elevator

Abstract

To provide an elevator that has been efficiently renovated. [Solution] The elevator's multiple components consist of a first component (new component A700', new component B700') that connects directly to the new control panel 106', and a second component (component C700, component D700) that connects to the new control panel 106' via a signal conversion device 400. The signal conversion device 400 converts the signal output by the second component, which relates to the information transmitted from the second component to the new control panel 106', into another signal related to the information transmitted, which has the same meaning as the first signal and can be understood by the new control panel 106', and outputs it to the new control panel 106'. The new control panel 106' also converts the signal output by the new control panel 106', which relates to the information transmitted from the new control panel 106' to the second component, into another signal related to the information transmitted, which has the same meaning as the first signal and can be understood by the second component, and outputs it to the second component.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator, a renewal method for an elevator and a connection device for replacing a control panel, and also to a signal conversion device and a replacement method used in replacing components of an elevator having multiple components. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Furthermore, thanks to recent technological improvements, elevators controlled using new technology have functions and performance that are far superior to existing elevators. For this reason, when renovating an elevator, the control panel that controls the drive mechanism and other components is often also updated. Along with updating the control panel, the various wiring that connects the drive mechanism and other components to the control panel is also updated.

[0004] Specifically, a related technology has been available in the past in which a guide sleeve extending from an existing wiring passage into the hoistway is cut at the introduction point on the hoistway side, and new protective sleeves are installed in place of the guide sleeve remaining after the cutting, and various new wiring is laid into the hoistway through the wiring passage, thereby allowing various wiring to be passed from the control panel into the hoistway without special drilling work (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

[0005] In addition, a related technology, specifically, was a technology in which, during renovation work, the old group control device was removed and the operation of all elevators, including the old elevators, was controlled solely by the new group control device, so that the new and old elevators were managed in an integrated manner by the new group control device alone, and the old elevators exchanged signals with the new group control device via a new / old switching interface (see, for example, Patent Document 2 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-347681 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-162294 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, when renovating an elevator, which requires updating the control panel, the elevator cannot be operated until all of the components that make up the elevator, such as the car, drive mechanism, various wiring, etc., are updated in addition to the control panel. For this reason, conventional technologies, including the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, have had the problem of lengthening the construction period and causing inconvenience to elevator users, resulting in extended periods when the elevator is unavailable.

[0008] The inconvenience here refers, for example, to the inconvenience of having to go up and down the building by means other than the elevator, such as stairs, due to the renovation of a single elevator shaft, i.e., a single elevator (at least in buildings with two or more elevators, there is no need to go up and down the building by means other than the elevator, even though this may reduce transportation efficiency).

[0009] The number of elevators that can be installed in a building is determined by factors such as its size. Furthermore, there are many relatively small buildings with only one elevator. If the operating rate of an elevator installed in such a relatively small building (with only one elevator shaft (car)) becomes zero, it would cause immeasurable inconvenience to users, far more than simply a decrease in operating rate.

[0010] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 involves suspending operation and renewing elevators in units of elevator shafts (cars) (units of A and B), which has the problem that it is not possible to replace each component part of an elevator shaft (car) separately while ensuring operation. This technology relates to group management of multiple elevators in buildings with at least two or more elevators, and if a building is equipped with multiple elevators, as mentioned above, passengers will not need to use stairs or other means to go up and down the building, even though this may reduce transportation efficiency.

[0011] In order to solve the problems of the prior art described above, an object of the present invention is to provide an elevator, an elevator renovation method, a connection device, a signal conversion device, and a replacement construction method that allow elevator renovation to be performed without causing inconvenience to elevator users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the elevator of the present invention is an elevator comprising a plurality of components, a control panel that controls the components, and a signal conversion device that is connected to the control panel, wherein the components are comprised of a first component that is directly connected to the control panel and a second component that is connected to the control panel via the signal conversion device, the first component outputs a signal related to information transmitted from the first component to the control panel to the control panel, the second component outputs a signal related to information transmitted from the second component to the control panel to the signal conversion device, and the control panel converts the signal related to information transmitted from the control panel to the first component. The signal conversion device converts the signal output by the second component, which is related to the information transmitted from the second component to the control panel, into another signal related to the information transmitted, which has the same meaning as the signal output by the first component, and which can be understood by the control panel, and outputs the converted signal to the control panel; and converts the signal output by the control panel, which is related to the information transmitted from the control panel to the second component, into another signal related to the information transmitted, which has the same meaning as the signal output by the control panel, and which can be understood by the second component, and outputs the converted signal to the second component.

[0013] The elevator renewal method of this invention is an elevator renewal method for renewing at least one of an elevator having a plurality of components, the method comprising the steps of: a first step of disconnecting a control panel that controls the component from the component and removing the control panel; and a second step of converting a signal output by the component relating to information transmitted from the component to the control panel into a different signal relating to the information transmitted from the new control panel to the component, the different signal having the same meaning as the signal and understandable by a new control panel of a different type from the control panel. The method further includes a second step of connecting a signal converter to the component, the signal converter converting the signal related to the information into another signal related to the information that has the same meaning as the signal related to the information and that the component can understand, and connecting the signal converter to the new control panel; and a third step of disconnecting at least one of the component parts from the signal converter and connecting a new component part, different from the disconnected component part and performing the same operation as the disconnected component part, to the signal converter after the connection between the signal converter and the new control panel is completed in the second step. This allows for replacement even if some of the components to be replaced are not directly controllable by the new control panel, such as components from a different manufacturer or with different specifications. This allows for greater freedom in selecting replacement parts, enabling renewal that better meets customer needs. Furthermore, a signal conversion device according to the present invention is a signal conversion device for a first elevator in an elevator group that is group-managed, the first elevator having a plurality of components (hereinafter referred to as the "first component") consisting of only one hoistway, and a second elevator having a plurality of components (hereinafter referred to as the "second component") consisting of only one hoistway different from the first elevator, and is characterized in that it comprises: an input unit that is connected between the new control panel and the first component when the control panel that controls the first component is replaced with a new control panel of a different type from the first control panel, and is connected to the signal conversion device of the second elevator, and that accepts input of a down signal from the new control panel to the first component; a signal conversion unit that converts the down signal into another signal that has the same meaning as the down signal and can be understood by the first component; an output unit that outputs the signal converted by the signal conversion unit to the first component; and a group control unit that performs group control of the operation of the first elevator and the second elevator. Furthermore, a signal conversion device according to the present invention is a signal conversion device for a first elevator in an elevator group that is group-managed, the first elevator having a plurality of components (hereinafter referred to as the "first component") consisting of only one hoistway, and a second elevator having a plurality of components (hereinafter referred to as the "second component") consisting of only one hoistway different from the first elevator, and is characterized in that it comprises: an input unit that is connected between the new control panel and the first component when the control panel that controls the first component is replaced with a new control panel of a different type from the first control panel, and is connected to the signal conversion device of the second elevator, and that accepts input of an up signal from the first component to the new control panel; a signal conversion unit that converts the up signal into another signal that has the same meaning as the up signal and can be understood by the new control panel; an output unit that outputs the signal converted by the signal conversion unit to the new control panel; and a group control unit that performs group control of the operation of the first elevator and the second elevator.

[0014] Furthermore, the signal conversion device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the group control unit performs group control of the operation of the first elevator and the second elevator using a master-slave system between the group control unit of the second elevator.

[0015] Furthermore, in the signal conversion device according to the present invention, the first component is a drive mechanism for the elevator.

[0016] Furthermore, in the signal conversion device according to the present invention, the first component is a control mechanism for the elevator hall.

[0017] Moreover, in the signal conversion device according to the present invention, the first component is a control mechanism for a car of the elevator.

[0018] Furthermore, in the signal conversion device according to the present invention, the first component is a sensor mechanism of the elevator.

[0019] Furthermore, the replacement construction method according to the present invention is a replacement construction method for an elevator group in which a first elevator having a plurality of components (hereinafter referred to as the "first component") consisting of only one elevator shaft, and a second elevator having a plurality of components (hereinafter referred to as the "second component") consisting of only one elevator shaft different from the first elevator shaft, are group-managed, and the first component is replaced, the method comprising the steps of: when replacing a control panel that controls the first component with a new control panel of a different type from the first control panel, replacing a signal output by the first component with a signal having the same meaning as the first signal, and the new control panel The system is characterized by including a signal conversion device connecting step, which converts the signal into another signal that the new control panel can understand and connects a signal conversion device that manages the operation of the first elevator and the second elevator between the new control panel and the first component, a component replacing step, which replaces at least one of the first component parts with a new component part that is another component part and outputs a signal that the new control panel can understand, after the signal conversion device connecting step, and a signal conversion device-to-signal conversion device connecting step, which connects the signal conversion device to the signal conversion device of the second elevator.

[0020] Further, a replacement construction method according to the present invention is a replacement construction method for an elevator group in which a first elevator having a plurality of components (hereinafter referred to as a "first component") consisting of only one elevator shaft, and a second elevator having a plurality of components (hereinafter referred to as a "second component") consisting of only one elevator shaft different from the first elevator shaft, are group-managed, and the first component is replaced, the method comprising: when replacing a control panel that controls the first component with a new control panel of a different type from the first control panel, converting a signal output by the new control panel into a signal that has the same meaning as the first signal and can be understood by the first component; The method includes a signal conversion device connecting step of connecting a signal conversion device that performs group control of the operation of the first elevator and the second elevator between the new control panel and the first component, a component replacing step of replacing at least one of the first component parts with a new component part that is a different component part and can understand the signals output by the new control panel after the signal conversion device connecting step, and a signal conversion device-to-signal conversion device connecting step of connecting the signal conversion device to the signal conversion device of the second elevator after the signal conversion device connecting step.

[0021] Furthermore, the replacement construction method according to the present invention is a replacement construction method for replacing a plurality of components in an elevator having only one hoistway and having a plurality of components, and is characterized in that it includes: a signal conversion device connecting step for connecting, between the new control panel and the components, a signal conversion device that converts a signal output by the component into a different signal that has the same meaning as the signal output by the component and can be understood by the new control panel, when replacing the control panel that controls the component with a new control panel of a different type from the control panel; and a component replacement step for replacing at least one of the components with a new component that is a different component and outputs a signal that can be understood by the new control panel, after performing the signal conversion device connecting step.

[0022] Furthermore, the replacement construction method according to the present invention is a replacement construction method for replacing a plurality of components in an elevator having only one hoistway and having a plurality of components, and is characterized in that it includes: a signal conversion device connecting step, when replacing a control panel that controls the components with a new control panel of a different type from the control panel, connecting a signal conversion device between the new control panel and the components, the signal conversion device converting a signal output by the new control panel into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal and can be understood by the components; and a component replacement step, after performing the signal conversion device connecting step, replacing at least one of the components with a new component that is another component and can understand the signal output by the new control panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The elevator, elevator renovation method, connection device, signal conversion device, and replacement construction method of the present invention have the effect of enabling elevator renovation to be carried out without causing inconvenience to elevator users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an elevator in a replacement construction method according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a car and a control panel provided on the car. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the platform and the control panel provided at the platform. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of the signal conversion device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of a signal conversion device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing procedure of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D is an explanatory diagram (part 4) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the processing procedure of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A]FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram (part 5) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram (part 6) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram (part 7) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D is an explanatory diagram (part 8) illustrating an outline of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9E is an explanatory diagram (part 9) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an elevator group in a replacement construction method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of a signal conversion device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13D] FIG. 13D is an explanatory diagram (part 4) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13E] FIG. 13E is an explanatory diagram (part 5) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13F]FIG. 13F is an explanatory diagram (part 6) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13G] FIG. 13G is an explanatory diagram (part 7) illustrating an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an elevator renewal method, a connection device, a signal conversion device, and a replacement construction method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] (Embodiment 1) (Elevator configuration) First, the configuration of an elevator that is the target of a replacement construction method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an elevator in the replacement construction method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In FIG. 1, elevator 100, which is the target of the replacement construction method of the first embodiment according to the present invention, can be realized by, for example, a rope-type (traction-type) elevator. Elevator 100 is installed in a building, such as a multi-story building. Elevator 100 shown in FIG. 1 operates independently. Therefore, it does not operate in conjunction with other elevators, and is not equipped with or connected to a control unit (for example, group control device 1001 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10) for operating in conjunction with other elevators.

[0028] The elevator 100 has only one 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 single elevator shaft (not shown in FIG. 1) that passes through each floor of the building in the vertical direction, i.e., in the direction of movement of the car 101.

[0029] As can be seen from FIG. 10 (described later), a single elevator 100 has one car 101 and therefore one hoistway. (FIG. 10 shows three single elevators (No. 1 100-1, No. 2 100-2, and No. 3 100-3).) Since FIG. 1 depicts only one hoist 104 and one rope 103 for each car 101, the elevator according to the first embodiment is a single elevator, i.e., an elevator with only one car, and includes elevator equipment components in a single hoistway, such as the car 101, buffer 102, rope 103, and hoist 104. In other words, this is an elevator with multiple components and only one hoistway. Furthermore, the single elevator 100 referred to here is comprised solely of components controlled by a control panel 106 (described later), and does not include components outside the building, such as a monitoring center.

[0030] 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 surface. 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 at the top of the elevator 100 regardless of whether or not there is a machine room. Alternatively, if the elevator 100 is a type without a machine room, the hoisting machine 104 may be installed at the bottom of the elevator 100.

[0033] The hoisting machine 104 is controlled using, for example, an inverter, and is driven and controlled by a 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. The hoisting machine 104 is driven and controlled by a control panel 106 provided in the elevator 100.

[0034] The hoisting machine 104 is equipped with an encoder (not shown), and the control panel 106 can determine the rotation speed and rotation position of the hoisting machine 104 based on an output signal from the encoder. The encoder may be, for example, an absolute encoder or an incremental encoder.

[0035] The elevator 100 also includes an electromagnetic brake 107, a speed governor (governor machine) 108, a limit switch 109, and the like. The electromagnetic brake 107 includes a coil, and is driven and controlled by a control panel 106 to stop the rotation of the hoisting machine 104 by utilizing an electromagnetic force generated by energizing the coil. The stopped state can be maintained.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The car 101 is equipped with a door 101a. The car 101 is also equipped with a motor (not shown) that opens and closes the door 101a, a door opening / closing sensor (not shown) that detects the open / closed 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, causing the door 101a to open and close.

[0043] 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 via a wire, and the signal output from the door open / close sensor is input to the control panel 106 via the wire.

[0044] Doors 110a are provided at positions (landings) 110 corresponding to the respective floors in the elevator shaft. The doors 110a provided at the landings 110 are locked by a device called an interlock (not shown). The interlock locks the doors 110a of the car 101 only when the motor of the car 101 is driven after the elevator 100 has arrived at a stop 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 the door 110a.

[0045] At each landing 110, an operation panel 111 is installed, which includes a landing call button 111a, a display 111b that displays the floor where the car 101 is located, etc. Each operation panel 111 includes a control board 111c for the operation panel 111, and is connected to the control panel 106 via the control board 111c.

[0046] (Configuration of the car 101 and the operation panel 101b provided on the car 101) Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the car 101 and the operation panel 101b provided on the car 101. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the car 101 and the operation panel 101b provided on the car 101.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Furthermore, the control board for operation panel 101b outputs a signal according to the output of a door open / close sensor to control panel 106. Furthermore, the control board for operation panel 101b controls display 202 according to the signal output from control panel 106 to display the floor on which car 101 is located. The control board for operation panel 101b may also perform control to switch on / off lights 203 provided on car 101, drive control of monitoring camera 204, etc.

[0050] 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, as is the control board for the operation panel 101b. It is connected to the control panel 106.

[0051] (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.

[0052] The hall call buttons 111a provided on each control panel 111 are provided, for example, on the wall surface 301 near the door 110a. The displays 111b that display the floor on which the car 101 is located are provided, for example, on the wall surface 302 above the door 110a. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the displays 111b display the floor on which the car 101 is located as well as floors at which the car 101 can stop. The display 111b may display only the floor on which the car 101 is located. The elevator 100 does not have to be provided with the display 111b.

[0053] 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.

[0054] In this embodiment 1, the components according to the present invention can be realized by, for example, the components of the elevator 100 that output signals, so-called "up signals," to the control panel 106. Also, in this embodiment 1, the components according to the present invention can be realized by, for example, the components of the elevator 100 that operate in accordance with signals, so-called "down signals," output from the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the control panel 106.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Furthermore, the component can be realized, for example, by a control mechanism of the hall 110 of the elevator 100. Specifically, the control mechanism of the hall 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 component 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] (Configuration of control panel 106) Next, the configuration of the control panel 106 will be described. The control panel 106 is equipped with an input terminal, an output terminal, a CPU, a memory, and a communication I / F (Interface) (all of which are omitted from the drawing). Each unit equipped in the control panel 106 is connected to each other by a bus, which is also omitted from the drawing.

[0059] The input terminal of the control panel 106 is a hardware interface that connects the multiple components of the elevator 100 to the CPU of the control panel 106, and receives input of signals output from each component and outputs the received input signal to the CPU of the control panel 106. The input terminal of the control panel 106 receives, for example, input of an up signal that each component of the elevator 100 outputs to the control panel 106.

[0060] Specifically, the input terminals of the control panel 106 accept input of, for example, a control board for the operation panel 101b or a call signal output from the control board for the operation panel 101b. The input terminals of the control panel 106 also accept input of, for example, a signal output from an encoder. The input terminals of the control panel 106 also accept input of signals output from various sensors, such as a 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.

[0061] The output terminal of the control panel 106 is a hardware interface that connects the multiple components of the elevator 100 with the CPU of the control panel 106, and outputs the down signal output from the CPU of the control panel 106 to the corresponding component. Specifically, the output terminal of the control panel 106 outputs, for example, the down control signal generated by the CPU of the control panel 106 to the hoist 104, the electromagnetic brake 107, and a motor that opens and closes the door 101a of the car 101 and the door 110a of the hall 110.

[0062] The CPU of the control panel 106 controls the multiple components of the elevator 100 and is responsible for overall control of the elevator 100. The memory of the control panel 106 stores programs, data, and the like used to control the multiple components of the elevator 100. The CPU of the control panel 106 performs arithmetic processing using the programs, data, and the like stored in the memory, based on, for example, an up signal input via an input terminal. The CPU of the control panel 106 also outputs, for example, a signal based on the result of the arithmetic processing to the relevant component via an output terminal.

[0063] Specifically, the CPU of the control panel 106 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 down control signals to each of the corresponding components. The CPU of the control panel 106 also determines whether each component has operated normally based on the up signals output from each component, such as the hoist 104 (encoder), the brake sensor, and the door opening / closing sensor. The CPU of the control panel 106 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 (ascending or descending), etc.

[0064] The communication I / F 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.

[0065] The communication I / F transmits to the management server computer an alarm signal output from the CPU of the control panel 106. The alarm signal is output from the CPU of the control panel 106, for example, when a fault is detected in the elevator 100 or when the operation mode of the elevator 100 changes.

[0066] The communication I / F also receives various instructions, such as instructions to execute diagnostic operations, sent from the management server computer, and outputs them to the CPU of the control panel 106. The diagnostic operations are realized by having the control panel 106 output signals to each part of the elevator 100 to cause that part to operate in a predetermined order, and then having the control panel 106 output signals indicating whether or not that part has operated normally in accordance with the output signals. The management server computer, not shown, outputs instructions to execute diagnostic operations, for example, periodically (for example, at the end of each month).

[0067] By connecting the control panel 106 and the management server computer via the communication I / F, not via a public voice network such as a telephone line, but via the Internet, it is possible to avoid delays in grasping the status of the elevator 100 due to the telephone line being jammed in an emergency such as a natural disaster such as an earthquake. In a situation where the elevator 100 is being remotely monitored, if a malfunction occurs in the operation of the elevator 100, a quick response can be taken.

[0068] The control panel 106 may further be connected to a public voice network via a communication I / F. 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.

[0069] By connecting the control panel 106 to a public voice network via a communication I / F, voice communication between the interphone terminal device 205 and the management center can be realized. In this case, specifically, the communication I / F can be realized by, for example, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) board.

[0070] In this case, the control panel 106 may use a PHS board for data communication. That is, the PHS board may be used for both voice communication and data communication. Since the elevator 100 is installed in a fixed location, communication using PHS ensures communication quality and reduces communication costs. This makes it possible to inexpensively achieve both data communication between the control panel 106 and the management server computer and voice communication between the intercom terminal device 205 and the management center.

[0071] (Configuration of signal conversion device) Next, the configuration of the signal conversion device will be described. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of the signal conversion device. 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 (see Fig. 6 and Figs. 7A to 7D).

[0072] 4, signal conversion device 400 includes input terminal 401, CPU 402, memory 403, output terminal 404, and communication I / F 405. Each of units 401 to 405 included in signal conversion device 400 is connected to each other via bus 406.

[0073] The input terminal 401 is connected to a plurality of components of the elevator 100 and the new control panel 106'. A connection terminal (hardware interface) that connects the signal conversion device 400 and receives input of signals output from each component and the new control panel 106'. The input terminal 401 is provided for each component, and outputs a signal to the CPU 402. The input terminal 401 is provided for the new control panel 106'.

[0074] Specifically, the input terminal 401 receives, for example, a signal output from each component of the elevator 100 to the control panel 106, that is, a so-called "up signal." Also, specifically, the input terminal 401 receives, for example, a signal output from the new control panel 106' to each component of the elevator 100, that is, It accepts input of signals, also known as "downstream signals."

[0075] The CPU 402 controls each unit of the signal conversion device 400 and is in charge of overall control of the signal conversion device 400. The memory 403 stores programs and data used for signal processing. Specifically, the memory 403 stores, for example, programs and data that can be understood by the new control panel 106' to process an uplink signal. It stores programs and data related to the signal conversion process that converts the signal into another signal that can be used.

[0076] Specifically, the memory 403 stores, for example, programs and data related to a signal conversion process for converting a downstream signal into another signal that can be understood by each component. 2 performs signal conversion processing on the upstream and downstream signals input via an input terminal 401 using programs and data stored in a memory 403 .

[0077] The output terminal 404 is connected to a plurality of components of the elevator 100, the new control panel 106', This is a connection terminal (hardware interface) that connects the signal conversion device 400 and outputs a signal output from the CPU 402 to the relevant components or the new control panel 106'. An output terminal 404 is provided for each component. The output terminal 404 is also provided in correspondence with the new control panel 106'.

[0078] Specifically, the output terminal 404 is, for example, a downstream signal output by the new control panel 106'. The output terminal 404 outputs, to the new control panel 106', the upstream signals output by the respective components and subjected to signal conversion processing by the CPU 402.

[0079] The communication I / F 405 is particularly connected to, for example, the control panel 106 or other adjacent signal conversion devices 400 in a second embodiment described later, and transmits and receives information.

[0080] The communication I / F 405 is connected to the above-mentioned management server computer via a network such as the Internet (both are not shown in the drawings). Details of this communication I / F 405 will be described in the second embodiment below.

[0081] (Functional Configuration of Signal Conversion Device 400) Next, a functional configuration of the signal conversion device 400 will be described. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the signal conversion device 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 5, each function of the signal conversion device 400 is implemented by an input unit 501 on the component side and an input unit 502 on the new control panel 106' side. Input unit 502, signal conversion unit 503, output unit 504 on the new control panel 106' side, and component side and an output unit 505.

[0082] The input unit 501 on the component side receives an input of an up signal that each component of the elevator 100 outputs to the control panel 106. The input unit 501 on the component side can be realized, for example, by a plurality of input terminals 401 (connection terminals) provided for each component. The input unit 502 on the new control panel 106' receives an input of a down signal that the new control panel 106' outputs to each component of the elevator 100. The input unit 502 on the new control panel 106' can be realized, for example, by a plurality of input terminals 401 (connection terminals) provided for each component. This can be realized by an input terminal 401 (connection terminal) provided corresponding to 106'. do.

[0083] The signal conversion unit 503 converts the upstream signal received by the input unit 501 on the component side into another signal that has the same meaning as the upstream signal and can be understood by the new control panel 106'. In addition, the signal conversion unit 503 receives the signal from the input unit 502 on the new control panel 106' side. The signal converter 503 converts the downlink signal into another signal that has the same meaning as the downlink signal and can be understood by each component to which the downlink signal is output. Specifically, the signal converter 503 can realize its function by, for example, causing the CPU to execute a program stored in the memory 403 shown in FIG.

[0084] The signal conversion unit 503 may convert a plurality of types of up signals (specifically, for example, up signals of different elevator manufacturers) into signals that have the same meaning as the up signals and that can be understood by the new control panel 106'. The signal Sa specific to the car's components is a signal with the same meaning as the signal, and the new control panel 106' The signal Sb specific to the component of manufacturer B can be converted into a signal Sz that has the same meaning as the signal Sb and can be understood by the new control panel 106'. Therefore, the signal conversion unit 503 can distinguish between signals (Sa, Sb) specific to the components of each manufacturer and convert the signal to Sz. As with the upstream signal, multiple types of downstream signals can be handled.

[0085] The output unit 504 on the new control panel 106' side outputs to the new control panel 106' the upstream signal that has been converted by the signal conversion unit 503 into another signal that the new control panel 106' can understand. The output unit 504 on the 6' side can be realized by an output terminal 404 (connection terminal) provided corresponding to the new control panel 106'. The output unit 505 on the component side outputs, to each corresponding component, a downstream signal that has been converted by the signal conversion unit 503 into another signal that each component can understand. The output unit 505 on the component side can be realized by a plurality of output terminals 404 (connection terminals) provided for each component.

[0086] (Control panel 106 replacement procedure) Next, the processing procedure of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 7A to 7D are explanatory diagrams showing an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The replacement procedure of the control panel 106 using the signal conversion device 400 will be described. Fig. 6 shows the replacement procedure of the control panel 106 using the signal conversion device 400. Figs. 7A to 7D show an overview of the replacement process of the control panel 106 using the signal conversion device 400. Fig. 6 and Figs. 7A to 7D show the replacement procedure when replacing the old control panel 106 with a new control panel 106'.

[0087] The new control panel 106' receives a signal input to the new control panel 106' and outputs a signal based on the input signal. The new control panel 106' uses a program different from that used by the control panel 106. The new control panel 106' operates according to a program written in a programming language called machine language, that is, an electrical language that can be expressed in two values, "0" and "1". The control panel 106 understands a different signal than the one it understands.

[0088] The new control panel 106' also includes a plurality of components (component A) controlled by the control panel 106. 106-D) 700, outputs a signal that has the same meaning as the signal output by the control panel 106, but is different from the signal that the component can understand. For the plurality of components 700 controlled by the control panel 106, signals that can be understood by the components 700 may be output in the same manner as signals output by the control panel 106.

[0089] In FIG. 6, when replacing the control panel 106 using the signal conversion device 400, first, the old control panel 106 is disconnected from each component 700 as shown in FIG. 7A, and the old control panel 106 is removed as shown in FIG. 7B (step S601).

[0090] Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, the signal conversion device 400 is connected to the component 700 from which the old control panel 106 has been removed (step S602). The signal conversion device 400 can be attached to the wall of the elevator shaft, for example. Then, as shown in FIG. 7D, the new control panel 106' is connected to the signal conversion device 400 connected to the component 700 in step S602. (Step S603). The new control panel 106' is installed, for example, near the control panel 106. .

[0091] Only one signal conversion device 400 may be connected, or multiple devices may be connected. When multiple signal conversion devices 400 are connected, the multiple signal conversion devices 400 are connected to correspond to multiple types of upstream signals and downstream signals (specifically, for example, upstream signals of different elevator manufacturers). In other words, a signal conversion device 400 for a component of manufacturer A is connected to a component of manufacturer A, and a signal conversion device 400 for a component of manufacturer B is connected to a component of manufacturer B. A signal conversion device 400 for the above components may be connected.

[0092] In FIG. 7D, one cable 7 is connected between the new control panel 106' and the signal conversion device 400. Although the cable 710 is shown as being connected at 10, each of the components A to D700 inside the cable 710 is connected to the new control panel 106' via a signal conversion device 400.

[0093] Thereafter, the operation is checked (step S604) to determine whether the elevator 100 operates normally (step S605). In step S604, for example, the up signal input from each component 700 to the new control panel 106' via the signal conversion device 400 is Specifically, for example, the operation of the car 101 is confirmed. The destination floor button on the operation panel 101b is operated to check whether the car 101 will ascend or descend to the specified floor.

[0094] In step S604, for example, the new control panel 106' is connected to the signal conversion device 4. 00, the operation of each component 700 is confirmed in accordance with the down signal input via 00. Specifically, for example, the control panel 111 provided at the landing 110 is operated, a call is generated to the corresponding floor in accordance with the operation, and it is confirmed whether the car 101 moves to the corresponding floor.

[0095] In step S605, based on the confirmation result in step S604, the new control panel 106' is Whether the new control panel 106' is operational, whether all the components 700 are operational, and whether the new It operates according to the downstream signal input from the control panel 106' via the signal conversion device 400. Based on the results of the above, it is determined whether the elevator 100 operates normally.

[0096] In step S605, if the elevator 100 operates normally (step S605: Yes), the replacement work of the control panel 106 is completed. On the other hand, in step S605, if the elevator 100 does not operate normally (step S605: No), the connection is checked (step S606).

[0097] In step S606, for example, the signal output from the new control panel 106' is used. Then, check the connection state between the component 700 that did not operate and the new control panel 106'. After adjusting the connection between the relevant component 700 and the new control panel 106', 0 operates normally, and it is determined whether the elevator 100 operates normally (step S605).

[0098] (Procedure for replacing component 700) Next, the processing procedure of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 9A to 9E are explanatory diagrams showing an outline of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The replacement procedure of the component 700 using the signal conversion device 400 will be explained. Fig. 8 shows the replacement procedure of the component 700. Figs. 9A to 9E show an outline of the replacement process of the component 700. Figs. 8 and 9A to 9E show the replacement of the new control panel 106' replaced as described above via the signal conversion device 400. Regarding the replacement procedure when replacing the controlled component (old component) 700 with the new component 700', This is shown.

[0099] 8, when replacing the component 700, first, as shown in FIG. 9A, the signal conversion device 400 is disconnected from the old component 700 (step S801), and then, as shown in FIG. 9B, a new component 700' that replaces the removed old component 700 is connected to the new control panel 106'. This allows the old component 700 to be replaced with the new component 700'. It is possible.

[0100] When replacing multiple old components 700 with new components 700', in step S802, as shown in Figure 9C, for each component 700 to be replaced, the corresponding old component 700 is removed from the signal conversion device 400, and a new component 700' that replaces the removed old component 700 is connected to the new control panel 106'.

[0101] When all the old components 700 are replaced with new components 700', as shown in FIG. 9D, All the new components 700' are directly connected to the new control panel 106', and signals are directly exchanged between the new control panel 106' and the new components 700'. After replacing the elevator 100 with the new component 700', the signal conversion device 400 may be removed. The removed signal conversion device 400 can be reused for the renewal of another elevator 100.

[0102] Next, the operation of the elevator 100 in which the old component 700 has been replaced with the new component 700' is checked (step S803), and it is determined whether the elevator 100 operates normally (step S804). In step S803, for example, a signal is output from the new control panel 106' to each component 700, and it is confirmed whether each component 700 operates in accordance with the output signal. Alternatively, in step S803, only the operation of the replaced new component 700' may be checked.

[0103] Also, in step S803, for example, it is confirmed whether or not the new control panel 106' operates based on the signals output from each component 700. Specifically, for example, the destination floor button on the operation panel 101b of the car 101 is operated to confirm whether or not the car 101 will ascend or descend to the specified floor.

[0104] In step S805, based on the confirmation results in step S803, it is determined whether the elevator 100 is operating normally based on whether all components 700 have operated in accordance with the signals output from the new control panel 106'.

[0105] In step S804, if the elevator 100 operates normally (step S804: Yes), the replacement work of replacing the component 700 with the new component 700' is completed. On the other hand, in step S804, if the elevator 100 does not operate normally (step S804: No), a connection check is performed (step S805).

[0106] In step S805, for example, the connection state between the new control panel 106' and the component 700 that did not operate in accordance with the signal output from the new control panel 106' is checked. Then, after adjusting the connection state between the relevant component 700 and the new control panel 106', the process is repeated until the elevator 100 operates normally, and it is determined whether the elevator 100 operates normally (step S804).

[0107] Also, Figure 9E shows a modified example of the replacement process of the replacement construction method shown in Figure 9D. In Figure 9E, instead of new component B700', a new component B701 from another manufacturer is connected, which cannot directly exchange signals with new control panel 106'. Since new component B701 from another manufacturer cannot be directly connected to new control panel 106', it is connected to signal conversion device 400. Note that new component D700' has the same configuration as that shown in Figure 9D.

[0108] Then, the signal conversion device 400 converts the signal output by the new component B701 of the other manufacturer into The signal may be converted into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal but can be understood by the new control panel 106', and the signal output by the new control panel 106' may be converted into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal but can be understood by a new component B701 of another manufacturer.

[0109] By doing this, even if some of the components to be replaced are components that cannot be directly controlled by the new control panel 106', such as components from a different manufacturer or components with different specifications, they can still be replaced. This increases the degree of freedom in selecting replacement parts, etc., and makes it possible to realize a renewal that better meets your needs.

[0110] In this way, when replacing a component 700 with a new component 700', by connecting a signal conversion device 400 between each component 700 and the new control panel 106', the new control panel 106' can understand the signals output by the component 700, 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.

[0111] Furthermore, 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, the component 700 can understand the signals output by the new control panel 106' and operate accurately.

[0112] 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.

[0113] In the maintenance and management of such an elevator 100, for example, in the conventional elevator 100 in which each component 700 is controlled by a dedicated ASIC, if it is desired to replace some of the components 700 with new components 700', it is assumed that the new components 700' cannot be controlled by the existing ASIC. In such a situation, the new components 700' are limited to those that can be controlled by the existing ASIC.

[0114] More specifically, for example, in an elevator 100 in which each component 700 is controlled by a dedicated ASIC, when the hoist is to be replaced, even if there is another hoist that consumes less power and has a higher output than the existing component (hoist) 700, the existing hoist cannot be replaced with another hoist due to the limitations 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 with one that can be controlled by the existing ASIC or renovating the existing ASIC, which limits the degree of freedom in maintenance management for the person in charge of managing the elevator 100.

[0115] 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.

[0116] In the current situation where communication is performed using a signal unique to each manufacturer during maintenance management of the elevator 100, the new component 700' that replaces the component 700 is The elevators had to be selected within the range specified by the manufacturer of each elevator, which meant that the person in charge of managing the elevators had little freedom in terms of maintenance management.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The safety and sense of security of users of the elevator 100 tends to increase the more frequently the elevator 100 is maintained and inspected. On the other hand, if the frequency of maintenance and inspection is limited to the minimum level specified in the guidelines of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism or close to that level in order to reduce maintenance and management costs in the above-mentioned situation, it becomes difficult to achieve both reduction in maintenance and management costs and improvement in the safety of users of the elevator 100.

[0119] In contrast to this, according to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment, as described above, before replacing the control panel 106 with the new control panel 106', which is performed prior to replacing the component 700 with the new component 700', the signal conversion device 400 is connected between the new control panel 106' and the component 700. This allows the elevator 100 to operate even when the component 700 and the new component 700' coexist. This allows the replacement work from the component 700 to the new component 700' to be carried out separately for each component 700, and the elevator 100 to operate between each replacement work.

[0120] In the above-described first embodiment, the elevator 100 is described as controlling each component 700 by executing various processes such as signal conversion processing using a CPU, but the control of the elevator 100 is not limited to being realized using a CPU. Instead of a CPU, the elevator 100 may be controlled using, for example, 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.

[0121] Although the rope-type elevator 100 has been described in the first embodiment, the elevator 100 according to the present invention is not limited to the rope-type elevator 100. Instead of or in addition to the rope-type elevator 100, a hydraulic elevator 100 may be used, for example.

[0122] In the first embodiment, the replacement method for replacing the control panel 106 equipped with a communication function with a new control panel 106' has been described. For example, the replacement method according to the present invention can be applied to a case where a control panel 106 that does not have a communication function because remote monitoring was not anticipated at the time of installation and to which a separate communication device is connected after installation is replaced with a new control panel 106'. In this case, for example, the control panel 106 and the communication device can be replaced with a new control panel 106'. do.

[0123] As described above, the replacement construction method of the first embodiment according to the present invention is a replacement construction method for replacing a plurality of components in an elevator having only one hoistway and including a plurality of components, and when replacing the control panel 106 with a new control panel 106', a signal conversion device 400 is connected between the new control panel 106' and the components 700 to convert a signal output by the components 700 into a signal having the same meaning as the signal and understandable by the new control panel 106', and thereafter, at least one of the components 700 is converted into a signal understandable by the new control panel 106'. The feature of this embodiment is that the signal is replaced with a new component 700' that outputs a signal that can be output.

[0124] According to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment of the present invention, by connecting the signal conversion device 400 between the new control panel 106' and the component unit 700 before replacing the control panel 106 with the new control panel 106', the signal output by the component unit 700 can be converted by the signal conversion device 400 into another signal that can be understood by the new control panel 106' and input to the new control panel 106'. This makes it possible to operate the new control panel 106' even when the component unit 700 and the new component unit 700' coexist.

[0125] The replacement construction method of the first embodiment according to the present invention is a replacement construction method for an elevator having a plurality of components, which consists of only one hoistway, in which the replacement construction of the plurality of components is carried out, and when replacing the control panel 106 with a new control panel 106', A signal conversion device 400 that converts a signal output by the new control panel 106' into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal and can be understood by the component 700 is connected between the new control panel 106' and the component 700, and then at least one of the component parts 700 is replaced with a new component part 700' that can understand the signal output by the new control panel 106'.

[0126] According to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment of the present invention, before replacing the control panel 106 with the new control panel 106', the signal conversion device 400 is connected between the new control panel 106' and the component 700. By doing so, the signal output by the new control panel 106' can be converted by the signal conversion device 400 into another signal that can be understood by the component 700, and input to the component 700. This allows the new control panel 106' to control the component 700, and the elevator 100 can be operated even when the component 700 and the new component 700' coexist.

[0127] This allows replacement of component 700 with new component 700' to be carried out multiple times (over multiple days) during times when elevator 100 is less frequently used, such as at night. Therefore, even if the renovation work takes several days from start to completion, the elevator can be renovated without causing inconvenience to elevator users.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment of the present invention, elevator 100 can be operated even when component 700 and new component 700' coexist, i.e., when only a portion of component 700 has been replaced with new component 700'. As a result, even after control panel 106 has been replaced with new control panel 106', usable component 700 can continue to be used without replacement.

[0129] In this way, selectively replacing only the components 700 that need to be updated makes it easier to plan and manage the maintenance costs required for maintaining the elevator 100. This also makes it possible to increase the frequency of replacement of specific components 700, such as components 700 related to safety, thereby improving the safety of users of the elevator 100.

[0130] Furthermore, according to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment of the present invention, elevator renewal can be carried out in a distributed manner without being influenced by the compatibility between the control panel 106 and the new component 700', or between the new control panel 106' and the component 700. This allows an independent maintenance management company to perform maintenance management equivalent to that of the manufacturer, without being influenced by the manufacturer of the elevator 100, without causing inconvenience to elevator users.

[0131] Furthermore, the person in charge of managing the elevator 100 can have a company selected from multiple companies, such as an independent maintenance company or the manufacturer, perform maintenance and management of the elevator 100 without being limited to a manufacturer, etc., thereby ensuring the safety of the elevator 100. In this way, by enabling an independent maintenance and management company to perform maintenance and management equivalent to that performed by a manufacturer, etc., the safety of the elevator 100 can be ensured, and the expenses (maintenance and management costs) required to perform equivalent maintenance and management can be reduced compared to when maintenance and management of the elevator 100 is monopolized by a manufacturer, etc.

[0132] Furthermore, by reducing maintenance costs, it is possible to increase the frequency of inspections of the operating condition of the elevator 100 at the same maintenance costs as when the manufacturer or the like performs maintenance, thereby further improving the safety of users of the elevator 100. In this way, the replacement construction method of this first embodiment makes it possible to achieve both a reduction in maintenance costs and an improvement in the safety of users of the elevator 100.

[0133] The replacement construction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the new component 700 ′ and the new control panel 106 ′ are connected without the signal conversion device 400 therebetween.

[0134] According to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment of the present invention, by connecting the new component 700' and the new control panel 106' without using the signal conversion device 400, the signal transmission path between the new component 700' and the new control panel 106' can be simplified and signal degradation can be suppressed. By suppressing signal degradation in this way, even if the new component 700' outputs an analog signal, it is possible to prevent the new control board, which performs digital signal processing, from misinterpreting the signal and reliably prevent interference with the operation of the elevator 100. Furthermore, by suppressing signal degradation, it is possible to reliably control the new component 700', and reliably prevent interference with the operation of the elevator 100.

[0135] Furthermore, by connecting the new component 700′ to the new component 700′ without using the signal conversion device 400, it is possible to remove the control panel 106 after replacing all the components 700 with the new component 700′. This allows for effective use of limited space such as the elevator shaft and the machine room.

[0136] Furthermore, the replacement construction method of embodiment 1 of the present invention is characterized in that the component 700 is a drive mechanism of the elevator 100, a control mechanism of the elevator 100 hall 110, a control mechanism of the elevator 100 car 101, or a sensor mechanism of the elevator 100.

[0137] According to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment of the present invention, in an elevator 100 equipped with a component 700 that inputs and outputs signals to and from a control panel 106, even if the control panel 106 is replaced with a new control panel 106', it is possible to prevent a malfunction in the operation of the elevator 100 caused by replacing the control panel 106 with the new control panel 106'. Furthermore, according to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment of the present invention, even if, after replacing the control panel 106 with the new control panel 106', another component 700 that operates in accordance with signals output from the new control panel 106' and a component 700 that operates in accordance with signals output from the control panel 106 coexist, it is possible to prevent a malfunction in the operation of the elevator 100 caused by replacing the control panel 106 with the new control panel 106'.

[0138] As described above, according to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment of the present invention, the elevator 100 can be renewed without interfering with the operation of the elevator 100.

[0139] Furthermore, the signal conversion device 400 of the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, when the control panel 106 that controls the multiple component parts 700 equipped in the elevator 100 is replaced with a new control panel 106' of a different type from the control panel 106, it is connected between the new control panel 106' and the component parts 700, and is equipped with an input unit that accepts input of a down signal from the new control panel 106' to the component parts 700, a signal conversion unit 503 that converts the down signal into another signal that has the same meaning as the down signal and can be understood by the component parts 700, and an output unit that outputs the signal converted by the signal conversion unit 503 to the component parts 700.

[0140] According to the signal conversion device 400 of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the control panel 106 is replaced with a new control panel 106', by being connected between the new control panel 106' and the component unit 700, the down signal output from the new control panel 106' can be converted into another signal that has the same meaning as the down signal and can be understood by the component unit 700, and the converted signal can be output to the component unit 700. This makes it possible to prevent the operation of the elevator 100 from being affected by replacing the control panel 106 with the new control panel 106'.

[0141] As described above, according to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment of the present invention, the elevator 100 can be renewed without interfering with the operation of the elevator 100.

[0142] Furthermore, the signal conversion device 400 of the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, when the control panel 106 that controls the multiple components 700 equipped in the elevator 100 is replaced with a new control panel 106' of a different type from the control panel 106, it is connected between the new control panel 106' and the components 700 and receives an input of an up signal from the components 700 to the new control panel 106', a signal conversion unit 503 that converts the up signal into another signal that has the same meaning as the up signal and can be understood by the new control panel 106', and an output unit 504 that outputs the signal converted by the signal conversion unit 503 to the new control panel 106'.

[0143] According to the signal conversion device 400 of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the control panel 106 is replaced with a new control panel 106', the device is connected between the new control panel 106' and the component 700, thereby converting an uplink signal output from the component 700 into another signal that has the same meaning as the uplink signal and can be understood by the new control panel 106', and transmitting the converted signal to the new control panel 106'. 6'. This makes it possible to prevent the operation of elevator 100 from being affected even when component 700 and another component 700 coexist due to the replacement of control panel 106 with new control panel 106'.

[0144] As described above, according to the replacement construction method of the first embodiment of the present invention, the elevator 100 can be renewed without interfering with the operation of the elevator 100.

[0145] Furthermore, the signal conversion device 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the input section includes a connection terminal for each of the components 700 .

[0146] According to the signal conversion device 400 of the first embodiment of the present invention, by configuring the input section with a connection terminal provided for each component 700, it is possible to reliably convert each of the upstream signals from each component 700 into a signal that has the same meaning as the upstream signal and that the new control panel 106' can understand, and input it to the new control panel 106'. The operation of the elevator 100 is affected by replacing the control panel 106 with the new control panel 106'. This can prevent the problem from occurring.

[0147] Furthermore, the signal conversion device 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the output section includes a connection terminal for each of the components 700 .

[0148] According to the signal conversion device 400 of the first embodiment of the present invention, by configuring the output section with a connection terminal provided for each component 700, it is possible to reliably convert each of the downstream signals from each component 700 into a different signal that has the same meaning as the downstream signal and can be understood by each component 700, and input the converted signal to each component 700. This makes it possible to prevent interference with the operation of the elevator 100 even when the component 700 and another component 700 coexist.

[0149] (Embodiment 2) (Elevator group configuration) First, the configuration of an elevator group that is the target of a replacement construction method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an elevator group in the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] In Figure 10, the elevator group 1000 that is the target of the replacement construction method of embodiment 2 of the present invention is composed of three elevators: elevator No. 1 100-1, elevator No. 2 100-2, and elevator No. 3 100-3.

[0151] The No. 1 elevator 100-1 is provided with a No. 1 car 101-1, a No. 1 rope 103-1, and a No. 1 hoist 104-1 that move up and down in one hoistway (No. 1 hoistway 150-1). The No. 1 car 101-1, the No. 1 rope 103-1, and the No. 1 hoist 104-1 are the same as the car 101, the rope 103, and the hoist 104 in the first embodiment described in Figure 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0152] 10, the No. 1 elevator 100-1 is equipped with a shock absorber 102, a counterweight 105, an electromagnetic brake 107, a governor machine 108 (governor rope 108a and governor pulley 108b), a limit switch 109, and the like, just like the one shown in FIG. 1. These components are also the same as those in the first embodiment described in FIG. 1, so illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

[0153] 10, the No. 1 car 101-1 is provided with a door 101a and an operation panel 101b, etc., similar to those shown in FIG. 1 in embodiment 1. These details are the same as those explained in FIG. 1 in embodiment 1, so illustration and explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0154] 10, each hall of the No. 1 elevator 100-1 is provided with an operation panel 111-1 equipped with a hall call button, a display showing the floor on which the No. 1 car 101-1 is located, and the like. Each operation panel 111-1 is equipped with a control board for the operation panel 111 and is connected to the No. 1 control panel 106-1 via the control board. The hall call buttons, displays, and control board are the same as those described in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, so illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] 10, the No. 1 control panel 106-1 is connected to each component of the No. 1 elevator 100-1, including the No. 1 car 101-1, the No. 1 hoist 104-1, and the (No. 1) operation panel 111-1. The specific contents of the No. 1 control panel 106-1 are the same as those described in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be illustrated or described again.

[0156] The second elevator 100-2 and the third elevator 100-3 are both configured similarly to the first elevator 100-1, so a description of the second elevator 100-2 and the third elevator 100-3 will be omitted.

[0157] 10, operation panels 111-1 to 111-3 equipped with hall call buttons, displays, control boards, etc. are connected to control panels 106-1 to 106-3, respectively, but this configuration is not limited to this. That is, operation panel 111 does not have to be provided for each of elevators 100-1 to 100-3, and operation panel 111 of any elevator 100 may be configured to be shared by multiple elevators 100. Specifically, in elevator group 1000, only operation panel 111-1 may be provided, and at least one of operation panels 111-2 and 111-3 may not be provided.

[0158] The No. 1 elevator control panel 106-1, the No. 2 elevator control panel 106-2, and the No. 3 elevator control panel 106-3 are each connected to a group control device 1001. The group control device 1001 performs group control of these three elevators 100-1 to 100-3. That is, the group control device 1001 receives information about the control status of each component of each elevator from each elevator control panel 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, and outputs information about the operation of each elevator to each elevator control panel 106-1, 106-2, 106-3.

[0159] These three elevators 100-1 to 100-3 can have their respective components renewed by the same method as the replacement construction method shown in the first embodiment for each elevator.

[0160] (Functional Configuration of Signal Conversion Device 400) Next, the functional configuration of the signal conversion device 400 (400-1 to 400-3) will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a signal conversion device 400-2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the functions of the signal conversion device 400-2 are an input unit 501 on the component side, an input unit 502 on the new control panel 106'-2 side, a signal conversion unit 503, and a new The output unit 504 on the control panel 106'-2 side, the output unit 505 on the component side, and the group management unit 1101 This is achieved by:

[0161] The input section 501 on the component side, the input section 502 on the new control panel 106'-2 side, the signal conversion section 503, the output section 504 on the new control panel 106'-2 side, and the output section 505 on the component side are the same as the input section 501 on the component side, the input section 502 on the new control panel side, the signal conversion section 503, the output section 504 on the new control panel side, and the output section 505 on the component side of embodiment 1 shown in Figure 5, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0162] The group control unit 1101 performs group control of the operation of a plurality of adjacent elevators that are connected to the elevator itself and the signal conversion device 400. Specifically, the group control unit 1101 can realize its functions by the CPU executing programs stored in the memory 403 shown in FIG. 4 and by the communication I / F 405.

[0163] In Figure 11, the group control unit 1101 of the signal conversion device 400-2 of the second elevator 100-2 is shown connected to the group control unit (not shown) of the signal conversion device 400-1 of the adjacent first elevator 100-1 and the group control unit (not shown) of the signal conversion device 400-3 of the third elevator 100-3.

[0164] The group control unit 1101 may, for example, perform group control of the operation of each elevator in a master-slave manner between the group control units of the other elevators 100-1 and 100-3. In this case, the group control unit of one of the signal conversion devices 400 may be used as the master. The group control units of the other signal conversion devices 400 are made to function as slaves. Which group control unit is to be the master can be set arbitrarily, and can also be changed after setting.

[0165] Specifically, when the group control unit 1101 of the signal conversion device 400-2 is used as the master, for example, when the master group control unit 1101 receives a call signal from the operation panel 111 at a landing on one of the floors, it receives information from each of the control panels 106-1 to 106-3 via the other group control units, and based on that information, it can determine the current position of each of the elevator cars 101-1 to 101-3, select the most appropriate car from the current position of each car, and output an instruction signal to each of the control panels 106-1 and 106-3 via the control panel 106-2 and each group control unit so as to move the selected car to the landing.

[0166] In this way, the group management units of each signal conversion device 400 can work together to perform the role of the conventional group management device, so there is no need to install a new group management device, and renewal can be carried out more inexpensively.

[0167] (Replacement work procedure) Next, the processing procedure of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 13A to 13G are explanatory diagrams showing an overview of the replacement process of the replacement construction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] Fig. 13A shows the state of elevator group 1000 before the start of replacement work. Here, the replacement work may be performed in any order on the three elevators 100-1 to 100-3, but in Figs. 13A to 13G, the replacement work will be performed first on elevator No. 1 100-1, then elevator No. 2 100-2, and finally elevator No. 3 100-3.

[0169] In Figure 12, as in Figure 6, when replacing the No. 1 (old) control panel 106-1 with the No. 1 new control panel 106'-1 using the No. 1 signal conversion device 400-1, first, the connection between the No. 1 (old) control panel 106-1 and each component 700-1 is disconnected, and the No. 1 (old) control panel 106-1 is removed (step S1201).

[0170] Next, as shown in FIG. 13B, the No. 1 signal conversion device 400-1 is connected to the component 700-1 from which the No. 1 (old) control panel 106-1 has been removed (step S1202). The No. 1 signal conversion device 400-1 can be attached, for example, to the wall of an elevator shaft. Then, as shown in FIG. 13B, the No. 1 new control panel 106'-1 is connected to the No. 1 signal conversion device 400-1 connected to the component 700-1 in step S1202 (step S1203). The No. 1 new control panel 106'-1 is installed, for example, near the No. 1 old control panel 106-1.

[0171] In Figure 13B, the No. 1 elevator 100-1 is in a state where the No. 1 signal conversion device 400-1 and the No. 1 new control panel 106'-1 are connected, and the No. 2 elevator 100-2 and the No. 3 elevator 100-3 are in a state where nothing is being done.

[0172] Thereafter, an operation check is performed (step S1204), and it is determined whether the elevator 100-1 operates normally (step S1205). In step S1204, for example, the new control panel 106'- The operation of the new control panel 106'-1 based on the up signal input to the control panel 106'-1 is confirmed. Specifically, for example, the destination floor button on the operation panel of the car 101 is operated, and the car 101 selects the destination floor designated by the car 101. Check whether or not you are going up or down to the floor.

[0173] In step S1204, the operation of each component 700-1 in accordance with the down signal input from the new control panel 106'-1 via the signal conversion device 400-1 is confirmed. Specifically, for example, the operation panel 111-1 provided at the landing is operated to generate a call to the relevant floor in accordance with the operation, and it is confirmed whether the car 101-1 moves to that floor.

[0174] In step S1205, based on the confirmation results in step S1204, it is determined whether elevator 100-1 is operating normally based on the results of whether new control panel 106'-1 operates based on the up signals input from each component 700-1 to new control panel 106'-1 via signal conversion device 400-1, whether all component units 700-1 have operated, and whether elevator 100-1 has operated in accordance with the down signals input from new control panel 106'-1 via signal conversion device 400-1.

[0175] If elevator 100-1 does not operate normally in step S1205 (step S1205: No), a connection check is performed (step S1206). In step S1206, for example, the connection status between component 700-1 that did not operate in accordance with the signal output from new control panel 106'-1 and new control panel 106'-1 is checked. Then, after adjusting the connection status between the relevant component 700-1 and new control panel 106'-1, whether elevator 100-1 operates normally is repeatedly determined until elevator 100-1 operates normally (step S1205). On the other hand, if elevator 100-1 operates normally in step S1205 (step S1205: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1207.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 13B, in this state, the No. 1 new control panel 106'-1 is not connected to the group management device 1001. There are cases where the No. 1 new control panel 106'-1 cannot be managed by the group management device 1001, so it is not connected intentionally to prevent malfunctions. Therefore, the No. 1 elevator 100-1 is not group-managed, and does not operate in conjunction with the No. 2 elevator 100-2 and the No. 3 elevator 100-3 (the No. 2 elevator 100-2 and the No. 3 elevator 100-3 do operate in conjunction with each other). However, the No. 1 elevator 100-1 can operate independently.

[0177] Next, it is determined whether a signal conversion device and a new control panel are installed in the adjacent elevator (step S1207). If a signal conversion device and a new control panel are not installed in the adjacent elevator (step S1207: No), nothing is done and the process proceeds to step S801 in the flowchart of Fig. 8, and thereafter each process in the flowchart of Fig. 8 is performed. In Fig. 13B, a signal conversion device and a new control panel are not installed in the elevator (no. 2 or no. 3) adjacent to elevator no. 1, so nothing is done and the process proceeds to step S801 in the flowchart of Fig. 8.

[0178] On the other hand, in step S1207, if a signal conversion device and a new control panel are installed in adjacent elevators (step S1207: Yes), the signal conversion devices are connected to each other (step S1208). In Fig. 13C, the No. 2 unit signal conversion device 400-2 is connected to configuration unit 700-2, and in Fig. 13D, with the No. 2 unit signal conversion device 400-2 connected to the No. 2 unit new control panel 106'-2, the No. 1 unit signal conversion device 400-1 and the No. 1 unit new control panel 106'-1 are installed in the adjacent No. 1 unit elevator, so the No. 1 unit signal conversion device 400-1 and the No. 2 unit signal conversion device 400-2 are connected.

[0179] In FIG. 13C, in the first elevator 100-1, instead of the component A700-1, In this state, new component A700'-1 has been connected to new No. 1 control panel 106'-1 (step S802 in FIG. 8), and in the No. 2 elevator 100-2, the No. 2 control panel 106-2 has been disconnected (step S1201) and the No. 2 signal conversion device 400-2 has been connected to component 700-2 (step S1202).Nothing has been done to the No. 3 elevator 100-3.

[0180] Thereafter, an operation check is performed (step S1209), and based on the results of the operation check, it is determined whether the group control of elevators 100-1 and 100-2 is operating normally (step S1210). If the operation is not normal (step S1210: No), the connection between the signal conversion devices is checked (step S1211), and the process returns to step S1209. Then, after adjusting the connection between the first elevator signal conversion device 400-1 and the second elevator signal conversion device 400-2, steps S1209 to S1211 are repeated until the group control of elevators 100-1 and 100-2 is operating normally.

[0181] If the group control of elevators 100-1 and 100-2 is operating normally (step S1210: Yes), the process proceeds to step S801 in the flowchart of Fig. 8. As a result, in the state shown in Fig. 13D, group control can be performed for each elevator (first elevator 100-1 and second elevator 100-2) whose signal conversion devices are connected to each other. Then, each process in the flowchart of Fig. 8 is performed.

[0182] In Figure 13D, the No. 1 elevator 100-1 is in the same state as Figure 13C (a state in which new component A700'-1 is connected to the No. 1 new control panel 106'-1 instead of component A700-1), and the No. 2 elevator 100-2 is in a state in which the No. 2 new control panel 106'-2 has been connected to the No. 2 signal conversion device 400-2 (steps S1203 to S1206), and further in which the No. 1 signal conversion device 400-1 and the No. 2 signal conversion device 400-2 have been connected (steps S1207 to S1211). Furthermore, nothing has been done for the No. 3 elevator 100-3.

[0183] 13E shows a state in which new component B700'-1 has been connected to No. 1 elevator 100-1 in place of component B700-1, and in addition, new component D700'-2 has been connected to No. 2 elevator 100-2 in place of component D700-2, and in addition, in No. 3 elevator 100-3, the No. 3 signal conversion device 400-3 and the No. 3 new control panel 106'-3 have been connected (steps S1201 to S1206), and further the No. 3 signal conversion device 400-2 and the No. 3 signal conversion device 400-3 have been connected (steps S1207 to S1211).

[0184] 13E, group control device 1000 is no longer necessary and can be removed. Furthermore, since each of signal conversion devices 400-1 to 400-3 has been connected and its operation confirmed, each of elevators 100-1 to 100-3 can perform group control.

[0185] FIG. 13F shows a state in which, in the No. 1 elevator 100-1, the remaining components (component C700-1, component D700-1) have been replaced with new components (new component C700'-1, new component D700'-1) connected to the No. 1 new control panel 106'-1; in the No. 2 elevator 100-2, the remaining components (component A700-2, component B700-2, component C700-2) have been replaced with new components (new component A700'-2, new component B700'-2, new component C700'-2) connected to the No. 2 new control panel 106'-2; and in the No. 3 elevator 100-3, all components (component A700-3 to component D700-3) have been replaced with new components (new component A700'-2, new component B700'-2, new component C700'-2). The new control panel (D700'-3) has been connected to the new control panel 106'-3 of Unit 3. This completes the renewal work.

[0186] Moreover, Figure 13G shows a modified example of the replacement process of the replacement work method shown in Figure 13F. In Figure 13G, in elevator No. 1 100-1, new component D1301-1 from another manufacturer is connected in place of new component D700'-1, which cannot directly exchange signals with No. 1 new control panel 106'-1. Since new component D1301 from another manufacturer cannot be directly connected to No. 1 new control panel 106'-1, it is connected to No. 1 signal conversion device 400-1.

[0187] The No. 1 unit signal conversion device 400-1 may then convert the signal output by the new component D1301-1 of another manufacturer into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal in question and that can be understood by the No. 1 unit new control panel 106'-1, and may also convert the signal output by the No. 1 unit new control panel 106'-1 into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal in question and that can be understood by the new component D1301-1 of another manufacturer.

[0188] Furthermore, in the No. 2 elevator 100-2, a new component B1301-2 from another manufacturer is connected in place of the new component B700'-2, which cannot directly exchange signals with the No. 2 new control panel 106'-2. Because the new component B1301-2 from another manufacturer cannot be directly connected to the No. 2 new control panel 106'-2, it is connected to the No. 2 signal conversion device 400-2.

[0189] The second unit signal conversion device 400-2 may then convert the signal output by the new component B1301-2 of another manufacturer into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal in question and that can be understood by the second unit new control panel 106'-2, and may also convert the signal output by the second unit new control panel 106'-2 into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal in question and that can be understood by the new component B1301-2 of another manufacturer.

[0190] Furthermore, in the No. 3 elevator 100-3, a new component A1301-3 from another manufacturer is connected in place of the new component A700'-3, which cannot directly exchange signals with the No. 3 new control panel 106'-3. Because the new component A1301-3 from another manufacturer cannot be directly connected to the No. 3 new control panel 106'-3, it is connected to the No. 3 signal conversion device 400-3.

[0191] The third unit signal conversion device 400-3 may then convert the signal output by the new component A1301-3 of another manufacturer into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal in question and that can be understood by the third unit new control panel 106'-3, and may also convert the signal output by the third unit new control panel 106'-3 into another signal that has the same meaning as the signal in question and that can be understood by the new component A1301-3 of another manufacturer.

[0192] By doing this, even if some of the components to be replaced cannot be directly controlled by the new control panels 106'-1 to 106'-3 of the elevators 100-1 to 100-3, such as components from a different manufacturer or components with different specifications, they can still be replaced. This allows for greater freedom in selecting replacement parts, making it possible to realize a renewal that better meets customer needs.

[0193] Thus, according to the second embodiment, the signal conversion device used for signal conversion between the control panel and the components can also be used as the group control device, thereby realizing group control without installing a new group control device to control the new control panel. In this case, there is no need to perform connection work for a new group control device when replacing the new control panel. [Industrial Applicability]

[0194] As described above, the replacement work method of the present invention is useful for elevator renewal methods and elevator replacement work methods, and the signal conversion device of the present invention is useful for use in the replacement work methods, and is particularly suitable for replacement work methods for elevators that have only one hoistway and are equipped with multiple components, for replacing the multiple components, and for the connection device and signal conversion device used therefor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 100 (100-1~100-3) Elevator (consisting of only one elevator shaft) 106(106-1~106-3) Control panel 106' (106'-1~106'-3) New control panel 400 (400-1 to 400-3) Signal conversion device 501 Input section (component side) 502 Input section (new control panel side) 503 Signal conversion unit 504 Output section (new control panel side) 505 Output section (component side) 700(700-1~700-3) Components 700'(700'-1~700'-3) New component 701, 1301 New components from other manufacturers 1000 elevators 1001 Group management device 1101 Group Management Department

Claims

[Claim 1] A plurality of components; A control panel for controlling the components; a signal conversion device connected to the control panel; An elevator equipped with: the component comprises a first component directly connected to the control panel and a second component connected to the control panel via the signal conversion device; the first component outputs a signal related to information transmitted from the first component to the control panel, the second component outputs a signal related to information transmitted from the second component to the control panel to the signal conversion device; The control panel includes: outputting a signal relating to information to be transmitted from the control panel to the first component; outputting a signal relating to information transmitted from the control panel to the second component to the signal conversion device; The signal conversion device converting a signal relating to the transmission information from the second component to the control panel, which is output by the second component, into another signal relating to the transmission information, which has the same meaning as the signal and can be understood by the control panel, and outputting the signal to the control panel; converting a signal relating to the transmission information from the control panel to the second component, which is output by the control panel, into another signal relating to the transmission information, which has the same meaning as the signal and can be understood by the second component, and outputting the signal to the second component; The elevator is characterized by:

Images