Elevator control unit

Abstract

To provide an elevator control unit which can increase the possibility of early recovery from an emergency while maintaining sufficient service quality during normal operation.SOLUTION: A control unit of an elevator 1 includes a setting unit 16. The setting unit 16 sets a standby state during normal operation. The standby state includes information on the standby position of at least one car 7. The setting unit 16 sets the standby state based on both a first condition for normal operation and a second condition for an emergency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an elevator control device. The control device calculates the sum of the number of registrations for each of the adjacent predetermined floors. The control device sets the top floor of the floor with the largest number of registrations according to this calculation as the waiting floor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-169649 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The control device in Patent Document 1 sets waiting floors taking into consideration the service quality during normal elevator operation, such as operational efficiency. However, since it does not consider the impact on elevators in emergencies such as earthquakes, it may be difficult to quickly restore operation depending on the extent of the damage to the elevator.

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to solving such problems, and provides an elevator control device that can increase the possibility of early recovery from an emergency while maintaining sufficient service quality during normal operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device disclosed herein is a control device for an elevator including one or more cars, each of which travels upward and downward in a hoistway to respond to calls, and is equipped with a setting unit that sets the waiting state of the elevator during normal operation, including the waiting position of at least one of the one or more cars, based on both a first condition for normal operation and a second condition for emergency situations. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The elevator control device according to the present disclosure can increase the possibility of early recovery from an emergency while maintaining sufficient service quality during normal operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting a standby state by the elevator control device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of updating weights by the elevator control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of updating of weights by the elevator control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a standby state set by the elevator control device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a standby state set by the elevator control device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the elevator control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the main parts of the elevator control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an elevator according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 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.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an elevator 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] 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 that spans the multiple floors. A landing 3 adjacent to the hoistway 2 is provided on each floor of the building.

[0012] The elevator 1 includes one or more units 4. In this example, the elevator 1 includes a plurality of units 4. Each unit 4 includes a hoist 5, a main rope 6, a car 7, a counterweight 8, and a control panel 9.

[0013] The hoisting machine 5 includes a drive sheave 10. The hoisting machine 5 generates a driving force for rotating the drive sheave 10 by, for example, a motor. The hoisting machine 5 is disposed, for example, at the upper or lower part of the hoistway 2. Alternatively, when a machine room is provided in the elevator 1, for example, above the hoistway 2, the hoisting machine 5 may be disposed in the machine room.

[0014] The main rope 6 is a device that supports the load of the car 7 and counterweight 8 in the hoistway 2. The main rope 6 is wound around a drive sheave 10 of the hoisting machine 5. The main rope 6 supports the load of the car 7 on one side of the drive sheave 10. The main rope 6 supports the load of the counterweight 8 on the other side of the drive sheave 10. As the drive sheave 10 rotates, the main rope 6 moves so that one side of the drive sheave 10 is wound up.

[0015] The car 7 is a device that transports users and the like between multiple floors of a building by traveling up and down the hoistway 2. The counterweight 8 is a device that balances the loads applied to both sides of the drive sheave 10 with the car 7. The car 7 and the counterweight 8 move in opposite directions in the hoistway 2 vertically in conjunction with the main rope 6 that is moved by the drive sheave 10 of the hoisting machine 5.

[0016] The control panel 9 is a device that controls the operation of the unit 4 including the control panel 9 itself. The control of the operation of the unit 4 by the control panel 9 includes, for example, the running of the car 7 in the unit 4. The control panel 9 is arranged, for example, at the upper part or the lower part of the hoistway 2. Alternatively, when a machine room is provided, the control panel 9 may be arranged in the machine room.

[0017] The elevator 1 is provided with a group management device 11. The group management device 11 is a device that manages the operation of the elevator 1. The management of the operation of the elevator 1 by the group management device 11 includes, for example, the management of calls to the elevator 1, the management of the current positions of the cars 7 of each unit 4, etc. Calls to the elevator 1 include, for example, calls registered through a landing operation panel provided at the landing 3, and calls registered through a portable device held by the user, etc. The group management device 11 assigns, for example, calls to the elevator 1 to any one of the units 4. The group management device 11 is connected to the control panel 9 of each unit 4 so as to be able to communicate call information, the current position information of the car 7, etc. During normal operation of the elevator 1, the control panel 9 of the unit 4 to which a call has been assigned by the group management device 11 runs the car 7 to the departure floor or the destination floor of the call, etc., so that the car 7 responds to the call. All or part of the group management device 11 and the control panel 9 of each unit 4 are examples of the control device of the elevator 1. Also, all or part of the control panel 9 of each unit 4 is an example of a travel control unit that controls the travel of each car 7 in the control device of the elevator 1.

[0018] 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, for example, the group management device 11 or the control panel 9 of each unit 4 so as to collect information on the state of the elevator 1. The remote monitoring device 12 collects, for example, information input to the group management device 11 and information output from the group management device 11 as information on the state of the elevator 1. The information collected by the remote monitoring device 12 is output to, for example, a server device provided in an information center 14 through a communication network 13 such as the Internet or a telephone line network. The information center 14 is a base that collects and manages information on the state of the elevator 1. The server device provided in the information center 14 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. A part or all of the functions of the server device provided in the information center 14 may be implemented by processing or storage resources on a cloud service.

[0019] The group management device 11 includes an allocation unit 15, a setting unit 16, a storage unit 17, an acquisition unit 18, and an evaluation unit 19.

[0020] The allocation unit 15 is a part that has a function of allocating calls of the elevator 1 to any one of the units 4. The allocation unit 15 selects the unit 4 to which the call is allocated so that the service quality of the elevator 1, such as the operation efficiency of the elevator 1 or the energy consumption of the elevator 1, can be improved during normal operation, for example. Here, the operation efficiency of the elevator 1 is evaluated as having high service quality, for example, when the waiting time of the user is short. The waiting time of the user may include one or both of the time until the user boards the car 7 of any one of the units 4 at the hall 3, and the time until the user boards the car 7 arrives at the destination floor and gets off. In addition, the energy consumption of the elevator 1 is evaluated as having high service quality, for example, when the total amount of energy consumed in the elevator 1, the energy consumption per user who uses the elevator 1, the energy consumption per unit travel distance, or the energy consumption per other unit is low. The allocation unit 15 may allocate calls based on other indicators, etc.

[0021] The setting unit 16 is a part that has a function of setting the standby state of the elevator 1 during normal operation. The standby state of the elevator 1 is a state of the elevator 1 that is determined by the standby position of at least one car 7. The standby position of the car 7 is a position in the hoistway 2 where the car 7 that is not responding to a call stops and waits. The standby position of the car 7 may be a standby floor of the car 7. The standby floor of the car 7 is a floor where a hall 3 is located where the car 7 that is not responding to a call stops and waits. The car 7 that is not responding to a call is, for example, a car 7 to which no call is assigned. In this example, the setting unit 16 sets a standby floor for each car 7 as the standby state of the elevator 1. For example, when the elevator 1 has only one unit 4, the setting unit 16 sets the standby floor of the car 7 of the unit 4 as the standby state of the elevator 1. For example, when the elevator 1 has multiple units 4, the setting unit 16 sets the standby floor of the car 7 for each unit 4 individually. Alternatively, the setting unit 16 may set the standby positions of the cars 7 from the entire area of ​​the hoistway 2, including positions where there are no landings 3 between adjacent landings 3, as the standby state of the elevator 1, not limited to the positions of the landings 3 in the hoistway 2. The setting unit 16 sets the standby state based on both a first condition for normal operation and a second condition for emergency.

[0022] The first condition is, for example, a condition that is set in advance to improve the service quality during normal operation. The first condition includes, for example, a condition that is set to improve the operation efficiency of the elevator 1. Alternatively, the first condition may include, for example, a condition that is set to reduce the energy consumption of the elevator 1.

[0023] The second condition is, for example, a condition that is set in advance so as to reduce the risk of damage to the elevator 1 in an emergency. Here, the risk of damage to the elevator 1 is evaluated as high in an emergency, for example, when the occurrence of a situation that becomes an emergency means that there is a high possibility that the equipment or device of the elevator 1 will break down. The damage risk may also be evaluated in consideration of the scale of damage, such as the time required for recovery when the equipment or device of the elevator 1 breaks down. The second condition includes, for example, a condition that is set so as to reduce the risk of damage to the elevator 1 in an earthquake as an emergency. Alternatively, the second condition may include a condition that is set so as to reduce the risk of damage to the elevator 1 in a strong wind as an emergency. The second condition may also include a condition that is set so as to reduce the risk of damage to the elevator 1 in a flood as an emergency.

[0024] The storage unit 17 is a part that has a function of storing information. In the storage unit 17, information on the first condition, information on the second condition, and the like are stored. In the storage unit 17, information such as an operation history during normal operation of the elevator 1 may be stored. The operation history includes, for example, information that tallies the number of past calls for each floor, such as a departure floor or a destination floor. The operation history may include time information such as a time period, a day of the week, or whether or not it is a holiday, such as the time of call registration or response. In the storage unit 17, information such as a damage history during an emergency of the elevator 1 may be stored. The damage history includes, for example, information on the number of occurrences or the occurrence rate of damage such as equipment failure of the elevator 1 when a situation that becomes an emergency, such as an earthquake, strong wind, or flood, occurs. The damage history may include information such as the floor corresponding to the position of the car 7 when a situation that becomes an emergency occurs. The damage history may include information on the scale of damage, such as the time required for recovery. The damage history may include information such as actual measured values ​​of the response of each floor, such as acceleration, speed, or displacement, when an earthquake or strong wind occurs. Information such as the installation status of the elevator 1 may be stored in the storage unit 17. The installation status of the elevator 1 includes, for example, information such as the usage status of the building to which the elevator 1 is applied. The usage status of the building may include, for example, information such as the presence or absence of a building entrance / exit on each floor and the purpose of each floor. The purpose of each floor may include, for example, an office, a cafeteria, a store, or other purposes. The installation status of the elevator 1 includes, for example, information such as the design damage risk in an emergency of the building to which the elevator 1 is applied. The design damage risk may include, for example, information such as a simulation result of the response of each floor, such as acceleration, speed, or displacement, when an earthquake or strong wind occurs.

[0025] The acquisition unit 18 is a part equipped with a function of acquiring information used for processing the setting of the standby state by the setting unit 16. The acquisition unit 18 acquires, for example, information on the first condition and information on the second condition by reading them out from the storage unit 17. The acquisition unit 18 may acquire new information by updating the information on the first condition and information on the second condition based on the information read out from the storage unit 17. The acquisition unit 18 may update the information on the first condition and information on the second condition at, for example, a periodic or non-periodic timing set in advance. The acquisition unit 18 may update the information on the first condition and information on the second condition at, for example, a timing when a command signal is received from the manager of the elevator 1 or the information center 14.

[0026] The evaluation unit 19 is a part that has a function of evaluating the occurrence risk of a situation in which the elevator 1 becomes an emergency. Here, the occurrence risk of a situation in which the elevator 1 becomes an emergency is evaluated as high, for example, when the possibility of the situation occurring is high. In addition, the occurrence risk of a situation in which an emergency occurs, such as an earthquake, strong wind, or flood, may be evaluated in consideration of the occurrence scale of the situation, such as seismic intensity, wind speed, or precipitation. For example, the evaluation unit 19 may evaluate the occurrence risk of a meteorological disaster, such as strong wind or flood, based on information acquired from an external meteorological information service. For example, the evaluation unit 19 acquires meteorological information from the outside through the communication network 13. For example, the evaluation unit 19 may evaluate the occurrence risk of an aftershock, such as an earthquake, based on earthquake information of the most recent earthquake. For example, the evaluation unit 19 may acquire earthquake information from the outside through the communication network 13, or may acquire earthquake information based on actual measurements from a seismic intensity meter or the like installed in the elevator 1. The evaluation unit 19 may evaluate the occurrence risk of a situation in which an emergency occurs by other methods. The evaluation unit 19 evaluates the risk of an emergency occurring at, for example, a preset periodic or non-periodic timing. The evaluation unit 19 may evaluate the risk of an aftershock occurring at, for example, the timing of an earthquake larger than a preset scale. The evaluation unit 19 may also evaluate the risk of an emergency occurring at, for example, the timing of receiving a command signal from the manager of the elevator 1 or the information center 14.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of setting a standby state by the control device of the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0028] In the elevator 1, a first score and a second score are set in advance for each floor. The first score is a score that is set based on a first condition and indicates the suitability of the floor as a waiting floor. The first score is, for example, stored in advance in the storage unit 17 as information about the first condition. The second score is a score that is set based on a second condition and indicates the suitability of the floor as a waiting floor. The second score is, for example, stored in advance in the storage unit 17 as information about the second condition.

[0029] In this example, the first score is set so as to increase the operation efficiency of the elevator 1. The first score is set in advance, for example, at the time of design based on the installation status of the elevator 1. For example, since it is expected that many calls will be registered on floors where entrances and exits of a building are provided, the first score is set so as to be highest on the first floor where the entrances and exits are provided. For example, the first score is set so as to be higher as the floor approaches the top floor so that passengers can be transported without frequently changing the running direction of the car 7. The acquisition unit 18 acquires the first score for each floor, for example, by reading it from the storage unit 17.

[0030] The acquisition unit 18 may acquire a new first score for each floor by updating based on information read from the storage unit 17. The acquisition unit 18 may update the first score for each floor based on, for example, the operation history stored in the storage unit 17. The acquisition unit 18 may update the first score so that, for example, the more frequently a floor is registered as a departure floor in calls for the elevator 1, the higher the first score becomes. The acquisition unit 18 may update the first score for each floor based on the operation history of other elevators similar to the elevator 1. The acquisition unit 18 acquires the operation history of other elevators through, for example, the remote monitoring device 12, the communication network 13, and the information center 14. The acquisition unit 18 acquires the operation history of elevators of the same model, elevators whose difference in ascent and descent stroke is within a preset range, elevators applied to buildings with similar uses, and the like, as the operation history of other elevators similar to the elevator 1. The other elevators similar to the elevator 1 may be, for example, those that are preset for the elevator 1.

[0031] In this example, the second score is set so as to reduce the risk of damage to the elevator 1 in an emergency when an earthquake occurs. The second score is set in advance, for example, at the time of design based on the installation status of the elevator 1. For example, based on a simulation of the response of each floor to earthquake motion, the second score is set so as to be higher for floors with smaller responses such as acceleration so as to reduce the force received by the car 7 or the counterweight 8. For example, based on a simulation of the response of each floor to earthquake motion, the second score is set so as to be higher for floors farther from a resonance floor where resonance may occur so as to reduce the resonance of the main rope 6. The acquisition unit 18 acquires the second score for each floor, for example, by reading it from the storage unit 17.

[0032] The acquisition unit 18 may acquire a new second score for each floor by updating based on information read from the storage unit 17. The acquisition unit 18 may update the second score for each floor based on, for example, the damage history stored in the storage unit 17. The acquisition unit 18 may update the second score so that, for example, the farther the floor is from the floor where the car 7 was located when the elevator 1 was actually damaged, the higher the second score. The acquisition unit 18 may update the second score so that, for example, the smaller the actual measured value of the response to earthquake motion in the building, the higher the second score. The acquisition unit 18 acquires damage history for other elevators through, for example, the remote monitoring device 12, the communication network 13, and the information center 14. The acquisition unit 18 acquires damage history for elevators of the same model, elevators whose difference in ascent and descent stroke is within a preset range, elevators applied to buildings of a similar structure, and the like, as damage history for other elevators similar to the elevator 1. The other elevators similar to the elevator 1 may be, for example, preset for the elevator 1.

[0033] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, there may be a trade-off relationship regarding the suitability as a standby floor between the first condition for normal operation and the second condition for emergency. For this reason, the setting unit 16 sets the standby state of the elevator 1 based on both the first condition and the second condition, for example, as follows.

[0034] The setting unit 16 calculates the total score for each floor by multiplying the first score acquired by the acquisition unit 18 by the weight α1, multiplying the second score acquired by the acquisition unit 18 by the weight α2, and adding them. The setting unit 16 sets the standby state based on the total score. In this example, the setting unit 16 updates the values of the weight α1 and the weight α2 as needed so as to change according to the operating status of the elevator 1 and the like. At this time, the setting unit 16 may set one of the weight α1 and the weight α2 to 0. Note that the weight α1 and the weight α2 may be constant values stored in advance in the setting unit 16, for example. The setting unit 16 may set the weight α1 and the weight α2 for each unit 4, or may set the weight α1 and the weight α2 common to all the units 4. The setting unit 16 sets the standby state so that the floor with the highest total score for each unit 4 is the standby floor.

[0035] The control panel 9 of each unit 4 runs the corresponding car 7 based on the standby floor output from the setting unit 16. For example, the control panel 9 runs the corresponding car 7 to the departure floor and the destination floor of the call based on the call assigned by the assignment unit 15. When no call is assigned to the corresponding car 7, the control panel 9 runs the car 7 to the set standby floor and stops it. The car 7 stops and waits at the standby floor until the next call is assigned.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of weight update by the control device of the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0037] In this example, the setting unit 16 updates the values ​​of the weight α1 and the weight α2 according to time. As shown in Fig. 3, the number of users of the elevator 1 changes according to time. The change in the number of users at this time may be a predicted value assumed at the time of designing the elevator 1, or may be an actual measured value calculated based on the operation history of the elevator 1, etc.

[0038] The setting unit 16 sets the weight α1 of the first score to be large when the number of users is large, for example, so that the service quality such as the operation efficiency can be improved when the number of users is large. The setting unit 16 may set the weight α1 to change continuously or discretely with respect to the passage of time. On the other hand, when it is assumed that the risk of occurrence of an emergency situation such as an earthquake does not vary depending on the time of day, the setting unit 16 sets the weight α2 of the second score to be constant. In this case, the fixed value of the weight α2 is set, for example, in a range smaller than the maximum value of the weight α1 and larger than the minimum value of the weight α1. As a result, α1 is larger than α2 during the daytime when the number of users is large, so that the standby state is set so that the assurance of the service quality during normal operation is prioritized. In addition, α2 is larger than α1 during the nighttime when the number of users is small, so that the standby state is set so that the possibility of early recovery from an emergency is prioritized. The fixed value of the weight α2 may be set larger than the maximum value of the weight α1 or smaller than the minimum value of the weight α1. Furthermore, the setting unit 16 may update the weight value based on time information such as a time period into which a day is divided, a day of the week, or whether or not it is a holiday, in addition to the time of day within a day. In this way, the setting unit 16 changes the weight value according to time, thereby changing the standby state according to time.

[0039] The setting unit 16 may update values ​​such as the weight α2 depending on the occurrence risk of a situation that becomes an emergency evaluated by the evaluation unit 19. For example, when the evaluation unit 19 evaluates that the risk of an aftershock occurring is high, the setting unit 16 may update the value of the weight α2 corresponding to an emergency such as an earthquake to a higher value. For example, in a time period in which the evaluation unit 19 evaluates that there is a high risk of a meteorological disaster such as strong winds or flooding, the setting unit 16 may update the value of the weight α2 corresponding to the meteorological disaster to a higher value.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of updating of the weights by the control device of the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0041] In this example, the elevator 1 includes five units 4, from unit A to unit E. At this time, the setting unit 16 sets a weight α1 and a weight α2 for each unit 4. The setting unit 16 sets the weight α1 to vary within a range greater than the weight α2 for units A and B so that operation is performed with priority given to service quality during normal operation. The setting unit 16 sets the weight α1 to vary within a range including the weight α2 for units C and D so that operation is performed according to the situation. The setting unit 16 sets the weight α2 to be greater than the weight α1 for unit E so that operation is performed with priority given to the possibility of early recovery from an emergency. The weight α1 and the weight α2 may be constant values ​​or may be values ​​that vary continuously or discretely.

[0042] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of standby states set by the control device of the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment. 5A and 5B, the waiting floors set for each unit 4 when the weights illustrated in FIG. 4 are set are indicated by circles.

[0043] FIG. 5A shows an example of a standby state set by the control device during the daytime when the number of users is high. The setting unit 16 sets the weight α1 to be greater than the weight α2 during the daytime for the four units 4 from Unit A to Unit D. At this time, the setting unit 16 sets the first floor as the standby floor for the four units 4 from Unit A to Unit D based on the overall score calculated using the weights set in this way. The setting unit 16 also sets the weight α2 to be greater than the weight α1 during the daytime for Unit E. At this time, the setting unit 16 sets the fourth floor as the standby floor for Unit E based on the overall score calculated using the weights set in this way.

[0044] FIG. 5B shows an example of a standby state set by the control device in the evening when the number of users is low. The setting unit 16 sets the weight α1 to be greater than the weight α2 in the two units 4, A and B, in the evening. At this time, the setting unit 16 sets the first floor as the standby floor for the two units 4, A and B, based on the overall score calculated using the weights set in this way. The setting unit 16 also sets the weight α2 to be greater than the weight α1 in the three units 4, C to E, in the evening. At this time, the setting unit 16 sets the fourth floor as the standby floor for the three units 4, C to E, based on the overall score calculated using the weights set in this way.

[0045] Next, an example of the operation of the control device of the elevator 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device of the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an example of processing in a group control device 11 that operates as a control device for the elevators 1.

[0046] In step S1, the acquisition unit 18 acquires the first score and the second score by reading them out from the storage unit 17. After that, the processing of the group management device 11 proceeds to step S2.

[0047] In step S2, the evaluation unit 19 determines whether it is now the time to evaluate risk. If it is now the time to evaluate risk, the processing of the group management device 11 proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if it is not now the time to evaluate risk, the processing of the group management device 11 proceeds to step S4. Note that if it is not now the time to evaluate risk, the group management device 11 may perform subsequent processing using the occurrence risk evaluated immediately before by the evaluation unit 19.

[0048] In step S3, the evaluation unit 19 evaluates the risk of occurrence of a situation in which an emergency occurs in the elevator 1. After that, the processing of the group control device 11 proceeds to step S4.

[0049] In step S4, the setting unit 16 sets a weight α1 of the first score and a weight α2 of the second score. The setting unit 16 sets the weights of the first score and the second score based on, for example, the current time and the occurrence risk evaluated by the evaluation unit 19. After that, the processing of the group management device 11 proceeds to step S5.

[0050] In step S5, the setting unit 16 calculates a total score by weighting and adding the first score and the second score. After that, the processing of the group management device 11 proceeds to step S6.

[0051] In step S6, the setting unit 16 sets a standby state based on the total score. For example, the setting unit 16 sets the floor with the highest calculated total score as the standby floor for each unit 4. After that, the processing of the group management device 11 proceeds to step S7.

[0052] In step S7, the setting unit 16 outputs the set standby state to the control panel 9 of each unit 4. In this example, the setting unit 16 outputs the standby floor set for each unit 4 as the standby state to the control panel 9 of the corresponding unit 4. Thereafter, the processing of the group management device 11 proceeds to step S8.

[0053] In step S8, the acquisition unit 18 determines whether it is now time to update the first score and the second score. If it is now time to update, the processing of the group management device 11 proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if it is not now time to update, the processing of the group management device 11 proceeds to step S2. Note that if it is not now time to update, the group management device 11 may perform subsequent processing using the first score and second score most recently acquired by the acquisition unit 18.

[0054] In step S9, the acquisition unit 18 updates the first score and the second score based on information such as the operation history and damage history read from the storage unit 17. After that, the processing of the group management device 11 proceeds to step S2.

[0055] As described above, the control device of the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment includes the setting unit 16. The setting unit 16 sets a standby state during normal operation. The standby state includes information on the standby position of at least one car 7. The setting unit 16 sets the standby state based on both the first condition for normal operation and the second condition for emergency. With this configuration, in setting the standby state, both the effect on the elevator 1 during an emergency and the service quality during normal operation are taken into consideration. This allows the control device to increase the possibility of early recovery from an emergency while maintaining sufficient service quality during normal operation of the elevator 1. In particular, even in an emergency where it is difficult to respond in advance, such as a shallow earthquake, or an emergency that occurs during a power outage, the car 7 is on standby at a position with a low risk of damage, so that the operation of the elevator 1 can be resumed early after the earthquake or power outage has subsided.

[0056] Furthermore, the first condition includes a condition that is set to increase the operation efficiency of the elevator 1. The first condition includes a condition that is set to reduce the energy consumption of the elevator 1. With this configuration, the waiting floor is set based on specific indicators such as operation efficiency and energy consumption, making it easier to ensure the service quality during normal operation of the elevator 1. Note that the first condition may include multiple conditions for normal operation.

[0057] The second condition includes a condition that is set to reduce the risk of damage to the elevator 1 in an emergency such as an earthquake, strong wind, or flood. With this configuration, the waiting floor is set based on the specific situation of an emergency such as an earthquake, strong wind, or flood, so that the possibility of recovery of the elevator 1 from an emergency is further increased. The second condition may include multiple conditions for an emergency.

[0058] Furthermore, the setting unit 16 sets a waiting floor for each car 7 as a waiting state. With this configuration, a waiting floor is set for each car 7, so that the control panel 9 does not need to consider the status of the cars 7 of other units 4 when running the cars 7 to the waiting floor after completing the response to the call.

[0059] Furthermore, the setting unit 16 changes the standby state depending on time. With this configuration, the setting unit 16 can set the standby state depending on the operation status of the elevator 1 that changes depending on time, such as the number of passengers. This makes it easier to ensure the service quality during normal operation of the elevator 1.

[0060] The control device also includes an evaluation unit 19. The evaluation unit 19 evaluates the risk of occurrence of a situation that will cause an emergency for the elevator 1. The setting unit 16 changes the standby state according to the occurrence risk evaluated by the evaluation unit 19. The setting unit 16 becomes able to set a standby state according to the occurrence risk of an earthquake, strong wind, flood damage, etc. This further increases the possibility of the elevator 1 being able to recover from an emergency.

[0061] The control device also includes an acquisition unit 18. The acquisition unit 18 acquires a first score for each floor based on a first condition, and a second score for each floor based on a second condition. The setting unit 16 calculates a total score for each floor by multiplying each of the first score and the second score acquired by the acquisition unit 18 by a weight and adding them up. The setting unit 16 sets a standby state based on the total score. The setting unit 16 changes the standby state by changing the value of the weight. With this configuration, the setting unit 16 can set the standby state so as to balance the service quality during normal operation of the elevator 1 and the possibility of recovery from an emergency, with a simple configuration.

[0062] The acquisition unit 18 also updates the acquired first score based on the operation history of elevator 1 or other elevators similar to elevator 1. The acquisition unit 18 also updates the acquired second score based on the damage history of elevator 1 or other elevators similar to elevator 1 during an emergency. With this configuration, the first score or the second score is set according to the actual situation of each property, so that a standby state more suitable for the property in which elevator 1 is installed is set. Furthermore, by using information on other similar elevators, the first score or the second score is set based on more data. This makes the setting of the first score or the second score more reliable.

[0063] In addition, when the elevator 1 includes a plurality of cages 7, the setting unit 16 may set the allocation of waiting floors for the plurality of cages 7 as the standby state. For example, the setting unit 16 may set the number of cages 7 that set each floor as a standby floor as the standby state, and may not fix which floor each cage 7 sets as the standby floor. For example, when the elevator 1 includes five units 4 from unit A to unit E, the setting unit 16 may set the standby state such that two units 4 set the first floor as a standby floor and three units 4 set the fourth floor as a standby floor. In this case, the setting unit 16 may not fix whether the standby floor of the cage 7 of each unit 4 such as unit A is the first floor or the fourth floor. For example, the setting unit 16 may dynamically set which cage 7 waits at which standby floor according to the current position of the cage 7 of each unit 4 and the set standby state.

[0064] The setting unit 16 may also set in advance a plurality of patterns in which the weights α1 and α2 are constant over time, and vary the allocation of the units 4 to which each pattern is assigned over time. The setting unit 16 may, for example, set in advance a first pattern in which the weight α1 is always greater than the weight α2 so as to perform operation prioritizing the service quality during normal operation, and a second pattern in which the weight α2 is always greater than the weight α1 so as to perform operation prioritizing the possibility of early recovery from an emergency. At this time, the setting unit 16 may, for example, assign the pattern prioritizing the service quality during normal operation to four units during the daytime when the number of users is large, and assign the pattern prioritizing the possibility of early recovery from an emergency to one unit. The setting unit 16 may, for example, assign the pattern prioritizing the service quality during normal operation to two units, and assign the pattern prioritizing the possibility of early recovery from an emergency to three units during the nighttime when the number of users is small.

[0065] Furthermore, when the elevator 1 includes multiple cars 7, the control device may apply the standby state setting described above to some of the multiple cars 7, and not to the other cars 7. For example, the control device may apply the standby state setting to three of five cars 7, and not to the other two cars 7. Furthermore, the control device may apply the standby state setting to only a single car 7 of the multiple cars 7.

[0066] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control device of the elevator 1, such as the setting unit 16, the memory unit 17, the acquisition unit 18, and the evaluation unit 19, may be mounted on other devices or devices of the group management device 11 in the elevator 1. Some or all of the functions of the control device of the elevator 1 may be mounted on, for example, the control panel 9 of each unit 4, or the remote monitoring device 12. Some or all of the functions of the control device of the elevator 1 may be mounted on, for example, a server device provided in the information center 14 or other bases.

[0067] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the control device of the elevator 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a hardware configuration diagram of the main parts of the control device of the elevator 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0068] Each function of the control device of the elevator 1 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 together with the processor 100a and the memory 100b or in place of them.

[0069] When the processing circuit includes the processor 100a and the memory 100b, each function of the control device of the elevator 1 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 control device of the elevator 1 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 100b.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Each function of the control device of the elevator 1 can be realized by a processing circuit. Alternatively, each function of the control device of the elevator 1 can be realized collectively by a processing circuit. Some of the functions of the control device of the elevator 1 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 control device of the elevator 1 by dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0073] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, differences from the example disclosed in the first embodiment will be described in particular detail. For features not described in the second embodiment, any of the features of the example disclosed in the first embodiment may be adopted.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the elevator 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0075] The control device of the elevator 1 includes a learning unit 20. The learning unit 20 is a part equipped with a function of learning a setting model that outputs a standby state by a machine learning method. The learning unit 20 learns the setting model based on both the first condition and the second condition. The learning unit 20 is installed, for example, in a server device provided in the information center 14 or other bases. A part or all of the functions of the learning unit 20 may be installed in equipment or devices in the elevator 1 such as the remote monitoring device 12, the group management device 11, and the control panel 9 of each unit 4. The learning unit 20 performs learning using, for example, information on the elevator 1 or other similar elevators collected in the information center 14. The learning unit 20 performs learning of the setting model, for example, at a periodic or non-periodic timing set in advance.

[0076] The setting unit 16 inputs the input information of the elevator 1 to the setting model learned by the learning unit 20, and sets the output from the setting model as the waiting state of the elevator 1.

[0077] The learning unit 20 learns the setting model, for example, by a supervised learning method. The learning unit 20 learns the setting model by using a dataset including a plurality of pairs of input information on the first condition, input information on the second condition, and information including a standby state as training data, for example. The input information on the first condition includes information such as the operation history of the elevator 1 or other similar elevators. The input information on the first condition includes information on the usage status of the building to which the elevator 1 is applied, such as the presence or absence of a building entrance and exit at each floor and the purpose of each floor. The input information on the second condition includes information such as the damage history of the elevator 1 or other similar elevators. The input information on the second condition includes information such as the design risk of damage in an emergency of the building to which the elevator 1 is applied, such as the simulation result of the response of each floor, such as acceleration, speed, or displacement when an earthquake or strong wind occurs. The standby state included in each pair of the dataset is, for example, a standby state actually set under the circumstances of the input information on the first condition and the second condition, or a standby state set by the manager of the elevator 1 or the information center 14. Each set of the data set may include other information such as time and risk of occurrence of a situation that may become an emergency. At this time, the setting unit 16 inputs input information on the first condition of the elevator 1 and input information on the second condition, etc., to the setting model to obtain waiting information of the elevator 1 as an output. The setting unit 16 may also input information such as time or risk of occurrence of a situation that may become an emergency to the setting model.

[0078] The learning unit 20 learns the setting model by, for example, a method of reinforcement learning. The learning unit 20 sets the state of input information, such as the first condition and the second condition, as a state given by the environment. At this time, the learning unit 20 sets a standby state as an action to be performed under the state. The learning unit 20 receives a reward or a penalty based on the first condition and the second condition for the set standby state. The penalty may be a negative reward or the like. The learning unit 20 learns the setting model by reinforcement learning using a combination of such states, actions, and rewards. Here, the reward based on the first condition is set, for example, so that the shorter the waiting time of the user, the higher the reward is obtained. Alternatively, the penalty based on the first condition is set, for example, so that the longer the waiting time of the user, the larger the penalty is given. In addition, the reward based on the second condition is set, for example, so that the larger the damage to the elevator 1 caused in an emergency such as an earthquake, the larger the penalty is given. The magnitude of the damage is evaluated, for example, based on the occurrence rate of equipment failure, the scale of damage such as the time required for recovery, and the like. In the setting model of the learning unit 20, the state given by the environment may include information such as time and the risk of occurrence of a situation that may become an emergency. In this case, the setting unit 16 inputs input information about the elevator 1, etc., to the setting model, thereby obtaining a setting of a standby state that is output as an action from the setting model. The setting unit 16 may also input information such as time or the risk of occurrence of a situation that may become an emergency to the setting model.

[0079] The learning unit 20 may learn the setting model by other techniques including, for example, unsupervised learning or self-supervised learning. The learning unit 20 may learn the setting model by, for example, AI technology (AI: Artificial Intelligence).

[0080] As described above, the control device for elevator 1 according to embodiment 2 includes a learning unit 20. The learning unit 20 learns a setting model that outputs a standby state by machine learning based on both the first condition and the second condition. The setting unit 16 sets the output obtained by inputting the input information of the elevator 1 into the setting model learned by the learning unit 20 as the standby state. This configuration enables the control device to flexibly set the standby state in response to various situations of the elevator 1.

[0081] 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 control device for an elevator including one or more cars each traveling up and down in a hoistway to respond to calls, a setting unit that sets a standby state of the elevator during normal operation, including a standby position of at least one of the one or more cars, based on both a first condition for normal operation and a second condition for an emergency; A control device comprising: (Appendix 2) The first condition includes a condition set to increase the operation efficiency of the elevator, 2. The control device according to claim 1. (Appendix 3) The first condition includes a condition set to reduce energy consumption of the elevator, 3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The second condition includes a condition set to reduce the risk of damage to the elevator in the event of an earthquake as an emergency. 4. The control device according to claim 1, (Appendix 5) The second condition includes a condition set to reduce a risk of damage to the elevator in the event of a strong wind as an emergency. 5. The control device according to claim 1 , (Appendix 6) The second condition includes a condition set to reduce the risk of damage to the elevator in the event of a flood disaster as an emergency. 6. The control device according to claim 1, (Appendix 7) The setting unit sets a waiting floor for each of the one or more cars as the waiting position. 7. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) the elevator includes a plurality of cars as the one or more cars; The setting unit sets an allocation of waiting floors for the plurality of cars as the waiting state. 8. The control device according to claim 7. (Appendix 9) The setting unit changes the standby state according to time. 9. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) An evaluation unit for evaluating the risk of occurrence of a situation in which the elevator becomes in an emergency Equipped with The setting unit changes the standby state according to the occurrence risk evaluated by the evaluation unit. 9. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. (Appendix 11) an acquisition unit that acquires a first score for each floor based on the first condition and a second score for each floor based on the second condition; Equipped with The setting unit calculates a total score for each floor by multiplying each of the first score and the second score acquired by the acquisition unit by a weight and adding the results, sets the waiting state based on the total score, and changes the waiting state by changing the value of the weight. 11. The control device according to claim 9 or 10. (Appendix 12) The acquisition unit updates the acquired first score based on an operation history of the elevator or another elevator similar to the elevator. 12. The control device according to claim 11. (Appendix 13) The acquisition unit updates the acquired second score based on a damage history of the elevator or another elevator similar to the elevator during an emergency. 13. The control device according to claim 11 or 12. (Appendix 14) a learning unit that learns a setting model that outputs the standby state by a machine learning method based on both the first condition and the second condition; Equipped with The setting unit sets an output obtained by inputting the input information of the elevator into the setting model learned by the learning unit as the standby state, 11. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. (Appendix 15) The learning unit learns the setting model using a data set consisting of a plurality of sets, each of which includes the input information for the first condition, the input information for the second condition, and the standby state, as training data; the setting unit sets an output obtained by inputting the input information about the first condition and the input information about the second condition into the setting model as the standby state. 15. The control device according to claim 14. (Appendix 16) the learning unit learns the setting model by reinforcement learning in which a reward or a penalty based on the first condition and a reward or a penalty based on the second condition are received when taking an action to set the standby state under the state of the input information; The setting unit inputs the input information into the setting model as a state, and sets a setting output from the setting model as an action as the standby state. 15. The control device according to claim 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 elevator, 2 hoistway, 3 landing, 4 unit, 5 hoist, 6 main rope, 7 cage, 8 counterweight, 9 control panel, 10 drive sheave, 11 group control device, 12 remote monitoring device, 13 communication network, 14 information center, 15 allocation unit, 16 setting unit, 17 storage unit, 18 acquisition unit, 19 evaluation unit, 20 learning unit, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 dedicated hardware

Claims

1. A control device for an elevator including one or more cars that travel vertically in a hoistway and respond to calls, a setting unit that sets a standby state of the elevator during normal operation, including standby positions of at least one of the one or more cars, based on both a first condition for normal operation and a second condition for an emergency A control device comprising:

2. The first condition includes a condition set to improve the operating efficiency of the elevator, The control device according to claim 1.

3. The first condition includes a condition set to suppress energy consumption of the elevator, The control device according to claim 1.

4. The second condition includes a condition set to suppress the risk of damage to the elevator during an earthquake as an emergency, The control device according to claim 1.

5. The second condition includes a condition set to suppress the risk of damage to the elevator during strong winds as an emergency, The control device according to claim 1.

6. The second condition includes a condition set to suppress the risk of damage to the elevator during a flood as an emergency, The control device according to claim 1.

7. The setting unit sets a standby floor for each of the one or more cars as the standby position, The control device according to claim 1.

8. The elevator includes a plurality of cars as the one or more cars, The setting unit sets the distribution of standby floors for the plurality of cars as the standby state, The control device according to claim 7.

9. The setting unit changes the standby state according to time, The control device according to claim 1.

10. An evaluation unit that evaluates the risk of occurrence of a situation where the elevator becomes an emergency Comprising: The setting unit changes the standby state according to the occurrence risk evaluated by the evaluation unit, The control device according to claim 1.

11. An acquisition unit that acquires a first score for each floor based on the first condition and a second score for each floor based on the second condition Comprising: The setting unit calculates a comprehensive score for each floor by multiplying and adding weights to each of the first score and the second score acquired by the acquisition unit, sets the standby state based on the comprehensive score, and changes the standby state by changing the value of the weight The control device according to claim 9 or claim 10.

12. The acquisition unit updates the acquired first score based on the operation history of the elevator or another elevator similar to the elevator. The control device according to claim 11.

13. The acquisition unit updates the acquired second score based on the damage history in the event of an emergency of the elevator or another elevator similar to the elevator. The control device according to claim 11.

14. A learning unit that learns a setting model for outputting the standby state by a machine learning method based on both the first condition and the second condition is provided, and the setting unit sets, as the standby state, an output obtained by inputting the input information of the elevator into the setting model learned by the learning unit. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. The learning unit learns the setting model using, as training data, a data set including a plurality of sets each including the input information about the first condition, the input information about the second condition, and the standby state. The setting unit sets, as the standby state, an output obtained by inputting the input information about the first condition and the input information about the second condition into the setting model. The control device according to claim 14.

16. When taking an action to set the standby state in the state of the input information, the learning unit learns the setting model by reinforcement learning in which it receives a reward or penalty based on the first condition and a reward or penalty based on the second condition. The setting unit sets, as the standby state, a setting output as an action from the setting model by inputting the input information as a state into the setting model. The control device according to claim 14.

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