Elevator

Abstract

To provide an elevator capable of preventing an operation unit from detecting an operation unintended by a visually impaired person as a contactless operation.SOLUTION: An elevator comprises an operation panel having an information unit formed unevenly on a panel surface to indicate information, and a processing device that processes the operation on the operation panel. The operation panel includes an operation unit that detects a non-contact operation that allows a hand to be closer, a pressing button for performing a pressing operation, and a contact detection unit that detects contact on the panel surface, and the processing device executes invalid control to disable the operation on the operation unit when the contact detection unit detects contact for a first set time or longer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to an elevator. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an elevator is provided with a control panel and a processing device that processes operations on the control panel (for example, Patent Document 1). The control panel is operated non-contact by bringing a hand close to it, and is provided with an operation unit that detects the operation, a push button that is pressed, and an information unit (for example, Braille) that is formed in a concave and convex shape on the surface of the panel to display information.

[0003] However, visually impaired people touch the surface of the control panel to access the information section. As a result, the hands or arms of the visually impaired people are positioned close to the surface of the control panel, and the operation section may detect the operation by the visually impaired people as a non-contact operation. Therefore, the operation section may detect an unintended operation by the visually impaired people as a non-contact operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-76600 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, the object is to provide an elevator that can prevent the operation unit from detecting an unintentional operation by a visually impaired person as a non-contact operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The elevator is a control panel having an information section formed in a concave-convex shape on the surface of the panel to display information; a processing device that processes operations on the operation panel, The operation panel is operated by a non-contact operation that allows a hand to approach, and includes an operation unit that detects the operation, a push button that is pushed, and a contact detection unit that detects contact with the surface of the panel. When the contact detection unit continuously detects the contact for a first set time or more, the processing device executes invalidation control to invalidate the operation on the operation unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] In each drawing, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged or reduced with respect to the actual dimensions for ease of understanding, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings may not match. In each drawing, a part of the components may be omitted for ease of understanding.

[0009] Terms including ordinal numbers such as the first, the second, etc. are used to describe various components. However, this term is only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, and the components are not particularly limited by this term. Note that the number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited, and for example, there may be one. Also, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may be different from those described in the claims.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an elevator will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Note that the following embodiments are exemplified to assist in understanding the configuration of the elevator and do not limit the configuration of the elevator.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator 1 includes a car 2 for people (passengers) to ride in and a processing device 3 for controlling each part of the elevator 1. And the elevator 1 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a car drive unit 4 for running the car 2 and a car rail 5 for guiding the car 2. Note that the drive method of the car drive unit 4 is not particularly limited.

[0012] The elevator 1 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a car rope 6 having a first end connected to the car 2, a counterweight 7 connected to the second end of the car rope 6, and a weight rail 8 for guiding the counterweight 7. And the car drive unit 4 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a sheave 4a around which the car rope 6 is wound, a drive source 4b (for example, a motor) for rotating the sheave 4a, and a braking unit 4c for braking the sheave 4a.

[0013] That is, the car drive unit 4 may be a hoisting machine, and the elevator 1 may have a configuration of a rope drive method. Note that the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the car drive unit 4 may be a hydraulic device, and the elevator 1 may have a configuration of a hydraulic drive method. Also, for example, the car drive unit 4 may be a linear motor, and the elevator 1 may have a configuration of a linear motor drive method.

[0014] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first end of the car rope 6 is connected to the car 2, and the second end of the car rope 6 is connected to the counterweight 7. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, both ends of the car rope 6 may be fixed to the upper or lower part of the hoistway X1, and the car rope 6 may be wound around the sheave of the car 2 and the sheave of the counterweight 7 respectively, so that the car rope 6 is connected to the car 2 and the counterweight 7 respectively.

[0015] In addition, the elevator 1 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the hoisting machine, which is the car driving unit 4, is arranged inside the machine room X2. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, if the machine room X2 is not provided, the elevator 1 may have a configuration in which the hoisting machine is arranged inside the hoistway X1.

[0016] In each figure, the first direction D1 is the first lateral direction D1, the second direction D2 is the second lateral direction D2 which is a lateral direction orthogonal to the first lateral direction D1, and the third direction D3 is the vertical direction D3 which is orthogonal to each of the lateral directions D1 and D2, and is the elevating direction in which the car 2 and the counterweight 7 move up and down.

[0017] The elevator 1 may include, for example, as in the present embodiment, a landing door 9 that opens and closes the entrance and exit of the landing X3, and a landing operation panel 10 arranged at the landing X3. The car 2 may include, for example, as in the present embodiment, a car cabin 2a for people to ride in, a car door 2b that moves between an open position for opening the entrance and exit of the car cabin 2a and a closed position for closing it, and a door driving unit 2c that performs the opening and closing operation of the car door 2b.

[0018] Thereby, when the door driving unit 2c moves the car door 2b, the car door 2b opens and closes the entrance and exit of the car cabin 2a. And when the car door 2b opens and closes the entrance and exit of the car cabin 2a, the landing door 9 of the landing X3 where the car 2 stops may be configured to open and close the entrance and exit of the landing X3 in conjunction with the car door 2b.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elevator 1 includes a first car operation panel (also referred to as the "main car operation panel") 11 disposed inside the car compartment 2a of the car 2. Further, the elevator 1 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a second car operation panel (also referred to as the "sub car operation panel") 12 disposed inside the car compartment 2a of the car 2, and a car handrail 13 disposed inside the car compartment 2a of the car 2 and extending in the first lateral direction D1.

[0020] The processing device 3 processes operations on the operation panels 9, 11, and 12. Although not particularly limited, for example, the processing device 3 may be configured to control the running of the car 2 and the opening and closing of the car door 2b based on the information input to the operation panels 9, 11, and 12.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the first car operation panel 11 includes a push button 14 to be pushed, an operation unit 15 for performing a non-contact operation when the hand approaches and detecting the operation, and a first information unit 16 and a second information unit 17 formed in a concavo-convex shape on the panel surface to indicate information. Further, the first car operation panel 11 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a display unit (e.g., a monitor) 25 for displaying information and a sound output unit (e.g., a speaker) 26 for emitting sound.

[0022] The push button 14 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a destination floor push button 14 to be pushed to register the destination floor of the car 2, a door open push button 14 to be pushed to open the car door 2b, a door close push button 14 to be pushed to close the car door 2b, and an emergency push button 14 to be pushed to report to the outside in case of an emergency. Generally, the push button 14 is called a contact button.

[0023] The operation unit 15 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a destination floor operation unit 15 for performing a non-contact operation when the hand approaches to register the destination floor of the car 2, and a door open operation unit 15 for performing a non-contact operation when the hand approaches to open the car door 2b. Generally, the operation unit 15 is called a non-contact button.

[0024] And in the present embodiment, the operation unit 15 has a configuration integrated with the push button 14, that is, the non-contact button has a configuration integrated with the contact button. Specifically, it is a configuration in which the destination floor push button 14 and the destination floor operation unit 15 are integrated, and a configuration in which the door open push button 14 and the door open operation unit 15 are integrated.

[0025] Thus, in the present embodiment, among the plurality, an operation unit 15 corresponding to some of the push buttons 14 is provided. Specifically, a destination floor operation unit 15 corresponding to the destination floor push button 14 and a door open operation unit 15 corresponding to the door open push button 14 are provided, and operation units 15 corresponding to the door close push button 14 and the emergency push button 14 are not provided. And the information input by pressing the push button 14 is the same as the information input by non-contact operation of the operation unit 15.

[0026] Note that the configuration is not limited to this. For example, operation units 15 corresponding to all the push buttons 14 may be provided. For example, the operation unit 15 may be configured to include a door close operation unit 15 that is non-contact operated to perform a closing operation of the car door 2b, and the door close push button 14 and the door close operation unit 15 are integrated. Also, for example, the operation unit 15 may be configured to include an emergency operation unit 15 that is non-contact operated to report to the outside in case of emergency, and the emergency push button 14 and the emergency operation unit 15 are integrated.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first car operation panel 11 may include, for example, a plate 18 having an opening into which the push button 14 is fitted, a holding unit 19 that movably holds the push button 14 with respect to the plate 18, and a biasing unit 20 that applies a force to the push button 14. Although not particularly limited, the biasing unit 20 may be, for example, an elastic material such as a spring or rubber.

[0028] The first information unit 16 may be configured to be Braille that displays the operation content of the basket 2 by operating the push button 14, for example, as in the present embodiment. And the first information unit 16 may be formed in an uneven shape in the vicinity of the push button 14 on the surface of the plate 18, for example, as in the present embodiment.

[0029] Also, the second information unit 17 may be configured to be raised numbers or raised marks that display the operation content of the basket 2 by operating the push button 14, for example, as in the present embodiment. And the second information unit 17 may be formed in an uneven shape on the surface of the push button 14, for example, as in the present embodiment.

[0030] The first car operation panel 11 includes a button detection unit 21 that detects a push operation on the push button 14. Although not particularly limited, the button detection unit 21 may be a sensor such as a contact sensor or a proximity sensor, for example. Also, the first car operation panel 11 may include an operation output unit 22 that outputs that the car 2 operates based on an operation, for example, as in the present embodiment. Although not particularly limited, the operation output unit 22 may be a light source such as an LED or a lamp, for example.

[0031] The operation unit 15 may include, for example, as in the present embodiment, an operation detection unit 15a that detects a non-contact operation of bringing a hand close to the operation unit 15, and an operation display unit 15b that displays a position where a non-contact operation of bringing a hand close should be performed and the operation content of the basket 2 by the operation. Although not particularly limited, the operation detection unit 15a may be a sensor such as a photoelectric sensor or a heat-sensitive sensor, for example. Also, although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the second information unit 17 also serves as the operation display unit 15b.

[0032] The operation unit 15 may, for example, as in the present embodiment, set a region from the operation display unit 15b in the first lateral direction D1 that is equal to or greater than the first distance W1 and equal to or less than the second distance W2 as a detection region, and set a non-detection region between the operation display unit 15b and the detection region. Thereby, the operation unit 15 detects a hand (human body) present in the detection region as a non-contact operation, and does not detect a hand (human body) present in the non-detection region as a non-contact operation.

[0033] Although not particularly limited, the first distance W1 may be, for example, 5 mm to 6 mm, and the second distance W2 may be, for example, 60 mm to 65 mm. Note that, with respect to the operation display unit 15b, a region farther from the detection region in the first lateral direction D1, that is, a region farther from the operation display unit 15b in the first lateral direction D1 than the second distance W2 is a non-detection region.

[0034] Note that FIG. 4 shows the configurations of the destination floor push button 14, the destination floor operation unit 15, and its related units 17 to 22. However, the configurations of the door open push button 14, the door open operation unit 15, and its related units 17 to 22 may be the same as the configurations of the destination floor push button 14, the destination floor operation unit 15, and its related units 17 to 22, for example, as in this embodiment. Also, the configurations of the door close push button 14 and its related units 17 to 22 and the configurations of the emergency push button 14 and its related units 17 to 22 may be the same as the configurations of the destination floor push button 14 and its related units 17 to 22, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0035] The first car operation panel 11 includes a contact detection unit 23 that detects contact with the panel surface. The contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the panel surface based on a change in the capacitance of the panel surface. Although not particularly limited, the contact detection unit 23 may be configured, for example, as a capacitance sensor that detects a change in the capacitance of the plate 18.

[0036] For example, the contact detection unit 23 may be a self-capacitance type capacitance sensor, and may be configured to detect that a hand (human body) has contacted the plate 18 when the capacitance of the plate 18 increases. Also, for example, the contact detection unit 23 may be a mutual capacitance type capacitance sensor, and may be configured to detect that a hand (human body) has contacted the plate 18 when the capacitance of the plate 18 decreases.

[0037] For example, the plate 18 may be formed of a conductor (e.g., metal), and the conductor may be configured to constitute an electrode and a dielectric. Also, for example, the plate 18 may be configured to include an electrode formed of a conductor and a dielectric formed of a non-conductor (e.g., glass, resin).

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the processing device 3 may include, for example, an acquisition unit 31 that acquires each data, a storage unit 32 that stores each data, an arithmetic unit 33 that calculates each data, and a control unit 34 that controls the elevator 1, as in this embodiment. The processing device 3 may be configured by, for example, a single device, or may be configured by, for example, a plurality of devices capable of communicating with each other.

[0039] For example, each of the units 33 and 34 of the processing device 3 may be realized by a processor in one computer, that is, by one processor executing processing. Specifically, for example, each of the units 31, 32, 33, and 34 of the processing device 3 may be provided in one device.

[0040] Also, for example, each of the units 33 and 34 of the processing device 3 may be realized by processors in a plurality of computers, that is, by a plurality of processors executing processing in a distributed manner. Specifically, for example, each of the units 31, 32, 33, and 34 of the processing device 3 may be provided in a distributed manner in a plurality of devices capable of communicating with each other.

[0041] Note that the processing device 3 is a computer including processors such as a CPU and an MPU (e.g., the arithmetic unit 33, the control unit 34), memories such as a ROM and a RAM (e.g., the acquisition unit 31, the storage unit 32), various interfaces (e.g., the acquisition unit 31), etc. Then, the processor executes a program stored in the memory, and each of the units 33 and 34 of the processing device 3 is realized by the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0042] When the acquisition unit 31 and the storage unit 32 "store", it includes not only the case where they continue to store until deleted by an input such as a data deletion instruction, but also the case where they temporarily store for use in the operation of the operation unit 33 and are deleted after the operation of the operation unit 33 ends.

[0043] For example, like in this embodiment, the operation unit 33 may include an operation determination unit 33a that determines an operation on the operation unit 15 based on the detection of the operation detection unit 15a of the operation unit 15, and an invalidation determination unit 33b that determines the invalidation of an operation on the operation unit 15 based on the detection of the contact detection unit 23.

[0044] For example, the operation determination unit 33a may be configured to determine that there is a non-contact operation on the operation unit 15 when the operation detection unit 15a of the operation unit 15 continuously detects a non-contact operation of bringing the hand closer for a reference time. Although not particularly limited, the reference time may be, for example, 0.5 seconds to 1.5 seconds.

[0045] The configuration of the elevator 1 according to this embodiment is as described above. Next, the control of the elevator 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that the following control is illustrated to assist in understanding the control of the elevator 1 and does not limit the control of the elevator 1.

[0046] First, the operation control of the car 2 will be described.

[0047] For example, when the button detection unit 21 detects a pressing operation on the push button 14, the car 2 operates. Specifically, when the button detection unit 21 detects an operation on the destination floor push button 14 and the destination floor is registered, the car 2 moves up and down. Also, when the button detection unit 21 detects an operation on the door open push button 14 or the door close push button 14, the car door 2b opens and closes.

[0048] Further, for example, when the operation detection unit 15a detects a non-contact operation on the operation unit 15 and the operation determination unit 33a determines that there is a non-contact operation on the operation unit 15, the cage 2 operates. Specifically, when the operation determination unit 33a determines that there is a non-contact operation on the destination floor operation unit 15 and the destination floor is registered, the cage 2 moves up and down. Also, when the operation determination unit 33a determines that there is a non-contact operation on the door opening operation unit 15, the cage door 2b performs an opening operation.

[0049] Note that, for example, when the destination floor is registered by an operation on the destination floor push button 14 or the operation unit 15, the operation output unit 22 may output. Also, for example, when the cage door 2b is opening or closing due to an operation on the door opening push button 14, the door closing push button 14, or the operation unit 15, the operation output unit 22 may output.

[0050] Next, the invalid control of the non-contact operation on the operation unit 15 will be described.

[0051] A visually impaired person touches the information units 16, 17, for example, to obtain information on the push buttons 14. Therefore, the visually impaired person touches the surface of the first cage operation panel 11 before touching the information units 16, 17. Thus, when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the surface of the panel, the invalid determination unit 33b invalidates the operation on the operation unit 15. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the operation unit 15 from being detected as a non-contact operation due to an unintended operation (for example, an operation for touching the information units 16, 17) by the visually impaired person.

[0052] When the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the surface of the panel for a first set time or longer, the invalid determination unit 33b causes the control unit 34 to execute an invalid control for invalidating the operation on the operation unit 15. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the operation unit 15 from being detected as a non-contact operation due to an unintended operation by the visually impaired person. Although not particularly limited, the first set time may be, for example, 0.5 seconds to 2.0 seconds.

[0053] Incidentally, when the car 2 is stopped, visually impaired persons often operate the first car operation panel 11. Also, for example, when the distance between the panel surface and peripheral devices including conductors (for example, car door 2b, elevator equipment arranged outside the car 2 and inside the hoistway X1, etc.) changes, the capacitance of the panel surface may change. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the change in the capacitance of the panel surface in relation to the peripheral devices when the distance relationship between the panel surface and the peripheral devices becomes steady.

[0054] For example, when the car 2 stops, the distance relationship between the panel surface and the elevator equipment becomes steady, so it is possible to suppress the change in the capacitance of the panel surface in relation to the elevator equipment. Also, for example, when the operation of the car door 2b stops, the distance relationship between the panel surface and the car door 2b becomes steady, so it is possible to suppress the change in the capacitance of the panel surface in relation to the car door 2b.

[0055] Therefore, when the car 2 is stopped and the car door 2b is in the open position (that is, when the distance relationship between the panel surface and the peripheral devices is steady), if the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface for a first set time or more, the invalidation determination unit 33b causes the control unit 34 to execute invalidation control to invalidate the operation on the operation unit 15. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the execution of the invalidation control due to a false detection by the contact detection unit 23.

[0056] By the way, immediately before the invalidation control is started, there is a high possibility that the operation unit 15 is detected as a non-contact operation by an operation unintended by the visually impaired person. Therefore, when the invalidation control is executed, the invalidation determination unit 33b invalidates the operation on the operation unit 15 from the start of the invalidation control to the second set time before.

[0057] This can further suppress the operation unit 15 from being detected as a non-contact operation due to an unintentional operation by a visually impaired person. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, operations on the destination floor operation unit 15 from the start of the invalid control to before the second set time are retroactively invalidated (for example, the registered destination floor is invalidated), while operations on the door opening operation unit 15 from the start of the invalid control to before the second set time are not retroactively invalidated.

[0058] The second set time may be, for example, a time longer than the first set time as in this embodiment. Thereby, for example, with respect to the fact that the contact with the board surface detected by the contact detection unit 23 during the period of the first set time and the period immediately before it is very likely to be an unintentional operation by a visually impaired person, the operation on the operation unit 15 can be surely invalidated during the period of the first set time and the period immediately before it.

[0059] Although not particularly limited, the second set time may be, for example, a time obtained by adding 0.5 seconds to 3.0 seconds to the first set time. Note that the second set time may be, for example, a time shorter than the first set time, or may be, for example, the same time as the first set time.

[0060] Also, when a visually impaired person operates the first car operation panel 11, the visually impaired person is often the only one inside the car 2, and thus it takes a long time for the visually impaired person to press the push button 14. Therefore, when the invalid control is executed, the control unit 34 keeps the car door 2b in the open position until the button detection unit 21 detects a pressing operation. Thereby, until the visually impaired person presses the push button 14, the car door 2b is maintained in the open position, and the stop of the running of the car 2 is maintained.

[0061] Therefore, for example, even when it takes a long time for the visually impaired person to press the push button 14, the stop of the running of the car 2 is maintained until the visually impaired person presses the push button 14. As a result, for example, it is possible to suppress the car 2 from starting an unwanted running.

[0062] Note that the configuration for invalidating the operations on the operation unit 15 is not particularly limited. For example, even while the operation detection unit 15a detects a non-contact operation (while the detection of the operation detection unit 15a itself is valid), the processing device 3 may be configured to invalidate the detection of the operation detection unit 15a. Further, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the power supply to the operation detection unit 15a is stopped, thereby invalidating the detection of the operation detection unit 15a itself.

[0063] When the visually impaired person finishes operating the first car operation panel 11, the contact of the visually impaired person with the panel surface of the first car operation panel 11 disappears. Therefore, after the invalidation control is executed, when the contact detection unit 23 does not continuously detect the contact with the panel surface of the first car operation panel 11 for a third set time or longer, the control unit 34 ends the invalidation control.

[0064] Thereby, when the contact with the panel surface of the first car operation panel 11 disappears, the invalidation control is ended, so that the invalidation control can be appropriately ended. Although not particularly limited, the third set time may be, for example, 5 seconds to 10 seconds.

[0065] Further, when the visually impaired person presses the push button 14, the operation of the first car operation panel 11 by the visually impaired person ends. Therefore, after the invalidation control is executed, when the button detection unit 21 detects a pressing operation, the control unit 34 ends the invalidation control. Thereby, when the push button 14 is pressed, the invalidation control is ended, so that the invalidation control can be appropriately ended.

[0066] [1] As described above, the elevator 1, as in the present embodiment, has an operation panel (in the present embodiment, the first car operation panel) 11 having information portions 16 and 17 formed in a concavo-convex shape on the panel surface to indicate information, and a processing device 3 that processes operations on the operation panel 11. The operation panel 11 has an operation unit 15 that detects a non-contact operation in which a hand approaches and detects the operation, and a push button 14 that is pushed. a contact detection unit 23 that detects contact with the surface of the board When the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects the contact for a first set time or longer, the processing device 3 executes invalidation control to invalidate the operation on the operation unit 15. Such a configuration is preferable.

[0067] According to such a configuration, when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the surface of the board for a first set time or longer, invalidation control is executed, so the operation on the operation unit 15 is invalidated. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the operation unit 15 from being detected as a non-contact operation due to an unintended operation by a visually impaired person.

[0068] [2] Further, in the elevator 1 of [1] above, as in the present embodiment, When the contact detection unit 23 detects the contact, the processing device 3 invalidates the operation on the operation unit 15. Such a configuration is preferable.

[0069] According to such a configuration, when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the surface of the board, the operation on the operation unit 15 is invalidated. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the operation unit 15 from being detected as a non-contact operation due to an unintended operation by a visually impaired person.

[0070] [3] Further, in the elevator 1 of [1] or [2] above, as in the present embodiment, When the processing device 3 executes the invalidation control, it invalidates the operation on the operation unit 15 from the start time of the invalidation control to the second set time before. Such a configuration is preferable.

[0071] According to such a configuration, when the invalid control is executed, the operation on the operation unit 15 is invalidated from the start of the invalid control until before the second set time. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the operation unit 15 from being detected as a non-contact operation by an unintended operation of a visually impaired person.

[0072] [4] Further, in any one of the elevators 1 of [1] to [3] above, as in the present embodiment, when the contact detection unit 23 does not continuously detect the contact for a third set time or more after the invalid control is executed, the processing device 3 ends the invalid control. such a configuration is preferable.

[0073] According to such a configuration, after the invalid control is executed, when the contact detection unit 23 does not continuously detect the contact with the panel surface for a third set time or more, the invalid control is ended. Thereby, when the contact with the panel surface disappears, the invalid control is ended, so that the invalid control can be appropriately ended.

[0074] [5] Further, in any one of the elevators 1 of [1] to [4] above, as in the present embodiment, the operation panel (in the present embodiment, the first car operation panel) 11 includes a button detection unit 21 that detects a pressing operation on the push button 14. when the button detection unit 21 detects the pressing operation after the invalid control is executed, the processing device 3 ends the invalid control. such a configuration is preferable.

[0075] According to such a configuration, after the invalid control is executed, when the button detection unit 21 detects a pressing operation, the invalid control is ended. Thereby, when the push button 14 is pressed, the invalid control is ended, so that the invalid control can be appropriately ended.

[0076] [6] Further, any one of the elevators 1 of [1] to [5] above is, as in the present embodiment, comprising a car 2, the operation panel (in this embodiment, the first car operation panel) 11 is disposed inside the car 2, when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects the contact for a first set time or more while the car 2 is stopped, the processing device 3 executes the invalid control. Such a configuration is preferable.

[0077] According to such a configuration, when the car 2 is stopped, since visually impaired persons often operate the operation panel (in this embodiment, the first car operation panel) 11, when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface for a first set time or more while the car 2 is stopped, the invalid control is executed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the invalid control from being executed due to a false detection by the contact detection unit 23.

[0078] [7] Further, in the elevator 1 of the above [6], as in this embodiment, the operation panel (in this embodiment, the first car operation panel) 11 includes a button detection unit 21 that detects a pressing operation on the push button 14, when the processing device 3 executes the invalid control, it maintains the stop of the car 2 until the button detection unit 21 detects the pressing operation. Such a configuration is preferable.

[0079] According to such a configuration, since it takes time for a visually impaired person to press the push button 14, when the invalid control is executed, the stop of the car 2 is maintained until the button detection unit 21 detects a pressing operation on the push button 14. Thereby, the stop of the car 2 is maintained until a visually impaired person presses the push button 14.

[0080] [8] Further, any one of the elevators 1 of the above [1] to [7] is, as in this embodiment, comprising a car 2, The operation panel (in this embodiment, the first car operation panel) 11 is disposed inside the car 2, The car 2 includes a car door 2b movable between an open position and a closed position, The contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the panel surface based on a change in the capacitance of the panel surface, When the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects the contact for a first set time or more with the car door 2b in the open position, the processing device 3 executes the invalidation control. Such a configuration is preferable.

[0081] According to such a configuration, the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the panel surface based on a change in the capacitance of the panel surface. By the way, the car door 2b affects the capacitance of the panel surface, and the capacitance of the panel surface may change depending on the position of the car door 2b. Therefore, when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface for a first set time or more with the car door 2b in the open position, the invalidation control is executed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the invalidation control from being executed due to a false detection by the contact detection unit 23.

[0082] Note that the elevator 1 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, nor is it limited to the above-described effects. Of course, the elevator 1 can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, it is of course possible to arbitrarily select one or more of the configurations and methods according to the following various modification examples and adopt them in the configurations and methods according to the above-described embodiment.

[0083] (A) In the elevator 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the first car operation panel 11 has a configuration including the information units 16 and 17, the operation unit 15, the push button 14, and the contact detection unit 23. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0084] (A-1) For example, the second car operation panel 12 may be configured to include information units 16, 17, an operation unit 15, a push button 14, and a contact detection unit 23. As an example of such a configuration, the second car operation panel 12 may have the configuration shown in FIG. 6. Below, the configuration of the second car operation panel 12 according to FIG. 6 will be described.

[0085] The second car operation panel 12 according to FIG. 6 includes information units 16, 17 formed in an uneven shape on the panel surface to indicate information, an operation unit 15 for performing a non-contact operation when a hand approaches and detecting the operation, a push button 14 for which a pushing operation is performed, a plate 18 having an opening into which the push button 14 is fitted, a button detection unit 21 for detecting a pushing operation on the push button 14, and a contact detection unit 23 for detecting contact with the panel surface of the second car operation panel 12.

[0086] Then, when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface of the second car operation panel 12 for a first set time or more, the processing device 3 executes invalidation control to invalidate the operation on the operation unit 15. Further, the second car operation panel 12 includes a display unit 25 for displaying information and a sound output unit 26 for emitting information.

[0087] The push button 14 includes a destination floor push button 14 for which a pushing operation is performed to register the destination floor of the car 2, a door open push button 14 for which a pushing operation is performed to open the car door 2b, a door close push button 14 for which a pushing operation is performed to close the car door 2b, and an emergency push button 14 for which a pushing operation is performed to report to the outside in an emergency. The operation unit 15 includes a destination floor operation unit 15 for which a non-contact operation is performed when a hand approaches to register the destination floor of the car 2, and a door open operation unit 15 for which a non-contact operation is performed when a hand approaches to open the car door 2b.

[0088] Then, the operation unit 15 has a configuration integrated with the push button 14, that is, the non-contact button has a configuration integrated with the contact button. Specifically, the destination floor push button 14 and the destination floor operation unit 15 are integrated, and the door open push button 14 and the door open operation unit 15 are integrated.

[0089] (A-2) Further, for example, the landing operation panel 10 may be configured to include information units 16, 17, an operation unit 15, a push button 14, and a contact detection unit 23. As an example of such a configuration, the landing operation panel 10 may have the configuration shown in FIG. 7. Below, the configuration of the landing operation panel 10 according to FIG. 7 will be described.

[0090] The landing operation panel 10 according to FIG. 7 includes information units 16, 17 formed in a concavo-convex shape on the panel surface to indicate information, an operation unit 15 for performing a non-contact operation where a hand approaches and detecting the operation, a push button 14 for which a pushing operation is performed, a plate 18 having an opening into which the push button 14 is fitted, a button detection unit 21 for detecting a pushing operation on the push button 14, and a contact detection unit 23 for detecting contact with the panel surface of the landing operation panel 10.

[0091] Then, when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface of the landing operation panel 10 for a first set time or more, the processing device 3 executes invalidation control to invalidate the operation on the operation unit 15. Note that the landing operation panel 10 may include, for example, a display unit for displaying information and a sound output unit for emitting information.

[0092] The push button 14 includes an upper call push button 14 for which a pushing operation is performed to call the car 2 moving upward and a lower call push button 14 for which a pushing operation is performed to call the car 2 moving downward. The operation unit 15 includes an upper call operation unit 15 for which a non-contact operation where a hand approaches is performed to call the car 2 moving upward and a lower call operation unit 15 for which a non-contact operation where a hand approaches is performed to call the car 2 moving downward.

[0093] Then, the operation unit 15 has a configuration integrated with the push button 14, that is, the non-contact button has a configuration integrated with the contact button. Specifically, it is a configuration in which the upper call push button 14 and the upper call operation unit 15 are integrated, and a configuration in which the lower call push button 14 and the lower call operation unit 15 are integrated.

[0094] (B) Also, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the push button 14 and the operation unit 15 have an integrated configuration, that is, a configuration in which a contact button and a non-contact button are integrated. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0095] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the push button 14 and the operation unit 15 may be arranged separately. That is, the push button 14 and the operation display unit 15b of the operation unit 15 may be separate and separated. The operation display unit 15b according to FIG. 8 displays a position where a non-contact operation of bringing the hand closer should be performed, and the operation content of the car 2 by the operation is displayed in the second information unit 17.

[0096] (C) Also, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the operation panel 11 includes a first information unit 16 which is Braille formed in a concave-convex shape near the push button 14, and a second information unit 17 which is a convex number or a convex mark formed in a concave-convex shape on the surface of the push button 14. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0097] For example, the operation panel 11 may have a configuration in which it includes a first information unit 16 formed in a concave-convex shape near the push button 14 and does not include a second information unit 17 formed in a concave-convex shape on the surface of the push button 14. Also, for example, the operation panel 11 may have a configuration in which it includes a second information unit 17 formed in a concave-convex shape on the surface of the push button 14 and does not include a first information unit 16 formed in a concave-convex shape near the push button 14.

[0098] Also, for example, the first information unit 16 formed in a concave-convex shape near the push button 14 may be a convex number or a convex mark. Also, for example, the second information unit 17 formed in a concave-convex shape on the surface of the push button 14 may be Braille.

[0099] (D) Further, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 3 is configured to invalidate the operation on the operation unit 15 when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to enable (not invalidate) the operation on the operation unit 15 until the invalidation control is executed when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11.

[0100] (E) Further, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 3 is configured to invalidate the operation on the operation unit 15 from the start of the invalidation control to the time before the second set time when the invalidation control is executed. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to enable (not invalidate) the operation on the operation unit 15 before the start of the invalidation control when the invalidation control is executed.

[0101] (F) Further, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 3 terminates the invalidation control when the contact detection unit 23 does not continuously detect contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a third set time or more after the invalidation control is executed, and terminates the invalidation control when the button detection unit 21 detects a pressing operation after the invalidation control is executed. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0102] For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to terminate the invalidation control when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds to 10 seconds) has elapsed after the invalidation control is executed. Also, for example, the processing device 3 may be configured to terminate the invalidation control when the car door 2b is positioned at the closed position after the invalidation control is executed. Also, for example, the processing device 3 may be configured to terminate the invalidation control when the car 2 starts running after the invalidation control is executed.

[0103] Then, for example, even if the contact detection unit 23 does not continuously detect contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a third set time or longer after the invalid control is executed, the processing device 3 may be configured to maintain the invalid control (not end the invalid control). Further, for example, even if the button detection unit 21 detects a pressing operation after the invalid control is executed, the processing device 3 may be configured to maintain the invalid control (not end the invalid control).

[0104] (G) Also, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, when the processing device 3 executes the invalid control, the processing device 3 is configured to maintain the car door 2b in the open position and maintain the stop of the car 2 until the button detection unit 21 detects a pressing operation. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0105] For example, when the processing device 3 executes the invalid control, the processing device 3 may be configured to maintain the stop of the car 2 while moving the car door 2b to the closed position until the button detection unit 21 detects a pressing operation. Further, for example, even if the button detection unit 21 does not detect a pressing operation after the processing device 3 executes the invalid control, the processing device 3 may be configured to start the running of the car 2.

[0106] (H) Also, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a first set time or longer while the car 2 is stopped, the processing device 3 is configured to execute the invalid control. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0107] For example, regardless of the running state of the car 2, when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a first set time or longer, the processing device 3 may be configured to execute the invalid control. That is, when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a first set time or longer while the car 2 is running, the processing device 3 may be configured to execute the invalid control.

[0108] (I) Further, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a first set time or more with the car door 2b in the open position, the processing device 3 executes the invalid control. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0109] For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to execute the invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a first set time or more regardless of the position of the car door 2b. That is, the processing device 3 may be configured to execute the invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a first set time or more with the car door 2b in the closed position.

[0110] (J) Further, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the contact detection unit 23 is configured to detect contact with the panel surface (plate 18) of the operation panel 11 based on a change in the capacitance of the plate 18. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0111] For example, the contact detection unit 23 may be configured to detect contact with the panel surface (push button 14) of the operation panel 11 based on a change in the capacitance of the push button 14. Also, for example, the contact detection unit 23 may be configured to detect contact with the panel surface (plate 18, push button 14) of the operation panel 11 based on changes in the capacitances of the plate 18 and the push button 14 respectively.

[0112] (K) Further, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the contact detection unit 23 is configured to detect contact with the panel surface based on a change in the capacitance of the panel surface of the operation panel 11, that is, it is a capacitance sensor. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0113] The contact detection unit 23 may be, for example, a resistive film type touch sensor or touch panel, or may be, for example, an infrared type touch sensor or touch panel, or may be, for example, an ultrasonic type touch sensor or touch panel. Further, for example, the contact detection unit 23 may be a camera. Further, for example, the contact detection unit 23 may be a capacitance type touch panel fixed to the surface of the plate 18.

[0114] (L) In addition, for example, the execution order of each process such as the methods, controls, and operations, procedures, steps, and stages shown in the claims, the specification, and the drawings can be realized in any order as long as the result of the previous process is not used in the subsequent process. For example, even if it is described using "first", "next", etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to execute in this order.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0115] 1... elevator, 2... car, 2a... car compartment, 2b... car door, 2c... door drive unit, 3... processing device, 4... car drive unit, 4a... sheave, 4b... drive source, 4c... braking unit, 5... car rail, 6... car rope, 7... counterweight, 8... counterweight rail, 9... landing door, 10... landing operation panel, 11... first car operation panel, 12... second car operation panel, 13... car handrail, 14... push button, 15... operation unit, 15a... operation detection unit, 15b... operation display unit, 16... first information unit, 17... second information unit, 18... plate, 19... holding unit, 20... boosting unit, 21... button detection unit, 22... operation output unit, 23... contact detection unit, 25... display unit, 26... sound output unit, 31... acquisition unit, 32... storage unit, 33... arithmetic unit, 33a... operation determination unit, 33b... invalid determination unit, 34... control unit, D1... first lateral direction, D2... second lateral direction, D3... vertical direction, X1... hoistway, X2... machine room, X3... landing

Claims

1. An operation panel having an information portion formed in a concavo-convex shape on the panel surface to indicate information, and a processing device that processes operations on the operation panel, wherein the operation panel has an operation portion that is operated in a non-contact manner when a hand approaches and detects the operation, a push button that is pushed, and a contact detection portion that detects contact with the panel surface, and the processing device executes invalidation control to invalidate operations on the operation portion when the contact detection portion continuously detects the contact for a first set time or more, an elevator.

2. The elevator according to claim 1, wherein the processing device invalidates operations on the operation portion when the contact detection portion detects the contact.

3. The elevator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing device invalidates operations on the operation portion from the start of the invalidation control to a time before a second set time when the invalidation control is executed.

4. The elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing device terminates the invalidation control when the contact detection portion does not continuously detect the contact for a third set time or more after the invalidation control is executed.

5. The operation panel includes a button detection portion that detects a push operation on the push button, and the elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing device terminates the invalidation control when the button detection portion detects the push operation after the invalidation control is executed.

6. Comprising a car, wherein the operation panel is disposed inside the car, and the elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing device executes the invalidation control when the contact detection portion continuously detects the contact for a first set time or more while the car is stopped.

7. The operation panel includes a button detection portion that detects a push operation on the push button, and the elevator according to claim 6, wherein the processing device maintains the stop of the car until the button detection portion detects the push operation when the invalidation control is executed.

8. Comprising a car, wherein the operation panel is disposed inside the car, the car includes a car door movable between an open position and a closed position, and the contact detection portion detects contact with the panel surface based on a change in capacitance of the panel surface. The elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing device executes the invalid control when the contact detection unit continuously detects the contact for a first set time or more with the car door in the open position.

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