Elevator maintenance support program, maintenance method, maintenance support system, portable device and management device

Abstract

To provide a maintenance support program, a maintenance method, a maintenance support system, a portable device, and a management device that can further improve the efficiency of elevator maintenance work.SOLUTION: In a maintenance support system 14, a portable device 16 carried by a maintenance worker transmits current location information of the portable device 16 and a work report to a management device 17. The management device 17 determines whether or not to permit the maintenance worker to perform the operation based on the consistency between the location of an elevator 1 identified based on the work report and the location information of the portable device 16. When permitting the maintenance worker to perform the operation, the management device 17 transmits first permission information to the portable device 16. The portable device 16 transmits the operation by the maintenance worker that has been accepted after receiving the first permission information from the management device 17 to a control panel 10. The control panel 10 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the operation transmitted from the portable device 16 after receiving the first permission information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator maintenance support program, a maintenance method, and a maintenance support system, as well as a mobile device and a management device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator maintenance operation device. The elevator is equipped with a tool box on the top of the car that controls the car door. During maintenance, a maintenance worker gets on the car and connects a portable device connector provided on the portable device he or she carries with him or her to a connection terminal on the tool box. The maintenance worker performs maintenance work by operating the portable device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-155171 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, operation including the vertical travel of the car is performed on top of the car. Therefore, depending on the maintenance work, the maintenance worker may need to move the car by other means than the elevator, such as stairs, after the car has been moved. In such cases, the efficiency of the maintenance work may decrease.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to solving such problems. The present disclosure provides a maintenance support program, a maintenance method, and a maintenance support system, as well as a mobile device and a management device, that can further improve the efficiency of elevator maintenance work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The maintenance support program disclosed herein causes a mobile device carried by an elevator maintenance worker, the mobile device including an elevator car that moves up and down within a hoistway and a control panel that controls the movement of the car, to transmit current location information of the mobile device and a work report that includes information capable of identifying the location of the elevator and is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator, to a management device that determines whether or not operation of the elevator, including control of the movement of the car, is permitted; when the management device permits the maintenance worker to perform the operation based on the location information and the work report, the management device receives first permission information from the management device; and transmits the operation by the maintenance worker that is accepted after receiving the first permission information from the management device to the control panel.

[0007] A maintenance support system according to the present disclosure includes, in an elevator including a car that travels vertically within a hoistway, a control panel that controls operation of the elevator, including travel of the car, a portable device carried by a maintenance staff member of the elevator, and a management device that determines whether or not operation of the elevator, including control of the travel of the car, is permitted, wherein the portable device transmits to the management device a work report that is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator, the work report including current location information of the portable device and information capable of identifying the location of the elevator, the management device determines whether or not to permit the maintenance staff member to perform the operation of the elevator based on the location of the elevator identified based on the work report and consistency with the location information, and when it determines that the operation of the elevator by the maintenance staff is permitted, the management device transmits first permission information to the portable device, the portable device transmits the operation of the elevator by the maintenance staff that is accepted after receiving the first permission information from the management device to the control panel, and the control panel controls the operation of the elevator based on the operation transmitted from the portable device after receiving the first permission information.

[0008] The portable device disclosed herein is a portable device carried by a maintenance worker of an elevator including a car that travels vertically within a hoistway and a control panel that controls the travel of the car, and is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires current location information, a first communication unit that communicates with a management device that determines whether or not operation of the elevator can be performed, including control of the travel of the car, a second communication unit that communicates with the control panel, and a reception unit that accepts the operation of the elevator by the maintenance worker, wherein the first communication unit transmits to the management device the location information acquired by the acquisition unit and a work report that includes information that can identify the position of the elevator and is submitted when maintenance of the elevator is started, the first communication unit receives first permission information from the management device when the management device permits the operation of the elevator by the maintenance worker based on the location information and the work report, and the second communication unit transmits to the control panel the operation of the elevator by the maintenance worker that is accepted by the reception unit after the first communication unit receives the first permission information from the management device.

[0009] The management device of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives, from a portable device carried by an elevator maintenance staff member, a work report that includes current location information of the portable device and information capable of identifying the location of the elevator, and is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator, based on the location of the elevator identified based on the work report and consistency with the location information, and a transmitting unit that transmits first permission information to the portable device when the determination unit determines that the maintenance staff member is permitted to operate the elevator, including controlling the travel of the car.

[0010] The maintenance method disclosed herein is a maintenance method for an elevator including a car that travels vertically within a hoistway and a control panel that controls the travel of the car, and includes transmitting, from a portable device carried by a maintenance staff member of the elevator, current location information of the portable device and a work report that includes information capable of identifying the location of the elevator and is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator, to a management device that determines whether or not operation of the elevator can be performed, including control of the travel of the car; receiving first permission information from the management device by the portable device when the management device permits the maintenance staff member to perform the operation based on the location information and the work report; and transmitting, after receiving the first permission information from the management device, the operation performed via the portable device from the portable device to the control panel. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the maintenance support program, maintenance method, maintenance support system, mobile device, or management device disclosed herein, the work efficiency of elevator maintenance can be further improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on a display unit of the portable device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of maintenance using the maintenance support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of maintenance using the maintenance support system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of maintenance using the maintenance support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of maintenance using the maintenance support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of maintenance using the maintenance support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the maintenance support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of a maintenance support system according to a first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The embodiments for carrying out the subject of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any component of the embodiment may be modified or omitted within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0014] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The elevator 1 is applied to a building having multiple floors. A hoistway 2 for the elevator 1 is provided in the building. The hoistway 2 is a long space in the vertical direction spanning multiple floors. A pit 3 is provided at the bottom of the hoistway 2. A landing 4 adjacent to the hoistway 2 is provided on each floor of the building. A landing door 5 is provided at the landing 4 on each floor. The landing door 5 is a door that separates the hoistway 2 and the landing 4. The elevator 1 includes a hoisting machine 6, a main rope 7, a car 8, a counterweight 9, and a control panel 10.

[0016] The hoisting machine 6 is disposed, for example, at the upper or lower part of the hoistway 2. For example, when a machine room of the elevator 1 is provided above the hoistway 2, the hoisting machine 6 may be disposed in the machine room. The hoisting machine 6 includes a motor and a sheave. The motor of the hoisting machine 6 is a device that generates driving force. The sheave of the hoisting machine 6 is a device that rotates by the driving force generated by the motor of the hoisting machine 6.

[0017] The main ropes 7 are wound around the sheaves of the hoisting machine 6. The main ropes 7 support the load of a car 8 on one side of the sheaves of the hoisting machine 6. The main ropes 7 support the load of a counterweight 9 on the other side of the sheaves of the hoisting machine 6. The main ropes 7 move such that either side of the sheaves of the hoisting machine 6 is wound up by the rotation of the sheaves of the hoisting machine 6.

[0018] The car 8 is a device that transports users of the elevator 1 and the like between multiple floors by traveling up and down the hoistway 2. The car 8 travels up and down the hoistway 2 in conjunction with the movement of the main rope 7 caused by the rotation of the sheave of the hoisting machine 6. The car 8 is equipped with a car door 11. The car door 11 is a door that separates the inside and outside of the car 8. The car door 11 is a device that opens and closes in conjunction with the landing door 5 of any floor when the car 8 stops at that floor.

[0019] The counterweight 9 is a device that balances the load acting on both sides of the sheave of the hoisting machine 6 between the car 8 and the counterweight 9. The counterweight 9 travels in the hoistway 2 on the opposite side of the car 8 in the vertical direction in conjunction with the movement of the main rope 7 caused by the rotation of the sheave of the hoisting machine 6.

[0020] The control panel 10 is a device that controls the operation of the elevator 1. The control panel 10 is disposed, for example, at the upper or lower part of the hoistway 2. For example, when a machine room of the elevator 1 is provided above the hoistway 2, the control panel 10 may be disposed in the machine room. The operation of the elevator 1 controlled by the control panel 10 includes the running of the car 8 and the opening and closing of the car door 11. For example, the control panel 10 runs the car 8 between a plurality of floors so as to respond to a registered call. When the control panel 10 stops the car 8 at any floor, it links the landing door 5 to open the car door 11.

[0021] A remote monitoring device 12 is applied to the elevator 1. The remote monitoring device 12 is a device used for remotely monitoring the state of the elevator 1. The remote monitoring device 12 is connected to a control panel 10 or the like so as to collect information on the state of the elevator 1. The remote monitoring device 12 collects, for example, information input to the control panel 10 and information output from the control panel 10 as information on the state of the elevator 1. The information collected by the remote monitoring device 12 is output to a server device provided in an information center, for example, through a communication network 13 such as the Internet or a telephone line network. The information center is a base for collecting and managing information on the state of the elevator 1. The server device provided in the information center is, for example, a computer system consisting of one or more computers that collects, accumulates, or manages information on the state of the elevator 1. Here, the control panel 10 of the elevator 1 may receive a control signal for remote control from outside the elevator 1. The control signal for remote control is input to the control panel 10 through, for example, the remote monitoring device 12.

[0022] A maintenance support system 14 is applied to the elevator 1. The maintenance support system 14 is a system that supports maintenance of the elevator 1 by a maintenance worker or the like. The maintenance support system 14 includes a control panel 10 of the elevator 1. The maintenance support system 14 includes one or more relay devices 15, a mobile device 16, and a management device 17.

[0023] The relay device 15 is a device that relays communication between the control panel 10 of the elevator 1 and other devices in a building to which the elevator 1 is applied. The relay device 15 is disposed, for example, at the landing 4 of each floor and the pit 3 of the elevator shaft 2. The relay device 15 may be, for example, a wireless access point. The relay device 15 may form a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The relay device 15 is connected to the control panel 10 by, for example, wired communication. The relay device 15 may communicate with the control panel 10 via another relay device 15.

[0024] The portable device 16 is carried by a maintenance staff member. The portable device 16 is, for example, a portable general-purpose information processing device such as a smartphone or a mobile PC (PC: Personal Computer). The portable device 16 is equipped with a wireless communication function. In the maintenance support system 14, a maintenance staff member operates the elevator 1 through the portable device 16 during maintenance. Here, the operation of the elevator 1 includes control of the upward and downward travel of the car 8. The portable device 16 includes a first communication unit 18, a second communication unit 19, an acquisition unit 20, a reception unit 21, a reading unit 22, an authentication unit 23, and a display unit 24.

[0025] The first communication unit 18 is a part equipped with a function for communicating with the control panel 10. The first communication unit 18 communicates with the control panel 10, for example, via the relay device 15. The first communication unit 18 transmits and receives information to and from the relay device 15 by wireless communication. If the control panel 10 is equipped with a wireless communication function, the first communication unit 18 may transmit and receive information directly to the control panel 10 by wireless communication. In this example, the first communication unit 18 communicates with the control panel 10 without going through the communication network 13 outside the building to which the elevator 1 is applied.

[0026] The second communication unit 19 is a part equipped with a function for communicating with the management device 17. The second communication unit 19 transmits and receives information to and from the management device 17 via the communication network 13, for example, by wireless communication. In this example, the second communication unit 19 communicates with the management device 17 via the communication network 13 outside the building to which the elevator 1 is applied.

[0027] The acquisition unit 20 is a part equipped with a function of acquiring current location information of the mobile device 16. The acquisition unit 20 may acquire the location information by a satellite positioning system such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), by a wireless signal from a wireless beacon device installed in a building, by a positioning system using Ultra Wide Band (UWB), or by other methods.

[0028] The reception unit 21 is a part that has a function of accepting operations by a maintenance worker. The reception unit 21 may be, for example, a touch panel. The reception unit 21 accepts, for example, operation operations of the elevator 1 by a maintenance worker.

[0029] The reading unit 22 is a part equipped with a function of reading authentication information of a maintenance person. The authentication information may be, for example, biometric information of the maintenance person or secret information such as a password. The biometric information may be, for example, a fingerprint pattern, a vein pattern, an iris pattern, or a face image. When the authentication information is secret information, the reading unit 22 may be integrated with the receiving unit 21.

[0030] The authentication unit 23 is a part that has a function of verifying the identity of the maintenance staff based on the authentication information read by the reading unit 22. The authentication unit 23 verifies the identity of the maintenance staff by biometric authentication or other methods.

[0031] The display unit 24 is a part equipped with a function of displaying information to a maintenance person. The display unit 24 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel. The display unit 24 may be formed integrally with the reception unit 21, for example, a touch panel.

[0032] The management device 17 is a device that performs information processing such as management of maintenance information in the maintenance support system 14. The management device 17 is, for example, a computer system consisting of one or more computers. A part or all of the functions of the management device 17 may be mounted on a server device provided in an information center. A part or all of the functions of the management device 17 may be realized by processing or storage resources on a cloud service. The management device 17 communicates with the mobile device 16 through the communication network 13. The management device 17 communicates with the control panel 10 through the communication network 13. In this example, the management device 17 communicates with the control panel 10 via the remote monitoring device 12 connected to the communication network 13. The management device 17 includes a receiving unit 25, a transmitting unit 26, a storage unit 27, and a determining unit 28.

[0033] The receiving unit 25 is a part equipped with a function of receiving information from outside the management device 17. The transmitting unit 26 is a part equipped with a function of transmitting information to outside the management device 17. The receiving unit 25 and the transmitting unit 26 transmit and receive information via the communication network 13. The receiving unit 25 and the transmitting unit 26 may be configured as an integrated unit that is responsible for communication with the outside of the management device 17.

[0034] The storage unit 27 is a part that has a function of storing information. In the storage unit 27, for example, a maintenance database is stored. The maintenance database is a database that stores, for example, information on the elevator 1 that is the subject of maintenance, as well as information such as the maintenance plan, status, and results. In the maintenance database, the information on the elevator 1 is stored in association with identification information that identifies the elevator 1. The information on the elevator 1 includes, for example, information on the location of the installation site of the elevator 1. Since the elevator 1 does not move from the installation site, the information that identifies the elevator 1 is an example of information that can specify the location of the elevator 1 by referring to, for example, a maintenance database. The maintenance plan for the elevator 1 includes, for example, the scheduled start time and end time of the maintenance of the elevator 1, as well as information that identifies the maintenance worker who will perform the maintenance work.

[0035] The determination unit 28 is a part that has a function of determining whether or not a maintenance worker can operate the elevator 1 through the portable device 16. The determination unit 28 determines whether or not the operation can be performed based on information transmitted from the portable device 16, information stored in the memory unit 27, and the like.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on the display unit 24 of the mobile device 16 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows an example of an operation screen when a maintenance worker performs operation.

[0037] The maintenance personnel operates the vehicle by manipulating an interface included in the operation screen. The operation screen includes a drive switch 29, a drive mode switch 30, a door switch 31, a call registration button 32, and a manual drive button 33 as interfaces for accepting the maintenance personnel's operation.

[0038] The travel switch 29 is a part that accepts an operation to switch whether or not the car 8 is allowed to travel. When the travel switch 29 is in the "OFF" state, the car 8 remains stopped without traveling. On the other hand, when the travel switch 29 is in the "RUN" state, the car 8 travels in the hoistway 2 based on the operation by a maintenance worker or a control signal from the control panel 10, etc.

[0039] The running mode switch 30 is a part that accepts an operation to switch the running mode of the car 8. The running mode of the car 8 can be switched between, for example, an automatic mode and a manual mode. When the state of the running mode switch 30 is "AUTO", the running mode is switched to the automatic mode. The automatic mode is a running mode in which the start and stop of the car 8 to a stop position on any of the multiple floors are automatically controlled by the control panel 10 so as to respond to a registered call. On the other hand, when the state of the running mode switch 30 is "HAND", the running mode is switched to the manual mode. The manual mode is a running mode in which the start and stop of the car 8 are performed according to manual driving operations by a maintenance worker.

[0040] The door switch 31 is a part that accepts an operation to switch between opening and closing the car door 11. When the state of the door switch 31 is "OFF", the car door 11 does not open or close, but maintains, for example, a fully closed state. On the other hand, when the state of the door switch 31 is "DOOR", the car door 11 opens and closes based on an operation by a maintenance person or a control signal from the control panel 10, etc.

[0041] The call registration button 32 is a section that accepts an operation to register a call. The call registration button 32 includes a plurality of buttons corresponding to each floor. When the running mode is the automatic mode, the running of the car 8 to the floor specified by the call registration button 32 is automatically controlled by the control panel 10. The call registration button 32 may also serve as an indicator that displays the current position of the car 8.

[0042] The manual travel button 33 is a section that accepts manual operation of the car 8 by a maintenance worker. In this example, the manual travel button 33 includes a slow-speed up button and a slow-speed down button. When the travel mode is the manual mode, the car 8 is controlled to rise at a slow speed while the slow-speed up button is operated. On the other hand, when the travel mode is the manual mode, the car 8 is controlled to descend at a slow speed while the slow-speed down button is operated. Here, the travel speed of the car 8 while the slow-speed up button and the slow-speed down button are operated is, for example, a speed lower than the rated speed of the car 8 in the automatic mode or normal operation.

[0043] The operation screen may include an interface for accepting other operation operations, such as opening and closing the car door 11. The operation screen may also include a portion for displaying the status of the elevator 1, such as the current position of the car 8.

[0044] Next, an example of maintenance using the maintenance support system 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 are diagrams showing an example of maintenance using the maintenance support system 14 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] A maintenance worker who performs maintenance on elevator 1 arrives at a building in which elevator 1 is installed, carrying portable device 16. The maintenance worker travels to the location of elevator 1 in the building. The maintenance worker starts maintenance work, for example, at hall 4 of elevator 1.

[0046] When maintenance begins, reading unit 22 reads authentication information of the maintenance person carrying portable device 16. Authentication unit 23 performs identity verification of the maintenance person operating portable device 16 based on the authentication information read by reading unit 22. After verifying that the maintenance person is the correct person, portable device 16 performs operations related to the subsequent maintenance work. When portable device 16 cannot verify that the maintenance person is the correct person, it may lock the reception of operations.

[0047] After that, the maintenance worker transmits a work notification to the management device 17 through the mobile device 16. The work notification is information submitted to the management device 17 when starting maintenance of the elevator 1. The work notification includes information identifying the elevator 1 to be maintained. In this example, the work notification includes information identifying the maintenance worker. The work notification also includes information on the work time. The work time information includes information such as the start time of the work and the scheduled completion time of the work. For example, when transmitting the work notification, the acquisition unit 20 acquires current location information of the mobile device 16. The first communication unit 18 transmits the work notification and the current location information to the management device 17 through the communication network 13. Note that the first communication unit 18 may transmit the location information as part of the work notification, or may transmit the location information and the work notification sequentially.

[0048] Thereafter, in the management device 17, the receiving unit 25 receives the work notification and the location information of the portable device 16. The determining unit 28 specifies the location of the elevator 1 based on the work notification. The determining unit 28 specifies the location of the elevator 1 by, for example, referring to a maintenance database using the identification information of the work notification. The determining unit 28 determines whether the location information of the elevator 1 specified based on the work notification and the location information of the portable device 16 match. The determining unit 28 determines that the work notification and the location information match when, for example, the distance between the location of the elevator 1 and the location of the portable device 16 is closer than a preset range. When the determining unit 28 determines that the work notification and the location information match, it allows the maintenance staff to operate the elevator 1. On the other hand, when the determining unit 28 does not determine that the work notification and the location information match, it does not allow the maintenance staff to operate the elevator 1.

[0049] In the management device 17, when the determination unit 28 permits the maintenance staff to perform the operation, the transmission unit 26 transmits the first permission information to the mobile device 16. The first permission information is information that indicates the permission of the operation through the mobile device 16. In this example, the transmission unit 26 transmits the second permission information to the control panel 10 of the elevator 1. The second permission information is information that notifies the fact that the operation through the mobile device 16 is permitted. The first permission information and the second permission information may be the same information, or may be different information that is paired with each other. The first permission information and the second permission information may include the same information such as a common key, or may be information that includes one of a public key and a private key. The second permission information may include information on the work time of the maintenance work for which the operation is permitted. In addition, when the determination unit 28 does not permit the maintenance staff to perform the operation, the transmission unit 26 may notify the mobile device 16 of the denial of the permission, or may end the operation without transmitting the information.

[0050] When the first communication unit 18 of the mobile device 16 receives the first permission information, the mobile device 16 determines that the operation is permitted. After determining that the operation is permitted, the display unit 24 of the mobile device 16 displays an operation screen to the maintenance staff. The maintenance staff performs operation of the elevator 1 through the operation screen of the mobile device 16.

[0051] The maintenance worker performs maintenance work on, for example, the counterweight 9. In this example, the state of the travel switch 29 is "RUN", and the state of the travel mode switch 30 is "AUTO". The maintenance worker at the landing 4 on the lowest floor operates the call registration button 32 to register a call to the top floor as an operation of the elevator 1. The reception unit 21 accepts the operation of the maintenance worker on the operation screen. The second communication unit 19 transmits the operation of the maintenance worker received by the reception unit 21 to the control panel 10, for example, via the relay device 15. In this example, the second communication unit 19 transmits the operation of the maintenance worker together with the first permission information to the control panel 10.

[0052] The control panel 10 judges whether the operation operation of the maintenance worker received from the mobile device 16 is a valid operation operation. For example, the control panel 10 judges whether the operation operation is valid based on the consistency between the first permission information transmitted from the mobile device 16 together with the operation operation and the second permission information received from the management device 17. For example, the control panel 10 judges that the operation operation is valid when the first permission information and the second permission information match each other or correspond to each other. When the operation operation received from the mobile device 16 is a valid operation operation, the control panel 10 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the operation operation.

[0053] In this example, the operation is to register a call to the top floor, so the control panel 10 causes the car 8 to travel to the top floor. The position of the top floor of the car 8 is an example of the top of the hoistway 2. At this time, the counterweight 9 travels to the bottom of the hoistway 2 in conjunction with the travel of the car 8.

[0054] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 4, the maintenance worker descends from the landing 4 on the lowest floor to the pit 3 in the elevator shaft 2. The maintenance worker performs maintenance work on the counterweight 9 in the pit 3. The maintenance worker performs maintenance work such as measuring the gap between the counterweight 9 and other equipment such as a buffer.

[0055] The maintenance worker may switch the state of the travel switch 29 to "OFF" as an operation of the elevator 1, for example, after the counterweight 9 has traveled to the bottom of the elevator shaft 2 and before the elevator 1 moves from the landing 4 on the lowest floor to the pit 3. The second communication unit 19 transmits the operation at this time to the control panel 10 together with the first permission information. The control panel 10 determines whether the operation received is a valid operation. If the operation received from the mobile device 16 is a valid operation, the control panel 10 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the operation. In this example, the operation is to switch the state of the travel switch 29, so the control panel 10 switches the state of the travel switch 29 to "OFF".

[0056] In addition, the maintenance worker may move from the landing 4 on the lowest floor to the pit 3, and then use the portable device 16 in the pit 3 to perform operation operations to run the car 8 to the top of the elevator shaft 2.

[0057] When performing maintenance work on the top surface of the car 8 during maintenance of the elevator 1, the maintenance worker operates the elevator 1 through the portable device 16 at the landing 4 of one of the floors, for example, as shown in FIG. 5. In this example, the state of the travel switch 29 is "RUN", and the state of the travel mode switch 30 is "HAND". When the state of the travel mode switch 30 is "AUTO", the maintenance worker may switch the state of the travel switch 29 to "HAND" as the operation of the elevator 1. The second communication unit 19 transmits the operation at this time to the control panel 10 together with the first permission information. The control panel 10 judges whether the received operation is a valid operation. When the operation received from the portable device 16 is a valid operation, the control panel 10 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the operation. In this example, the operation is a change in the state of the travel mode switch 30, so the control panel 10 changes the state of the travel mode switch 30 to "HAND".

[0058] A maintenance worker at the landing 4 of any floor operates the manual travel button 33 to drive the car 8 to the boarding position of the floor as an operation of the elevator 1. Here, the boarding position of a certain floor is a position where the height of the floor surface of the landing 4 of the floor coincides with the height of the upper surface of the car 8. Here, the height of the floor surface of the landing 4 of the floor and the height of the upper surface of the car 8 may coincide within a range that allows an error to allow the maintenance worker to move between the floor surface of the landing 4 of the floor and the upper surface of the car 8 of the floor. The reception unit 21 receives the operation of the maintenance worker on the operation screen. The second communication unit 19 transmits the operation of the maintenance worker received by the reception unit 21 to the control panel 10, for example, via the relay device 15. In this example, the second communication unit 19 transmits the operation of the maintenance worker to the control panel 10 together with the first permission information.

[0059] In this example, the driving operation is manual running at low speed ascent or descent, so the control panel 10 runs the car 8 at a low speed based on the input driving operation. The maintenance worker performs the manual running driving operation until the car 8 runs to the boarding position.

[0060] 6, the maintenance worker enters the upper surface of the car 8 from the platform 4 where the car 8 has stopped at the boarding position. The maintenance worker performs maintenance work on the upper surface of the car 8. The maintenance worker performs maintenance work such as inspecting the equipment arranged on the upper surface of the car 8, for example.

[0061] When performing maintenance work on the underside of the car 8 in the maintenance of the elevator 1, the maintenance worker operates the elevator 1 through the mobile device 16 in the pit 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 7. In this example, the state of the travel switch 29 is "RUN", and the state of the travel mode switch 30 is "HAND". The maintenance worker in the pit 3 operates the manual travel button 33 to travel the car 8 to the work position as the operation of the elevator 1. Here, the work position is a position where the maintenance work on the underside of the car 8 can be performed from the pit 3. The work position is, for example, a position where the hand of the worker in the pit 3 can reach the equipment arranged on the underside of the car 8. The reception unit 21 accepts the operation of the maintenance worker on the operation screen. The second communication unit 19 transmits the operation of the maintenance worker received by the reception unit 21 to the control panel 10, for example, via the relay device 15. In this example, the second communication unit 19 transmits the operation of the maintenance worker to the control panel 10 together with the first permission information.

[0062] In this example, the driving operation is manual running at a slow upward speed or a slow downward speed, so the control panel 10 runs the car 8 at a slow speed based on the input driving operation. The maintenance worker performs the manual running driving operation until the car 8 runs to the work position.

[0063] Thereafter, after the car 8 has stopped at the work position, the maintenance worker performs maintenance work on the underside of the car 8 in the pit 3. The maintenance worker performs maintenance work such as inspecting the equipment arranged on the underside of the car 8, for example.

[0064] Thereafter, the maintenance worker completes the maintenance of the elevator 1. At this time, the maintenance worker transmits a work completion notification to the management device 17 via the mobile device 16. The work completion notification is information that is submitted to the management device 17 when the maintenance of the elevator 1 is completed. The work completion notification includes information that identifies the elevator 1 for which maintenance is being performed. The first communication unit 18 transmits the work completion notification to the management device 17 via the communication network 13.

[0065] Thereafter, in management device 17, receiving unit 25 receives the work completion notification. When receiving unit 25 receives the work completion notification, determining unit 28 determines that the permitted maintenance work time has ended. At this time, transmitting unit 26 transmits a notification of the end of the permitted maintenance work time to mobile device 16. In this example, the notification includes information notifying that the permission for driving operation has ended due to the completion of maintenance.

[0066] Here, when the maintenance work time exceeds the scheduled time before the receiving unit 25 receives the work completion notification, the determining unit 28 may determine that the permitted maintenance work time has ended. The determining unit 28 determines that the work time has been exceeded, for example, when the scheduled completion time of the work arrives. At this time, the transmitting unit 26 transmits a notification of the end of the permitted maintenance work time to the mobile device 16. In this example, the notification includes information notifying that the permission for driving operation has ended due to the exceeding of the work time.

[0067] The control panel 10 judges whether the elevator 1 operation from the mobile device 16 is currently within the work time permitted by the maintenance staff, for example, at every preset timing or when receiving an operation operation from the mobile device 16. The control panel 10 judges that the elevator 1 operation is currently outside the work time permitted by the maintenance staff, for example, when the control panel 10 is notified by the management device 17 of the end of the permitted maintenance work time. The control panel 10 may also judge that the elevator 1 operation is currently outside the work time permitted by the maintenance staff when the maintenance work time exceeds the scheduled time, regardless of the notification from the management device 17. The control panel 10 judges that the work time has exceeded, for example, when the scheduled completion time of the work is reached. The control panel 10 judges that the elevator 1 operation is currently within the work time permitted by the maintenance staff, for example, when the control panel 10 does not receive a notification of the end of the permitted maintenance work time and the maintenance work time does not exceed the scheduled time.

[0068] When the control panel 10 determines that the operation from the portable device 16 is currently within the work hours permitted by the maintenance staff, the control panel 10 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the operation received from the portable device 16. On the other hand, when the control panel 10 determines that the operation from the portable device 16 is currently outside the work hours permitted by the maintenance staff, the control panel 10 does not accept the operation even if it receives the operation from the portable device 16.

[0069] The maintenance worker may apply to the management device 17 for an extension of the work time. At this time, the management device 17 notifies the mobile device 16 based on the requested extended work time. The management device 17 may also notify the control panel 10 of the requested extended work time. At this time, the control panel 10 determines whether the operation from the mobile device 16 is currently within the work time permitted by the maintenance worker based on the requested extended work time.

[0070] Next, an example of the operation of the maintenance support system 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the maintenance support system 14 according to the first embodiment.

[0071] In step S11 of the portable device 16, the reading unit 22 reads the authentication information of the maintenance person. The authentication unit 23 performs identity verification of the maintenance person operating the portable device 16, based on the authentication information read by the reading unit 22. Thereafter, the operation of the portable device 16 proceeds to step S12.

[0072] In step S12 of the mobile device 16, the acquisition unit 20 acquires the current location information of the mobile device 16. After that, the operation of the mobile device 16 proceeds to step S13.

[0073] In step S13 of the mobile device 16, the reception unit 21 receives an operation of submitting a work notification by the maintenance worker whose identity has been verified. The first communication unit 18 transmits the work notification and the location information to the management device 17. Thereafter, the operation of the mobile device 16 proceeds to step S14.

[0074] In step S21 of management device 17, receiving unit 25 receives a work notification and location information of mobile device 16 from mobile device 16. Determination unit 28 determines whether the work notification and location information received by receiving unit 25 are consistent. If the work notification and location information are consistent, the operation of management device 17 proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the work notification and location information are not consistent, the operation of management device 17 ends.

[0075] In step S22 of the management device 17, the transmission unit 26 transmits the first permission information to the mobile device 16 and the second permission information to the control panel 10. After that, the operation of the management device 17 proceeds to step S23.

[0076] In step S14 of the portable device 16, the portable device 16 determines whether the maintenance worker is permitted to operate the elevator 1 through the portable device 16 based on whether the first communication unit 18 has received the first permission information. If the operation is permitted, the operation of the portable device 16 proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the operation is not permitted, the operation of the portable device 16 ends. Here, the portable device 16 determines that the operation is not permitted, for example, if the first permission information is not received until a preset time has elapsed since the transmission of the work notification.

[0077] In step S15 of the mobile device 16, the display unit 24 displays the operation screen to the maintenance technician. The reception unit 21 receives the operation of the operation screen by the maintenance technician. After that, the operation of the mobile device 16 proceeds to step S16.

[0078] In step S16 of the mobile device 16, the second communication unit 19 transmits the driving operation of the maintenance worker received by the reception unit 21 together with the first permission information to the control panel 10. After that, the operation of the mobile device 16 proceeds to step S17.

[0079] In step S31 of the control panel 10, the control panel 10 judges whether the elevator 1 operation from the mobile device 16 is currently within the work time permitted by the maintenance staff. At this time, the control panel 10 makes the judgment based on a notification received from the management device 17, for example, that the permission for operation has ended due to completion of maintenance or exceeding the work time. Alternatively, the control panel 10 may make the judgment based on information on the work time received together with the second permission information. If the operation is within the work time permitted by the maintenance staff, the operation of the control panel 10 proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if the operation is not within the work time permitted by the maintenance staff, the operation of the control panel 10 ends.

[0080] In step S32 of the control panel 10, the control panel 10 judges whether the driving operation received from the mobile device 16 is a valid driving operation. At this time, the control panel 10 makes the judgment based on, for example, the first permission information received together with the driving operation and the second permission information received from the management device 17. If the received driving operation is a valid driving operation, the operation of the control panel 10 proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if the received driving operation is not a valid driving operation, the operation of the control panel 10 ends.

[0081] In step S33 of the control panel 10, the control panel 10 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the valid operation command received from the mobile device 16. After that, the operation of the control panel 10 proceeds to step S31.

[0082] In step S17 of the mobile device 16, the mobile device 16 determines whether the maintenance of the elevator 1 is completed based on whether the reception unit 21 has received an operation of the maintenance worker to submit a work completion notification. If the maintenance is not completed, the operation of the mobile device 16 proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the maintenance is completed, the operation of the mobile device 16 proceeds to step S18.

[0083] In step S18 of the mobile device 16, the first communication unit 18 transmits a task completion notification to the management device 17. Thereafter, the operation of the mobile device 16 ends.

[0084] In step S23 of the management device 17, the determination unit 28 determines whether the maintenance of the elevator 1 has been completed based on whether the receiving unit 25 has received a work completion notification from the mobile device 16. If the maintenance has not been completed, the operation of the management device 17 proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the maintenance has been completed, the operation of the management device 17 proceeds to step S25.

[0085] In step S24 of the management device 17, the judgment unit 28 judges whether the maintenance work time has exceeded the scheduled time. If the work time has not exceeded the scheduled time, the operation of the management device 17 proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if the work time has exceeded the scheduled time, the operation of the management device 17 proceeds to step S25.

[0086] In step S25 of the management device 17, the transmission unit 26 transmits a notification that the permission for operation has ended due to completion of maintenance or the expiration of the work time to the control panel 10. Thereafter, the operation of the management device 17 ends.

[0087] As described above, the maintenance support system 14 according to the first embodiment includes the control panel 10, the mobile device 16 carried by the maintenance worker of the elevator 1, and the management device 17. The mobile device 16 transmits the current location information of the mobile device 16 and the work report acquired by itself to the management device 17. The work report is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator 1, and is data including information capable of identifying the location of the elevator 1. The management device 17 determines whether or not to permit the operation of the elevator by the maintenance worker based on the consistency between the location of the elevator 1 identified based on the work report and the location information of the mobile device 16. When determining that the operation of the elevator by the maintenance worker is permitted, the management device 17 transmits first permission information to the mobile device 16. The mobile device 16 transmits the operation of the elevator by the maintenance worker that is accepted after receiving the first permission information from the management device 17 to the control panel 10. The control panel 10 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the operation transmitted from the mobile device 16 after receiving the first permission information. The portable device 16 performs the above-mentioned processes based on a maintenance support program stored in, for example, an internal storage medium.

[0088] With this configuration, the maintenance staff can operate the elevator 1 from outside the car 8 through the portable device 16, so there is no need for the maintenance staff to get into the car 8 to operate the car 8. Therefore, after the car 8 is running, there is no need for the maintenance staff to move between floors by other means such as stairs. Therefore, the efficiency is less likely to decrease due to the movement of the maintenance staff using other means such as stairs, so that the efficiency of the maintenance work can be further improved. In addition, since the operation can be performed using the portable device 16 carried by the maintenance staff, there is no need for other maintenance staff to get into the car 8 just to operate the elevator 1. Therefore, the efficiency of the maintenance staff can be further improved. In addition, since there is no need for the maintenance staff to move between floors by stairs or the like, the workload of the maintenance staff is reduced. In addition, the operation of the elevator 1 is performed after obtaining permission from the management device 17 based on the consistency of the work report and the position of the portable device 16, so that the security of the elevator 1 is less likely to decrease even when the portable device 16 is used.

[0089] The driving operation also includes manual driving of the car 8 in the up and down directions. By manual driving, the position of the car 8 can be finely adjusted from outside the car 8, which can further improve the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0090] Furthermore, the mobile device 16 reads the authentication information of the maintenance worker based on the maintenance support program, and performs identity verification of the maintenance worker based on the read authentication information. The mobile device 16 transmits the location information and the work notification to the management device 17 after verifying the identity of the maintenance worker based on the authentication information. Since the location information and the work notification are transmitted after identity verification, the security of the elevator 1 is more reliably maintained.

[0091] Furthermore, when the management device 17 determines that the maintenance worker is permitted to perform the operation, it transmits second permission information to the control panel 10. The mobile device 16 transmits the operation by the maintenance worker to the control panel 10 together with the first permission information. The control panel 10 determines whether the first permission information transmitted from the mobile device 16 together with the operation and the second permission information received from the management device 17 are consistent. If they are consistent, the control panel 10 controls the operation of the elevator 1 based on the operation. The control panel 10 can confirm the validity of the operation from the mobile device 16 based on the consistency between the information from the management device 17 and the information from the mobile device 16, so that the security of the elevator 1 is more reliably maintained.

[0092] The work notification also includes information on the work time for the maintenance of the elevator 1. When the management device 17 determines to permit the maintenance worker to perform the operation through the mobile device 16, it transmits the information on the work time to the control panel 10. The control panel 10 does not accept the operation transmitted from the mobile device 16 after the work time has been exceeded. When the work time has been exceeded, the management device 17 notifies the control panel 10 of the excess of the work time. The control panel 10 does not accept the operation transmitted from the mobile device 16 after receiving the notification of the excess of the work time. In addition, the mobile device 16 transmits a work completion notification to the management device 17, which is submitted when the maintenance of the elevator 1 is completed. When the management device 17 receives the work completion notification, it notifies the control panel 10 of the completion of the maintenance. The control panel 10 does not accept the operation transmitted from the mobile device 16 after receiving the notification of the work completion. Since operation operations from the portable device 16 are no longer accepted when operation operations via the portable device 16 are no longer necessary, the security of the elevator 1 is more reliably maintained. Also, since operation operations are no longer accepted when a preset operation time has elapsed, the security of the elevator 1 is more reliably maintained even when a work completion report is not submitted normally due to a communication failure or human error.

[0093] Furthermore, the portable device 16 transmits the maintenance staff's operation instructions to the control panel 10 directly or via the relay device 15. The relay device 15 is provided in the hoistway 2 or the landing 4 of the elevator 1. This allows the control panel 10 to respond more quickly to operation instructions from the portable device 16. Furthermore, since operation instructions are not transmitted to the control panel 10 after the portable device 16 is taken out of the hoistway 2 or the landing 4, the security of the elevator 1 is more reliably maintained.

[0094] In addition, in the maintenance method using the maintenance support system 14, the operation after receiving the first permission information from the management device 17 is performed through the mobile device 16 at the landing 4 or the pit 3 of the lowest floor of the elevator 1. At this time, the operation includes an operation of running the car 8 to the top of the hoistway 2. In this case, the maintenance staff performs maintenance work on the counterweight 9 that has run to the bottom of the hoistway 2 in conjunction with the running of the hoistway 2, in the pit 3, after the car 8 has run to the top of the hoistway 2 based on the operation. In addition, in the maintenance method using the maintenance support system 14, the operation after receiving the first permission information from the management device 17 is performed through the mobile device 16 at the landing 4. At this time, the operation includes an operation of running the car 8 to a boarding position where the height of the floor surface of the landing 4 coincides with the height of the top surface of the car 8. In this case, the maintenance staff performs maintenance work on the top surface of the car 8 by getting on the top surface of the car 8 from the landing 4, after the car 8 has run to the boarding position based on the operation. Moreover, in the maintenance method using the maintenance support system 14, the driving operation after receiving the first permission information from the management device 17 is performed in the pit 3 through the portable device 16. At this time, the driving operation includes a driving operation for driving the car 8 from the pit 3 to a work position where maintenance work on the underside of the car 8 can be performed. In this case, the maintenance worker performs maintenance work on the underside of the car 8 in the pit 3 after the car 8 has traveled to the work position based on the driving operation. As a result, even when a maintenance worker carrying the portable device 16 works alone, maintenance work on the car 8 and the counterweight 9 is possible without the need for long movements between floors using stairs or the like, and the efficiency of the maintenance work is further improved.

[0095] The mobile device 16 may transmit operation instructions to the control panel 10 via the management device 17. This allows the maintenance support system 14 to be applied even if the control panel 10 is not configured to be able to communicate with other devices in the building, such as the mobile device 16. In addition, the control panel 10 receives information via the management device 17, so that the security of the elevator 1 is more reliably maintained.

[0096] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the maintenance support system 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of the maintenance support system 14 according to the first embodiment.

[0097] Each function of the maintenance support system 14 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. The processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200 in addition to or in place of the processor 100a and the memory 100b.

[0098] When the processing circuit includes the processor 100a and the memory 100b, each function of the maintenance support system 14 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a realizes each function of the maintenance support system 14 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

[0099] The processor 100a is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. The memory 100b is composed of a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, or an EEPROM.

[0100] Where the processing circuitry comprises dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry may be implemented, for example, as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0101] Each function of the maintenance support system 14 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the maintenance support system 14 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the maintenance support system 14 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and the other parts may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit realizes each function of the maintenance support system 14 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0102] To summarize the above explanation, possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A portable device carried by an elevator maintenance worker includes a car that travels up and down in a hoistway and a control panel that controls the travel of the car, transmitting a work report, which includes current location information of the portable device and information capable of identifying the location of the elevator and is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator, to a management device which determines whether or not operation of the elevator, including control of the running of the car, is possible; receiving first permission information from the management device when the management device permits the maintenance worker to perform the operation based on the location information and the work report; transmitting the operation performed by the maintenance worker, which is accepted after receiving the first permission information from the management device, to the control panel; A maintenance support program that executes the following: (Appendix 2) The driving operation includes a manual operation of the car in the up and down direction. 2. The maintenance support program described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The mobile device, Reading authentication information of the maintenance person; performing identity verification of the maintenance worker based on the read authentication information; Run the command, transmitting the location information and the work notification from the mobile device to the management device after verifying that the maintenance worker is an authorized person based on the authentication information; A maintenance support program as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) In an elevator including a car that travels vertically within a hoistway, a control panel that controls operation of the elevator including the travel of the car; A portable device carried by the elevator maintenance worker; A management device that determines whether or not the elevator can be operated, including controlling the running of the car; Equipped with The mobile device transmits, to the management device, a work report that includes current location information of the mobile device and information capable of identifying a location of the elevator, and that is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator; the management device determines whether or not to permit the maintenance staff to operate the elevator based on the location of the elevator specified based on the work report and consistency with the location information, and when determining to permit the maintenance staff to operate the elevator, transmits first permission information to the mobile device; the mobile device transmits the operation by the maintenance worker, which is accepted after receiving the first permission information from the management device, to the control panel; The control panel controls the operation of the elevator based on the operation operation transmitted from the mobile device after receiving the first permission information. Maintenance support system. (Appendix 5) the management device transmits second permission information to the control panel when determining that the operation by the maintenance worker is permitted; The mobile device transmits the operation by the maintenance worker to the control panel together with the first permission information, The control panel determines whether the first permission information transmitted from the mobile device together with the operation of the elevator and the second permission information received from the management device are consistent, and if they are consistent, controls the operation of the elevator based on the operation of the elevator. 5. A maintenance support system as described in appendix 4. (Appendix 6) The work report includes information on the work time for the maintenance of the elevator, the management device transmits information about the operation time to the control panel when determining that the operation by the maintenance worker is permitted; The control panel does not accept the driving operation transmitted from the mobile device after the operation time has elapsed. 6. A maintenance support system according to claim 4 or 5. (Appendix 7) The work report includes information on the work time of the maintenance of the elevator, When the operation time is exceeded, the management device notifies the control panel of the exceeding of the operation time, The control panel does not accept the driving operation transmitted from the mobile device after receiving the notification of the excess of the work time. 6. A maintenance support system according to claim 4 or 5. (Appendix 8) the mobile device transmits to the management device a work completion report that is submitted when the maintenance of the elevator is completed; When the management device receives the work completion notification, the management device notifies the control panel of the completion of the maintenance; The control panel does not accept the driving operation transmitted from the mobile device after receiving a notification of completion of the work. A maintenance support system according to any one of claims 4 to 7. (Appendix 9) The portable device transmits the operation to the control panel directly or via a relay device provided in the elevator shaft or the elevator hall. A maintenance support system according to any one of claims 4 to 8. (Appendix 10) The mobile device transmits the driving operation to the control panel via the management device. A maintenance support system according to any one of claims 4 to 8. (Appendix 11) A portable device carried by an elevator maintenance worker includes a car that travels up and down in a hoistway and a control panel that controls the travel of the car, An acquisition unit for acquiring current location information; A first communication unit that communicates with a management device that determines whether or not the elevator can be operated, including controlling the running of the car; A second communication unit that communicates with the control panel; a reception unit that receives the operation operation by the maintenance worker; Equipped with The first communication unit transmits to the management device a work report that includes the location information acquired by the acquisition unit and information capable of identifying the location of the elevator and is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator; the first communication unit receives first permission information from the management device when the management device permits the maintenance worker to perform the operation based on the location information and the work report; The second communication unit transmits, to the control panel, the operation by the maintenance worker that is accepted by the acceptance unit after the first communication unit receives the first permission information from the management device. Mobile devices. (Appendix 12) a receiving unit that receives, from a portable device carried by a maintenance worker of an elevator including a car that moves up and down in a hoistway and a control panel that controls the movement of the car, current location information of the portable device and information that can identify the location of the elevator, the work report being submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator; a determination unit that determines whether or not to permit operation of the elevator, including control of the running of the car by the maintenance worker, based on the position of the elevator specified based on the work report and consistency of the position information; a transmission unit that transmits first permission information to the mobile device when the determination unit determines that the maintenance worker is permitted to perform the driving operation; A management device comprising: (Appendix 13) A maintenance method for an elevator including a car that travels up and down in a hoistway and a control panel that controls the travel of the car, transmitting, from a portable device carried by a maintenance worker of the elevator, current location information of the portable device and a work report that includes information capable of identifying the location of the elevator and is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator, to a management device that determines whether or not operation of the elevator, including control of the running of the car, is possible; receiving first permission information from the management device by the mobile device when the management device permits the maintenance worker to perform the operation based on the location information and the work report; After receiving the first permission information from the management device, transmitting the driving operation performed through the mobile device from the mobile device to the control panel; (c) a maintenance method. (Appendix 14) the operation of the elevator after receiving the first permission information from the management device includes the operation of running the car to the top of the elevator shaft through the portable device at a landing on the lowest floor of the elevator or a pit at the bottom end of the elevator shaft, and performing, in the pit, a maintenance operation on a counterweight that has traveled to the bottom of the elevator shaft in conjunction with the travel of the elevator shaft after the elevator car has traveled to the top of the elevator shaft based on the operation operation. Maintenance methods described in Appendix 13. (Appendix 15) the operation operation after receiving the first permission information from the management device includes the operation operation performed through the portable device at a hall of the elevator, of running the car to a boarding position where a height of a floor surface of the hall and a height of an upper surface of the car are equal to each other, and after the car has traveled to the boarding position based on the driving operation, getting on an upper surface of the car from the boarding platform to perform maintenance work on the upper surface of the car. 13. The maintenance method according to claim 14. (Appendix 16) the driving operation after receiving the first permission information from the management device includes the driving operation performed through the portable device in a pit at a lower end of the elevator shaft, the driving operation causing the car to travel from the pit to a work position where maintenance work on a lower surface of the car can be performed; performing maintenance work on a bottom surface of the car in the pit after the car has traveled to the work position based on the driving operation, The maintenance method according to any one of claims 13 to 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 elevator, 2 hoistway, 3 pit, 4 landing, 5 landing door, 6 hoist, 7 main rope, 8 cage, 9 counterweight, 10 control panel, 11 cage door, 12 remote monitoring device, 13 communication network, 14 maintenance support system, 15 relay device, 16 portable device, 17 management device, 18 first communication unit, 19 second communication unit, 20 acquisition unit, 21 reception unit, 22 reading unit, 23 authentication unit, 24 display unit, 25 receiving unit, 26 transmitting unit, 27 memory unit, 28 judgment unit, 29 travel switch, 30 travel mode switch, 31 door switch, 32 call registration button, 33 manual travel button, 100a processor, 100b Memory, 200 Dedicated Hardware

Claims

1. A portable device carried by an elevator maintenance worker includes a car that travels up and down in a hoistway and a control panel that controls the travel of the car, transmitting a work report, which includes current location information of the portable device and information capable of identifying the location of the elevator and is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator, to a management device which determines whether or not operation of the elevator, including control of the running of the car, is possible; receiving first permission information from the management device when the management device permits the maintenance worker to perform the operation based on the location information and the work report; transmitting the operation by the maintenance worker, which is accepted after receiving the first permission information from the management device, to the control panel; A maintenance support program that executes the following:

2. The driving operation includes a manual operation of the car in the up and down direction. The maintenance support program according to claim 1 .

3. The mobile device, Reading authentication information of the maintenance person; performing identity verification of the maintenance worker based on the read authentication information; Run the command, transmitting the location information and the work notification from the mobile device to the management device after verifying that the maintenance worker is an authorized person based on the authentication information; The maintenance support program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In an elevator including a car that travels vertically within a hoistway, a control panel that controls operation of the elevator including the travel of the car; A portable device carried by the elevator maintenance worker; A management device that determines whether or not the elevator can be operated, including controlling the running of the car; Equipped with The mobile device transmits, to the management device, a work report that includes current location information of the mobile device and information capable of identifying a location of the elevator, and that is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator; the management device determines whether or not to permit the maintenance worker to operate the elevator based on the location of the elevator specified based on the work report and consistency with the location information, and when determining to permit the maintenance worker to operate the elevator, transmits first permission information to the mobile device; The mobile device transmits the operation by the maintenance worker, which is accepted after receiving the first permission information from the management device, to the control panel; The control panel controls the operation of the elevator based on the operation operation transmitted from the mobile device after receiving the first permission information. Maintenance support system.

5. the management device transmits second permission information to the control panel when determining that the operation by the maintenance worker is permitted; The portable device transmits the operation by the maintenance worker to the control panel together with the first permission information, The control panel determines whether the first permission information transmitted from the mobile device together with the operation of the elevator and the second permission information received from the management device are consistent with each other, and controls the operation of the elevator based on the operation of the elevator if the first permission information and the second permission information are consistent with each other. The maintenance support system according to claim 4.

6. The work report includes information on the work time for the maintenance of the elevator, the management device transmits information about the operation time to the control panel when determining that the operation by the maintenance worker is permitted; The control panel does not accept the driving operation transmitted from the mobile device after the operation time has elapsed. The maintenance support system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The work report includes information on the work time for the maintenance of the elevator, When the operation time is exceeded, the management device notifies the control panel of the exceeding of the operation time, The control panel does not accept the driving operation transmitted from the mobile device after receiving the notification of the excess of the work time. The maintenance support system according to claim 4 or 5.

8. the mobile device transmits to the management device a work completion report that is submitted when the maintenance of the elevator is completed; When the management device receives the work completion notification, the management device notifies the control panel of the completion of the maintenance; The control panel does not accept the driving operation transmitted from the mobile device after receiving a notification of completion of the work. The maintenance support system according to claim 4 or 5.

9. The portable device transmits the operation to the control panel directly or via a relay device provided in the elevator shaft or the elevator hall. The maintenance support system according to claim 4 or 5.

10. The mobile device transmits the driving operation to the control panel via the management device. The maintenance support system according to claim 4 or 5.

11. A portable device carried by an elevator maintenance worker includes a car that travels up and down in a hoistway and a control panel that controls the travel of the car, An acquisition unit for acquiring current location information; A first communication unit that communicates with a management device that determines whether or not operation of the elevator, including control of the travel of the car, is possible; A second communication unit that communicates with the control panel; a reception unit that receives the operation operation by the maintenance worker; Equipped with The first communication unit transmits to the management device a work report that includes the location information acquired by the acquisition unit and information capable of identifying the location of the elevator and is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator, The first communication unit receives first permission information from the management device when the management device permits the maintenance worker to perform the operation based on the location information and the work report, The second communication unit transmits, to the control panel, the operation by the maintenance worker that is accepted by the acceptance unit after the first communication unit receives the first permission information from the management device. Mobile devices.

12. a receiving unit that receives, from a portable device carried by a maintenance worker of an elevator including a car that moves up and down in a hoistway and a control panel that controls the movement of the car, current location information of the portable device and information that can identify the location of the elevator, the work report being submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator; a determination unit that determines whether or not to permit operation of the elevator, including control of the running of the car by the maintenance worker, based on the position of the elevator specified based on the work report and consistency of the position information; a transmission unit that transmits first permission information to the mobile device when the determination unit determines that the maintenance worker is permitted to perform the driving operation; A management device comprising:

13. A maintenance method for an elevator including a car that travels up and down in a hoistway and a control panel that controls the travel of the car, transmitting, from a portable device carried by a maintenance worker of the elevator, current location information of the portable device and a work report that includes information capable of identifying the location of the elevator and is submitted when starting maintenance of the elevator, to a management device that determines whether or not operation of the elevator, including control of the running of the car, is possible; receiving first permission information from the management device by the mobile device when the management device permits the maintenance worker to perform the operation based on the location information and the work report; After receiving the first permission information from the management device, transmitting the driving operation performed through the mobile device from the mobile device to the control panel; (c) a maintenance method.

14. the operation operation after receiving the first permission information from the management device includes the operation operation of running the car to the top of the elevator shaft through the portable device at a landing on the lowest floor of the elevator or a pit at the bottom end of the elevator shaft, and performing, in the pit, a maintenance operation on a counterweight that has traveled to the bottom of the elevator shaft in conjunction with the travel of the elevator shaft after the elevator car has traveled to the top of the elevator shaft based on the operation operation. The maintenance method according to claim 13.

15. the operation operation after receiving the first permission information from the management device includes the operation operation performed through the portable device at a hall of the elevator, of running the car to a boarding position where a height of a floor surface of the hall and a height of an upper surface of the car are equal to each other, and after the car has traveled to the boarding position based on the driving operation, getting on an upper surface of the car from the boarding area to perform maintenance work on the upper surface of the car. The maintenance method according to claim 13.

16. the driving operation after receiving the first permission information from the management device includes the driving operation performed through the portable device in a pit at a lower end of the elevator shaft, the driving operation causing the car to travel from the pit to a work position where maintenance work on a lower surface of the car can be performed; performing maintenance work on a bottom surface of the car in the pit after the car has traveled to the work position based on the driving operation, The maintenance method according to claim 13.

Images