipt of an elevator call entered by a person according to the updated building information stored in the memory device (26).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising configuring the elevator system (1) according to the updated building information, wherein configuring is carried out by the group controller (12), wherein the group controller (12) reads the updated building information from the memory device (26), generates a dataset therefrom and stores the dataset in a memory device (13) of the group controller (12), wherein the dataset specifies for each elevator (E1-E6) which elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) it is assigned to on the specified floor (L0).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein an elevator (E1-E6) has two elevator doors (6, 7), wherein the dataset for this elevator (E1-E6) specifies to which elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) each of the elevator doors (6, 7) on the specified floor (L0) is assigned, wherein an assignment indicates the elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) to which an elevator door (6, 7) will open and close.

4. The method according to any of claims 2 - 3, wherein the dataset specifies for each elevator operating device (4) arranged on the specified floor (L0) which elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) it is assigned to.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein operating the elevator system (1) upon receipt of an elevator call entered by the person on the specified floor (L0) by means of an elevator operating device (4) comprises: receiving the elevator call from the elevator operating device (4) by the group controller (12), determining, by the group controller (12), the elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) to which the elevator operating device (4) is assigned, determining, by the group controller (12), at least one elevator (E1-E6) assigned to this elevator lobby (H, H1-H9), assigning, by the group controller (12), an elevator (E1-E6) assigned to the elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) to serve the elevator call; and controlling, by the group controller (12), an elevator controller (8) of the assigned elevator (E1-E6) to serve the elevator call.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the received elevator call indicates a direction of travel desired by the person, or wherein the received elevator call indicates a destination floor desired by the person.

7. A building system for a building (2) with a plurality of floors (L0, L, Ln) comprising: a building management system (30); and an elevator system (1) comprising an elevator group with a plurality of elevators (E1-E6) and a group controller (12) for the elevator group, wherein the group controller (12) has an interface device (28), which is configured to receive building information from the building management system (30), characterized in that the group controller (12) is configured: to receive building information transmitted from the building management system (30) to the interface device (28), wherein, for each elevator (E1-E6), the received building information results in an assignment of the respective elevator (E1-E6) to at least one elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) for a specified floor (L0), from which elevator lobby the assigned elevator (E1-E6) can be accessed on the specified floor (L0); to update building information stored in a memory device (26) of the elevator system (1) with the received building information, wherein, for each elevator (E1-E6), the stored building information indicates an existing assignment of the respective elevator (E1-E6) to at least one elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) for the specified floor (L0); and to operate the elevator system (1) upon receipt of an elevator call entered by a person according to the updated building information stored in the memory device (26).

8. The building system according to claim 7, wherein the group controller (12) is configured to store the updated building information in the memory device (26) and to configure the elevator system (1) according to the updated building information, wherein the group controller comprises a memory device (13) which is configured to store a dataset which specifies for each elevator (E1-E6) which elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) it is assigned to on the specified floor (L0).

9. The building system according to claim 8, wherein an elevator (E1-E6) has two elevator doors (6, 7) on the specified floor (L0), wherein the dataset for each elevator (E1-E6) specifies to which elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) each of the elevator doors (6, 7) on the specified floor (L0) is assigned, wherein an assignment indicates the elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) to which an elevator door (6, 7) will open and close.

10. The building system according to any of claims 8 - 9, wherein the elevator system (1) comprises elevator operating devices (4) arranged on the floors (L0, L, Ln), wherein the dataset specifies for each elevator operating device (4) arranged on the specified floor (L0) which elevator lobby (H, H1-H9) it is assigned to.

11. The building system according to claim 10, wherein an elevator operating device (4) has a call device for inputting a direction of travel or a call device for inputting a destination floor.

12. The building system according to any of claims 7-11, further comprising at least one device (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60) by means of which one elevator lobby (H1-H9) can be separated from another elevator lobby (H1-H9), wherein the at least one device comprises a partition wall (48, 50), a barrier (60) and / or separators (52, 54, 56, 58).

13. The building system according to claim 12, further comprising a sensor system (33), which is in communication with the building management system (30) and which is configured to detect a state of the at least one device (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60) and to transmit it to the building management system (30), wherein the state indicates whether the at least one device (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60) is open or closed, and wherein the building information comprises the state.

14. The building system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the building management system (30) comprises an input device (31) for manually entering a state of the at least one device (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60), wherein the state indicates whether the at least one device (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60) is open or closed, and wherein the building information comprises the state.

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