Elevator control board

Abstract

To realize the replacement of a partial component part among multiple component parts of a control board and an elevator without burdening workers.SOLUTION: A control board 106' of an elevator 100 to control multiple component parts of the elevator measures a floor height and a distance between floors by controlling the component parts to make a car 101 travel when installed in the elevator 100, calculates the actual travel distance from a traveling start floor to a traveling stop floor of the car accelerating at a predetermined rate and decelerating at a predetermined rate based on the measured floor height and distance between floors, and identifies a decelerating start position when making the car travel to stop at the travelling stop floor based on the calculated actual travel distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator control panel that controls a plurality of components provided in an elevator, and to an elevator control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, when renovating elevator facilities in multi-story buildings, the elevator shaft is reused and all of the components that make up the elevator are replaced, including the elevator car and the drive mechanism that raises and lowers the car.

[0003] Thanks to recent technological advances, control panels that use new technology to control elevators (new control panels) have functions and performance that are far superior to existing control panels (old control panels).For this reason, when renovating elevators, there is a high demand for replacing the old control panels with new ones.

[0004] On the other hand, in the past, in order to reduce the cost of renewal, there were cases where only some of the components were replaced, such as only the car or only the hoist in the drive mechanism. When some of the components were replaced, the replaced components were mixed with the existing (remaining) components that had not been replaced (hereinafter referred to as "old components" as appropriate).

[0005] If the programming language and description method used to write the control programs for each component are different between the old and new control panels, the old components controlled by the old control panel will not be able to understand the control signals from the new control panel.For this reason, in the past, when replacing a control panel, not only the old control panel but also all of the old components controlled by the old control panel were replaced.

[0006] Specifically, for example, when replacing an old control panel with a new one, there was a technology in which a signal conversion device was connected between the new control panel and the old components to convert the signal output by the old components into another signal that has the same meaning as the original signal but can be understood by the new control panel, and then at least one of the old components was replaced with a new component that outputs a signal that can be understood by the new control panel (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Re-tabled publication 2019 / 064400 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, with conventional techniques that do not use the technique described in Patent Document 1, when replacing an old control panel, the elevator cannot be operated until the replacement of not only the old control panel but also all of the old components controlled by the old control panel has been completed. As a result, such conventional techniques have the problem of lengthening the construction period and lengthening the period during which the elevator cannot be used, causing inconvenience to elevator users.

[0009] Furthermore, when replacing some of the components in an elevator, the combination of the replaced components and the old components that have not been replaced varies depending on the site, so it is not possible to uniformly set parameters for controlling each component using a new control panel. For this reason, even when the technology described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above is used, the deceleration position at which the car starts to decelerate in order to stop at the desired floor while in motion cannot be set before replacing the control panel, and the step angle of the hoisting machine, the maximum speed of the car, etc. must be measured on-site, and the deceleration position must be calculated and set based on the results, which is a cumbersome process.

[0010] Furthermore, even if a deceleration position is set according to the combination of a certain component and an old component when replacing the certain component using the technology described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, there is a problem that each time a certain component is replaced thereafter, the step angle of the hoist and the maximum speed of the car must be measured on-site, and the deceleration position must be calculated and set based on the results, which is cumbersome.

[0011] In order to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above, an object of the present invention is to provide an elevator control panel and an elevator control method that enable replacement of the control panel and any of the multiple components equipped in the elevator without placing a burden on the worker.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an elevator control panel and elevator control method that can perform operation control suited to each elevator whose specifications vary from site to site by simply replacing the control panel and any of its components without placing a burden on the worker, in order to solve the problems associated with the prior art described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the elevator control panel of the present invention is an elevator control panel that controls multiple components equipped in an elevator, and when installed in the elevator, measures the floor height and the distance between floors by controlling the components to run the car, calculates the actual running distance from the running start floor to the running stop floor of the car, which accelerates at a predetermined acceleration and decelerates at a predetermined deceleration based on the measured floor height and distance between floors, and identifies the deceleration start position when running the car so as to stop at the running stop floor based on the calculated actual running distance.

[0014] Furthermore, the elevator control panel of an embodiment according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, a minimum travel distance is calculated for each acceleration by adding up the actual travel distance, that is, the travel distance during acceleration when accelerating at the predetermined acceleration rate, and the travel distance during deceleration when decelerating at the predetermined deceleration rate, and the actual travel distance is calculated based on the calculated minimum travel distance and the measured floor height and floor distance.

[0015] Furthermore, the elevator control method of the present invention is characterized in that it measures the floor height and the distance between floors by controlling the components and running the car using a new control panel of a different type than the control panel that controls the multiple components of the elevator, installed by replacing the control panel that controls the elevator's components, calculates the actual running distance from the running start floor to the running stop floor of the car, which accelerates at a predetermined acceleration and decelerates at a predetermined deceleration, based on the measured floor height and distance between floors, and identifies the deceleration start position when running the car so as to stop at the running stop floor based on the calculated actual running distance.

[0016] Furthermore, the elevator control method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the new control panel, when measuring the floor height and the distance between floors, acquires a signal output by one of the plurality of components that outputs a signal that the new control panel cannot understand, via a signal conversion device that converts the signal into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal but can be understood by the new control panel.

[0017] Further, the elevator control method according to the present invention is the above-mentioned invention, The control panel is characterized in that, when measuring the floor height and floor spacing, the control panel outputs the signal output by the new control panel to a component among the multiple components that cannot understand the signal output by the new control panel via a signal conversion device that converts the signal into a signal that can be understood by the component. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The elevator control panel and elevator control method of the present invention have the advantage of being able to perform operation control suitable for each elevator whose specifications vary from site to site by simply replacing any of the components without placing a burden on the worker. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an elevator. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a car and an operation panel. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a platform and an operation panel provided at the platform. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of a new control panel. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of a signal conversion device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a new control panel. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a running pattern of a car. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for checking operation by a new control panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an elevator control panel and an elevator control method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] (Elevator configuration) First, the configuration of an elevator will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an elevator. In Fig. 1, elevator 100 can be realized by, for example, a rope-type (traction-type) elevator. Elevator 100 is installed in, for example, a building such as a multi-story building.

[0022] The elevator 100 is equipped with a car (passenger car) 101 for carrying people and goods. One car 101 is provided for each elevator 100. The car 101 is provided in a hoistway (not shown) that passes through each floor of the building in the vertical direction, i.e., along the direction in which the car 101 moves.

[0023] The elevator shaft is provided on its side with guide rails (not shown) that guide the elevator position of the car 101. The elevator shaft is also provided with a shock absorber 102 at its bottom that absorbs the impact if the car 101 falls and hits the bottom of the elevator shaft. The shock absorber 102 may be a spring-type shock absorber 102 that absorbs the impact by utilizing the elastic force of a spring, or an oil-filled shock absorber 102 that absorbs the impact by utilizing hydraulic resistance. The shock absorber 102 may also be provided on the ceiling surface of the elevator shaft.

[0024] The cage 101 is connected to one end of a rope 103. The rope 103 is hung in a bucket-like manner on a pulley (not shown) and a traction machine 104, and the other end of the rope is connected to a counterweight 105. Specifically, the rope 103 can be realized by, for example, a steel wire.

[0025] The hoisting machine 104 in the rope-type elevator 100 is installed, for example, in a machine room provided at the top of the elevator 100. The hoisting machine 104 can be installed in any location, regardless of whether or not there is a machine room. Alternatively, if the elevator 100 is of a type without a machine room, the hoisting machine 104 may be provided at the bottom of the elevator 100.

[0026] The hoisting machine 104 is controlled using, for example, an inverter, and is driven and controlled by a control panel 106 (a new control panel 106') so as to stop rotation at the floor where the car 101 is to be stopped. In the rope-type elevator 100, the car 101 is raised and lowered by utilizing the frictional force (traction) between the rope 103 and the pulley, which is generated by driving the hoisting machine 104.

[0027] The hoisting machine 104 is equipped with an encoder (not shown), and the control panel 106 (new control panel 106') can determine the rotational speed and rotational position of the hoisting machine 104 based on the output signal from the encoder. The encoder may be, for example, an absolute encoder or an incremental encoder. The encoder may be provided when the elevator 100 is installed, or may be added later after installation.

[0028] The elevator 100 also includes an electromagnetic brake 107, a speed governor (governor machine) 108, a limit switch 109, etc. The electromagnetic brake 107 includes a coil, and is driven and controlled by a control panel 106 (a new control panel 106') to stop the rotation of the hoisting machine 104 by utilizing an electromagnetic force generated by energizing the coil. The electromagnetic brake 107 can maintain the state in which the rotation of the hoisting machine 104 has been stopped.

[0029] The electromagnetic brake 107 stops the rotation of the hoisting machine 104 when the supply of power is stopped due to a power outage or the like. Specifically, the electromagnetic brake 107 may be, for example, a non-excitation operated electromagnetic brake 107 that operates by the force of a spring to stop the rotation of the hoisting machine 104 when the power supply to the coil is cut off due to a power outage or the like.

[0030] The speed governor 108 detects when the car 101 is overspeeding. The speed governor 108 can be realized, for example, by a centrifugal speed governor including a governor rope 108a, a governor pulley 108b, and an oscillating weight (not shown). In such a speed governor 108, the governor rope 108a is linked to the operation of the car 101. The governor pulley 108b rotates in conjunction with the operation of the governor rope 108a.

[0031] The oscillating weight operates in accordance with the rotational speed of the governor pulley 108b, i.e., the magnitude of the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the governor pulley 108b. Specifically, the oscillating weight operates to open toward the outer periphery of the governor pulley 108b when the rotational speed of the governor pulley 108b is high, and operates to close toward the inner periphery of the governor pulley 108b when the rotational speed of the governor pulley 108b is low.

[0032] The limit switch 109 is equipped with a switch lever (not shown) that switches between supplying and cutting off power to the hoisting machine 104. The switch lever is normally positioned at a position that supplies power to the hoisting machine 104, and when urged by the rotor of the governor 108, it is displaced to a position that cuts off the supply of power to the hoisting machine 104.

[0033] The rotating weight of the speed governor 108 biases the switch lever so that, when the lifting speed of the car 101 exceeds a certain speed relative to the rated speed, the switch lever is displaced to a position that cuts off the supply of power to the hoisting machine 104. This stops the operation of the hoisting machine 104 and stops the car 101 when the car 101 exceeds the speed limit.

[0034] Furthermore, the elevator 100 may be equipped with an emergency stop device. The emergency stop device forcibly stops the operation of the car 101 when the operation of the car 101 differs from the operation of the governor rope 108a, i.e., when the car 101 is operating even though the governor rope 108a has stopped. The emergency stop device can be easily realized using various known technologies, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] The car 101 is equipped with a door 101a. The car 101 also includes a motor (not shown) that opens and closes the door 101a, a door open / close sensor (not shown) that detects the open / close state of the door 101a, and an operation panel 101b. The motor that opens and closes the door 101a is driven and controlled by a control panel 106 (a new control panel 106'), causing the door 101a to open and close.

[0036] The output of the door open / close sensor changes depending on whether the door 101a or the door 110a is open or closed, depending on the state of the safety shoe located between the door 101a and the door 110a. The door open / close sensor can be realized by, for example, a microswitch or a photoelectric sensor. The door open / close sensor is connected to the control panel 106 (new control panel 106') via wiring, and the signal output from the door open / close sensor is input to the control panel 106 (new control panel 106') via the wiring.

[0037] Doors 110a are provided at positions (landings) 110 in the elevator shaft that correspond to each floor. The doors 110a provided at the landings 110 are locked by a device called an interlock (not shown). The interlock engages with the opening / closing mechanism of the door 101a of the car 101 and releases the lock only when the motor provided in the car 101 is driven after the elevator 100 has arrived at a stopping floor. This allows only the door 110a provided at the landing 110 on the floor where the car 101 is located to be opened and closed in conjunction with one another, out of the doors 110a provided at each floor.

[0038] Furthermore, at positions (landings) 110 in the elevator shaft corresponding to each floor, a plate (not shown) is provided for detecting the position of the car 101. A plurality of plates are provided in the length direction of the elevator shaft, i.e., in the vertical direction. The car 101 is provided with a sensor 101c (see FIG. 2; hereinafter referred to as the "car position detection sensor") for detecting the position of the car using the plate.

[0039] The car position detection sensor 101c is provided, for example, outside the car 101, on the ceiling or wall of the car 101. The car position detection sensor 101c includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element provided opposite the light-emitting element. The car position detection sensor 101c outputs a signal according to the light-receiving state of the light-receiving element. Specifically, as the car 101 moves, the car position detection sensor 101c outputs different signals to the control panel 106 (new control panel 106') depending on whether a plate is positioned between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element in the car position detection sensor 101c or whether the light-receiving element receives light emitted by the light-emitting element.

[0040] The plate is provided in a position that blocks light between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element in the car position detection sensor 101c when the car 101 is located at the landing position (landing 110) on each floor. The plate may also be provided in a position that blocks light between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element in the car position detection sensor 101c when the car 101 passes a position that is a predetermined distance away from the position where the car 101 stops on each floor. This makes it possible to identify the position of the car 101 before the car 101 reaches the destination floor.

[0041] Each landing 110 is provided with an operation panel 111 having a landing call button 111a, a display 111b that displays the floor where the car 101 is located, etc. Each operation panel 111 has a control board 111c for the operation panel 111, and is connected to the control panel 106 (new control panel 106') via the control board 111c.

[0042] (Configuration of the car 101 and the operation panel 101b) Next, the configuration of the car 101 and the operation panel 101b will be described. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the car 101 and the operation panel 101b.

[0043] In Fig. 2, the control panel 101b is provided on the wall surface inside the car 101, near the door 101a of the car 101. The control panel 101b is equipped with operation buttons 201 including a destination floor button for specifying the destination floor of the car 101, and a door opening / closing button for opening and closing the door 101a. The control panel 101b also has a display 202 that displays the floor on which the car 101 is located, etc.

[0044] The display 202 is not limited to being provided when the elevator 100 is installed. Furthermore, the display 202 is not limited to being provided integrally with the operation panel 101b. Specifically, the display 202 may be, for example, a display device separate from the operation panel 101b (or attached after the elevator 100 is installed), a display provided on a tablet terminal separate from the operation panel 101b (or attached after the elevator 100 is installed), or a projector separate from the operation panel 101b (or attached after the elevator 100 is installed).

[0045] The operation panel 101b provided on the car 101 includes a control board for the operation panel 101b, and is connected to the control panel 106 via the control board for the operation panel 101b. Every time the control board for the operation panel 101b receives an input operation on the operation button 201 by a user of the elevator 100 or the like, it generates a call signal corresponding to the input operation and outputs the generated call signal to the control panel 106.

[0046] Furthermore, the control board for the operation panel 101b outputs a signal according to the output of a door open / close sensor to the control panel 106 (new control panel 106'). The control board for the operation panel 101b also controls the display 202 according to the signal output from the control panel 106 (new control panel 106') to display the floor on which the car 101 is located. The control board for the operation panel 101b may also perform control to switch on / off the lights 203 provided on the car 101, drive control of the surveillance camera 204, etc.

[0047] The car 101 is also provided with an interphone terminal device 205. The interphone terminal device 205 is equipped with a call button, a microphone, and a speaker (all of which are omitted from the illustration). The microphone and speaker in the interphone terminal device 205 may be integrally built into the operation panel 101b. The interphone terminal device 205 is connected to the control panel 106, just like the control board for the operation panel 101b.

[0048] (Configuration of the platform 110 and the operation panel 111 provided at the platform 110) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the platform 110 and the operation panel 111 provided at the platform 110. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the platform 110 and the operation panel 111 provided at the platform 110.

[0049] The hall call buttons 111a provided on each operation panel 111 are provided, for example, on the wall surface 301 near the door 110a. The displays 111b that show the floor where the car 101 is located are provided, for example, on the wall surface 302 above the door 110a. It is being done.

[0050] Like the control board for the operation panel 101b, the control board 111c generates a call signal in response to an input operation on the hall call button 111a by a user of the elevator 100 or the like, and outputs the generated call signal to the control panel 106.

[0051] In this embodiment, the components of the present invention (old components, new components) can be realized by, for example, the components of the elevator 100 that output a signal to the control panel 106 (new control panel 106'), a so-called "up signal." Also, in this embodiment, the components of the present invention (old components, new components) can be realized by, for example, the components of the elevator 100 that operate in accordance with a signal output from the CPU of the control panel 106 (new control panel 106'), a so-called "down signal."

[0052] In this embodiment, hereafter, when simply referring to a "component," it indicates a state of only the old component, a state of a mixture of old and new components, or a state of only the new component, as appropriate, depending on the replacement status of the component.

[0053] Specifically, the components can be realized by, for example, the drive mechanism of the elevator 100. More specifically, the drive mechanism of the elevator 100 can be realized by, for example, a hoist 104, an electromagnetic brake 107, a motor for opening and closing the door 101a, and the like. The drive mechanism of the elevator 100 operates in accordance with a down signal output from a control panel 106. The drive mechanism of the elevator 100 may also output an up signal to the control panel 106.

[0054] Furthermore, specifically, the components can be realized, for example, by a control mechanism of the halls 110 of the elevator 100. Specifically, the control mechanism of the halls 110 of the elevator 100 can be realized, for example, by an operation panel 111 (control board 111c) provided in each hall 110. Furthermore, the components can be realized by a control mechanism of the car 101 of the elevator 100. Specifically, the control mechanism of the car 101 of the elevator 100 can be realized, for example, by an operation panel 101b provided in the car 101.

[0055] Furthermore, the components can be realized, for example, by a sensor mechanism of the elevator 100. Specifically, the sensor mechanism of the elevator 100 can be realized, for example, by various sensors such as a limit switch 109 and a door open / close sensor. These various sensors output an up signal to the control panel 106.

[0056] (Configuration of new control panel 106') Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of a new control panel 106' that is installed in place of the existing control panel 106. The new control panel 106' realizes the control panel according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of the new control panel 106'. As shown in Fig. 4, the new control panel 106' includes an input terminal 401, an output terminal 402, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 403, a memory 404, and a communication I / F (Interface) 405. The components included in the new control panel 106' are connected to each other via a bus 406.

[0058] The input terminal 401 is a hardware interface that connects the CPU 403 to a plurality of components that the elevator 100 has, and receives input of signals output from each component. The input terminal 401 receives an input of an up signal that each component of the elevator 100 outputs to the new control panel 106′.

[0059] Specifically, the input terminal 401 receives, for example, an input of a control board for the operation panel 101b or a call signal output from the control board for the operation panel 101b. The input terminal 401 also receives, for example, an input of a signal output from an encoder. The input terminal 401 also receives, for example, an input of signals output from various sensors such as the limit switch 109, a door open / close sensor, and a brake sensor whose output changes in response to the operation of the electromagnetic brake 107. The brake sensor can be realized by, for example, a microswitch or a photoelectric sensor.

[0060] The output terminal 402 is a hardware interface that connects the CPU 403 to multiple components of the elevator 100, and outputs down signals output from the CPU 403 to the corresponding components. Specifically, the output terminal 402 outputs, for example, down control signals generated by the CPU 403 to the hoist 104, the electromagnetic brake 107, and motors that open and close the door 101a of the car 101 and the door 110a of the hall 110.

[0061] The CPU 403 controls the multiple components of the elevator 100 and is responsible for overall control of the elevator 100. The memory 404 stores programs, data, and the like used to control the multiple components of the elevator 100. The CPU 403 performs arithmetic processing using the programs, data, and the like stored in the memory 404, based on, for example, an up signal input via an input terminal. The CPU 403 also outputs, for example, a signal based on the result of the arithmetic processing to the relevant component via the output terminal 402.

[0062] Specifically, the CPU 403 generates control down signals for each component, such as the hoist 104, the electromagnetic brake 107, and the motors that open and close the doors 101a and 110a, based on an up signal (call signal) output from a control board for the operation panel 101b, and outputs the generated control down signals to each of the corresponding components. The CPU 403 also determines whether each component has operated normally, based on up signals output from each component, such as the hoist 104 (encoder), the brake sensor, and the door opening / closing sensor. The CPU 403 also outputs control down signals, including a floor signal indicating the floor on which the car 101 is located, to the control board for the operation panel 101b, and causes the operation panel 101b to display the floor on which the car 101 is located, the direction of movement (whether it is ascending or descending), etc.

[0063] The communication I / F 405 is connected to a management server computer via a network such as the Internet (both are not shown). The management server computer is installed in a remote location different from the location where the elevator 100 to be monitored is installed. The management server computer can be installed, for example, in a maintenance management company that is responsible for maintaining and managing the elevator 100.

[0064] The communication I / F 405 transmits, for example, an alarm signal output from the CPU 403 to the management server computer. The alarm signal is output from the CPU 403, for example, when a fault is detected in the elevator 100, when the operation mode of the elevator 100 changes, etc.

[0065] The communication I / F 405 also receives signals related to various instructions, such as an instruction to execute a diagnostic operation, sent from the management server computer, and outputs the received signals to the CPU 403. The operation is realized by having the control panel 106 output signals to each part of the elevator 100 to operate the parts in a predetermined order, and having the new control panel 106' output signals indicating whether the parts operated normally in accordance with the output signals. The management server computer outputs instructions to execute diagnostic operations, for example, periodically (for example, at the end of each month).

[0066] By connecting the new control panel 106' and the management server computer via the communication I / F 405 via the Internet instead of a public voice network such as a telephone line, it is possible to avoid delays in understanding the status of the elevator 100 due to telephone line congestion in emergencies such as natural disasters such as earthquakes. This makes it possible to take prompt action if a malfunction occurs in the operation of the elevator 100 when the elevator 100 is remotely monitored using the management server computer.

[0067] The new control panel 106' may further be connected to a public voice network via a communication I / F 405. The public voice network includes a fixed telephone network (public switched telephone network) and a mobile phone network. The public voice network is made up of multiple exchanges (not shown), such as local line exchanges that accommodate telephone lines, relay exchanges that bundle local line exchanges, and gateway exchanges that connect to telephone networks of other carriers. The public voice network is a well-known technology, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] Voice communication between the interphone terminal device 205 and the management center can be achieved by connecting the new control panel 106' to the public voice network via the communication I / F 405. In this case, specifically, the communication I / F 405 can be achieved by a communication board such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or PHS (Personal Handy-phone System).

[0069] The new control panel 106' receives a signal input to the new control panel 106' via an input terminal 401, and outputs a signal based on the input signal via an output terminal 402. The new control panel 106' operates according to a program written in a programming language different from the program used by the control panel 106. The new control panel 106' understands machine language, that is, electrical signals that can be expressed using the two values ​​"0" and "1", and which are different from the signals that the control panel 106 understands.

[0070] Furthermore, the new control panel 106' outputs signals that have the same meaning as the signals output by the control panel 106 to the multiple components controlled by the control panel 106, but are different from the signals that can be understood by those components. The new control panel 106' may output signals that can be understood by those components, similar to the signals output by the control panel 106, to the multiple components controlled by the control panel 106.

[0071] (Configuration of signal conversion device) Next, the configuration of the signal conversion device will be described. When the control panel 106 is replaced with a new control panel 106' of a different type from the control panel 106, the signal conversion device is connected between the new control panel 106' and the components (old components) that were controlled by the control panel 106.

[0072] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of a signal conversion device. As shown in Fig. 5, signal conversion device 500 includes input terminal 501, CPU 502, memory 503, output terminal 504, and communication I / F 505. Each of units 501 to 505 included in signal conversion device 500 is connected to each other via bus 506.

[0073] The input terminal 501 is connected to a plurality of components of the elevator 100 and a new control panel 106' and the signal conversion device 500, and receives input of signals output from each component and the new control panel 106', and outputs the received input signals to the CPU 502. An input terminal 501 is provided for each component. Also, an input terminal 501 is provided corresponding to the new control panel 106'.

[0074] Specifically, the input terminal 501 receives, for example, an input of a signal output from each component of the elevator 100 to the control panel 106, that is, a so-called "up signal." Furthermore, specifically, the input terminal 501 receives, for example, an input of a signal output from the new control panel 106' to each component of the elevator 100, that is, a so-called "down signal." The signal conversion device 500 is not limited to having one input terminal 501, and may be provided with multiple input terminals 501.

[0075] The CPU 502 controls each unit included in the signal conversion device 500 and is responsible for overall control of the signal conversion device 500. The memory 503 stores programs, data, etc. used for signal processing. Specifically, the memory 503 stores, for example, programs, data, etc. related to signal conversion processing that converts an upstream signal into another signal that can be understood by the new control panel 106'.

[0076] Specifically, the memory 503 stores, for example, programs and data related to signal conversion processing for converting downstream signals into other signals that can be understood by the respective components. The CPU 502 performs signal conversion processing on the upstream and downstream signals input via the input terminal 501 using the programs and data stored in the memory 503.

[0077] The output terminal 504 is a connection terminal (hardware interface) that connects the signal conversion device 500 with the multiple components of the elevator 100 and the new control panel 106', and outputs signals output from the CPU 502 to the corresponding components or the new control panel 106'. An output terminal 504 is provided for each component. Also, an output terminal 504 is provided corresponding to the new control panel 106'.

[0078] Specifically, output terminal 504 outputs, for example, a downstream signal output by new control panel 106' that has undergone signal conversion processing by CPU 502 to each corresponding component. Also, specifically, output terminal 504 outputs, for example, an upstream signal output by each component (old component) that has undergone signal conversion processing by CPU 502 to new control panel 106'. Signal conversion device 500 is not limited to having one output terminal 504, and may be provided with multiple output terminals 504.

[0079] The communication I / F 505 is connected to the management server computer via a network such as the Internet. Specifically, the communication I / F 505 can be realized by a wireless communication interface such as a mobile phone line (e.g., LTE (Long Term Evolution) or PHS (Personal Handy-phone System)). The communication I / F 505 may also be realized by a wired communication interface such as a modem or LAN adapter.

[0080] The communication I / F 505 transmits, for example, an alarm signal output from the CPU 502 to the management server computer. The alarm signal is output from the CPU 502 to the management server computer via the communication I / F 505, for example, when a fault is detected in the elevator 100 or when the operation mode of the elevator 100 changes.

[0081] The communication I / F 505 also receives various instructions, such as an instruction to execute a diagnostic operation, sent from the management server computer, and outputs the instructions to the CPU 502. This is realized by having the new control panel 106' output signals to each part of the elevator 100 to operate the parts in a predetermined order, and then having the new control panel 106' output signals indicating whether the parts operated normally or not in accordance with the output signals. The management server computer outputs an instruction to execute a diagnostic operation, for example, periodically (for example, at the end of each month).

[0082] By connecting the new control panel 106' and the management server computer via the communication I / F 505 via the Internet instead of a public voice network such as a telephone line, it is possible to avoid delays in understanding the status of the elevator 100 due to telephone line congestion in emergencies such as natural disasters such as earthquakes. This makes it possible to take prompt action if a malfunction occurs in the operation of the elevator 100 when the elevator 100 is remotely monitored using the management server computer.

[0083] The new control panel 106' may further be connected to a public voice network via the communication I / F 505. The public voice network includes a fixed telephone network (public switched telephone network) and a mobile phone network. The public voice network is made up of multiple switches (not shown), such as local line switches that accommodate telephone lines, relay switches that bundle local line switches, and gateway switches that connect to telephone networks of other carriers. The public voice network is a well-known technology, so a description thereof will be omitted. By connecting the new control panel 106' to the public voice network via the communication I / F 505, voice communication between the interphone terminal device 205 and the management center can be realized.

[0084] In this case, the new control panel 106' may perform data communication using an LTE board (LTE module). That is, the LTE board may be used for data communication as well as voice communication. By performing communication using LTE, the quality of communication can be ensured. Furthermore, since the installation location of the elevator 100 is fixed, the installation location of the elevator 100 can be determined by performing communication using LTE.

[0085] The communication I / F 505 is also connected to the basket position detection sensor 101c and receives an input of a signal output from the basket position detection sensor 101c. The communication I / F 505 outputs the received input signal from the basket position detection sensor 101c to the CPU 502.

[0086] (Functional configuration of new control panel 106') Next, the functional configuration of a control panel (new control panel) 106' according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the new control panel 106'. In Fig. 6, each function of the new control panel 106' is realized by an acquisition unit 601, a control unit 602, and an output unit 603.

[0087] The acquisition unit 601 acquires up signals output from components of the elevator 100. The acquisition unit 601 also acquires various signals transmitted from the management server computer. Specifically, the acquisition unit 601 can be realized by, for example, the communication I / F 405 of the new control panel 106′.

[0088] The control unit 602 functions as a measurement unit, a calculation unit, and an identification unit. Specifically, the control unit 602 can be realized by, for example, the CPU 403 and the memory 404 of the new control panel 106′.

[0089] The control unit 602 measures the floor height and the floor interval by controlling the components of the elevator 100. The floor height is the height of each floor in a building, and indicates the height from the floor surface of the floor below to the floor surface of the floor above. The floor interval is the distance between the ceiling of the floor below and the floor of the floor immediately above. The distance indicates the distance. Since changes over time in components such as rope elongation affect the ride comfort, the control unit 602 may measure the floor height and the distance between floors not only when the control panel is replaced, but also periodically after the control panel is replaced.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, in buildings with double ceilings or double floors, the distance between floors may differ depending on the floor, and the actual travel distance may differ. The actual travel distance indicates the distance that the car 101 actually travels from when it starts traveling until it stops traveling. Specifically, for example, in buildings with double ceilings, the lower the floor, the larger the beams, and the higher the floor, the smaller the beams, so even if the floor heights are the same, the actual travel distance when traveling from the first floor to the third floor may differ from the actual travel distance when traveling from the fourth floor to the sixth floor.

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 602 calculates the actual travel distance from the travel start floor to the travel stop floor of the car 101, which accelerates at a predetermined acceleration and decelerates at a predetermined deceleration, based on the measured floor height and distance between floors. Specifically, for example, if the travel start floor of the car 101 is the first floor and the travel stop floor of the car 101 is the fifth floor, the control unit 602 calculates the height from the floor surface of the first floor to the floor surface of the fifth floor as the actual travel distance.

[0092] The floor at which the car starts traveling is, for example, the floor at which the user gets on and operates the destination floor button. Also, the floor at which the car starts traveling is, for example, the floor at which the car 101 is stopped when the platform call button 111a is operated. The floor at which the car stops traveling is, for example, the floor corresponding to the destination floor button operated by the user who gets on the car 101. Also, the floor at which the car stops traveling is, for example, the floor at which the platform call button 111a is operated.

[0093] When calculating the actual travel distance, first, the travel distance during acceleration (accelerating at a predetermined acceleration rate) and the travel distance during deceleration (deceleration at a predetermined deceleration rate) are calculated. Then, the minimum travel distance is calculated by adding the calculated travel distance during acceleration and the travel distance during deceleration. The minimum travel distance is calculated for each acceleration rate. After that, the actual travel distance is calculated based on the calculated minimum travel distance and the measured floor height and floor spacing.

[0094] The predetermined acceleration indicates the rate of change of speed per unit time (time derivative of speed) from when the car 101 starts traveling until it reaches the rated speed. The predetermined acceleration for one elevator 100 can be kept constant. In this case, the distance traveled by the car 101 until it reaches the rated speed (accelerated travel distance) is kept constant.

[0095] The predetermined deceleration indicates the rate of change of speed per unit time (time derivative of speed) from when the car 101 starts to decelerate until it stops. The deceleration in one elevator 100 is kept constant. Therefore, the distance required for the car 101 traveling at the rated speed from when it starts to decelerate until it stops (traveling distance during deceleration) is kept constant.

[0096] The speed of the car 101 at the time when it starts to decelerate is not necessarily the rated speed. Specifically, if the sum of the acceleration travel distance required from when the car 101 starts traveling until it reaches the rated speed and the deceleration travel distance required from when the car 101 traveling at the rated speed starts to decelerate until it stops is shorter than the actual travel distance, the car 101 starts to decelerate from a speed lower than the rated speed (before it reaches the rated speed).

[0097] When the predetermined acceleration of one elevator 100 is constant, the longer the time spent traveling at the predetermined acceleration, the longer the travel distance during acceleration. The upper limit of the travel distance during acceleration is the distance traveled before the rated speed is reached. Furthermore, when accelerating at a predetermined acceleration, the longer the acceleration time, the faster the maximum speed becomes and the longer the travel distance during acceleration.

[0098] Furthermore, when the predetermined deceleration rate for one elevator 100 is constant, the longer the time spent traveling at the predetermined deceleration rate, the longer the travel distance during deceleration. The upper limit of the travel distance during deceleration is the distance traveled when the car 101 traveling at the rated speed starts to decelerate. Furthermore, when decelerating at a predetermined deceleration rate, the faster the speed at which deceleration starts (maximum speed), the longer the travel distance during deceleration that the car traveling at the predetermined deceleration rate must travel before stopping.

[0099] The predetermined acceleration and the predetermined deceleration may be different when the car 101 ascends and when the car 101 descends. Specifically, because gravity acts to urge the car 101 downward, the acceleration when the car 101 ascends can be higher than when the car 101 descends. Also, specifically, because gravity acts to urge the car 101 downward, the acceleration when the car 101 descends can be lower than when the car 101 ascends.

[0100] Furthermore, the control unit 602 specifies the deceleration start position when the car 101 is caused to travel so as to stop at a travel stop floor, based on the calculated actual travel distance. The deceleration start position indicates the position at which the car 101 traveling at a predetermined speed starts to decelerate at a predetermined deceleration to stop at a travel stop floor.

[0101] The predetermined speed is set to the maximum speed of the series of movements of the car 101 when traveling the actual traveling distance based on the actual traveling distance. For example, if the distance obtained by adding the traveling distance required for the car 101 to decelerate and stop is longer than the actual traveling distance, the rated speed is set to the predetermined speed.

[0102] Also, for example, if the sum of the distance traveled from when the cage 101 starts traveling until it reaches the rated speed and the distance traveled from when the cage 101 traveling at the rated speed starts decelerating until it stops is shorter than the actual traveling distance, the maximum speed of the series of movements of the cage 101 when traveling the actual traveling distance is set to the specified speed.

[0103] The output unit 603 outputs various control signals generated by the control unit 602 to the corresponding components from the corresponding output terminals 402. The components that receive the control signals operate in accordance with the received control signals. Specifically, the output unit 603 can be realized by, for example, the communication I / F 405 of the new control panel 106′.

[0104] (An example of the running pattern of the cage 101) Next, an example of a running pattern of the car 101 will be described. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a running pattern of the car 101. As described above, the predetermined acceleration for one elevator 100 is constant, so the slope of the speed during acceleration is constant. Also, as described above, the predetermined deceleration for one elevator 100 is constant, so the slope of the speed during deceleration is constant.

[0105] As shown by the solid line in Figure 7, if the sum of the travel distance required from when the car 101 starts traveling until it reaches the rated speed (travel distance during acceleration) and the travel distance required from when the car 101 traveling at the rated speed starts decelerating until it stops (travel distance during deceleration) is longer than the actual travel distance, the car 101 accelerates to the rated speed, travels at the rated speed, and then decelerates from the deceleration position and stops at the travel stop floor. In this case, after reaching the rated speed, the car 101 travels at the rated speed until it reaches the deceleration position, regardless of the length of the actual travel distance.

[0106] In contrast to this, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 7, the distance traveled from when the car 101 starts traveling until it reaches the rated speed is proportional to the distance traveled from when the car 101 starts traveling until it reaches the rated speed. If the distance obtained by adding the distance traveled from the rated speed to the travel distance required to stop is shorter than the actual travel distance, the car 101 will reach the deceleration start position before accelerating to the rated speed, and will decelerate from the deceleration start position and stop at the travel stop floor.

[0107] Furthermore, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 7, if the sum of the distance traveled from when the car 101 starts traveling until it reaches the rated speed and the distance traveled from when the car 101 traveling at the rated speed starts decelerating until it stops is equal to the actual distance traveled, the car 101 will reach the deceleration start position when it accelerates to the rated speed, and will decelerate from the deceleration start position and stop at the travel stop floor.

[0108] As described above, the acceleration of one elevator is kept constant, and the distance traveled by the car 101 before reaching the rated speed is kept constant, so the slope showing the change in speed of the car 101 during acceleration shown in Fig. 7 is constant. Also, the deceleration of one elevator is kept constant, and the distance required for the car 101 traveling at the rated speed to stop after it starts to decelerate is kept constant, so the slope showing the change in speed of the car during deceleration shown in Fig. 7 is constant.

[0109] In principle, the deceleration rate of an elevator is kept constant, but the deceleration rate may be adjusted just before the elevator stops after deceleration so that the elevator stops without causing any shock to the user. In other words, the deceleration rate may be changed while the elevator is decelerating.

[0110] (Control panel 106 replacement procedure) Next, a procedure for replacing the control panel 106 with a new control panel 106' will be described. In this embodiment, a procedure for replacing the control panel (old control panel) 106 with a new control panel 106' using a signal conversion device 500 will be described.

[0111] When replacing the control panel 106 with a new control panel 106', first, the old control panel 106 is disconnected from each component and then the old control panel 106 is removed. The removed old control panel 106 is then removed.

[0112] Next, the signal conversion device 500 is connected to the component from which the old control panel 106 was removed. The signal conversion device 500 can be installed in any location, such as on the wall of the elevator shaft or near the new control panel 106'. The new control panel 106' is then connected to the signal conversion device 500 connected to the component. The new control panel 106' is installed, for example, in the location where the control panel 106 was previously installed. After that, an operation check is performed as described below to confirm that the elevator 100 is operating normally.

[0113] (Component replacement procedure) Next, a procedure for replacing components (old components) controlled by the new control panel 106' replaced as described above via the signal conversion device 500 with new components will be described.

[0114] When replacing an old component with a new component, first, the signal conversion device 500 is disconnected from the old component, and the new component that replaces the removed old component is connected to the new control panel 106'. This allows the old component to be replaced with the new component. When replacing multiple old components with new components, for each component to be replaced, the corresponding old component is removed from the signal conversion device 500, and the new component that replaces the removed old component is connected to the new control panel 106'.

[0115] Once all of the old components have been replaced with new components, all of the new components are directly connected to the new control panel 106', and signals are directly exchanged between the new control panel 106' and the new components. After all of the old components have been replaced with new components, the signal conversion device 500 may be removed. The removed signal conversion device 500 can be reused for the renovation of another elevator 100. After that, an operation check is performed as described below to confirm that the elevator 100 is operating normally.

[0116] In this way, by connecting the signal conversion device 500 between the old components and the new control panel 106', even when the control panel 106 is replaced with a new control panel 106' that operates according to a program written in a programming language different from the program used by the control panel 106 while leaving some or all of the old components intact, the new control panel 106' can understand the signals output by the old components.

[0117] Furthermore, by connecting a signal conversion device 500 between each old component and the new control panel 106', even when the control panel 106 is replaced with a new control panel 106' that operates according to a program written in a programming language different from the program used by the control panel 106, while leaving some or all of the old components in place, the old components can understand the signals output by the new control panel 106' and operate normally.

[0118] (An example of operation check using the new control panel 106') Next, an example of operation check by the new control panel 106' will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of operation check by the new control panel 106'. The operation check by the new control panel 106' is realized by the new control panel 106' executing the process shown in Fig. 8.

[0119] The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is performed by the new control panel 106', for example, when the old control panel 106 is replaced with a new control panel 106' according to the procedure described above, when the old control panel 106 is replaced with a new control panel 106' and some or all of the old components are replaced with new components, or when replacement with the new control panel 106' has already been completed and some or all of the old components are replaced with new components.

[0120] 8, first, the floor height and the distance between floors are measured (step S801). In step S801, for example, the components are controlled to run the car 101, and the floor height and the distance between floors are measured based on signals output from the car position detection sensor 101c and the hoisting machine 104.

[0121] Specifically, in step S801, for example, the floor height and the distance between floors can be measured based on the number of signals (pulses) output from the hoist 104 and the output signal from the car position detection sensor 101c as the hoist 104 rotates. If a signal conversion device 500 is provided between the component (old component) and the new control panel 106', in step S801, the signals output from the car position detection sensor 101c and the hoist 104 are acquired via the signal conversion device 500.

[0122] Next, based on the floor height and floor spacing measured in step S801, the actual travel distance from the travel start floor to the travel stop floor of the car 101 is calculated (step S802). In step S802, for example, first, the acceleration travel distance when accelerating at a predetermined acceleration rate and the deceleration travel distance when decelerating at a predetermined deceleration rate are calculated. Then, the minimum travel distance is calculated by adding up the calculated acceleration travel distance and deceleration travel distance. The minimum travel distance is calculated for each acceleration rate. After that, the actual travel distance is calculated based on the calculated minimum travel distance and the measured floor height and floor spacing.

[0123] In step S802, for example, the actual travel distance is calculated based on the preset travel start floor and travel stop floor of the car 101. In this case, for example, all possible actual travel distances of the car 101 are calculated. Specifically, for example, in the case of a five-story building, all possible actual travel distances of the cage 101 are calculated, such as when the cage 101 starts traveling on the first floor and stops on the second floor, when the cage 101 starts traveling on the first floor and stops on the third floor, ..., when the cage 101 starts traveling on the second floor and stops on the third floor, when the cage 101 starts traveling on the second floor and stops on the fourth floor, ..., when the cage 101 starts traveling on the fifth floor and stops on the fourth floor, when the cage 101 starts traveling on the fifth floor and stops on the third floor, ..., when the cage 101 starts traveling on the second floor and stops on the first floor.

[0124] Then, based on the actual travel distance calculated in step S802, a deceleration start position is identified when the car 101 is made to travel so as to stop at the relevant travel stop floor (step S803). The deceleration start position is the position where deceleration starts so that the speed of the car 101, which is decelerating at a predetermined deceleration, becomes zero at the relevant travel stop floor. The deceleration start position differs depending on the actual travel distance.

[0125] The deceleration start position is determined so that, for example, when the speed of the car 101 at the time of starting deceleration is the same when ascending and descending, the distance from the deceleration start position to the floor where the car stops is the same when ascending and descending.

[0126] Alternatively, the deceleration start position may be specified so that, for example, when the speed of the car 101 at the time when deceleration starts is the same during ascent and descent, the distance from the deceleration start position to the travel stop floor is different during ascent and descent. In this case, even if the speed of the car 101 at the time when deceleration starts is the same during ascent and descent, the deceleration start position can be specified so that, for example, the distance from the deceleration start position to the travel stop floor during ascent is shorter than the distance from the deceleration start position to the travel stop floor during descent.

[0127] Thereafter, in the running mode during operation, the new control panel 106' selects an acceleration pattern that matches each actual running distance according to the calculated actual running distance, and sets the deceleration start position. Specifically, the new control panel 106' controls each component to run the car 101 so that deceleration starts at the deceleration start position identified in step S803.

[0128] In step S803, a position where the car 101 starts to land may also be specified. In this case, the new control panel 106′ controls each component to start deceleration from the specified deceleration start position and to stop the car 101 so that the car 101 lands at the specified position where the car 101 starts to land.

[0129] Conventionally, when a control panel or part of a component is replaced, the components controlled by the old control panel cannot understand the control signals from the new control panel 106', so the floor height and floor spacing are measured on-site by performing a measurement run. When measuring the floor height and floor spacing through a measurement run, the positions at which to start deceleration and landing are determined based on the measured values, and deceleration and floor landing operation commands are output.

[0130] During such measurement operations, although deceleration and landing position can be kept constant, there are cases where shocks occur during deceleration or stopping, or deceleration time changes, due to differences in balance with the hoist or counter, rope traction, etc. Conventionally, when such problems occur, it is necessary to calculate the values ​​according to the site and then use the calculated values. The calculated values ​​must be corrected while the elevator is in operation, and a test run must be carried out based on the corrected values. This process must be repeated until the elevator is operating properly.

[0131] In contrast, the new control panel 106' controls each component based on the deceleration start position identified as described above when replacing the old control panel 106' or the old components with new components. This makes it possible to perform optimal operation suited to each elevator without manual adjustments by an operator, even when conditions such as shocks occurring during deceleration or stopping or fluctuations in deceleration time differ from elevator to elevator due to differences in the balance with the hoist 104 and counter, rope traction, etc.

[0132] Maintenance management of the elevator 100 is realized, for example, by periodically checking the operation history of the elevator 100 that is subject to maintenance management based on the results of communication between the control panel 106 of the elevator 100 and an inspection terminal, and by replacing parts based on the checked operation history. Maintenance management of the elevator 100 is also realized, for example, by periodically communicating between the control panel 106 and a management server computer, executing diagnostic operations, and replacing parts based on the results of the diagnostic operations.

[0133] In the maintenance and management of such an elevator 100, for example, in the elevator 100 in which each component is controlled by a dedicated ASIC, if some components are to be replaced with new components, it is assumed that the new components cannot be controlled by the existing ASIC. In such a situation, the new components are limited to those that can be controlled by the existing ASIC.

[0134] More specifically, for example, in an elevator 100 in which each component is controlled by a dedicated ASIC, when the hoist 104 is to be replaced, even if there is another hoist 104 that consumes less power and has a higher output than the existing hoist 104, it is not possible to replace it with the other hoist 104 due to the restrictions imposed by the existing ASIC. For this reason, the person in charge of managing the elevator 100 is forced to choose between replacing the hoist 104 with one that can be controlled by the existing ASIC or renovating the elevator, including the existing ASIC, which has resulted in a situation in which the degree of freedom in maintenance management by the person in charge of managing the elevator 100 is limited.

[0135] Additionally, the current situation is that communication between the control panel 106 and the inspection terminal, or communication between the control panel 106 and the management server computer, which are involved in the maintenance and management of the elevator 100, is often carried out using signals unique to each manufacturer of the elevator 100. This makes it difficult for an independent maintenance service company for the elevator 100, independent of the manufacturer or the elevator management company affiliated with the manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturer, etc." as appropriate), to carry out maintenance and management.

[0136] In the current situation where communication is carried out using signals unique to each manufacturer when maintaining and managing elevator 100, new components to replace components must be selected within the range specified by the manufacturer of each elevator 100, which means that the person responsible for managing elevator 100 has little freedom in maintenance and management.

[0137] In addition, in the current situation where communication is carried out using signals unique to each manufacturer, it is easy for the manufacturer of each elevator 100 to uniquely set the costs required for maintaining and managing the elevator 100 (maintenance and management costs), making it difficult to reduce the maintenance and management costs borne by the person responsible for managing the elevator 100.

[0138] The safety and sense of security of users of elevator 100 depend on the frequency of maintenance and inspection of elevator 100. On the other hand, if the frequency of maintenance inspections is limited to the minimum frequency specified in the guidelines of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or close to that frequency in order to reduce maintenance costs in the above-mentioned situation, it becomes difficult to achieve both reduction in maintenance costs and improvement in the safety of users of the elevator 100.

[0139] In contrast to this, by using a new control panel 106', as described above, the elevator 100 can be operated even when the old and new components coexist by connecting the signal conversion device 500 between the new control panel 106' and the old components before replacing the control panel 106 with the new control panel 106', which is performed prior to replacing the old components with new components. This allows the replacement of the old components with new components to be performed in a distributed manner for each component, and the elevator 100 can be operated between each replacement work.

[0140] In the above-described embodiment, the elevator 100 is described as controlling each component by executing various processes such as signal conversion processing using the CPU 502, but control of the elevator 100 is not limited to being achieved using a CPU. Instead of the CPU 502, for example, control of the elevator 100 may be achieved using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which is an integrated circuit for a specific application that integrates multiple circuits, or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), which is an integrated circuit whose configuration can be arbitrarily set after manufacture. Furthermore, instead of the CPU 502, for example, the signal conversion processing may be performed by the CPU 403.

[0141] As described above, the new control panel 106' for the elevator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a control panel 106' for the elevator 100 that controls a plurality of components equipped in the elevator, and when installed in the elevator 100, it measures the floor height and the distance between floors by controlling the components to run the car 101, calculates the actual running distance from the running start floor to the running stop floor of the car, which accelerates at a predetermined acceleration and decelerates at a predetermined deceleration, based on the measured floor height and distance between floors, and identifies the deceleration start position when running the car so as to stop at the running stop floor, based on the calculated actual running distance.

[0142] The new control panel 106' for the elevator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can identify the deceleration start position when running the car so that it stops at a stop floor, based on the actual running distance calculated from the floor height and floor interval measured on-site. As a result, even if any part of the components installed at the time of installation of the elevator 100 is replaced, the optimal running mode can be set for each elevator 100 according to the combination of the any part of the components and the remaining components, without manual adjustment by an operator.

[0143] This makes it possible to replace any part of the multiple components included in elevator 100. This also makes it possible to replace the control panel and any part of the multiple components included in the elevator without placing a burden on the worker. Furthermore, by replacing the control panel and any part of the multiple components without placing a burden on the worker, it is possible to perform operation control that is appropriate for each elevator, whose specifications vary from site to site.

[0144] Furthermore, the new control panel 106' of the elevator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it calculates the minimum travel distance for each acceleration, which is the sum of the travel distance during acceleration at a predetermined acceleration rate and the travel distance during deceleration at a predetermined deceleration rate, and calculates the actual travel distance based on the calculated minimum travel distance and the measured floor height and floor distance.

[0145] According to the new control panel 106' of the elevator 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the actual travel distance can be calculated by taking into account the minimum travel distance calculated for each acceleration in accordance with the travel distance during acceleration, which differs depending on the acceleration time, and the travel distance during deceleration, which differs depending on the deceleration time.

[0146] As a result, even if, for example, all of the components of the elevator 100 are existing components or some of the multiple components of the elevator have been replaced, the new control panel 106' can optimally control each elevator 100 according to the existing components or a combination of those optional components and the remaining components.

[0147] Furthermore, the control method for the elevator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control panel that controls the multiple components of the elevator 100 is replaced, and a new control panel 106' of a different type from the control panel installed in the elevator 100 is used to control the components and run the car 101, thereby measuring the floor height and the distance between floors, calculating an actual running distance from the running start floor to the running stop floor of the car accelerating at a predetermined acceleration and decelerating at a predetermined deceleration based on the measured floor height and distance between floors, and identifying a deceleration start position for the car to run so as to stop at the running stop floor based on the calculated actual running distance.

[0148] According to the control method for the elevator 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, even when the existing control panel 106 is replaced with a new control panel 106', it is possible to identify the deceleration start position when running the car 101 so as to stop at the running stop floor, based on the actual running distance calculated from the floor height and floor interval measured on-site.

[0149] As a result, even if any part of the components that were installed at the time of elevator 100 is replaced, it is possible to set an optimal running mode for each elevator 100 according to the combination of the optional part and the remaining components. This makes it possible to replace any part of the multiple components that elevator 100 has. This also makes it possible to perform operation control that is appropriate for each elevator whose specifications vary from site to site by replacing the control panel and any part of the components, without imposing a burden on workers.

[0150] Furthermore, the elevator control method of the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, when measuring floor heights and floor intervals, the new control panel 106' acquires a signal output by a component among multiple components that outputs a signal that the new control panel 106' cannot understand, via a signal conversion device 500 that converts the signal into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal but can be understood by the new control panel 106'.

[0151] According to the control method for the elevator 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the new control panel 106' acquires the signals output by the components via the signal conversion device 500, so that the signals output by the components can be understood even when the new control panel 106' cannot directly understand the signals output by the components.

[0152] This makes it possible to replace some of the components of the elevator 100. This also makes it possible to perform operation control suited to each elevator whose specifications vary from site to site by replacing the control panel and any of the components without placing a burden on the worker.

[0153] In addition, in the control method for the elevator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the new control panel 106' measures the floor height and the distance between floors, the new control panel 106' measures the floor height and the distance between floors. The signal output by the new control panel 106' is output to components that cannot understand the signal output by the new control panel 106' via a signal conversion device 500 that converts the signal into a signal that can be understood by the components.

[0154] According to the control method for the elevator 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the new control panel 106' outputs a signal to the component parts via the signal conversion device 500, so that even if the component parts cannot directly understand the signal output by the new control panel 106', the signal output by the component parts can be understood.

[0155] This makes it possible to replace some of the components of the elevator 100. This also makes it possible to perform operation control suited to each elevator whose specifications vary from site to site by replacing the control panel and any of the components without placing a burden on the worker.

[0156] The elevator control method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk, CD-ROM, MO, or DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. This program may also be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Industrial Applicability]

[0157] As described above, the elevator control panel and elevator control method of the present invention are useful as elevator control panels and elevator control methods used in elevator renovation, and are particularly suitable as elevator control panels and elevator control methods that enable the replacement of any part of a component. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 100 Elevator 101 Basket 104 Hoisting machine 106' New control panel 401 Input terminal 402 output terminal 403 CPU 404 Memory 405 Communication I / F 601 Acquisition Department 602 Control section 603 Output section

Claims

1. A control panel for an elevator that controls a plurality of components provided in the elevator, When installed in the elevator, By controlling the component to run the car, the floor height and the distance between floors are measured; Based on the measured floor height and floor interval, an actual travel distance from the travel start floor to the travel stop floor of the car accelerating at a predetermined acceleration rate and decelerating at a predetermined deceleration rate is calculated; and determining a deceleration start position when the car is made to travel so as to stop at the travel stop floor based on the calculated actual travel distance. An elevator control panel characterized by:

2. The actual mileage is A minimum travel distance is calculated for each acceleration by adding up the travel distance during acceleration at the predetermined acceleration rate and the travel distance during deceleration at the predetermined deceleration rate, and is calculated based on the calculated minimum travel distance and the measured floor height and floor interval.

2. The elevator control panel according to claim 1.

3. The elevator is equipped with a control panel that controls multiple components. A new control panel, different from the control panel in question, is installed to control the components and run the elevator car, measuring the floor height and floor spacing. Based on the measured floor height and floor interval, an actual travel distance from the travel start floor to the travel stop floor of the car accelerating at a predetermined acceleration rate and decelerating at a predetermined deceleration rate is calculated; and determining a deceleration start position when the car is made to travel so as to stop at the travel stop floor based on the calculated actual travel distance.

1. An elevator control method comprising:

4. The new control panel, when measuring the floor height and floor interval, A signal output by a component among the plurality of components that outputs a signal that the new control panel cannot understand is acquired via a signal conversion device that converts the signal output by the component into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal but can be understood by the new control panel.

4. The elevator control method according to claim 3.

5. The new control panel, when measuring the floor height and floor interval, a signal converter for converting the signal output by the new control panel into a signal that can be understood by a component that cannot understand the signal output by the new control panel among the plurality of components; 4. The elevator control method according to claim 3.

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