Elevator

Abstract

To provide an elevator that prevents unintended incorrect registration of a user.SOLUTION: An elevator comprises: a control panel having multiple distance detection units that detect a registration operation of the elevator in a non-contact manner; a first determination unit that determines detection of light shielding from the distance detection units at a distance equal to or smaller than a first distance; a second determination unit that determines detection of the light shielding from the distance detection units at a distance larger than the first distance and a distance equal to or smaller than a second distance larger than the first distance; a control unit that registers registration operation on the condition that the determination of the first determination unit meets a predetermined condition; and a notification unit that issues a notification in a first notification mode when the second determination unit determines the detection of the light shielding and issues a notification in a second notification mode that differs from the first notification mode when the control unit registers the registration operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator, and more particularly to an elevator equipped with an operation panel that can be operated without contact. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an elevator equipped with an operation panel that allows contactless registration of a destination floor dims a light-emitting unit when it detects a contactless operation, and lights up the light-emitting unit when the destination floor is registered (for example, Patent Document 1). However, if a user approaches the operation panel without intending to register a destination floor, even if the user notices the dimmed light, the destination floor may be registered incorrectly depending on the timing of the user's notice. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-167699 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, the problem is to provide an elevator that suppresses unintentional erroneous registration by users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The elevator is equipped with an operation panel having a plurality of distance detection units that detect registration operations of the elevator in a non-contact manner, a first judgment unit that judges that light shading has been detected at a first distance or less from the distance detection units, a second judgment unit that judges that light shading has been detected at a second distance or less from the distance detection units that is greater than the first distance and greater than the first distance, a control unit that registers the registration operation on the condition that the judgment of the first judgment unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and an alarm unit that issues an alarm in a first alarm mode when the second judgment unit judges that light shading has been detected, and issues an alarm in a second alarm mode different from the first alarm mode when the control unit registers the registration operation.

[0006] The elevator may also be configured such that the control unit registers the registration operation on the condition that the first determination unit's determination of light blocking detection continues for a first predetermined time, and the notification unit issues a notification in the first notification mode for a period from the time the first determination unit's determination of light blocking detection begins until the registration operation is registered.

[0007] The elevator may also be configured such that, if the second judgment unit has not detected a light blockage immediately before the first judgment unit begins to detect a light blockage, the control unit registers the registration operation on the condition that the first judgment unit's detection of a light blockage continues for a second predetermined time that is longer than the first predetermined time.

[0008] The elevator may also be configured such that the notification unit is a plurality of light-emitting units each corresponding to one of the distance detection units, and the light-emitting unit that is notifying in the second notification mode does not notify in the first notification mode even if the second determination unit determines that light has been blocked, but continues to operate in the second notification mode.

[0009] The elevator may also be configured such that the alarm unit is a plurality of light-emitting units each corresponding to one of the distance detection units, the first alarm mode being a mode in which two or more of the light-emitting units light up or flash, and the second alarm mode being a mode in which the light-emitting unit corresponding to the distance detection unit that detected the registration operation lights up or flashes.

[0010] The elevator further includes a congestion level detection unit that detects the congestion level in the elevator car, The notification unit may be configured to continue the notification mode that was in effect immediately before the second determination unit determined that a light blockage was detected, when the congestion level detection unit detected a congestion level equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0011] The elevator may further include a plurality of contact detection units each corresponding to a plurality of the distance detection units and detecting a contact operation, and when the contact detection unit detects the contact operation, the control unit may register the registration operation, and the notification unit may issue a notification in the second notification mode regardless of the judgment of the first judgment unit and the judgment of the second judgment unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration inside an elevator car according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an operation panel applied to an elevator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram applied to an elevator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the distance detection unit and the detection area of ​​the detection unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing control of an elevator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing elevator control according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a control block diagram applied to an elevator according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing elevator control according to a third modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An elevator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, "X" indicates the horizontal direction X perpendicular to the door 22A, "Y" indicates the up-down direction Y, and "Z" indicates the horizontal direction Z perpendicular to the horizontal direction X and the up-down direction Y.

[0014] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration inside an elevator car according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the car 22 of the elevator 10 includes a boarding / alighting entrance 27 and a sleeve wall 22-1 adjacent to the boarding / alighting entrance 27. A door 22A is also installed at the boarding / alighting entrance 27. Furthermore, an operation panel 28 is provided at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line on the sleeve wall 22-1.

[0016] The operation panel 28 is not limited to this configuration, and may be provided on the side wall or back of the car 22.

[0017] A user of the elevator 10 operates the control panel 28 to register the destination floor of the car 22. Also, a user of the elevator 10 operates the control panel 28 to input an operation related to opening and closing the door 22A.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an operation panel applied to an elevator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the operation panel 28 is provided with a destination floor operation unit 30 that has the function of detecting an operation to register or cancel a destination floor for the car 22. The destination floor operation unit 30 has a plurality of contact detection units 31A, 31B, 31C, ... (hereinafter, referred to as contact detection unit "31" unless there is a need to distinguish between them) arranged along the vertical direction Y, which operate to register or cancel a destination floor by contact.

[0020] Here, the contact detection unit 31 is a conventionally known push button, but is not limited to this configuration and may be a device that detects other contact-type operations, such as a button configured with a capacitance-type touch sensor.

[0021] Furthermore, the destination floor operation unit 30 is equipped with a plurality of distance detection units 32A, 32B, 32C, ... (hereinafter referred to as distance detection units "32" unless there is a need to distinguish between them) that detect the registration operation in a non-contact manner. The distance detection units 32 are arranged in the destination floor operation unit 30 along the vertical direction Y. Here, the registration operation is an operation for registering a destination floor via the distance detection units 32, and specifically refers to an operation in which the user holds their hand U or the like over the detection area of ​​the distance detection units 32.

[0022] A distance detection unit 32 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of contact detection units 31, and the contact detection unit 31 and the corresponding distance detection unit 32 have a function of detecting an operation to register or cancel the same destination floor. Furthermore, the contact detection unit 31 and the corresponding distance detection unit 32 are provided adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction Z.

[0023] Specifically, the distance detection unit 32B corresponding to the contact detection unit 31B shown in Figure 2 has the function of registering the same destination floor, the second floor, and further, the contact detection unit 31B and the distance detection unit 32B are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction Z.

[0024] Rectangular holes are provided in the distance detection unit 32, and a distance sensor is housed in the back of each hole. Each rectangular hole is covered with a light-transmitting protective plate 36A, 36B, 36C, ... (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as protective plate "36").

[0025] Distance detection unit 32 is a distance sensor, and when it detects that light has been blocked by the user's hand U, it outputs a distance signal indicating the distance in the horizontal direction X from the distance sensor to the hand U. As the distance sensor, for example, a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like can be used.

[0026] Furthermore, the operation panel 28 is provided with notification units 33A, 33B, 33C, ... (hereinafter referred to as notification unit "33" unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them) that notify the user that a contact or contactless operation has been accepted, each of which is associated with a plurality of distance detection units 32A, 32B, 32C, .... More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the notification unit 33 is provided with a light-transmitting portion in the shape of a number indicating the destination floor on the surface of the contact detection unit 31, and is a light-emitting unit that is configured to be able to emit light when a lamp (not shown) provided inside it is turned on.

[0027] The notification unit 33 is configured to light up when a destination floor is registered by an operation such as pressing the contact detection unit 31 or holding a hand U over the distance detection unit 32, and to turn off when an already registered destination floor is canceled. With this configuration, when an operation is performed via the contact detection unit 31 or the distance detection unit 32, the user can visually confirm whether or not the operation has been accepted. In FIG. 2, the lit state of the notification unit 33B is schematically shown by hatching.

[0028] The light-transmitting portion of the notification unit 33 is made up of raised characters, which allows visually impaired users to recognize the number indicating the destination floor by touching the raised characters, and to smoothly register the desired destination floor.

[0029] An open button 41 and a close button 42 for opening and closing the car door 22A are provided side by side at the bottom of the destination floor operation unit 30. A communication button 43 for communicating with the outside is provided at the top of the destination floor operation unit 30. Note that these buttons 41 to 43 are all conventionally known push buttons, but they may also have the same configuration as the distance detection unit 32.

[0030] The operation panel 28 further has a display unit 44. The display unit 44 is formed, for example, by a liquid crystal display, and displays, for example, the direction of movement of the car 22, the floors that the car 22 will pass through, and other information to be notified to passengers. The display unit 44 is provided above the destination floor operation unit 30. The car operation panel 28 also has a built-in speaker (not shown) that outputs sound.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram applied to an elevator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The car 22 is electrically connected to the control device 46. The car 22 also includes an operation panel 28, which includes a contact detection unit 31, a distance detection unit 32, and an alarm unit 33. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of the contact detection units 31, the distance detection units 32, and the alarm unit 33 are provided in correspondence with the destination floors that can be registered.

[0033] The control device 46 is a computer that controls the overall operation of the elevator 10, and includes a control unit 46a such as a CPU, a first determination unit 46c, a second determination unit 46d, and a storage unit 46b such as a memory or HDD. The storage unit 46b stores various control programs for, for example, controlling the drive of the hoisting machine 16 and controlling the opening and closing of the car door (not shown). 46a reads and executes these programs, thereby realizing smooth operation of the elevator 10 by the control device 46.

[0034] In the elevator 10 having the above configuration, registration control, which will be described later, is also performed by the control device 46. A registration control program is stored in the memory unit 46b of the control device 46, and the control unit 46a reads out the control program, performs registration control, which will be described later, and registers an operation (for example, an operation to register a destination floor) in the memory unit 46b.

[0035] The first determination unit 46c acquires the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32 and determines whether or not light blocking has been detected at a distance equal to or less than a first distance L1 from the distance detection unit 32. The second determination unit 46d acquires the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32 and determines whether or not light blocking has been detected at a distance greater than the first distance L1 and equal to or less than a second distance L2 from the distance detection unit 32. Here, the second distance L2 is set to be greater than the first distance L1.

[0036] A specific description will be given with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the distance detection unit and the detection area of ​​the detection unit.

[0037] 4, components other than the distance detection unit 32, the first detection region P1, and the second detection region P2 are omitted as appropriate. In addition, in FIG. 4, the hatched region is shown as the first detection region P1, and the region surrounded by a dashed line is shown as the second detection region P2.

[0038] 4, the first detection area P1 is set to a spatial area that includes a position that is a first distance L1 away from the distance detection unit 32 in the horizontal direction X. The second detection area P2 is set to a spatial area that includes a position that is the first distance L1 away from the distance detection unit 32 in the horizontal direction X to a position that is a second distance L2 away from the distance detection unit 32 in the horizontal direction X.

[0039] It is preferable to set the first distance L1 so that it satisfies the following relationship: 1 cm≦L1≦5 cm. This limits the first detection area P1 to the vicinity of the operation panel 28, making it less likely that the distance detection unit 32 will erroneously detect a part of the user's body or belongings when the area around the operation panel 28 is crowded. As a result, it is possible to prevent a part of the user's body or belongings from coming close to the distance detection unit 32 when the area around the operation panel 28 is crowded, thereby preventing an operation from being erroneously registered.

[0040] Moreover, it is preferable to set the second distance L2 so that it satisfies the condition 10 cm≦L2≦50 cm. As a result, even if a part of the user's body or belongings enters a position sufficiently far from the first detection area P1, the notification unit 33 will issue a notification in the first notification mode described below, making it easier for the user to notice that they are approaching the operation panel 28 before entering the first detection area P1.

[0041] 3, the control unit 46a registers the registration operation on the condition that the determination of the first determination unit 46c satisfies a predetermined condition. More specifically, the control unit 46a registers the registration operation on the condition that the determination of the first determination unit 46c that light blocking has been detected continues for a first predetermined time (e.g., 0.3 seconds).

[0042] Furthermore, when the second determination unit 46d determines that light blocking has been detected, the control unit 46a controls the notification unit 33 to issue a notification in a first notification manner. Specifically, the first notification manner is a notification manner in which the notification unit 33 flashes.

[0043] Then, when the control unit 46a registers the registration operation, the control unit 46a controls the notification unit 33 to issue a notification in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode. Specifically, the second notification mode is a notification mode in which the notification unit 33 lights up.

[0044] With this configuration, even if a user approaches the operation panel 28 without intending to register a destination floor, the alarm unit 33 will issue an alarm while the user is approaching the operation panel 28, before the user enters the first detection area P1 where the registration operation is registered. This makes it easier for the user to notice that they are approaching the operation panel 28 before entering the first detection area P1, thereby preventing unintentional erroneous registration.

[0045] Furthermore, if the user is not aware that the registration operation of the elevator 10 can be detected without contact, the notification unit 33 will issue a notification as the user approaches the control panel 28, before entering the first detection area P1 where the registration operation is registered, so the user can perform the registration operation after recognizing that it can be detected without contact.

[0046] Here, the control unit 46a controls so that notification is made in the first notification manner during the period from when the first determination unit 46c starts determining whether or not light is blocked until the registration operation is registered.

[0047] With this configuration, the first notification mode continues from the time the user holds his / her hand U over the second detection area P2 until the user brings his / her hand U closer and the registration operation is registered, thereby preventing the user from mistakenly thinking that the registration has been accepted and moving his / her hand U away even though the registration has not yet been accepted.

[0048] In this embodiment, if the second determination unit 46d has not determined that light has been detected immediately before the first determination unit 46c begins to determine that light has been detected, the control unit 46a registers the registration operation on the condition that the first determination unit 46c has continued to determine that light has been detected for a second predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) that is longer than the first predetermined time.

[0049] In other words, if the first detection area P1 is shaded before the second detection area P2, the time from when the first detection area P1 is shaded to when the registration operation is registered is set to a second predetermined time that is longer than the first predetermined time.

[0050] For example, a user may move their hand U or the like parallel to the operation panel 28, thereby entering the first detection area P1 without entering the second detection area P2. With this configuration, even if the user's hand U or the like enters the first detection area P1 first, the predetermined time required for registration can be lengthened, ensuring time for the user to notice that they are approaching the operation panel 28.

[0051] 2.Operation 5 is a flow diagram showing control of an elevator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Control in the elevator 10 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0052] The second determination unit 46d determines whether or not a light interruption is detected in the second detection area P2 based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32 (step S11).

[0053] If the second determination unit 46d determines that light blocking has been detected in the second detection region P2 (YES in step S11), the control unit 46a controls the notification unit 33 to notify in the first notification mode (step S12), and the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the second determination unit 46d determines that light blocking has not been detected in the second detection region P2 (NO in step S11), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0054] The first determination unit 46c determines whether or not a light interruption is detected in the first detection area P1 based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32 (step S13).

[0055] If the first determination unit 46c determines that light blocking has not been detected in the first detection region P1 (NO in step S13), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 46c determines that light blocking has been detected in the first detection region P1 (YES in step S13), the control unit 46a determines whether the second determination unit 46d has previously determined that light blocking has been detected in the second detection region P2 (step S14).

[0056] If the control unit 46a determines that the second judgment unit 46d had previously determined that light blocking had been detected in the second detection area P2 (YES in step S14), the control unit 46a sets the predetermined time from the blocking of light in the first detection area P1 to the registration of the registration operation to a first predetermined time (step S15), controls the alarm unit 33 to continue the alarm in the first alarm mode (step S17), and proceeds to step S18.

[0057] On the other hand, if the control unit 46a determines that the second judgment unit 46d did not previously determine that light blocking was detected in the second detection area P2 (NO in step S14), the control unit 46a sets the predetermined time from the blocking of light in the first detection area P1 to the registration of the registration operation to a second predetermined time that is longer than the first predetermined time (step S16), controls the alarm unit 33 to alert in the first alarm mode (step S17), and proceeds to step S18.

[0058] The control unit 46a determines whether the determination of the first determination unit 46c that light has been blocked continues for the predetermined time set in step S15 or step S16 (step S18).

[0059] If the control unit 46a determines that the first determination unit 46c's determination of the detection of light blocking has continued for a predetermined time (YES in step S18), the control unit 46a registers the registration operation for the distance detection unit 32 (step S19), controls the notification unit 33 to notify in the second notification mode (step S20), and ends the flow.

[0060] On the other hand, if the control unit 46a determines that the first judgment unit 46c has not continued to judge whether or not light has been blocked for a predetermined period of time (NO in step S18), the first judgment unit determines whether or not light has been detected in the first detection area P1 based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32 (step S21).

[0061] If the first determination unit 46c determines that light blocking has been detected in the first detection region P1 (YES in step S21), the process returns to step S17. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 46c determines that light blocking has not been detected in the first detection region P1 (NO in step S21), the process ends.

[0062] 3. Summary of this embodiment As described above, the elevator 10 according to this embodiment includes an operation panel 28 having a plurality of distance detection units 32 that detect registration operations of the elevator 10 in a non-contact manner, a first judgment unit 46c that judges whether light blocking has been detected at a first distance L1 or less from the distance detection unit 32, a second judgment unit 46d that judges whether light blocking has been detected at a second distance L2 that is greater than the first distance L1 from the distance detection unit 32 and is greater than the first distance L1, a control unit 46a that registers the registration operation on the condition that the judgment of the first judgment unit 46c satisfies a predetermined condition (specifically, on the condition that the judgment of the first judgment unit 46c that detected light blocking has continued for a predetermined time), and an alarm unit (light-emitting unit) 33 that issues an alarm in a first alarm mode when the second judgment unit 46d judges that light blocking has been detected, and that issues an alarm in a second alarm mode that is different from the first alarm mode when the control unit 46a registers the registration operation.

[0063] According to the configuration of this embodiment, even if a user approaches the operation panel 28 without intending to register a destination floor, the alarm unit 33 will issue an alarm while the user is approaching the operation panel 28, before the user enters the first detection area P1 where the registration operation is registered. This makes it easier for the user to notice that they are approaching the operation panel 28 before entering the first detection area P1, thereby preventing unintentional erroneous registration.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, if the user is not aware that the registration operation of the elevator 10 can be detected without contact, the notification unit 33 will issue a notification while the user is approaching the control panel 28, before the user enters the first detection area P1 where the registration operation is registered, so that the user can perform the registration operation after recognizing that it can be detected without contact.

[0065] In addition, the elevator 10 according to this embodiment is configured such that the control unit 46a registers a registration operation on the condition that the first determination unit 46c continues to determine that light has been blocked for a first predetermined time, and the alarm unit (light-emitting unit) 33 issues an alarm in a first alarm mode for the period from the time when the first determination unit 46c begins to determine that light has been blocked until the registration operation is registered.

[0066] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the first notification mode continues from the time the user holds his / her hand U over the second detection area P2 until the user brings his / her hand U closer and the registration operation is registered, thereby preventing the user from mistakenly thinking that the registration has been accepted and moving his / her hand U away even though the registration has not yet been accepted.

[0067] In addition, in the elevator 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 46a is configured to register a registration operation on the condition that the first determination unit 46c's determination of light blocking detection has continued for a second predetermined time that is longer than the first predetermined time, if the second determination unit 46d has not determined that light blocking has been detected immediately before the first determination unit 46c begins to determine that light blocking has been detected.

[0068] For example, a user may move their hand U or the like parallel to the operation panel 28, thereby entering the first detection area P1 without entering the second detection area P2. According to the configuration of this embodiment, even if the user's hand U or the like enters the first detection area P1 first, the predetermined time required for registration can be lengthened, thereby ensuring time for the user to notice that they are approaching the operation panel 28.

[0069] The elevator 10 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various improvements, modifications, and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following variations may be selected and incorporated into the configuration of the above embodiment.

[0070] 4. Variations (1) For example, in the elevator 10 according to the first variant, the alarm unit 33 may be a plurality of light-emitting units each associated with a plurality of distance detection units 32, and the light-emitting unit that is alarming in the second alarm mode may continue the second alarm mode without alarming in the first alarm mode even if the second determination unit determines that light blocking has been detected.

[0071] 6 is a flow chart showing control of an elevator according to a first modified example of the present invention. Control in the elevator 10 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0072] The second determination unit 46d determines whether or not a light interruption is detected in the second detection area P2 based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32 (step S31).

[0073] If the second determination unit 46d determines that light blocking has not been detected in the second detection region P2 (NO in step S31), the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, if the second determination unit 46d determines that light blocking has been detected in the second detection region P2 (YES in step S31), the control unit 46a determines whether the light-emitting unit corresponding to the distance detection unit 32 that has detected light blocking in the second detection region P2 is reporting in the second reporting mode (step S32).

[0074] If the control unit 46a determines that the light-emitting unit corresponding to the distance detection unit 32 that is detecting light blocking in the second detection area P2 is notifying in the second notification mode (YES in step S32), the control unit 46a controls the light-emitting unit to continue in the second notification mode (step S34) and ends the flow.

[0075] On the other hand, if the control unit 46a determines that the light-emitting unit corresponding to the distance detection unit 32 that detects light blocking in the second detection area P2 is not notifying in the second notification mode (NO in step S32), the control unit 46a controls the notification unit 33 to notify in the first notification mode (step S33) and proceeds to step S35.

[0076] The first determination unit 46c determines whether or not a light interruption is detected in the first detection area P1 based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32 (step S35).

[0077] If the first determination unit 46c determines, based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32, that no light blocking has been detected in the first detection area P1 (NO in step S35), the process returns to step S31.

[0078] On the other hand, if the first determination unit 46c determines that light blocking has been detected in the first detection area P1 based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32 (YES in step S35), the process proceeds to step S36.

[0079] The processing from step S36 to step S40 is similar to the processing from step S17 to step S21 in the control of the elevator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] According to the configuration of the first modification, even if the user's hand U or the like enters the second detection area after the registration operation is registered, the second notification mode continues, thereby preventing the user from mistakenly thinking that the registration has been canceled.

[0081] (2) For example, in the elevator 10 according to the second variant, the alarm unit 33 may be configured as a plurality of light-emitting units each associated with a plurality of distance detection units 32, and the first alarm mode may be a mode in which two or more light-emitting units light up or flash, and the second alarm mode may be a mode in which the light-emitting unit associated with the distance detection unit 32 that detected the registration operation lights up or flashes.

[0082] Specifically, the first notification mode may be a mode in which all light-emitting units light up or flash, or a mode in which the light-emitting unit associated with the distance detection unit 32 that detects light blocking in the second detection area and the light-emitting unit associated with the distance detection unit 32 adjacent to that distance detection unit 32 light up or flash.

[0083] According to the configuration of the second variant, when the user's hand U or the like enters the second detection area, two or more light-emitting units light up or flash, thereby preventing the light-emitting units from being hidden by the user's hand U or the like, causing the user to fail to notice the alert.

[0084] (3) For example, the elevator 10a according to the third modified example may further include a congestion detection unit 52 that detects the degree of congestion inside the car 22, and the notification unit 33 may be configured such that, when the congestion detection unit 32 detects a degree of congestion equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification mode that was in effect immediately before the second determination unit 46d determined that light blocking had been detected is continued.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a control block diagram applied to an elevator according to a third modified example of the present invention.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7, an elevator 10a according to the third modification differs from the elevator 10 in that the elevator car 22 is provided with a congestion level detection unit 52.

[0087] The congestion level detection unit 52 is composed of a CPU and the like, and specifically, is a device that detects the number of passengers in the car 22 by image recognition based on an image from a camera that captures the inside of the car 22, and calculates the ratio of the number of passengers to the capacity of the elevator 10a. The congestion level detected by the congestion level detection unit 52 is transmitted to the control device 46 as a congestion level signal.

[0088] The congestion level detection unit 52 is not limited to this configuration, and may be, for example, a device that calculates the congestion level based on a load value detected by a load cell that detects the load inside the car 22.

[0089] 8 is a flow chart showing the control of an elevator according to a third modified example of the present invention. The control in the elevator 10a will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0090] The second determination unit 46d determines whether or not a light interruption is detected in the second detection area P2 based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32 (step S51).

[0091] If the second determination unit 46d determines that no light blocking has been detected in the second detection area P2 (NO in step S31), the process proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, if the second determination unit 46d determines that light blocking has been detected in the second detection area P2 (YES in step S51), the control unit 46a determines whether the congestion level in the car 22 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, equal to or greater than 80% of the capacity of the elevator 10a) based on the congestion level signal from the congestion level detection unit 52 (step S52).

[0092] If the control unit 46a determines, based on the congestion level signal from the congestion level detection unit 52, that the congestion level inside the elevator car 22 is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value (NO in step S52), the control unit 46a controls the notification unit 33 to issue a notification in the first notification mode (step S53), and proceeds to step S55.

[0093] On the other hand, if the control unit 46a determines that the congestion level inside the elevator car 22 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on the congestion level signal from the congestion level detection unit 52 (YES in step S52), the control unit 46a controls the notification unit 33 to continue the previous notification mode (step S54) and proceeds to step S55.

[0094] The first determination unit 46c determines whether or not a light interruption is detected in the first detection area P1 based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32 (step S55).

[0095] If the first determination unit 46c determines, based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 32, that no light blocking has been detected in the first detection area P1 (NO in step S55), the process returns to step S51.

[0096] On the other hand, if the first determination unit 46c determines based on the distance signal from the distance detection unit 52 that a light interruption has been detected in the first detection area P1 (YES in step S55), the process proceeds to step S56.

[0097] The processing from step S56 to step S60 is similar to the processing from step S17 to step S21 in the control of the elevator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] When the degree of congestion is high, it is expected that users will frequently enter and exit the second detection area P2, but according to the configuration of the third modified example, even if a user enters the second detection area P2, the previous notification mode continues, so frequent changes in the notification mode are suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress users from mistakenly thinking that their registration has been canceled due to frequent changes in the notification mode.

[0099] (4) For example, the elevator 10 according to the fourth variant may further include a plurality of contact detection units 31 each corresponding to a plurality of distance detection units 32 and detecting a contact operation, and when a contact operation is detected by the contact detection unit 31, the control unit 46a may register a registration operation, and the alarm unit 33 may issue an alarm in the second alarm mode regardless of the judgment of the first judgment unit 46c and the judgment of the second judgment unit 46d.

[0100] Specifically, when a contact operation is detected by the contact detection unit 31, the control unit 46a registers the operation. In other words, the control unit 46a registers the destination floor corresponding to the contact detection unit 31. In this case, regardless of the determinations of the first determination unit 46c and the second determination unit 46d made based on the distance signal of the distance detection unit 32, the notification is made in the second notification mode.

[0101] According to the configuration of the fourth modified example, when a destination floor is registered by the contact detection unit 31, even if the user's hand U or the like enters the first detection area P1 or the second detection area P2, the notification unit 33 will notify in the second notification mode. Therefore, the user can recognize that the destination floor has been registered by seeing that the notification unit 33 is in the second notification mode, and further, it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly thinking that the registration has been canceled because the user's hand U or the like has entered the first detection area P1 or the second detection area P2.

[0102] (5) In the elevator 10 according to the above embodiment, the notification unit 33 is configured as a light-emitting unit that is configured to emit light when a light-transmitting portion in the shape of a number indicating the destination floor is provided on the surface of the contact detection unit 31 and a lamp (not shown) provided therein is turned on. However, the elevator 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0103] For example, the notification unit 33 may be provided on the surface of the operation panel 28 excluding the contact detection unit 31 and the distance detection unit 32. Specifically, a plurality of notification units 33 are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of distance detection units 32A, 32B, 32C, ..., and a light-transmitting unit is provided on the surface of the operation panel 28 so as to be adjacent to the distance detection unit 31 in the Z direction, and the notification unit 33 is a light-emitting unit configured to be able to emit light when a lamp (not shown) provided inside is turned on.

[0104] Also, for example, a single display unit 44 can be used as the notification unit 33 to notify by displaying characters, illustrations, colors, etc. Furthermore, the notification unit 33 can be a speaker or buzzer, and can notify by emitting voice, an intermittent sound such as "beep, beep...", or a continuous sound such as "beep". Furthermore, the notification unit 33 can be configured with various combinations of a lamp, a display unit 44, a speaker, and a buzzer.

[0105] (6) In the elevator 10 according to the above embodiment, the destination floor operating unit 30 is configured to include a plurality of contact detection units 31A, 31B, 31C, ... (hereinafter, referred to as contact detection unit "31" unless there is a need to distinguish between them). However, the elevator 10 is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured without a contact detection unit. Also, the distance detection unit 32 and the contact detection unit 31 may be configured integrally.

[0106] (7) In the elevator 10 according to the above embodiment, the operation panel 28 is provided in the car 22, and the registration operation for the distance detection unit 32 is an operation for registering a destination floor via the distance detection unit 32. In other words, the distance detection unit 32 is configured to be capable of contactlessly registering a destination floor. However, the elevator 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0107] For example, the distance detection unit 32 may be configured to be capable of operating contactlessly to input information related to opening and closing the door 22A. Alternatively, the operation panel 28 may be provided on the wall surface of the hall of the elevator 10, and the distance detection unit 32 may be configured to be capable of operating contactlessly to register or cancel hall calls.

[0108] (8) In the elevator 10 according to the above embodiment, the control unit 46a is configured to register the registration operation on the condition that the first determination unit 46c continues to determine that light has been blocked for a first predetermined time. However, the elevator 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0109] For example, the control unit 46a may be configured to register the registration operation on the condition that the first determination unit 46c has completed its determination of the detection of light blocking within a third predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) from the point at which the first determination unit 46c began its determination of the detection of light blocking. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10,10a elevator 22 Car 22A Door 22-1 Sode wall 27 Entrance / Exit 28 Control panel 30 Destination floor operation section 31, 31A, 31B, 31C Contact detection unit 32, 32A, 32B, 32C Distance detection unit 33, 33A, 33B, 33C Notification unit (light-emitting unit) 41 Open button 42 Close button 43 Contact button 46 Control Device 46a Control section 46b Storage section 46c 1st judgment part 46d 2nd judgment section 52 Occupancy detection unit L1 1st distance L2 2nd distance P1 First detection area P2 Second detection area U Hand

Claims

1. an operation panel having a plurality of distance detection units for detecting registered elevator operations in a non-contact manner; a first determination unit that determines that a light blocking has been detected at a first distance or less from the distance detection unit; a second determination unit that determines that light blocking has been detected at a second distance from the distance detection unit that is greater than the first distance and is equal to or less than a second distance that is greater than the first distance; a control unit that registers the registration operation on condition that the determination by the first determination unit satisfies a predetermined condition; a notification unit that notifies in a first notification manner when the second determination unit determines that light blocking has been detected, and that notifies in a second notification manner different from the first notification manner when the control unit registers the registration operation, Elevator.

2. the control unit registers the registration operation on condition that the first determination unit has determined that light blocking has been detected for a first predetermined time period; the notification unit issues the notification in the first notification manner during a period from when the first determination unit starts determining whether or not the light is blocked until the registration operation is registered.

2. The elevator of claim 1.

3. the control unit, when it is determined that the second determination unit has not detected the light blocking immediately before the first determination unit starts to determine the light blocking detection, registers the registration operation on the condition that the first determination unit has continued to determine the light blocking detection for a second predetermined time period that is longer than the first predetermined time period.

3. The elevator according to claim 2.

4. the notification unit includes a plurality of light-emitting units provided in correspondence with the plurality of distance detection units, The light-emitting unit, which is issuing the notification in the second notification mode, does not issue the notification in the first notification mode even if the second determination unit determines that light blocking has been detected, and continues the second notification mode.

2. The elevator of claim 1.

5. the notification unit includes a plurality of light-emitting units provided in correspondence with the plurality of distance detection units, the first notification mode is a mode in which two or more of the light-emitting units light up or blink, the second notification mode is a mode in which the light-emitting unit associated with the distance detection unit that detected the registration operation lights up or blinks; 2. The elevator of claim 1.

6. Further provided is a congestion level detection unit that detects the congestion level in the elevator car, When the congestion level detection unit detects a congestion level equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification unit continues the notification mode that was in effect immediately before the second determination unit determined that light blocking was detected.

2. The elevator of claim 1.

7. a plurality of contact detection units each corresponding to a plurality of the distance detection units and detecting a contact operation; When the contact detection unit detects the contact operation, the control unit registers the registration operation, and the notification unit issues a notification in the second notification mode regardless of the determination of the first determination unit and the determination of the second determination unit.

2. The elevator of claim 1.

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