Elevator and elevator control devices for different modes of operation

Abstract

The invention relates to an elevator operating device (4), having a bus interface device (30), a memory device (32), a screen system (5, 37) and a control device (50). The storage device (32) stores configuration data and electronic instructions for selectable operating modes of the elevator operating device (4), wherein a first operating mode is designed for processing an elevator call that specifies a direction of travel and a second operating mode is designed for processing an elevator call that specifies a destination floor. The screen system is designed to depict a graphic user surface (36) on a touch-sensitive screen (5). The control device (50) is designed to read the configuration data and the electronic instructions for a selected operating mode from the memory device (32) and to operate the elevator operating device (4) according to the selected operating mode.

Description

[0001] The technology described here generally relates to an elevator system. Exemplary embodiments of the technology relate in particular to an elevator control device, its application in an elevator system, and a method for operating such an elevator control device.

[0002] In Buildings with elevators have elevator control panels on each floor, allowing passengers to call an elevator. According to a known elevator control technology, an elevator control panel on each floor has mechanical pushbuttons that allow the user to select the desired direction of travel (up / down); this control technology is also referred to as up / down direction control. Pressing one of these buttons initiates an elevator call, whereupon an elevator control system confirms the call at the elevator control panel and makes an elevator car available on the floor for boarding. For example, an elevator car is moved to the floor (boarding floor) and its door is opened.The elevator car is equipped with a cabin control device (cabin call device) with which the person in the elevator car can enter the desired destination floor; the latter is also referred to as cabin call.

[0003] According to another known control technology, also known as destination call control, an elevator control unit located on a floor has buttons or fields displayed on a touchscreen that are assigned to individual destination floors. By pressing or touching a button assigned to the desired destination floor, an elevator call, referred to as a destination call, can be entered. The entry of a destination call determines the boarding floor and the destination floor; entering a call from inside the elevator car is then no longer possible.

[0004] Elevator systems equipped with destination call control can be advantageously used in buildings with a large number of floors and correspondingly high traffic volumes. In contrast, elevator systems with up / down direction control are used in buildings with a relatively small number of floors. An elevator system in which both control technologies are used is also known, for example, from US 7,766,129 B2. In this elevator system, two types of elevator control devices are installed in the building; for example, for cost reasons, a destination call control elevator control device is provided only for one floor with high traffic volume.Although these established approaches consider traffic volume when selecting control technology and its associated costs, some buildings may have different or even more extensive building-specific requirements, and therefore also different requirements for the elevator system installed within them. Consequently, there is a need for a technology that allows these requirements to be better met.

[0005] WO 2009 / 127611 A1 discloses an elevator system with two operating modes: a destination call mode and a special trip mode. A person can order a special trip using input devices located on the floors. A combined display and input device is located in the elevator car, which switches from a display mode to a display and input mode upon receiving a special trip order. In destination call mode, the direction of travel is displayed in the car, and in special trip mode, several selectable destinations are displayed in the car. WO 2021 / 004892 A1 discloses an elevator system in which an elevator control device located on a floor can be operated comfortably and reliably by passengers with and without physical limitations, despite a touch-sensitive screen system with a smooth touch surface. A call symbol can be visibly displayed on the user interface.The input of an elevator call is confirmed by a tactilely perceptible feedback.

[0006] One aspect of the technology described here concerns an elevator control unit comprising a bus interface, a memory unit, a display system, and a control unit that communicates with the bus interface, display system, and memory unit. The bus interface is designed to communicate with an elevator controller via the communication bus system. The memory unit stores configuration data and electronic instructions for selectable operating modes of the elevator control unit. One operating mode is designed to process an elevator call specifying a direction of travel, and a second operating mode is designed to process an elevator call specifying a destination floor.The display system has a touchscreen and is designed to display a graphical user interface on the touchscreen. The control unit is designed to read the configuration data and electronic instructions for a selected operating mode from the memory unit and to operate the elevator control unit according to the selected operating mode.

[0007] Another aspect of the technology concerns an elevator system with several such elevator control units. The elevator system also includes an elevator control unit, at least one elevator car which, controlled by the elevator control unit and driven by a motor, can travel between floors of a building, and a communication bus system. The elevator control units are communicatively connected to the communication bus system and are located on the floors for receiving elevator calls.

[0008] Another aspect of the technology concerns a method for operating an elevator control unit in such an elevator system. The elevator control unit is connected to the elevator system's communication bus system. The method involves generating a configuration input mask on the graphical user interface, which is displayed on the touchscreen of the display system, controlled by the elevator control unit's control unit. The configuration mask includes a first selection input field for the first operating mode of the elevator control unit and a second selection input field for the second operating mode of the elevator control unit.Upon detection by the screen system of touching the first selection input field, configuration data and electronic instructions for the first operating mode are read from the memory device, and the elevator control unit is configured for the first operating mode according to the read configuration data and electronic instructions. Upon detection by the screen system of touching the second selection input field, configuration data and electronic instructions for the second operating mode are read from the memory device, and the elevator control unit is configured for the second operating mode according to the read configuration data and electronic instructions.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the technology described here, an elevator control unit is created that stores configuration data and electronic instructions for several selectable operating modes of the elevator control unit. The elevator control unit can therefore be adapted on-site to an elevator system and its requirements within a building. This means, for example, that the elevator control unit can be configured to input and process an elevator call specifying the direction of travel, or it can be configured to input and process an elevator call specifying the destination floor. A single elevator control unit can therefore be configured for either operating mode, depending on the requirements.

[0010] Both operating modes can be used in an elevator system. For example, an elevator control unit on the first floor can be configured for the first operating mode, while an elevator control unit on the second floor can be configured for the second operating mode. Despite the different operating modes, according to one embodiment, both elevator control units have the same external appearance or design.

[0011] For the aforementioned on-site configuration, it is advantageous that the control unit of the elevator operating device is designed according to the invention to control the screen system and display a configuration input mask on the graphical user interface. The configuration mask comprises a first selection input field for the first operating mode and a second selection input field for the second operating mode. When the first selection input field is touched, the elevator operating device is configured according to the configuration data and the electronic instructions for the first operating mode. When the second selection input field is touched, the elevator operating device is configured according to the configuration data and the electronic instructions for the second operating mode. The configuration input mask is designed so that selecting an operating mode is simple and intuitive. After the selection, the elevator operating device configures itself.

[0012] In one embodiment, which can be used in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the control unit is configured to control the screen system in the first operating mode and display direction fields on the graphical user interface, and in the second operating mode to control the screen system and display destination floor fields on the graphical user interface. The direction fields can be displayed in a known manner. The destination floor fields can include numbers and / or floor information (e.g., names, parking levels, information on services (e.g., restaurant), etc.). Additional information can also be displayed in both operating modes.

[0013] In an embodiment that may be applicable in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the control device is configured to generate a first request message in the first operating mode, which includes an address of the elevator control, an identifier of the elevator operating device and a direction of travel, and to generate a second request message in the second operating mode, which includes the address of the elevator control, the identifier of the elevator operating device and an indication of a destination floor. In In both operating modes, the respective request message is sent to the elevator control via the bus interface device and the communication bus system.

[0014] In In one embodiment, which can be used in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the bus interface device stores data and instructions for specified communication bus technologies, in particular their transmission methods, communication protocols, and / or frame structures. The bus interface device is configured to communicate via the communication bus system according to one of the stored communication bus technologies. Because the bus interface device stores characteristics of the aforementioned bus technologies, the elevator control device is bus-independent and can be selectively connected to any communication bus system configured according to a bus technology suitable for use in an elevator system.

[0015] In an embodiment that may be applicable in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the elevator control is communicatively connected to the communication bus system and is designed to provide the cabin on the first floor upon receiving an elevator call indicating a direction of travel from an elevator control unit located on a first floor and configured for the first operating mode, and to move the cabin to the first floor upon receiving a cabin call entered in the cabin indicating a destination floor.

[0016] In an embodiment that may be applicable in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the elevator control is communicatively connected to the communication bus system and is designed to, upon receiving an elevator call indicating a destination floor, provide the cabin on the first floor from an elevator control unit located on a first floor and configured for the second operating mode, and upon receiving a status signal indicating a closed elevator door, to move the cabin to the destination floor specified in the elevator call.

[0017] In an embodiment that may be applicable in conjunction with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the elevator system also includes a destination call control device that is communicatively connected to the elevator control and the communication bus system.

[0018] The following section explains various aspects of the improved 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 situation in a multi-story building and an exemplary elevator system; Figs. 2A-2C schematic representations of exemplary user interfaces of an elevator control device installed in the elevator system according to Fig. 1 is arranged on a floor; Fig. 3A-3D schematic representations of possible applications of the elevator control device; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an exemplary elevator control device; and Fig. 5 an exemplary representation of an embodiment of a method for operating an elevator control device.

[0019] Fig. 1 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary situation in a building 2, which has several floors L0, L, Ln served by an elevator system 1. Floor L0 can be the entrance hall of building 2, which people enter and exit from. Upon entering floor L0, a person with the appropriate access authorization can reach any floor L, Ln of building 2 served by the elevator system 1. For illustrative purposes, in Fig. 1 The elevator system 1 comprises only one elevator control unit 8, one drive motor 14, one suspension element 16 (e.g., steel cables or flat belts), one elevator car 10 (hereinafter also referred to as car 10) suspended from the suspension element 16 and movable in a shaft 18, and a number of elevator operating devices 4, which are communicatively connected to the elevator control unit 8 via a communication bus system 22. The person skilled in the art recognizes that the elevator system 1 can also comprise several cars 10 in one or more shafts 18, which are controlled by a group control unit. Instead of a Fig. 1 In addition to the traction elevator shown, the elevator system 1 can also include one or more hydraulic elevators.

[0020] In the embodiment of the elevator system 1 described here, a person on one of the floors L0, L1, L1n enters a travel request at an elevator control unit 4 located there, thereby registering an elevator call. The floor L0, L1, L1n on which the person is located when entering the call and from which they wish to travel to a destination floor can also be referred to as the boarding floor or call entry floor. As explained in more detail elsewhere in this description, the person can touch a button or an illuminated field to enter the call, whereupon the registration of the elevator call is confirmed to the person at the elevator control unit 4; for example, the button or field can be illuminated. The elevator control unit 8 then makes an elevator car 10 available for boarding on the boarding floor.If elevator car 10 is not on the boarding floor, it will be moved there and its car door will be opened along with a shaft door; otherwise, only the car door of elevator car 10, which is already there, will be opened, thereby also opening the shaft door. The car door and the shaft doors are in . Fig. 1 referenced with reference numeral 6; on a floor L0, L, Ln, on which cabin 10 is located, the shaft door and the cabin door there each form a lift door 6.

[0021] In Fig. 1 The elevator train control 8 is an up / down direction control. The elevator operating devices 4 located on floors L and Ln are designed to display buttons or fields for entering a desired direction of travel (up or down). The elevator operating device 4 located on floor L0 is designed to display buttons or fields for entering a target floor. A person skilled in the art will recognize that this arrangement and the design of the elevator operating devices 4 are exemplary.

[0022] Fig. 1 Figure 10 also shows a cabin call device 11 located in the elevator car 10. The cabin call device 11 is connected to the elevator control unit 8 via a communication line 20. A destination floor can be entered at this cabin call device 11 (cabin call), particularly when a person on floor L, Ln can only enter the desired direction of travel. The availability of the cabin call device 11 for call input may depend on building 2 and / or the elevator system 1; depending on the situation, the cabin call device 11 may, for example, be activated or deactivated, and may also be covered when not in use.

[0023] The elevator control devices 4 each have a screen system (5, 37) comprising a touch-sensitive screen 5 (hereinafter also referred to as touchscreen 5) and a screen control 37 ( Fig. 4 )includes a control unit 50 (CPU) located in the elevator control unit 4. ( Fig. 4 ) controls the screen control 37, a graphical user interface 36 on the touchscreen 5. ( Fig. 4 ) mit to present content appropriate to the situation. The expert recognizes that this control is carried out according to the current situation of elevator system 1.

[0024] When an elevator control unit 4 is commissioned, e.g., in conjunction with the commissioning of the elevator system 1 or at a later time, the elevator control unit 4 is in a basic state. In this basic state, the elevator control unit 4 is not configured for any of the operating modes described here, according to one exemplary embodiment. In the basic state, in particular, the screen system and a [missing information - likely a specific component] are not configured. Fig. 4 The configuration interface device 34 shown is activated so that the elevator control device 4 can be configured for an operating mode. The touchscreen 5, for example, displays a Fig. 2A The configuration input screen 41 shown on the graphical user interface 36 is displayed. The configuration input screen 41 can be displayed, for example, after a technician has unlocked a configuration mode by entering a password.

[0025] The configuration mask 41 shown comprises a first selection input field 40.1, which, when selected, configures the elevator control unit 4 for a direction call input and a corresponding operating mode, and a second selection input field 42.1, which, when selected, configures the elevator control unit 4 for an input of a target floor and a corresponding operating mode. Fig. 2A In addition to the selection input fields 40.1 and 40.2, the corresponding call input options are symbolically represented. During commissioning, the technician can select one of the selection input fields 40.1 or 40.1 (symbolized by a finger) to configure the elevator control unit 4 according to one of the two operating modes. In one embodiment, the elevator control unit 4 is designed to configure itself essentially automatically (i.e., without significant intervention by the technician) according to the selected operating mode; for example, a central control unit (50) of the elevator control unit 4 loads data and computer instructions (software) from a storage device (32) according to the selected operating mode. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the configuration input mask 41 can display further display and / or input fields; sub-masks can also be defined that can be opened from the configuration input mask 41.

[0026] In Fig. 2B The touchscreen 5 displays two direction fields 40.2 on the graphical user interface 36. The elevator control unit 4 is therefore configured for inputting a direction call. For example, during the aforementioned commissioning, the technician has Fig. 2A The selection input field shown, 40.1, is selected. The one in Fig. 2C The touchscreen 5 shown displays an exemplary number of fields or buttons on its graphical user interface 36; these fields or buttons are hereinafter referred to as target floor fields 42.2. In this case, the technician has, during commissioning, the Fig. 2A The displayed selection input field 42.1 has been selected.

[0027] Fig. 3A - 3D Figure 1 shows various application examples of an elevator control unit 4 according to the technology described here. The elevator control unit 4 is represented by the graphical user interface 36, a control unit 50 (CPU), and a bus interface unit 30 (Bus IF). The communication bus system 22 connects the bus interface unit 30 to a control system component (8, 12) of the elevator system 1, with the elevator controller 8 controlling the drive motor 14. The elevator control unit 4 according to the technology described here can be configured for one of these application examples. This is advantageous because, depending on the building 2, it may be desirable or necessary for all elevator control units 4 in the building 2 to have the same external appearance and form, regardless of the operating mode for which they are configured.

[0028] In Fig. 3A The elevator control unit 4 shown is configured for direction call input and the corresponding operating mode. A person skilled in the art will recognize that any other elevator control unit 4 present in the elevator system 1 can also be configured for this operating mode. The graphical user interface 36 displays the direction fields 40.2. The elevator control unit 4 sends an entered direction call as a direction call message via the bus communication system 12 to the elevator controller 8 (up / down direction control), which controls the drive motor 14 accordingly to make the car 10 available on a landing. The direction call message includes, for example, an identifier of the (sending) elevator control unit 4 and the desired direction of travel. The location of the elevator control unit 4, or the landing, can be derived from the identifier.Once the person has entered cabin 10, they can enter the desired destination floor as a cabin call using the elevator control panel 11 located there. When the elevator control unit 8 detects that cabin 10 is ready to depart, e.g., a door sensor or safety circuit indicates that the elevator door 6 is closed, the elevator control unit 8 activates the drive motor 14 according to the cabin call to move cabin 10 to the destination floor.

[0029] In Fig. 3B The elevator control unit 4 shown is configured for entering a destination floor and the corresponding operating mode. A person skilled in the art will recognize that any other elevator control unit 4 present in the elevator system 1 can also be configured for this operating mode. The graphical user interface 36 displays the destination floor fields 42.2. The elevator control unit 4 sends an entered destination floor call as a destination floor call message via the bus communication system 12 to the elevator controller 8, which then controls the drive unit 14 accordingly to make the car 10 available on the boarding floor. The destination floor call message includes, for example, an identifier of the (sending) elevator control unit 4, from which the location of the elevator control unit 4 or the boarding floor can be determined.

[0030] In one embodiment, the destination floor call message includes information about the desired destination floor. The destination floor can be stored in the elevator control unit 8. If the cabin 10, which is ready for departure on the boarding floor, is ready for departure after the passenger has boarded, e.g., a door sensor or safety circuit indicates that the elevator door 6 is closed, the elevator control unit 8 moves the cabin 10 to the (stored) destination floor. In another embodiment, the destination floor call message does not contain any information about the destination floor. According to this embodiment, it is stored in the elevator operating unit 4 until the cabin 10 is ready for departure. The elevator operating unit 4 then transmits the destination floor in a further message addressed to the elevator control unit 8.In both embodiments, the procedure takes place on the target floor without the person in cabin 10 having to make a cabin call; in one embodiment of the elevator system 1, this may not be provided for.

[0031] In Fig. 3C Elevator system 1 is equipped with elevator control units 4 for different operating modes. This means that elevator system 1 can contain both elevator control units 4 for entering target floors and elevator control units 4 for entering direction calls. Such an elevator system 1 might be required, for example, if there is a need in building 2 to enable the input of destination calls on at least one floor L0, L, Ln, e.g., in a high-traffic entrance hall; as is also the case in Fig. 1 As shown. Accordingly, the elevator control unit 4 located on this floor L0 is configured, and its graphical user interface 36 displays the destination floor fields 42.2. On other floors L, Ln, the elevator control units 4 each display the direction fields 40.2 on their graphical user interfaces 36. The processing of the calls entered at these elevator control units 4 (direction calls, destination floor calls) is carried out as described in conjunction with Fig. 3A und Fig. 3B described.

[0032] In Fig. 3D The elevator system 1 is equipped with a destination call control device 12 (DCS). A person skilled in the art recognizes that an elevator system 1 with a destination call control device 12 is typically installed in buildings with a large number of floors and has more than one cabin 11 (elevator). Several elevators of the elevator system 1 can be organized into one or more elevator groups.

[0033] Accordingly, the elevator control unit 4 is configured to input a target floor, and its graphical user interface 36 displays the target floor fields 42.2. In the schematic representation of the Fig. 3D The elevator control unit 4 is connected to the destination call control unit 12, which is also connected to the elevator control unit 8. The destination call control unit 12 processes the entered destination floor (i.e., a destination call) according to an allocation algorithm. The destination call determines the boarding floor (e.g., using the identifier of the elevator control unit 4) and the destination floor. The allocation algorithm identifies an elevator to operate the destination call. The destination call control unit 12 can then control the elevator control unit 8 of the allocated elevator.

[0034] Call allocation can be performed by the destination call control unit 12 alone (centrally) or in cooperation with the elevator control units 4 of the elevator system 1 (decentrally). Such allocation algorithms are known to those skilled in the art; a (decentralized) allocation algorithm in cooperation with the elevator control units is described, for example, in: Koehler, Jana, et al., An AI-Based Approach to Destination Control in Elevators, AI Magazine, Vol. 23, No. 3, 2002, pp. 59-78. According to a decentralized allocation algorithm, the elevator control unit 4, where the destination call is entered, sends the destination call information via the bus communication system 12 to each elevator (or its computer unit) of the elevator system 1. Each elevator separately assesses whether it is possible to fulfill the destination call and how much effort (the effort can also be referred to as "cost") it would require to fulfill the destination call.Each elevator sends a response back to the (requesting) elevator control unit 4; the response indicates whether the destination call can be fulfilled or not, and if so, how much effort would be required. After the elevator control unit 4 has received all responses, it selects the elevator requiring the least effort. This selection is then sent with a further message to the elevator controller of the respective elevator. In this embodiment, the entirety of the elevator control units 4 and the computer units can constitute the destination call control unit 12.

[0035] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an elevator control unit 4. In this representation, the elevator control unit 4 is connected to the elevator controller 8 (or via the destination call control unit 12) via the communication bus system 22. The elevator control unit 4 has a bus interface unit 30 (Bus IF), a control unit 50 (CPU), a memory unit 32, a configuration interface unit 34, and a display system with a screen control 37 (CTRL) and a touchscreen 5 (for illustration, exemplary displayable graphical user interfaces 36 with direction fields 40.2 and destination floor fields 42.2 are shown).

[0036] The bus interface device 30 is connected to the control device 50 and configured to communicate with the elevator controller 8 via the communication bus system 22. The communication bus system 22 can, for example, comprise a CAN bus system (Controller Area Network), using its transmission method, communication protocol, and framework structure. In another embodiment, the communication bus system 22 can comprise a proprietary bus system, for which a transmission method, communication protocol, and framework structure can also be defined. One such proprietary bus system is, for example, the Biobus system disclosed in EP 1 876 129 B1. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the technology described here is not limited to these bus systems and is also applicable in conjunction with other bus systems suitable for elevator installations.

[0037] The bus interface device 30 is designed to communicate according to one of these bus technologies. In one embodiment, the bus interface device 30 stores data and instructions for at least one characteristic of the aforementioned bus technologies, e.g., the transmission method, the communication protocol, and / or the framework structure of one of these bus technologies. The bus interface device 30 thus stores the characteristics of the aforementioned bus technologies, whereby one of these bus technologies is used during operation.

[0038] In one embodiment, the bus interface device 30 automatically detects which communication bus system 22 it is connected to and which bus technology this communication bus system 22 operates according to, for example, depending on the voltage level of the communication bus system 22 (e.g., approximately 5 V for a CAN bus system and approximately 24 V for a Biobus system). In another embodiment, the bus technology of the communication bus system 22 can be entered into the elevator control unit 4 during configuration. Since the bus interface device 30 stores the characteristics of the aforementioned bus technologies, the elevator control unit 4 is bus-independent, i.e., it can be selectively connected to any communication bus system 22 that is configured according to one of the aforementioned bus technologies.

[0039] The storage device 32 is connected to the control device 50 and stores configuration data and electronic instructions for the operating modes associated with Fig. 3A - 3D are mentioned. The storage of this data and these instructions can take place during the manufacture of the elevator control unit 4 (or before its delivery), so that the stored data and instructions are available for the aforementioned operating modes during configuration in building 2. In another embodiment, the data and instructions for the configuration (see Fig. 2A ) The selected operating mode is provided by the elevator control unit 8, downloaded, and stored in the storage device 32 as part of the configuration. Storage devices and storage technologies (e.g., semiconductor memory) suitable for storing this data and these instructions are known to those skilled in the art.

[0040] The control unit 50 is designed to control the screen system so that it displays the graphical user interface 36 in accordance with the configuration. The operation of a screen system with a touchscreen 5, its control, and the generation of a graphical user interface are known to those skilled in the art, so further explanations are not necessary here. The control unit 50 controls the screen system, for example, such that the touchscreen 5 displays one of the elements shown in Fig. 2A-2C The graphical user interfaces 36 shown are displayed. A person skilled in the art recognizes that these graphical user interfaces 36 are exemplary, may contain additional information or content, and / or may be designed differently. A person skilled in the art also recognizes that, for example, a call confirmation and / or elevator information (e.g., information about the elevator assigned to handle the elevator call) can be communicated via the graphical user interface 36. The call confirmation and the elevator information can be communicated visually and / or audibly.

[0041] The control unit 50 is configured to process stored data and execute stored instructions (e.g., computer programs), including reading data and instructions from and / or storing them in the storage unit 32, in order to operate the elevator control unit 4 according to one of the aforementioned operating modes. The control unit 50 is also configured to operate the configuration interface unit 34 within the framework of the configuration described above. Fig. 4 The operating mode for entering the direction of travel is illustrated in the lower half of the control unit 50, while the operating mode for entering a target floor is illustrated in the upper half.

[0042] The processing of a direction of travel entered at a direction field 40.2 is in Fig. 4 This is illustrated by a caller identification module 38 and a call processing module 28 (EC ADR + Ln) in the control unit 50. The caller identification module 38 and the call processing module 28 are shown in a path between the bus interface unit 30 and the graphical user interface 36 (direction fields 40.2). The caller identification module 38 detects the desired direction of travel and provides this information (the person's travel request) to the call processing module 28. The call processing module 28 then generates a request message (data packet) addressed to the elevator control unit 8 (EC ADR) and containing floor information (EC ADR + Ln), i.e., an indication of the floor Ln on which the elevator control unit 4 is located and a cabin 10 is to be provided. The request message can also specify the direction of travel. If the elevator system 1 has multiple elevators (i.e.,If there are several cabins (10), an algorithm of the elevator control system (8) can use the direction of travel information to select a cabin (10) that can respond to this elevator call most quickly. According to an example algorithm, all other elevators can be queried to determine if and with what effort they can respond to the call.

[0043] The bus interface device 30 feeds the request message into the communication bus system 22 according to the communication protocol defined for the communication bus system 22. The elevator control unit 8 acknowledges receipt of the request message with an acknowledgment message (ACK (EC)) via the communication bus system 22 and makes the assigned cabin 10 available on the boarding floor; depending on the situation, the elevator control unit 8 initiates the movement of the assigned cabin 10 to the boarding floor. The elevator operating unit 4 confirms the entered elevator call to the person, for example, visually via the graphical user interface 36. For illustration purposes, the communication between the call processing module 28 and the elevator control unit 8 is represented by different line types. In the cabin 10, the person can enter the desired destination floor at the elevator operating unit 8 located there.

[0044] The processing of a target floor entered in a target floor field 42.2 is in Fig. 4 This is illustrated by a target floor detection module 24 and a target floor processing module 26 (ADR / L0→Ln) 28 (EC ADR + Ln) in the control unit 50. The target floor detection module 24 and the target floor processing module 26 are shown as an example in a path between the bus interface unit 30 and the graphical user interface 36 (target floor fields 42.2). The target floor detection module 24 detects the desired target floor and provides this target information to the target floor processing module 26. As explained above, the input of a target floor on a floor results in the entry floor (in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 This is floor L0) and the destination floor. From this (i.e., destination floor above or below the boarding floor) the direction of travel of cabin 10, which transports the person to the desired destination floor, is also determined.

[0045] Will the in Fig. 4 elevator control device 4 shown in an elevator system 1 according to Fig. 3B When used, the target floor processing module 26 (ADR / L0→Ln) generates a request message (data packet) addressed to the elevator controller 8, containing floor information, i.e., a specification of floor L0 where the elevator operating unit 4 is located and a cabin 10 is to be provided, and a specification of the target floor Ln. The bus interface device 30 feeds the request message into the communication bus system 22 according to the communication protocol defined for the communication bus system 22. Upon receiving the request message, the elevator controller 8 stores the target floor and acknowledges receipt of the request message with an acknowledgment message (ACK, #X) via the communication bus system 22. The acknowledgment message specifies the assigned cabin 10 (#X).The cabin 10, which operates the elevator call, is positioned on the boarding floor accordingly; depending on the position of cabin 10, the drive unit 14 may move cabin 10 to the boarding floor. If the elevator control unit 8 detects that cabin 10 is ready to depart, e.g., a door sensor or safety circuit indicates that the elevator door 6 is closed, the elevator control unit 8 activates the drive unit 14 according to the stored target floor to move cabin 10 to the target floor.

[0046] If the elevator control unit 4 is installed in an elevator system 1 with a destination call control unit 12 according to Fig. 3D In this embodiment, the elevator control unit 4 is configured for inputting a destination call. In one embodiment, the elevator system 1 comprises several cabins 10, or elevators, and all elevator control units 4 of the elevator system 1 are configured for inputting a destination call. The destination floor processing module 26 processes the destination call by generating a request message (data packet) addressed to the destination call control unit 12, which includes floor information, i.e., an indication of the floor L0 on which the elevator control unit 4 is located and where a cabin 10 is to be provided. The bus interface unit 30 feeds the request message into the communication bus system 22 according to the communication protocol defined for the communication bus system 22.

[0047] The destination call control unit 12 executes an allocation algorithm, e.g., according to the disclosure in the aforementioned Koehler document, to determine a cabin 10 that can serve the destination call most cost-effectively. This allocation occurs very quickly, so that the receipt of the request message can be confirmed with an acknowledgment message (ACK, #X) via the communication bus system 22, which also indicates the elevator or cabin 10 (#X) assigned to serve the destination call. The elevator control unit 4 communicates the assigned cabin 10 to the person. The destination call control unit 12 controls the elevator control unit 8 of the assigned elevator, causing its drive motor 14 to move the assigned cabin 10 to the boarding floor L0 (if it is not already there) and make it available for boarding; for example, the elevator door 6 is opened.Once cabin 10 is ready on the boarding floor, the elevator control unit 8 generates a signal that is transmitted to the destination call control unit 12. The destination call control unit 12 responds by transmitting the destination floor to the elevator control unit 8. Cabin 10 then travels from the boarding floor to the destination floor. A cabin call, i.e., inputting the destination floor from inside cabin 10, is generally not possible.

[0048] With an understanding of the principal system components of elevator system 1 described above and their functionalities, the following section will be based on: Fig. 5 a description of an exemplary method for operating an elevator control device 4, as described in the Fig. 1 The elevator system 1 shown can be used. The description refers to the operation of the elevator control unit 4 after installation in the elevator system 1 or in building 2 and connection to the communication bus system 22. The elevator control unit 4 is supplied with electrical energy. The procedure begins in one step. S1 and ends in one step S10 .

[0049] In one step S2 The configuration input mask 41 is generated. The configuration mask 41 is displayed on the graphical user interface 36, which is shown on the touch-sensitive screen 5 of the screen system controlled by the control unit 50 of the elevator operating unit 4. As, for example, in Fig. 2A As shown, the configuration mask 41 includes a first selection input field 40.1 for the first operating mode of the elevator control unit 4 and a second selection input field 42.1 for the second operating mode of the elevator control unit 4.

[0050] In one step S3 A touched selection input field 40.1 or 42.1 is detected. Detection is performed by the screen system. Depending on which selection input field 40.1 or 42.1 is detected, the process proceeds to a specific step. S4 or to a step S7.

[0051] In step S4 When the first selection input field 40.1 is touched, configuration data and electronic instructions for the first operating mode are read from the storage device 32. In one step S5The elevator control unit 4 is then configured for the first operating mode according to the read-in configuration data and electronic instructions. Once configured in this way, the following steps are performed in one step: S6 The direction of travel fields 40.2 are displayed, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 2B shown.

[0052] In step S7 When the second selection input field 42.1 is touched, configuration data and electronic instructions for the second operating mode are read from the storage device 32. In one step S8 The elevator control unit 4 is configured for the second operating mode according to the read-in configuration data and electronic instructions. Once configured, the following steps are performed in one step: S9 The target floor fields 42.2 are displayed, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 2C shown.

[0053] In both branches, the process ends in step S10 .

Claims

1. An elevator operating device (4), comprising: a bus interface device (30) which is designed to communicate with an elevator controller (8) of an elevator system (1) via a communication bus system (22); a storage device (32) which stores configuration data and electronic instructions for selectable operating modes of the elevator operating device (4), wherein a first operating mode is designed for processing an elevator call that indicates a direction of travel input, and wherein a second operating mode is designed for processing an elevator call that indicates an input destination floor; a screen system (5, 37) comprising a touch-sensitive screen (5) and configured to display a graphical user surface (36) on the touch-sensitive screen (5); and a control device (50) which is communicatively connected to the bus interface device (30), the screen system (5, 37) and the storage device (32), wherein the control device (50) is designed to read the configuration data and the electronic instructions for a selected operating mode from the storage device (32) and to operate the elevator operating device (4) according to the selected operating mode, characterized by the control device (50) is designed to activate the screen system (5, 37) to display a configuration input mask (41) on the graphical user surface (36), wherein the configuration mask (41) comprises a first selection input field (40.1) for the first operating mode and a second selection input field (42.1) for the second operating mode, to configure the elevator operating device (4) according to the configuration data and the electronic instructions for the first operating mode if the first selection input field (40.1) is touched, and to configure the elevator operating device (4) according to the configuration data and the electronic instructions for the second operating mode if the second selection input field (42.1) is touched.

2. The elevator operating device (4) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (50) is designed to activate the screen system (5, 37) in the first operating mode to display direction of travel fields (40.2) according to the first operating mode on the graphical user surface (36), and to activate the screen system (5, 37) in the second operating mode to display destination floor fields (42.2) according to the second operating mode on the graphical user surface (36).

3. The elevator operating device (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (50) is designed to generate a first request message in the first operating mode which comprises an address of the elevator controller (8), an ID of the elevator operating device (4) and a direction of travel, and to send these to the elevator controller (8) via the bus interface device (30) and the communication bus system (22), and to generate a second request message in the second operating mode which comprises the address of the elevator controller (8) and the ID of the elevator operating device (4) and an indication of a destination floor, and to send these to the elevator controller (8) via the bus interface device (30) and the communication bus system (22).

4. The elevator operating device (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein data and instructions for specific communication bus technologies, in particular their transmission methods, communication protocols and / or frame structures, are stored in the bus interface device (30), and wherein the bus interface device (30) is designed to communicate via the communication bus system (22) according to one of the stored communication bus technologies.

5. An elevator system (1), comprising: an elevator controller (8); an elevator car (10) which is movable between floors (L0, L, Ln) of a building (2) under the control of the elevator controller (8) and driven by a drive machine (14); a communication bus system (22); and elevator operating devices (4) according to any of claims 1-4, which are communicatively connected to the communication bus system (22) and are arranged on the floors (L0, L, LN) for inputting an elevator call.

6. The elevator system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the elevator controller (8) is communicatively connected to the communication bus system (22) and is designed, upon receipt of an elevator call indicating a direction of travel from an elevator operating device (4) arranged on a first floor (L, L0, Ln) and configured for the first operating mode, to provide the car (10) on the first floor, and, upon receipt of a car call input in the car (10) and indicating a destination floor, to move the car (10) to the destination floor.

7. The elevator system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the elevator controller (8) is communicatively connected to the communication bus system (22) and is designed, upon receipt of an elevator call indicating a destination floor from an elevator operating device (4) arranged on a first floor (L, L0, Ln) and configured for the second operating mode, to provide the car (10) on the first floor, and, upon receipt of a status signal indicating that the elevator door (6) is closed, to move the car (10) to the destination floor indicated in the elevator call.

8. The elevator system (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a destination call control device (12) which is communicatively connected to the elevator controller (8) and the communication bus system (22).

9. A method for operating an elevator operating device (4) according to any of claims 1-4 in an elevator system (1) according to any of claims 5-8, wherein the elevator operating device (4) is connected to the communication bus system (22) of the elevator system, said method comprising: generating (S2) a configuration input mask (41) on the graphical user surface (36) which the touch-sensitive screen (5) of the screen system (5, 37) displays under the control of the control device (50) of the elevator operating device (4), wherein the configuration mask (41) comprises a first selection input field (40.1) for the first operating mode of the elevator operating device (4) and a second selection input field (42.1) for the second operating mode of the elevator operating device (4); upon detection (S3) by the screen system (5, 37) that the first selection input field (40.1) has been touched, reading (S4) configuration data and electronic instructions for the first operating mode from the storage device (32) and configuring (S5) the elevator operating device (4) for the first operating mode according to the configuration data and electronic instructions that are read; and upon detection (S3) by the screen system (5, 37) that the second selection input field (40.1) has been touched, reading (S7) configuration data and electronic instructions for the second operating mode from the storage device (32) and configuring (S8) the elevator operating device (4) for the second operating mode according to the configuration data and electronic instructions that are read.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: activating the screen system (5, 37) by means of the control device (50) to display direction of travel fields (40.2) on the graphical user surface (36) in the first operating mode, and activating the screen system (5, 37) by means of the control device (50) to display destination floor fields (42.2) on the graphical user surface (36) in the second operating mode.

11. The method according to any of claims 9-10, further comprising: generating, in the first operating mode, a first request message by means of the control device (50), wherein the first request message comprises an address of the elevator controller (8), an ID of the elevator operating device (4) and a direction of travel, and sending the first request message via the bus interface device (30) and the communication bus system (22) to the elevator controller (8), and generating, in the second operating mode, a second request message by means of the control device (50), wherein the second request message comprises the address of the elevator controller (8), the ID of the elevator operating device (4) and information regarding a destination floor, and sending the second request message via the bus interface device (30) and the communication bus system (22) to the elevator controller (8).

12. The method according to any of claims 9-11, wherein data and instructions for specific communication bus technologies, in particular their transmission methods, communication protocols and / or frame structures, are stored in the bus interface device (30) and wherein the bus interface device (30) is designed to communicate via the communication bus system (22) according to one of the stored communication bus technologies.

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