Flooding detection sensor of elevator and elevator with flooding detection device

Abstract

To provide a flooding detection device 1 of an elevator 101 capable of easily mounting an environment detector 10.SOLUTION: A flooding detection device 1 of an elevator 101 according to the present disclosure comprises a control part 11, a storage part 12, an environment detector 10, and a mounting member 13 that the environment detector 10 can be mounted on outside the car 102. The environment detector 10 detects environment information on the lower direction of a hoistway 100a and the storage part 12 stores flooding determination data in advance. The flooding time determination data indicate the characteristics of environmental information when the hoistway 100a is flooded and the control part 11 detects the flooding of the hoistway 100a based on the flooding time determination data and the environment information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flooding detection device for an elevator and an elevator equipped with a flooding detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a water ingress detector that is installed in a pit under an elevator shaft in order to detect water ingress into the elevator shaft is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-169056 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional water flood detectors are installed in pits, which requires that power and signal lines be wired to the pit. In particular, in elevators that do not have any important electrical equipment installed in the pit, installing a water flood detector requires wiring work for signal and power lines, which creates the problem that the water flood detector cannot be easily installed.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a flooding detection device for an elevator to which an environmental detector can be easily attached, and an elevator equipped with a flooding detection device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The elevator flooding detection device of the present disclosure comprises a control unit, a memory unit, an environmental detector, and a mounting member capable of installing at least the environmental detector on the outside of the elevator car, the environmental detector detects environmental information which is information about the environment at least in the downward direction of the hoistway through which the car moves, the memory unit pre-stores flooding judgment data which indicates characteristics of the environmental information when the hoistway is flooded, and the control unit detects flooding in the hoistway based on the flooding judgment data and the environmental information.

[0007] The elevator according to the present disclosure is equipped with the flooding detection device according to the present disclosure. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the elevator flooding detection device and the elevator equipped with the flooding detection device of the present disclosure, an environmental detector can be easily installed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an elevator flooding detection device according to embodiment 1. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the function of the flooding detection device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the function of a flood detection device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the function of a flood detection device according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the function of a flood detection device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit for realizing the functions of a control unit and an elevator control device according to the first to fourth embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of the processing circuit for realizing the functions of the control unit and the elevator control device according to the first to fourth embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a submergence detection device 1 for an elevator 101 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the function of the submergence detection device 1 of Fig. 1. The submergence detection device 1 is installed in the elevator 101.

[0011] The elevator 101 is installed inside a building 100. A vertically extending elevator shaft 100a is formed in the building 100. A pit 100b is provided at the bottom of the elevator shaft 100a.

[0012] The elevator 101 has one car 102, an elevator control device 103, and a housing 103a in which the elevator control device 103 is installed.

[0013] The car 102 can move vertically in the elevator shaft 100a. A plurality of control devices (not shown) are installed in the car 102. The plurality of control devices include a button for a user of the elevator 101 to specify a destination floor, a button for controlling the opening and closing of the car door, a button for responding to an emergency, and an indicator for displaying the current position of the car 102.

[0014] A power line and a signal line (not shown) are passed from a housing 103a installed above the elevator shaft 100a to the car 102. Each control device in the car 102 is connected to the power line and the signal line passed from the housing 103a to the car 102.

[0015] The elevator control device 103 controls the movement of the car 102. A power line and a signal line extending between the car 102 and a housing 103a are connected to the elevator control device 103. As a result, the elevator control device 103 and each of the control devices are connected so as to be able to communicate information with each other.

[0016] The elevator control device 103 controls the movement of the car 102 within the hoistway 100a based on operations of the control devices installed within the car 102 by the user of the elevator 101.

[0017] The flooding detection device 1 includes an environment detector 10, a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, and a mounting member 13 for mounting the environment detector 10 to the outside of a car 102. The environment detector 10, the control unit 11, and the memory unit 12 are each connected to each other so that they can communicate information with each other.

[0018] The environment detector 10 is installed outside the car 102, facing the direction toward the pit 100b of the elevator shaft 100a, that is, toward the lower side of the elevator shaft 100a. The environment detector 10 can detect environmental information, which is information about the surrounding environment.

[0019] Since the environment detector 10 is installed facing the downward direction of the elevator shaft 100a, it can detect environmental information, which is information about the environment at least in the vicinity of the pit 100b, which is in the downward direction of the elevator shaft 100a.

[0020] In the present embodiment 1, the environment detector 10 is a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor can detect the surrounding humidity as environmental information. That is, in the present embodiment 1, the environment detector 10, which is a humidity sensor, detects the humidity in the environment in the direction toward the lower side of the elevator shaft 100a extending below the car 102.

[0021] Environmental information detected by the environment detector 10 is output to the control unit 11. A power line and a signal line extending from the housing 103a to the car 102 are connected to the environment detector 10. The environment detector 10 and the control unit 11 are connected by a signal line extending between the housing 103a and the car 102. This allows power to be supplied to the environment detector 10, and information to be transmitted between the environment detector 10 and the control unit 11.

[0022] Power is supplied to the environment detector 10, for example, at the same time as the elevator control device 103 is turned on or the elevator 101 starts operating. This allows the environment detector 10 to detect environmental information. The environment detector 10 periodically detects environmental information and outputs it to the control unit 11.

[0023] The control unit 11 is installed in the housing 103a. The control unit 11 can detect flooding of the hoistway 100a based on the environmental information input from the environment detector 10. A method for the control unit 11 to detect flooding of the hoistway 100a will be described later.

[0024] The control unit 11 and the elevator control device 103 are connected to be able to communicate information. The power supply system for the control unit 11 may be the same as the power supply system for the elevator control device 103.

[0025] When the control unit 11 detects flooding in the elevator shaft 100a, it outputs a flooding warning to the elevator control device 103. The elevator control device 103 can notify the outside of the flooding warning input from the control unit 11. The elevator control device 103 can control the operation of the elevator 101 based on the flooding warning.

[0026] The storage unit 12 is installed inside the housing 103a. Information including environmental information is stored in the storage unit 12 by the control unit 11. The control unit 11 can call up the information stored in the storage unit 12 and use the called up information.

[0027] Flooding judgment data is stored in advance in the storage unit 12. The flooding judgment data indicates characteristics of information on the surrounding environment when the hoistway 100a is flooded.

[0028] The mounting member 13 mounts the environment detector 10 to the outside of the car 102. The mounting member 13 is formed using a known fastening method, for example, bolts and nuts, welding, or adhesive. The environment detector 10 is mounted to the outside of the car 102 by the mounting member 13.

[0029] Next, a method for detecting flooding of the hoistway 100a in the control unit 11 will be described.

[0030] When power is applied to the elevator control device 103, power is also supplied to multiple control devices in the car 102. Furthermore, power is also supplied to the flooding detection device 1, that is, the environment detector 10, the control unit 11, and the memory unit 12. The environment detector 10, upon receiving power, detects environmental information and begins outputting the environmental information to the control unit 11.

[0031] Environmental information is periodically input to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 stores the periodically input environmental information in the storage unit 12, and detects flooding of the hoistway 100a.

[0032] The control unit 11 detects flooding of the hoistway 100a by comparing environmental information periodically input to the control unit 11 with flooding judgment data acquired from the memory unit 12. When the control unit 11 compares the environmental information with the flooding judgment data and determines that the periodically input environmental information has characteristics of the flooding judgment data, the control unit 11 determines that the hoistway 100a is flooded.

[0033] In the first embodiment, the environment detector 10 is a humidity sensor, and the environment information is the surrounding humidity. For example, when the hoistway 100a is flooded, that is, when water starts to accumulate in the pit 100b, the humidity in the pit 100b starts to increase compared to when no water is accumulated in the pit 100b. That is, if the humidity in the hoistway 100a increases significantly, it can be determined that water has started to accumulate in the pit 100b.

[0034] The control unit 11 monitors the humidity as environmental information that is periodically input. When the amount of change in humidity becomes larger than the flooding determination data, the control unit 11 determines that the hoistway 100a is flooded.

[0035] That is, the characteristic of the environmental information when the hoistway 100a is flooded is that the humidity increases significantly. The characteristic of the environmental information when the hoistway 100a is flooded is that the amount of change in humidity exceeds a certain threshold. Therefore, the flooding judgment data is a threshold value of the amount of change in humidity in the hoistway 100a.

[0036] Here, the flooding judgment data is determined, for example, based on a series of environmental information when the elevator shaft 100a was flooded in the past, or on data simulating a series of environmental information set assuming that situation, and is stored in advance in the memory unit 12.

[0037] The flooding judgment data can be determined by analyzing environmental information from past flooding events using known statistical, probabilistic, and other methods. Furthermore, the flooding judgment data may be determined through human intervention. For example, the flooding judgment data is determined from data showing the changes in humidity during past non-flooding and flooding events, or through simulation.

[0038] When the control unit 11 determines that the hoistway 100a is flooded, the control unit 11 transmits a flooding warning to the elevator control device 103. Based on the received flooding warning, the elevator control device 103 notifies the manager of the elevator 101 of the flooding of the hoistway 100a.

[0039] When the manager finds out that the hoistway 100a is flooded, he or she takes the necessary action. For example, the manager stops the operation of the elevator 101 and checks the situation in the pit 100b. If the hoistway 100a is actually flooded at that time, the manager takes action to respond to the flooding of the hoistway 100a.

[0040] The elevator control device 103 that has received the flood warning may execute a predetermined movement sequence of the car 102 when a flood warning is issued. For example, the movement sequence of the car 102 when a flood warning is issued may be to stop the elevator 101 from being used by general passengers, to stop the car 102 at a nearby floor, and to not move the car 102.

[0041] The flooding detection device 1 for the elevator 101 according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, an environment detector 10, and a mounting member 13 that can install at least the environment detector 10 on the outside of the car 102 of the elevator 101. The environment detector 10 detects environmental information, which is information on the environment in the downward direction of the hoistway 100a through which the car 102 moves. The memory unit 12 prestores flooding judgment data, which indicates characteristics of the environmental information when the hoistway 100a is flooded. The control unit 11 detects flooding of the hoistway 100a based on the flooding judgment data and the environmental information. This allows the environment detector 10 attached to the outside of the car 102 to detect flooding of the hoistway 100a. Therefore, the environment detector 10 can be easily attached without performing wiring installation work in the pit 100b.

[0042] According to the flooding detection device 1 for the elevator 101 of the first embodiment, the environment detector 10 is a humidity sensor, and the environment information is humidity. This allows the relatively small environment detector 10 to be installed on the outside of the car 102. This allows the mounting member 13 to be made smaller, and the environment detector 10 can be easily mounted. Furthermore, reinforcing work on the car 102 is not required when mounting the environment detector 10, and the environment detector 10 can be easily mounted. The flooding detection device 1 periodically records the humidity in the hoistway 100a. Therefore, the lifespan of each device in the elevator 101 can be estimated with high accuracy based on the humidity history in the hoistway 100a.

[0043] According to the flooding detection device 1 for the elevator 101 of the first embodiment, the flooding judgment data is a threshold value of the amount of fluctuation in humidity in the hoistway 100a when flooded, and the control unit 11 detects flooding in the hoistway 100a by comparing the amount of fluctuation in the environmental information with the flooding judgment data. This makes it possible to reliably detect flooding in the hoistway 100a. This can therefore contribute to safer operation of the elevator 101.

[0044] The elevator 101 according to the first embodiment is equipped with the flood detection device 1 of the present disclosure. As a result, the environment detector 10 can be easily attached to the elevator 101. Therefore, the cost of installing the flood detection device 1 in the elevator 101 can be reduced.

[0045] The control unit 11 stores the periodically input environmental information in the storage unit 12. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may store the periodically input environmental information in the storage unit 12 while sequentially erasing old environmental information stored in the storage unit 12.

[0046] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 determines that the hoistway 100a is flooded, the control unit 11 may store environmental information for a certain period before the occurrence of flooding and environmental information for a certain period after the occurrence of flooding as flooding environmental information in the storage unit 12. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may determine flooding judgment data again in consideration of newly obtained flooding environmental information.

[0047] Embodiment 2 3 is a schematic diagram showing the function of a flood detection device 1 according to embodiment 2. The flood detection device 1 in embodiment 2 differs from the flood detection device 1 in embodiment 1 in that the environment detector 10 is a sound collection device. The sound collection device can detect surrounding sounds and output acoustic data as environmental information. That is, in embodiment 2, the sound collection device detects sounds in a direction toward the pit 100b of the elevator shaft 100a extending below the car 102.

[0048] When the hoistway 100a is flooded, the sound of water flowing into the hoistway 100a or out of the hoistway 100a is generated. Whether water is accumulating in the pit 100b can be determined by the presence or absence of this sound of water flowing.

[0049] In the second embodiment, the submergence judgment data is the frequency band of the running water sound generated in the hoistway 100a when submerged and its sound pressure. The running water sound generated in the hoistway 100a when submerged is acoustic data in a specific frequency band and has a certain level of sound pressure. Therefore, this is used as the submergence judgment data.

[0050] Such flooding judgment data is determined, for example, based on an analysis of a series of acoustic data when the hoistway 100a was flooded in the past, or a series of acoustic data set assuming such a situation.

[0051] The control unit 11 monitors the acoustic data periodically input from the sound collecting device as environmental information. Specifically, it monitors whether the frequency of the acoustic data as environmental information matches the frequency band in the submergence judgment data and whether the sound pressure is higher than the sound pressure in the submergence judgment data. If the environmental information is sound in the frequency band in the submergence judgment data and the sound pressure is higher than the sound pressure in the submergence judgment data, the control unit 11 determines that the elevator shaft 100a is submerged.

[0052] The flooding judgment data is determined by analyzing acoustic data from past flooding events using well-known acoustic sound waveform extraction methods, statistical methods, probabilistic methods, and other methods. Furthermore, the flooding judgment data may be determined through human intervention. The other configurations of the flooding detection device 1 in embodiment 2 and the method of detecting flooding in the hoistway 100a are the same as those of the flooding detection device 1 in embodiment 1, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] According to the flooding detection device 1 for the elevator 101 according to the second embodiment, the environment detector 10 is a sound collecting device, and the environment information is acoustic data. This allows the relatively small environment detector 10 to be installed on the outside of the car 102. This allows the mounting member 13 to be made smaller, and the environment detector 10 can be easily mounted. Furthermore, reinforcement work for the car 102 is not required when mounting the environment detector 10, and the environment detector 10 can be easily mounted. Furthermore, acoustic data within the hoistway 100a is periodically recorded by the flooding detection device 1. This allows the quality of the running of the car 102 to be determined by analyzing the acoustic data within the hoistway 100a. Therefore, if a malfunction occurs in the elevator 101, it can be discovered early.

[0054] According to the flooding detection device 1 for the elevator 101 of the second embodiment, the flooding judgment data is the frequency band and sound pressure of the acoustic data in the hoistway 100a when flooded. Furthermore, the control unit 11 detects flooding in the hoistway 100a by comparing the environmental information with the flooding judgment data. This makes it possible to more reliably detect flooding in the hoistway 100a. This can therefore contribute to safer operation of the elevator 101.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the flooding judgment data is the frequency band and sound pressure of the running water sound generated in the hoistway 100a when flooded. However, it is not limited to this. For example, it may be waveform data of the sound resonating in the pit 100b. That is, when the hoistway 100a is flooded, that is, when water has accumulated in the pit 100b, the way the sound resonates in the pit 100b differs from when water is not accumulated in the pit 100b. Based on this resonation, it is possible to judge whether the hoistway 100a is flooded or not.

[0056] Embodiment 3 4 is a schematic diagram showing the function of a flooding detection device 1 according to embodiment 3. The flooding detection device 1 in embodiment 3 differs from the flooding detection device 1 in embodiment 1 in that the environment detector 10 is a camera. The camera can acquire and output an image of the pit 100b photographed from above as environmental information. That is, in embodiment 3, the environment detector 10, which is a camera, can photograph the pit 100b of the elevator shaft 100a extending below the car 102.

[0057] When the hoistway 100a is flooded, the water accumulated in the pit 100b can be seen in an image taken of the hoistway 100a looking toward the pit 100b. In other words, the water accumulated in the pit 100b can be directly confirmed, and it can be determined that the hoistway 100a is flooded.

[0058] Specifically, when water is pooled in the pit 100b, light is reflected by the water pooled in the pit 100b, and therefore characteristics can be found in the amount of light and the fluctuation of light in the pit 100b. Therefore, the amount of light and the degree of the fluctuation of light in an image taken of the pit 100b when water is pooled in the pit 100b can be quantified and used as flooding judgment data as a characteristic of the flooding state.

[0059] The control unit 11 performs image analysis on the images as environmental information periodically input from the camera, and compares the images with flooding judgment data.

[0060] Specifically, the control unit 11 quantifies the amount of light and the degree of light fluctuation in the image as environmental information by image analysis. The control unit 11 compares the quantified amount of light and the degree of light fluctuation in the environmental information with the flooding judgment data. If the control unit 11 determines that the quantified amount of light and the degree of light fluctuation in the environmental information show values ​​similar to the flooding judgment data, it determines that the elevator shaft 100a is flooded.

[0061] The numerical value as the flooding judgment data is determined, for example, based on an analysis of an image of the hoistway 100a when the hoistway 100a was flooded in the past, or an analysis assuming such a situation.

[0062] The numerical value of the flooding judgment data is determined by analyzing images of past flooding by well-known image analysis methods, statistical methods, probabilistic methods, and other methods. Furthermore, the flooding judgment data may be determined by human intervention. The other configurations of the flooding detection device 1 in embodiment 3 and the method of detecting flooding in the hoistway 100a are similar to those of the flooding detection device 1 in embodiment 1, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] According to the flooding detection device 1 for the elevator 101 of the third embodiment, the environment detector 10 is a camera, and the environment information is an image. This allows the relatively small environment detector 10 to be installed on the outside of the car 102. This allows the mounting member 13 to be made smaller, and the environment detector 10 can be easily mounted. Furthermore, reinforcing work for the car 102 is not required when mounting the environment detector 10, and the environment detector 10 can be easily mounted. Furthermore, images of the pit 100b periodically taken by the flooding detection device 1 are recorded. This allows the cleaning state of the pit 100b to be confirmed. Therefore, the pit 100b can be cleaned as necessary, and the efficiency of the cleaning work can be improved.

[0064] According to the flood detection device 1 for the elevator 101 of the third embodiment, the flood judgment data is a numerical representation of the amount of light and the degree of light fluctuation in an image of the hoistway 100a when flooded. The control unit 11 detects flooding of the hoistway 100a by comparing the numerical representation of the amount of light and the degree of light fluctuation in the environmental information with the flood judgment data. This makes it possible to more reliably detect flooding of the hoistway 100a. This therefore contributes to safer operation of the elevator 101.

[0065] According to the flood detection device 1 for the elevator 101 of the third embodiment, flooding in the hoistway 100a is detected based on the flooding judgment data, the amount of light obtained from the environmental information, and the degree of light fluctuation quantified. However, this is not limited to this. Any feature may be used as long as it is obtained by quantifying an image of the hoistway 100a.

[0066] Embodiment 4 5 is a schematic diagram showing functions of a submergence detection device 1 according to embodiment 4. The submergence detection device 1 in embodiment 4 differs from the submergence detection device 1 in embodiment 1 in that it further includes an external environment detector 14.

[0067] The flooding detection device 1 further includes an external environment detector 14. The external environment detector 14 is installed inside the building 100, which is outside the elevator shaft 100a, or outside the building 100. The external environment detector 14 is connected to the control unit 11 so as to be able to communicate information.

[0068] The external environment detector 14 can periodically detect and output external environment information, which is information on the environment inside the building 100, which is outside the elevator shaft 100a, or the environment outside the building 100. The external environment information detected by the external environment detector 14 is output to the control unit 11.

[0069] In the present embodiment 4, the external environment detector 14 is a humidity sensor, similar to the environment detector 10 in the embodiment 1. The humidity sensor can detect the humidity inside the building 100, which is outside the elevator shaft 100a, or outside the building 100, as external environment information.

[0070] The control unit 11 can detect flooding of the hoistway 100a based on the environmental information input from the environmental detector 10 and the external environmental information input from the external environmental detector 14.

[0071] The humidity, which is the environmental information of the hoistway 100a detected by the environment detector 10, varies with changes in the environment inside and outside the building 100, such as changes in the environment due to the season, time of day, temperature, and weather. The control unit 11 needs to determine whether the hoistway 100a is flooded, taking into account these changes in the environment inside and outside the building 100.

[0072] For example, when it rains, the humidity of the environment inside and outside the building 100 outside the hoistway 100a may increase due to the rain. Therefore, the humidity, which is environmental information inside the hoistway 100a, may also increase. Therefore, the control unit 11 needs to detect flooding of the hoistway 100a by excluding that caused by rain from the environmental information.

[0073] The external environment detector 14 detects the humidity of the environment outside the hoistway 100a as external environment information. Therefore, the control unit 11 can subtract the fluctuation in the external environment information from the fluctuation in the environment information, and compare the remaining amount of fluctuation with the flooding judgment data to determine whether the hoistway 100a is flooded or not. The other configurations of the flooding detection device 1 in embodiment 4 and the method of detecting flooding in the hoistway 100a are similar to those of the flooding detection device 1 in embodiment 1, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] The flooding detection device 1 for an elevator 101 according to the fourth embodiment is further provided with an external environment detector 14. The external environment detector 14 detects external environment information, which is information on the environment outside the hoistway 100a. The control unit 11 detects flooding in the hoistway 100a based on the flooding judgment data, the environment information, and the external environment information. This allows the control unit 11 to more accurately detect flooding in the hoistway 100a by taking into account changes in the external environment.

[0075] In the flooding detection device 1 in the fourth embodiment, the external environment detector 14 is a humidity sensor to correspond to the environment detector 10 in the first embodiment. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the external environment detector 14 may be a sound collecting device to correspond to the environment detector 10 in the second embodiment. This allows the external environment information to be taken into account as a disturbance in the environment information, and allows flooding of the hoistway 100a to be detected with higher accuracy. In other words, by using a detection mechanism that can detect the same detection target in the environment detector 10 and the external environment detector 14, flooding of the hoistway 100a can be detected more reliably based on the external environment information and the environment information. In addition, when the environment detector 10 is a camera, a light amount meter that measures the amount of light outside the hoistway 100a can be used as the external environment detector 14.

[0076] Furthermore, in the flooding detection device 1 in the fourth embodiment, flooding in the hoistway 100a is detected taking into consideration external environment information detected by the external environment detector 14. However, this is not limited to this. For example, flooding in the hoistway 100a may be detected using weather information obtained from the Internet, or information obtained from a measuring device that detects the external environment. In this way, flooding in the hoistway 100a can be detected with higher accuracy by using information obtained from sources other than the external environment detector 14.

[0077] Moreover, in the flood detection device 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments, the control unit 11 and the elevator control device 103 are separate control devices. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the elevator control device 103 may have and execute the functions of the control unit 11.

[0078] Furthermore, suitable features may be digitized and used as the flooding judgment data in the flooding detection device 1 in any of the first to fourth embodiments. For example, features that are easy to convert into numerical values ​​or prominent features of the environmental information that are easy for the environmental detector 10 to detect may be used.

[0079] Furthermore, the flooding detection device 1 in embodiments 1 to 4 uses the same power supply and power line system as the elevator control device 103 of the elevator 101 and each control device in the car 102. However, this is not limited to this. For example, a dedicated power line and signal line for the flooding detection device 1 may be laid. This makes it possible to easily install the flooding detection device 1, for example, in an existing elevator 101, without having to worry about the power capacity or circuit breaker capacity of the existing elevator 101.

[0080] In the flooding detection device 1 in the first to fourth embodiments, the control unit 11 and the storage unit 12 are installed inside the housing 103a. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the environment detector 10 may all be attached to the outside of the car 102 by the attachment member 13.

[0081] According to the flooding detection device 1 of embodiments 1 to 4, the control unit 11, memory unit 12, and environment detector 10 are attached to the outside of the car 102 via the mounting member 13. This allows the flooding detection device 1 to be easily installed in the elevator 101 by simply attaching the control unit 11, memory unit 12, and environment detector 10 to the outside of the car 102 and laying the necessary wiring. Therefore, not only when installing a new elevator 101, but also when additionally installing a flooding detection device 1 to an existing elevator 101, there is no need to obtain the space required for installing the control unit 11 and memory unit 12 within the casing 103a, making it easy to install the flooding detection device 1.

[0082] Moreover, in the building 100 in the first to fourth embodiments, one elevator 101 is installed. However, this is not limited to this. A plurality of elevators 101 may be installed in the building 100.

[0083] Moreover, the flood detection device 1 in the first to fourth embodiments outputs a flood warning to the elevator control device 103. However, this is not limited to this. For example, a flood warning may also be sent to a central control device that manages a plurality of elevators 101 in groups. This allows flooding in a plurality of hoistways 100a to be managed by the central control device. Therefore, there is no need to prepare personnel and equipment required for flood countermeasures in advance for each pit 100b, and costs required for personnel and equipment can be reduced. Furthermore, personnel and equipment required for flood countermeasures can be appropriately allocated, allowing for rapid response.

[0084] Moreover, the functions of the control unit 11 and the elevator control device 103 according to the first to fourth embodiments are realized by a processing circuit. Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the control unit 11 and the elevator control device 103 according to the first to fourth embodiments.

[0085] Furthermore, the processing circuit 300 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0086] 7 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a processing circuit that realizes the functions of the control unit 11 and the elevator control device 103 according to the first to fourth embodiments. The processing circuit 310 of the second example includes a processor 311 and a memory 312.

[0087] In the processing circuit 310, the functions of the elevator control device 103 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 312. The processor 311 realizes the functions by reading and executing the programs recorded in the memory 312.

[0088] It can be said that the programs stored in the memory 312 cause the computer to execute the procedures or methods of the above-mentioned sections. Here, the memory 312 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM), etc. In addition, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD, etc. also fall under the category of the memory 312.

[0089] The functions of the elevator control device 103 described above may be partially realized by dedicated hardware and partially realized by software or firmware.

[0090] In this manner, the processing circuitry can realize the functions of the elevator control device 103 described above through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0091] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0092] (Appendix 1) A control unit; A storage unit; An environmental detector; a mounting member capable of mounting at least the environment detector on the outside of an elevator car; Equipped with The environmental detector detects environmental information that is information about an environment at least in a downward direction of a hoistway through which the car moves, The storage unit stores submergence judgment data in advance, The flooding judgment data indicates characteristics of the environmental information when the elevator shaft is flooded, The control unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft based on the flooding judgment data and the environmental information. Elevator flooding detection device. (Appendix 2) the environmental detector is a humidity sensor; The environmental information is humidity. 2. An elevator flooding detection device as described in appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The flooding judgment data is a threshold value of a humidity fluctuation amount in the hoistway when flooded, The control unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft by comparing a fluctuation amount of the environmental information with the flooding judgment data. 4. An elevator flooding detection device as described in appendix 2. (Appendix 4) The environment detector is a sound collecting device, The environmental information is acoustic data. 2. An elevator flooding detection device as described in appendix 1. (Appendix 5) The flooding judgment data is a frequency band and a sound pressure of sound data in the hoistway during flooding, The control unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft by comparing the environmental information with the flooding judgment data. 5. An elevator flooding detection device as described in appendix 4. (Appendix 6) the environmental detector is a camera; The environmental information is an image. 2. An elevator flooding detection device as described in appendix 1. (Appendix 7) The flooding judgment data is a quantification of the amount of light and the degree of light fluctuation in the image of the elevator shaft when it is flooded, The control unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft by comparing the quantified amount of light and the degree of light fluctuation in the environmental information with the flooding judgment data. 7. An elevator flooding detection device as described in appendix 6. (Appendix 8) Further comprising an external environment detector, The external environment detector detects external environment information that is information about an environment outside the elevator shaft, The control unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft based on the flooding judgment data, the environmental information, and the external environmental information. 8. An elevator flooding detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) The control unit, the memory unit, and the environment detector are attached to the outside of the car via the mounting member. 9. An elevator flooding detection device according to any one of appendix 1 to appendix 8. (Appendix 10) An elevator equipped with a flood detection device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 9. Elevator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 flooding detection device, 10 environmental detector (humidity sensor, sound collection device, camera), 11 control unit, 12 memory unit, 13 mounting member, 14 external environmental detector (humidity sensor), 100 building, 100a elevator shaft, 100b pit, 101 elevator, 102 cage, 103 elevator control device, 103a housing, 300 processing circuit, 310 processing circuit, 311 processor, 312 memory.

Claims

1. A control unit; A storage unit; An environmental detector; a mounting member capable of mounting at least the environment detector on the outside of an elevator car; Equipped with The environmental detector detects environmental information that is information about an environment at least in a downward direction of a hoistway through which the car moves, The storage unit stores submergence judgment data in advance, The flooding judgment data indicates characteristics of the environmental information when the elevator shaft is flooded, The control unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft based on the flooding judgment data and the environmental information. Elevator flooding detection device.

2. the environmental detector is a humidity sensor; The environmental information is humidity. The elevator flooding detection device according to claim 1.

3. The flooding judgment data is a threshold value of a humidity fluctuation amount in the hoistway when flooded, The control unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft by comparing a fluctuation amount of the environmental information with the flooding judgment data. The elevator flooding detection device according to claim 2.

4. The environment detector is a sound collecting device, The environmental information is acoustic data. The elevator flooding detection device according to claim 1.

5. The flooding judgment data is a frequency band and a sound pressure of sound data in the hoistway during flooding, The control unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft by comparing the environmental information with the flooding judgment data. The elevator flooding detection device according to claim 4.

6. the environmental detector is a camera; The environmental information is an image. The elevator flooding detection device according to claim 1.

7. The flooding judgment data is a numerical representation of the amount of light and the degree of light fluctuation in an image of the elevator shaft when the elevator shaft is flooded, The control unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft by comparing the quantified amount of light and the degree of light fluctuation in the environmental information with the flooding judgment data. The elevator flooding detection device according to claim 6.

8. Further comprising an external environment detector, The external environment detector detects external environment information that is information about an environment outside the elevator shaft, The control unit detects flooding of the elevator shaft based on the flooding judgment data, the environmental information, and the external environmental information. The elevator flooding detection device according to claim 1.

9. The control unit, the memory unit, and the environment detector are attached to the outside of the car via the mounting member. The elevator flooding detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The elevator flooding detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is provided. Elevator.

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