Monitoring method, elevator, and remote monitoring support device

Abstract

To prevent inconsistencies in the quality of response work to elevator troubles and other issues caused by differences in the experience and skills of workers, through a simple configuration, and to achieve high-quality remote monitoring. [Solution] The elevator 130 determines the operating state of the elevator car 131 based on a signal output from an acceleration sensor 137 installed in the elevator car 131. This allows for a simple and accurate determination of the operating state of the elevator car 131, and by transmitting notification information regarding the determination result to the management server computer 110, the most suitable worker can be quickly dispatched to the site to respond to any detected troubles. This prevents variations in the quality of response work to troubles occurring in the elevator 130 due to differences in the experience and abilities of the workers, and enables high-quality remote monitoring with a simple configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an elevator and a remote monitoring support device for assisting remote monitoring of the elevator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for an elevator installed in a multi-story building or the like, a worker performs an inspection work (diagnostic maintenance work) accompanied by diagnosis for maintenance regularly or when a failure occurs in the elevator, thereby ensuring the proper operation of the elevator.

[0003] Also conventionally, a communication function is provided in a control board (control device) that controls the operation of an elevator, and communication is performed between the control board and a management server computer installed at a remote location of the elevator, so that there has been an elevator remote monitoring system for monitoring the state of the elevator at a remote location of the elevator.

[0004] Also conventionally, there has been a technique in which a terminal device having a communication function is connected to an elevator control board or the like, and the state of the elevator is monitored at a remote location of the elevator via the terminal device. Thereby, for example, even in an old-type elevator that did not assume remote monitoring at the time of installation, remote monitoring can be performed after the elevator is installed.

[0005] As a related technique, specifically, conventionally, for example, there has been a technique related to an operation monitoring system including at least three types of acceleration sensors, namely, a vertical acceleration sensor, a horizontal acceleration sensor, and a landing direction acceleration sensor, and enabling detection of elevator abnormalities by a plurality of monitoring units based on information obtained from these three types of acceleration sensors (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-189416 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the conventional technologies described above all tend to be complex in their configuration because they detect signs of trouble or trouble itself (hereinafter referred to as "trouble, etc.") based on information obtained from multiple components that make up the elevator. Furthermore, the conventional technologies described above had the problem that when trouble, etc. occurred in the elevator was detected by remote monitoring, the quality of the response work to the trouble, etc. varied due to differences in the experience and abilities of the workers who went to the site.

[0008] Furthermore, generally speaking, components installed by the elevator manufacturer itself or elevator management companies affiliated with the manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturers, etc.") are controlled by the elevator's control board. This makes it difficult for so-called "independent elevator maintenance service companies," which are independent of manufacturers, etc., to obtain elevator information on the same level as manufacturers, etc., by utilizing the components installed during elevator installation.

[0009] And, due to these circumstances, maintenance and management by elevator managers and others must be carried out within the scope specified by the manufacturer of each elevator, and elevator management There was a tendency for those in charge of maintenance and management to have less flexibility in this regard. In this situation, if the frequency of maintenance and inspections is kept low in order to reduce maintenance and management costs, there is a problem that the safety of elevator users may be compromised.

[0010] This invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art described above by providing a remote monitoring support device that can prevent variations in the quality of response work to elevator troubles and other issues caused by differences in the experience and abilities of workers, through a simple configuration, and that can achieve high-quality remote monitoring.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to solve the problems of the prior art described above, this invention aims to provide an elevator and remote monitoring support device that can prevent variations in the quality of response work to troubles occurring in elevators due to differences in the experience and abilities of workers, through a simple configuration, while simultaneously improving the flexibility of maintenance management and enhancing the safety of elevator users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the remote monitoring support device according to this invention is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring signals output from an acceleration sensor installed in an elevator car; a determination means for determining the operating state of the car based on the signals acquired by the acquisition means; and a transmission means for transmitting notification information regarding the determination result of the determination means to a management server computer installed at a remote location of the elevator.

[0013] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the determination means determines whether the basket is stopped or moving.

[0014] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the determination means determines the position of the basket.

[0015] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the determination means determines whether or not there is abnormal vibration of the cage.

[0016] Further, in the remote monitoring support device according to this invention, in the above invention, the determination means determines whether or not the operation state is a normal operation state, and when the determination means determines that the operation state is not a normal operation state, the transmission means transmits the notification information including the information regarding the state of the elevator to the management server computer.

[0017] Further, in the remote monitoring support device according to this invention, in the above invention, the acceleration sensor is not connected to the control board of the elevator.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the remote monitoring support device according to this invention, it is possible to prevent variations in the quality of response work to troubles and the like occurring in the elevator due to differences in the experience and ability of workers with a simple configuration, and to achieve high-quality remote monitoring.

[0019] Further, according to the remote monitoring support device according to this invention, it is possible to prevent variations in the quality of response work to troubles and the like occurring in the elevator due to differences in the experience and ability of workers with a simple configuration, and to achieve both an improvement in the degree of freedom of maintenance management and an improvement in the safety of elevator users.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing the system configuration of a remote monitoring system. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of each part constituting the remote monitoring system. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the remote monitoring support device. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the remote monitoring support device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Referring to the accompanying drawings below, a preferred embodiment of an elevator according to the present invention and a remote monitoring system including a remote monitoring support device will be described in detail.

[0022] (System Configuration of Remote Monitoring System) First, the system configuration of a remote monitoring system including a remote monitoring support device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the system configuration of the remote monitoring system. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote monitoring system 100 includes a management server computer 110 and a remote monitoring support device 120.

[0023] The management server computer 110 is installed, for example, at a remote location away from the location where the elevator 130 to be monitored is installed, which is different from the location where the elevator 130 is installed. Specifically, the management server computer 110 can be installed, for example, in a maintenance management company 140 responsible for the maintenance management of the elevator 130.

[0024] In addition to the management server computer 110, a telephone 142 for realizing direct communication between the passengers in the elevator car of the elevator 130 and the operator 141 of the maintenance management company 140 is installed in the maintenance management company 140. The telephone 142 may be directly connected to the public voice network 101, or may be connected to the public voice network 101 via a PBX (Private Branch eXchange: refer to the reference numeral 210 in FIG. 2).

[0025] The management server computer 110 can be realized, for example, by a general-purpose server computer device. An operation terminal device 143 realized by a personal computer or the like may be connected to the management server computer 110. The management server computer 110 and the operation terminal device 143 may be installed in the same location or in different locations.

[0026] The elevators 130 monitored by the remote monitoring system 100 are installed in multi-story buildings and are equipped with a car 131 for carrying people and goods. The car 131 is located within an elevator shaft (not shown) that penetrates each floor of the building vertically. One car 131 is provided in each elevator shaft.

[0027] The hoistway is equipped with a drive mechanism 132 that is involved in the raising and lowering operation of the cage 131. The drive mechanism 132 can be installed, for example, at the top of the hoistway and consists of a hoisting machine 132a, a rope 132b, a counterweight 132c, and the like. The drive mechanism 132 also includes an electromagnetic brake and a speed governor (neither of which are shown in the illustration).

[0028] The elevator car 131 is equipped with a door 131a. Inside the elevator car 131 is a control panel 133. The control panel 133 is equipped with a group of control buttons, including various operation buttons, and a display that shows the floor level on which the elevator car 131 is located. The control panel 133 is also equipped with a microphone and speaker, enabling intercom functionality. The control panel 133 is equipped with a control board for the control panel 133.

[0029] Doors 134a are provided at each landing 134 in the elevator shaft, corresponding to each floor level. The doors 134a at the landings 134 are secured by a device known as an interlock. The doors are locked. When the elevator 130 arrives at a stop floor, the motor (not shown) installed in the car 131 is driven, and the drive mechanism of the door 131a of the car 131 engages with the interlock, releasing the locking mechanism, and doors 131a and 134a open and close in conjunction.

[0030] Each landing 134 is equipped with a control panel 135. Each control panel 135 has a landing call button and a display that shows the floor level where the elevator car 131 is located (these are not shown in the illustration). Each control panel 135 at each landing 134 is equipped with a control board for the control panel 135.

[0031] The elevator 130 is equipped with a control board 135 that drives and controls various parts of the elevator 130. For example, the control board 135 drives and controls the hoisting machine 132a to raise and lower the elevator car 131. The control board 135 is also connected to, for example, a control board for the control panel 133 and a control board for the control panel 135, and transmits and receives signals between the control board for the control panel 133 and the control board for the control panel 135.

[0032] The cage 131 is equipped with an acceleration sensor 137. The acceleration sensor 137 can be a frequency-varying acceleration sensor 137, such as a quartz acceleration sensor 137, which is low-noise and highly stable. Alternatively, the acceleration sensor 137 may be a piezoelectric acceleration sensor 137, a capacitive acceleration sensor 137, a piezoresistive acceleration sensor 137, or the like.

[0033] The acceleration sensor 137 is not something that the elevator 130 is equipped with from the start when it is installed, but can be implemented by adding it after the elevator 130 is installed. However, the acceleration sensor 137 may be something that the elevator 130 is equipped with from the start when it is installed.

[0034] The remote monitoring support device 120 is connected to the management server computer 110 via a network 102 such as the Internet. Therefore, the remote monitoring support device 120 can communicate with the management server computer 110. The remote monitoring support device 120 also has a communication function and is connected to the acceleration sensor 137 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The remote monitoring support device 120 acquires the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137 and determines the operating status of the cage 131 based on the acquired signal.

[0035] Since the acceleration sensor 137 can detect gravity, vibration, movement, tilt, and impact, the remote monitoring support device 120 can determine, for example, whether the cage 131 is stopped or moving based on the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137. The remote monitoring support device 120 may also determine the position of the cage 131 based on the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137. Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 may determine whether there is any abnormal vibration of the cage 131 based on the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137. In addition, the remote monitoring support device 120 may determine whether the operating state of the cage 131 is in a normal operating state based on the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137.

[0036] The remote monitoring support device 120 then transmits information regarding the decision result to the management server computer 110. By transmitting notification information regarding the decision result based on the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137 to the management server computer 110 in this way, the operating status of the elevator car 131 can be remotely monitored by the remote maintenance company 140 of the elevator 130.

[0037] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 is connected to the control board 136 by wireless or wired connection. It is also possible to have it. In this case, the remote monitoring support device 120 communicates with the control board 136 and the management server computer 110, and can output operation instructions output from the management server computer 110 to the control board 136 according to the status of the elevator 130. This allows the elevator 130 to be remotely controlled by the maintenance company 140 located at a remote location.

[0038] The remote monitoring support device 120 is further connected to the telephone 142 via the public voice network 101. The public voice network 101 includes the fixed telephone network (public switched telephone network) and the mobile phone network. This allows a person inside the elevator car 131 of the elevator 130 to communicate directly with the operator 141 of the maintenance company 140. The remote monitoring support device 120 and the telephone 142 may be connected via network 102 instead of the public voice network 101.

[0039] (Hardware configuration of each component constituting the remote monitoring system 100) Next, the hardware configuration of the remote monitoring system 100 will be described. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of each part that constitutes the remote monitoring system 100. As shown in Figure 2, the control board 136 is connected via signal lines to each component that makes up the elevator 130, such as the hoisting machine 132a, the control panel 133 (control board for control panel 133), the control panel 135 (control board for control panel 135), and various sensors (not shown) excluding the acceleration sensor 137, and drives and controls each of these components. The control board 136 controls the operation of the elevator 130 by acquiring signals (up signals) output from each component of the elevator 130 and outputting control signals (down signals) to each component based on the up signals.

[0040] The control board for the control panel 133, as described above, generates an upward signal corresponding to each input operation to the operation buttons by a user of the elevator 130, and outputs the generated upward signal to the control board 136. For example, if the control board 136 receives an upward signal indicating that the emergency button on the control panel 133 has been operated, it outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 to notify it that the emergency button has been operated.

[0041] Furthermore, the control board 136 outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 when it detects an operational abnormality of the elevator 130 based on an upward signal or the like, informing the remote monitoring support device 120 that an operational abnormality has been detected. The control board 136 also outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 when it detects, for example, an earthquake, an abnormal stop of the elevator car 131, insufficient illumination inside the elevator car 131, or an abnormal sound inside the elevator car 131.

[0042] Specifically, the control board 136 outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 when it detects an earthquake of a predetermined seismic intensity (for example, seismic intensity 4) or higher. Also, specifically, the control board 136 outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 when it detects an abnormal stop of the elevator car 131 in a location where the doors of the elevator car 131 and the landing 134 cannot be opened or closed, such as between floors.

[0043] Furthermore, the control board 136 may, for example, use an illuminance sensor (not shown) such as a phototransistor or photodiode installed inside the cage 131 to detect insufficient illumination inside the cage 131, and output an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 when insufficient illumination inside the cage 131 is detected. Furthermore, the control board 136 may, for example, use the microphone provided in the operation panel 133 to detect an abnormal sound that exceeds the range of normal conversation, such as a scream or shout, and output an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120.

[0044] Specifically, the control board 136 outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 if, for example, it outputs a control signal to open and close the doors 131a and 134a, but detects that the corresponding doors 131a and 134a do not operate based on the output values ​​of the door opening and closing sensors. Also specifically, the control board 136 outputs an alarm signal to the remote monitoring support device 120 if, for example, it detects an operational abnormality (malfunction) in which an occupant is trapped inside the car 131.

[0045] The control board for control panel 135, like the control board for control panel 133, generates an upward call signal corresponding to the input operation when it receives an input operation from a user of the elevator 130 to the landing call button, and outputs the generated upward call signal to the control board 136. When an upward call signal is output from the control board for control panel 135, the control board 136, in the same way as when a signal is output from the control board for control panel 133, generates various downward control signals based on the upward call signal output from the control board for control panel 135, and controls the operation of the elevator 130 by outputting the generated downward control signals to the corresponding parts.

[0046] The remote monitoring support device 120 includes a communication interface (I / F) 201, a relay board 202, a monitoring and control board 203, and a memory 204. The communication interface 201 is connected to the acceleration sensor 137 and receives input signals from the acceleration sensor 137. The communication interface 201 outputs the signals received from the acceleration sensor 137 to the monitoring and control board 203.

[0047] Furthermore, the communication interface 201 is connected to the network 102. This allows the remote monitoring support device 120 to communicate (data communication) with the management server computer 110 via the communication interface 201. In addition to the network 102 for data communication, the communication interface 201 is also connected to the public voice network 101, which is a network for voice communication. This allows the person inside the elevator car 131 of the elevator 130 to communicate directly with the operator 141 of the maintenance company 140.

[0048] The relay board 202 analyzes various signals output from the control board 136 and outputs the analysis results to the monitoring control board 203. The various signals output from the control board 136 differ depending on the model of the elevator 130. During the analysis, the relay board 202 converts the various signals output from the control board 136 into a format that the monitoring control board 203 can process and outputs it. This makes it possible to remotely monitor the elevator 130 regardless of the model of the elevator 130.

[0049] The monitoring and control board 203 stores the analysis results output from the relay board 202 in, for example, the memory 204. The monitoring and control board 203 may also directly store the signals received by the relay board 202 in the memory 204 without analysis. The monitoring and control board 203 can be implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like.

[0050] Memory 204 can be implemented using a non-volatile storage medium that retains stored information even when the power supply is cut off. Specifically, memory 204 can be, for example, flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or EPROM (Erasable This can be achieved using methods such as Programmable Read-Only Memory.

[0051] Furthermore, the monitoring and control board 203 transmits based on the analysis results output from the relay board 202. The system generates a signal for transmission and sends the generated transmission signal to the management server computer 110 via the communication I / F 201 connected to the network 102. Specifically, for example, if the monitoring and control board 203 receives a signal (alarm signal) from the control board 136 indicating that an emergency button has been operated via the relay board 202, it transmits a predetermined signal to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator 130.

[0052] Specifically, the monitoring and control board 203, for example, when a signal indicating abnormal operation (an alarm signal) is output from the control board 136 and the alarm signal is received via the relay board 202, transmits a predetermined signal to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator 130.

[0053] Furthermore, the monitoring and control board 203 receives various signals (all of which are alarm signals) from the control board 136, indicating not only when the emergency button is operated, but also in the event of an earthquake, an abnormal stop of the elevator car 131, insufficient illumination inside the elevator car 131, abnormal sounds such as mechanical abnormalities or screams or shouts acquired using the microphone on the control panel 133, failure of doors 131a and 134a to operate, or a occupant being trapped inside the elevator car 131. When the monitoring and control board 203 receives such alarm signals via the relay board 202, it transmits a predetermined signal to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator car 130.

[0054] Alternatively, the monitoring and control board 203 may acquire signals (up signals) output from each part of the elevator 130 and signals (down signals) output from the control board 136 to each part of the elevator 130 via the relay board 202, and based on the acquired signals, transmit a predetermined signal to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator 130.

[0055] Specifically, the monitoring and control board 203, for example, receives an upward signal from a sensor in the elevator 130 to the control board 136 indicating that the doors 131a and 134a are not operating, and based on the received signal, transmits a predetermined signal to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator 130. Also, specifically, the monitoring and control board 203, for example, receives a downward signal from the control board 136 instructing the hoisting machine 132a to make an emergency stop, and based on the received signal, transmits a predetermined signal to the management server computer 110 indicating that abnormal operation has been detected in the elevator 130.

[0056] Furthermore, if the monitoring and control board 203 receives a signal (an alarm signal) from the control board 136 indicating that an emergency button has been operated, via the relay board 202, it will send a call signal to the telephone 142 via the public voice network 101 or the like. This allows the occupants inside the elevator car 131 to communicate (talk) with the operator 141 of the maintenance company 140 using the microphone and speaker provided in the control panel 133.

[0057] (Functional configuration of the remote monitoring support device 120) Next, the functional configuration of the remote monitoring support device 120 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the remote monitoring support device 120. As shown in Figure 3, the functions of the remote monitoring support device 120 are realized by the acquisition unit 301, the determination unit 302, the storage unit 303, and the transmission unit 304.

[0058] The acquisition unit 301 acquires the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137. Specifically, the acquisition unit 301 uses, for example, the communication I / F 201 connected to the acceleration sensor 137 to acquire the signal. This can be achieved. The acquisition unit 301 may also acquire signals output from each component of the elevator 130 other than the acceleration sensor 137. In this case, for example, when the acquisition unit 301 acquires a predetermined signal output from the management server computer 110 to the remote monitoring support device 120, it acquires signals output from each component of the elevator 130 other than the acceleration sensor 137. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 301 may continuously acquire signals output from each component of the elevator 130 other than the acceleration sensor 137.

[0059] The determination unit 302 determines the operating state of the cage 131 based on the signals acquired by the acquisition unit 301. For example, the determination unit 302 determines whether the cage 131 is stopped or moving. If the determination unit 302 determines that the cage 131 is moving, it may further determine whether the moving speed of the cage 131 exceeds a predetermined upper limit or falls below a predetermined lower limit.

[0060] Furthermore, the determination unit 302 may, for example, determine the position of the cage 131. Also, the determination unit 302 may, for example, determine whether or not there is abnormal vibration of the cage 131. Specifically, the determination unit 302 can be implemented, for example, by the monitoring and control board 203.

[0061] The determination unit 302 may further determine whether the operating state of the cage 131 is in a normal operating state based on the signal acquired by the acquisition unit 301. For example, the determination unit 302 determines that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state if the cage 131 is vibrating abnormally. Also, the determination unit 302 determines that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state if, for example, an acceleration greater than a predetermined value is detected. Also, the determination unit 302 determines that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state if, for example, an impact greater than a predetermined value is applied to the cage 131. Also, the determination unit 302 determines that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state if the cage 131 is tilted more than a predetermined value.

[0062] The storage unit 303 stores information such as signals acquired by the acquisition unit 301 and the judgment results of the decision unit 302. Specifically, the storage unit 303 can be implemented, for example, by memory 204. The storage unit 303 may store either the signals acquired by the acquisition unit 301 or the information regarding the judgment results of the decision unit 302, or it may store both.

[0063] The transmission unit 304 transmits notification information regarding the determination result of the determination unit 302 to the management server computer 110. Specifically, the transmission unit 304 can be implemented, for example, by a communication I / F 201 connected to the network 102. The transmission unit 304 may transmit notification information regarding the determination result of the determination unit 302 to the management server computer 110 each time the determination is made, or it may transmit it to the management server computer 110 at predetermined intervals. When transmitting notification information to the management server computer 110 at predetermined intervals, the transmission unit 304 transmits information stored in the storage unit 303 that has not been transmitted to the management server computer 110.

[0064] Furthermore, the transmission unit 304 may send notification information indicating that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state to the management server computer 110 only if the determination unit 302 determines that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state. In this case, the transmission unit 304 may also send information stored in the storage unit 303 that has not been sent to the management server computer 110, in addition to the notification information indicating that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state.

[0065] The notification information may be, for example, the output value of the acceleration sensor 137, and the determination unit 302 The notification information may also include the result of the determination (such as whether the cage 131 is stopped or moving, the position of the cage 131, and whether or not there is abnormal vibration of the cage 131). Furthermore, the notification information may also include, for example, information indicating that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state. The notification information may also include information indicating the date and time the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137 was acquired, and the date and time the determination was made.

[0066] (Processing procedure of the remote monitoring support device 120) Next, the processing procedure of the remote monitoring support device 120 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the remote monitoring support device 120. In the flowchart of Figure 4, first, the device waits until it obtains the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137 (output signal of the acceleration sensor 137) (step S401: No).

[0067] In step S401, if a signal output from the acceleration sensor 137 is acquired (step S401: Yes), the operating state of the cage 131 is determined based on the acquired signal (step S402). In step S402, for example, it is determined whether the cage 131 is stopped or moving. In step S402, for example, the position of the cage 131 or whether there is any abnormal vibration of the cage 131 may also be determined.

[0068] Next, based on the signal obtained in step S401:Yes, it is determined whether the operating state of the cage 131 is in a normal operating state (step S403). In step S403, for example, if an acceleration greater than a predetermined value is detected, or if an impact greater than a predetermined value is applied to the cage 131, it is determined that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state. Also in step S403, for example, if the cage 131 is tilted more than a predetermined value, it is determined that the operating state of the cage 131 is not in a normal operating state. In step S403, it is also possible to determine whether the operating state of the cage 131 is in a normal operating state based on the determination result in step S402.

[0069] In step S403, if the operating state of the basket 131 is not the normal operating state (step S403: No), notification information is generated (step S404). Then, the notification information generated in step S404 is sent to the management server computer 110 (step S405), and the series of processes ends.

[0070] On the other hand, in step S403, if the operating state of the basket 131 is in the normal operating state (step S403: Yes), information regarding the decision result is stored in memory 204 (step S406), and the process proceeds to step S401. The information stored in step S406 is sent to the management server computer 110 in step S404 along with the notification information.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the operating status of the car 131 is monitored by a remote monitoring support device 120 retrofitted to the elevator 130 using an acceleration sensor 137 retrofitted to the car 131, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The acceleration sensor 137 may be one that was installed on the car 131 when the elevator 130 was installed, or it may be one that is retrofitted to a device installed after the elevator 130 was installed.

[0072] Devices added after the installation of elevator 130 can, for example, be implemented by a tablet terminal that displays management information such as advertisements, operating status, or inspection schedules inside the elevator car 131. By utilizing the functions of devices added after the installation of elevator 130, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in maintenance costs and an improvement in the safety of elevator 130 users.

[0073] Furthermore, if a device added after the installation of the elevator 130, such as a tablet terminal, is equipped with communication capabilities, the remote monitoring support device 120 according to this invention can be realized using the device added after the installation of the elevator 130. This makes it possible to achieve both a further reduction in maintenance costs and an improvement in the safety of elevator 130 users.

[0074] As described above, the remote monitoring support device 120 according to this embodiment of the present invention is characterized by determining the operating state of the elevator car 131 based on a signal output from an acceleration sensor 137 installed in the elevator car 131 of the elevator 130, and transmitting notification information regarding the determination result to the management server computer 110.

[0075] According to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, the operating state of the cage 131 can be determined based on the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137 provided on the cage 131, thereby enabling a simple configuration and proper determination of the operating state of the cage 131 in accordance with certain conditions set on the monitoring control board 203.

[0076] Furthermore, since the remote monitoring support device 120 can communicate with the management server computer 110, even elevators 130 that do not have communication functions at the time of installation can transmit information regarding the judgment results to the management server computer 110 by retrofitting an acceleration sensor 137 and the remote monitoring support device 120 to the car 131.

[0077] This allows the management server computer 110 and the remote monitoring support device 120 to share information regarding the judgment results. The management server computer 110 can then quickly and reliably detect the occurrence of troubles based on standardized judgment criteria, and use the management server computer 110 to select the most suitable personnel to respond to the detected troubles, and dispatch them to the site promptly.

[0078] Furthermore, by quickly dispatching the most suitable personnel to the site to address any detected problems, it is possible to respond promptly to any issues that occur with elevator 130. This minimizes the time elevator 130 is unavailable and ensures convenience for elevator 130 users.

[0079] Thus, according to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent variations in the quality of response work to problems occurring in the elevator 130 due to differences in the experience and abilities of the workers, with a simple configuration, and to achieve high-quality remote monitoring.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, by detecting the occurrence of troubles, etc., in the hoisting machine 132a based on uniform judgment criteria, the training period for workers can be shortened compared to conventional methods that detect or predict the occurrence of troubles, etc., based on the experience of the workers.

[0081] According to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, specifically, for example, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of detecting signs of trouble, and to perform maintenance and inspection of the elevator 130 or replace components of the elevator 130 at the appropriate time. This ensures the safety of users, improves the reliability of the elevator 130, and enables users to use the elevator 130 with peace of mind, thus realizing high-quality remote monitoring.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment, it is possible to easily detect signs of trouble related to the hoisting machine 132a of the elevator 130, so that a response can be taken before an actual trouble occurs, reducing the occurrence of situations where workers have to be dispatched in an emergency.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency and accuracy of purchasing and inventory planning for replacement parts, etc., by making it easier to detect signs of trouble related to the hoisting machine 132a of the elevator 130. This will reduce various costs related to the operation and management of the elevator 130.

[0084] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 according to this embodiment of the invention is characterized by its ability to determine whether the cage 131 is stopped or moving.

[0085] According to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the invention, the number of times the elevator 130 is started can be determined, so the degree of wear and tear on the components of the elevator 130 can be determined, and the inspection frequency and timing of parts replacement for the elevator 130 can be appropriately set. As a result, the inspection frequency and parts replacement of the elevator 130 can be carried out appropriately, which can reduce maintenance costs and alleviate the burden on workers.

[0086] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 according to this embodiment of the invention is characterized by its ability to determine the position of the basket 131.

[0087] According to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, for example, when the elevator car 131 stops, it is possible to determine whether the floor surface of the elevator car 131 and the floor surface of the landing 134 are aligned, and any problems such as a step difference between the floor surface of the elevator car 131 and the floor surface of the landing 134 can be detected early. This improves the reliability of the elevator 130, ensures the safety of users, and allows users to use the elevator 130 with peace of mind.

[0088] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 according to this embodiment of the invention is characterized by its ability to determine whether or not there is abnormal vibration in the cage 131.

[0089] According to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment, signs of failure can be detected quickly, allowing preventative measures to be taken before a failure actually occurs. This reduces the time the elevator 130 is unavailable for inspection compared to when a failure occurs and measures such as replacing parts are taken, thereby ensuring user safety, improving the reliability of the elevator 130, and allowing users to use the elevator 130 with peace of mind.

[0090] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 can determine the distance traveled by the elevator car 131 by simultaneously determining whether the car 131 is stopped or moving and determining the position of the car 131. This also allows for understanding the degree of wear and tear on the components of the elevator 130, enabling the appropriate setting of inspection frequency and component replacement timing for the elevator 130. This allows for appropriate inspection frequency and component replacement of the elevator 130, thereby reducing maintenance costs and the burden on workers.

[0091] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 of the embodiment of this invention determines whether the operating state of the cage 131 is in a normal operating state, and if it is determined that the operating state is not in a normal operating state, In addition, the system is characterized by sending notification information, including information regarding the status of the elevator 130, to the management server computer 110.

[0092] According to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, the remote monitoring support device 120 can determine whether the operating state of the cage 131 is in a normal operating state, and if it determines that it is not in a normal operating state, it can notify the management server computer 110 of that fact.

[0093] This reduces the processing load on the management server computer 110 that communicates with the remote monitoring support device 120. Furthermore, if a situation occurs that is not in normal operation, the most suitable personnel can be quickly dispatched to the site to respond to the situation, promptly address any problems that occur with the elevator 130, minimize the time the elevator 130 is unavailable, and ensure convenience for elevator users.

[0094] Furthermore, the remote monitoring support device 120 according to this embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the acceleration sensor 137 is not connected to the control board of the elevator 130.

[0095] According to the remote monitoring support device 120 of this embodiment of the present invention, the operating state of the elevator car 131 can be determined based on the signal output from the acceleration sensor 137 which is not connected to the control board of the elevator car 130, thereby enabling remote monitoring of the elevator car 130 using the acceleration sensor 137 retrofitted to the elevator car 131. This allows an independent elevator maintenance service company to monitor the operating state of the elevator car 130 from a remote location.

[0096] In situations where independent maintenance service companies for elevators 130 find it difficult to pre-install sensors and other components necessary for remote monitoring when installing elevators 130, maintenance and management by elevator managers and other personnel are limited to the scope specified by the manufacturer of each elevator 130, resulting in a low degree of freedom in maintenance and management by elevator managers and other personnel.

[0097] In addition, communication between the control board 136 and the management server computer 110 is generally carried out using signals unique to each manufacturer. This makes it easy for each elevator manufacturer to uniquely set the maintenance costs for the elevator 130, making it difficult to reduce the maintenance costs borne by the person in charge of managing the elevator 130.

[0098] While the safety and sense of security of users of elevator 130 tend to increase with the frequency of maintenance and inspections of elevator 130, if the frequency of maintenance and inspections is reduced to the minimum or close to the frequency stipulated in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines in order to reduce maintenance costs in the above-mentioned situation, it becomes difficult to achieve both an increase in the flexibility of maintenance management, including a reduction in maintenance costs, and an increase in the safety of users of elevator 130.

[0099] In contrast, with the remote monitoring support device 120 of the embodiment of this invention, even an independent elevator 130 maintenance service company can remotely monitor the elevator 130. This makes it possible for independent elevator 130 maintenance service companies to enter the elevator 130 remote monitoring business, thereby achieving both increased flexibility in maintenance management, including a reduction in maintenance costs, and improved safety for elevator 130 users. [Industrial applicability]

[0100] As described above, the remote monitoring support device according to this invention is useful as a remote monitoring support device for assisting the remote monitoring of elevators, and is particularly suitable as a remote monitoring support device for assisting the remote monitoring of elevators by an independent elevator maintenance service company. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 100 Remote Monitoring Systems 110 Management Server Computer 120 Remote monitoring support device 130 Elevators 131 baskets Platform 134 136 Control board 137 Accelerometer 140 Maintenance and Management Companies 201 Communication I / F 202 Intermediate board 203 Monitoring and Control Board 204 memory 301 Acquisition Department 302 Judgment Department 303 Storage section 304 Transmitter

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring signals output from an acceleration sensor installed in the elevator car, Based on the signal acquired by the acquisition means, a determination means determines the operating state of the basket, A transmission means for transmitting notification information regarding the determination result of the determination means to a management server computer installed remotely from the elevator, A remote monitoring support device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The remote monitoring support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the basket is stopped or moving.

3. The remote monitoring support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines the position of the basket.

4. The remote monitoring support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines whether or not there is abnormal vibration in the cage.

5. The determination means determines whether the operating state is a normal operating state, The remote monitoring support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transmission means transmits the notification information, including information regarding the elevator's status, to the management server computer when the determination means determines that the operating state is not a normal operating state.

6. The remote monitoring support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the acceleration sensor is not connected to the control board of the elevator.

Images