elevator

Abstract

To reliably understand the status of the cage without obtaining information from the control panel. [Solution] A first measuring device 160 is retrofitted to a predetermined location in the machine room or hoistway HW of the elevator 100 to measure the atmospheric pressure at that predetermined location. A second measuring device 170 is retrofitted to the outside of the car 102 moving within the hoistway HW to measure the atmospheric pressure at the location of the car 102. Based on the difference between the first atmospheric pressure value measured by the first measuring device 160 and the second atmospheric pressure value measured by the second measuring device 170, or the amount of change in that difference, the status of the car 102 in the hoistway HW (location of the car, whether it is moving or stopped, etc.) is determined. This allows for easy retrofitting and reliable confirmation of the status of the car 102 without obtaining information from the control panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , , , , , , ,

[0001] This invention relates to an elevator that determines the status of a cage in a hoistway.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, based on the difference between the first air pressure measured by the first air pressure measurement unit attached to the elevator cage or counterweight and the second air pressure measured by the second air pressure measurement unit provided in the terminal device held by the maintenance staff, there has been a technique for detecting the relative position in the vertical direction of the cage and the maintenance staff (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Patent Document 8

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, conventional technologies, including the aforementioned Patent Document 1, use terminal devices carried by maintenance personnel, and therefore can only be used during maintenance and inspection, and cannot be used during normal operation. Furthermore, they only detect the relative position between the elevator car and the maintenance personnel, and cannot determine the status of the elevator in the hoistway (such as its current location or whether it is moving or stopped).

[0005] Therefore, with conventional technology, it was necessary to use information output from the control panel to know the status of the elevator car during normal operation. If information from the control panel could not be obtained, there was a problem in that it was not possible to obtain information about the status of the elevator car remotely.

[0006] This invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art described above by providing an elevator that can be easily retrofitted regardless of the type of elevator, and that allows the status of the elevator car to be determined without obtaining information from the control panel, and that allows the determination results to be known even in a remote location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the elevator according to this invention comprises: a first measuring device retrofitted to a predetermined location in the hoistway or machine room for measuring the atmospheric pressure at said predetermined location; and a second measuring device retrofitted to the outside of the car moving in the hoistway for measuring the atmospheric pressure at the location of said car, and is characterized in that the condition of the car in the hoistway is determined based on the value of atmospheric pressure measured by the first measuring device (hereinafter referred to as the "first atmospheric pressure value") and the value of atmospheric pressure measured by the second measuring device (hereinafter referred to as the "second atmospheric pressure value").

[0008] Furthermore, the elevator according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, when it is determined that the condition of the elevator car is abnormal, it outputs information regarding the condition to an external device.

[0009] Furthermore, the elevator according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, when an external device requests the output of information regarding the status of the elevator car, it outputs information regarding the status to the external device.

[0010] Furthermore, the elevator according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the status of the car is determined based on the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and is the position of the car in the hoistway.

[0011] Furthermore, the elevator according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the status of the car is determined based on the amount of change in the second atmospheric pressure value or the amount of change in the difference between the first atmospheric pressure value and the second atmospheric pressure value, and is a status relating to whether the car is stopped or moving.

[0012] Furthermore, the elevator according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, when the status of the car is such that the car is positioned between floors in the hoistway and the car is stopped, information regarding the status is output to an external device.

[0013] Furthermore, the elevator according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, when the status of the car is such that the car is located between floors in the hoistway and the car is stopped, the car is moved to the floor closest to its current position.

[0014] Furthermore, the elevator according to this invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the first measuring device and the second measuring device are connected in a communicative manner, the first measuring device transmits the first atmospheric pressure value to the second measuring device at predetermined time intervals, and the second measuring device determines the condition of the elevator car in the hoistway based on the received first atmospheric pressure value and the second atmospheric pressure value measured at the same time as the first atmospheric pressure value.

[0015] In addition, in the elevator according to this invention, in the above invention, the first measuring device and the second measuring device are communicably connected, and the first measuring device transmits the first air pressure value to the second measuring device in response to a request from the second measuring device or an external device, and the second measuring device determines the situation of the car in the hoistway based on the received first air pressure value and the second air pressure value measured at the same time as the first air pressure value.

[0016] In addition, in the elevator according to this invention, in the above invention, the second measuring device transmits information regarding the situation to the first measuring device, the first measuring device is communicably connected to an external device, and transmits the information regarding the situation received from the second measuring device to the external device.

[0017] In addition, in the elevator according to this invention, in the above invention, the first measuring device is provided at a position where it can perform wireless communication with an external device via a network.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the elevator of this invention, regardless of the type of elevator, a measuring device for simply measuring air pressure can be easily attached retroactively. By using this measuring device, it is possible to determine the situation of the car without obtaining information from the control panel, and the determination result can also be known at a remote location.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an elevator according to an embodiment of this invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the first measuring device and the second measuring device of the elevator according to an embodiment of this invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the first measuring device and the second measuring device of the elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing procedure of the first measuring device of the elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing procedure of the first measuring device of the elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the processing procedure of the first measuring device of the elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing procedure of the second measuring device of the elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing procedure of the second measuring device of the elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the elevator according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0021] ] (Configuration of Elevator) First, the configuration of the elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] In FIG. 1, the elevator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be realized, for example, by a rope type (traction type) elevator 100. The elevator 100 is installed, for example, in a building such as a multi-story building.

[0023] Each component of the elevator 100 is driven and controlled by the control panel 101. The control panel 101 is connected to each component of the elevator 100 and, for example, outputs signals to each component of the elevator 100, so-called "down signals". The control panel 101 also receives signals from each component of the elevator 100, so-called "up signals".

[0024] Furthermore, the control panel 101 is connected to the management server computer 150 via a network such as the Internet (such as the network NW shown in Figure 3, which will be described later). The management server computer 150 is installed in a remote location, different from the location where the elevator 100 to be monitored is installed. The management server computer 150 can be installed, for example, in a maintenance company responsible for the maintenance and management of the elevator 100. The external device may also be this management server computer 150.

[0025] The control panel 101 transmits an alarm signal to the management server computer 150, for example. The control panel 101 outputs an alarm signal, for example, when it detects a fault in the elevator 100 or when the operating mode of the elevator 100 changes. The control panel 101 also receives various instructions, such as instructions to execute diagnostic operations, transmitted from the management server computer 150, and outputs a down signal corresponding to the received instructions to each component of the elevator 100.

[0026] The diagnostic operation is performed by the control panel 101 outputting signals to each component of the elevator 100 to operate each component in a predetermined order, and then outputting signals from the control panel 101 to the management server computer 150 indicating whether each component operated normally according to the output signals. The management server computer 150 outputs instructions to perform the diagnostic operation periodically (for example, at the end of each month).

[0027] By connecting the control panel 101 and the management server computer 150 via the Internet rather than a public voice network such as a telephone line, it is possible to avoid delays in understanding the status of the elevator 100 due to telephone line overload during emergencies such as natural disasters like earthquakes. This allows for a quick response if a malfunction occurs in the operation of the elevator 100 when it is being remotely monitored using the management server computer 150.

[0028] The control panel 101 may also be connected to a public voice network. The public voice network includes fixed-line telephone networks (public switched telephone networks) and mobile phone networks. The public voice network consists of several switches, not shown in the diagram, such as subscriber line switches that accommodate telephone lines, intermediate switches that bundle subscriber line switches, and gateway switches that connect to the telephone networks of other operators. Since the public voice network is a well-known technology, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0029] Elevator 100 is equipped with a hoistway HW that penetrates each floor of the building vertically. There is one hoistway HW for each elevator 100. Inside the hoistway HW is a car (ride car) 102 for carrying people and goods. There is one car 102 for each elevator 100, that is, for each hoistway HW, and it moves up and down in the direction of the hoistway HW, i.e., vertically. The car 102 is supported by a car frame (not shown in the illustration), and moves up and down together with the frame.

[0030] Guide rails (not shown in the illustration) are provided on the sides of the elevator shaft HW to guide the elevator car 102 (car frame) to the upper and lowering position. A shock absorber 103 is provided at the bottom of the elevator shaft HW to mitigate the impact in the event that the car 102 falls and hits the bottom surface. The shock absorber 103 may be a spring-type shock absorber that uses the elastic force of a spring to mitigate the impact, or an oil-filled shock absorber that uses hydraulic resistance to mitigate the impact. The shock absorber 103 may also be provided on the ceiling surface of the elevator shaft HW.

[0031] Each landing 104 in the elevator shaft HW is equipped with a door 104a. The doors 104a at each landing 104 are locked by a device called an interlock (not shown in the diagram). The interlock engages with the opening and closing mechanism of the elevator car 102's door 102a and releases the lock only when the motor that opens and closes the elevator car 102's door 102a is driven while the elevator car 102 is at its stopping floor. This allows only the doors 104a at the landing 104 on the floor where the elevator car 102 is located to be opened and closed in conjunction.

[0032] Each elevator car 104 is equipped with a control panel 105. Each control panel 105 includes an elevator car call button 105a, a display 105b that shows the floor level where the elevator car 102 is located, and other such features. Each control panel 105 also has a control board 105c for the control panel 105. Each control panel 105 is connected to the control panel 101 via its own control board 105c.

[0033] The cage 102 is connected to one end of the rope 106. The rope 106 is suspended in a well-bench fashion over a pulley (not shown) and a hoisting machine (traction machine) 107, with the other end connected to a counterweight 108. Specifically, the rope 106 can be made of, for example, a steel wire.

[0034] In a rope-type elevator 100, the hoisting machine 107 is installed, for example, in a machine room located at the top of the elevator 100. The hoisting machine 107 can be installed at the top of the elevator 100 regardless of whether there is a machine room or not. Alternatively, if the elevator 100 is of a type without a machine room, the hoisting machine 107 may be installed at the bottom of the elevator 100.

[0035] The hoisting machine 107 is connected to the control panel 101, for example, via an inverter, and is driven and controlled by the control panel 101 to stop rotating at the floor where the elevator car 102 is to be stopped. In a rope-type elevator 100, the elevator car 102 is raised and lowered by utilizing the frictional force (traction) between the rope 106 and the pulley, which is generated by driving the hoisting machine 107.

[0036] The hoisting machine 107 is equipped with an encoder (not shown), and the control panel 101 can determine the rotational speed and rotational position of the hoisting machine 107 based on the output signal from the encoder. The encoder may be, for example, an absolute encoder or an incremental encoder.

[0037] The bottom of the elevator car 102 is connected to the other end of a wire rope (or chain) for weight balance adjustment, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the counterweight 108 (not shown in the diagram). This ensures that, for example, in an elevator 100 installed in a high-rise building, an imbalance in the weight balance between the elevator car 102 and the counterweight 108 near the top floor or the bottom (bottom) due to the weight of the rope 106 does not cause the rope 106 to slip off the sheave of the hoisting machine 107.

[0038] Furthermore, the elevator 100 is equipped with an electromagnetic brake 109, a governor machine 110, a limit switch 111, and the like. The electromagnetic brake 109 has a coil and uses the electromagnetic force generated by energizing the coil, which is driven and controlled by the control panel 101, to stop the rotation of the hoisting machine 107. The electromagnetic brake 109 can maintain the state in which the rotation of the hoisting machine 107 is stopped.

[0039] The electromagnetic brake 109 stops the rotation of the hoisting machine 107 when the power supply is interrupted due to a power outage or the like. Specifically, the electromagnetic brake 109 can be a non-excitation type electromagnetic brake 109 that operates using the force of a spring to stop the rotation of the hoisting machine 107 when the power supply to the coil is cut off, such as during a power outage.

[0040] The governor 110 detects when the cage 102 exceeds its speed limit. The governor 110 can be implemented as a centrifugal governor equipped with, for example, a governor rope 110a, a governor pulley 110b, and a rotor (not shown). In such a governor 110, the governor rope 110a moves in conjunction with the movement of the cage 102. The governor pulley 110b rotates in conjunction with the movement of the governor rope 110a.

[0041] The rotor operates in accordance with the rotational speed of the governor pulley 110b, that is, the magnitude of the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the governor pulley 110b. Specifically, the rotor operates to open towards the outer circumference of the governor pulley 110b when the rotational speed of the governor pulley 110b is fast, and to close towards the inner circumference of the governor pulley 110b when the rotational speed of the governor pulley 110b is slow.

[0042] The limit switch 111 is equipped with a switch lever (not shown) that switches between supplying and cutting off power to the hoisting machine 107. The switch lever is normally positioned to supply power to the hoisting machine 107, and when the rotor of the governor 110 is biased, it is displaced to a position that cuts off the power supply to the hoisting machine 107.

[0043] The rotor of the speed governor 110 biases the switch lever so that when the lifting speed of the cage 102 exceeds a certain speed relative to the rated speed, the switch lever is displaced to a position that cuts off the power supply to the hoisting machine 107. This allows the operation of the hoisting machine 107 to stop and the cage 102 to stop when the cage 102 exceeds its speed limit.

[0044] Furthermore, the elevator 100 may be equipped with an emergency stop device, which is not shown in the illustration. The emergency stop device forcibly stops the operation of the car 102 when the operation of the car 102 and the operation of the governor rope 110a are different, that is, when the car 102 is operating even though the governor rope 110a has stopped. The emergency stop device can be easily implemented using various known technologies, so a description is omitted.

[0045] The elevator car 102 is equipped with an in-car control panel 102b. The in-car control panel 102b has various operation buttons and a display that shows the floor level on which the elevator car 102 is located. The elevator car 102 is also equipped with various sensors such as a motor for opening and closing the door 102a, a door opening / closing sensor, an obstacle detection device, and a load sensor, as well as a buzzer (not shown in the figure).

[0046] An upper cage box 112 (hereinafter referred to as the "upper cage box" or "upper cage control board") equipped with an upper cage control board is provided on top of the cage 102. The upper cage box 112 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the cage 102, that is, on the outside of the cage 102. The upper cage box 112 houses an electrical circuit equipped with a power supply circuit, control circuit, etc. Various loads installed in the cage 102, such as the in-cage operation panel 102b, the motor for opening and closing the door 102a, the door opening / closing sensor, the obstacle detection device, the load sensor and other sensors and buzzers, are connected to the electrical circuit housed in the upper cage box 112.

[0047] The cage control board (cage box) 112 centralizes the control of cage-related equipment. Specifically, the cage control board 112 performs controls within the cage, such as determining which of the operation buttons has been pressed, displaying information on the display inside the cage, showing floor levels and directional arrows, controlling the door opening and closing motors, and monitoring the status of safety switches.

[0048] The motor that opens and closes door 102a is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions; for example, it rotates in the forward direction when opening door 102a and in the reverse direction when closing door 102a. The motor that opens and closes door 102a is, for example, mounted on the ceiling plate of cage 102. The door opening / closing sensor detects the open or closed state of door 102a. The door opening / closing sensor can be implemented, for example, by a microswitch or photoelectric sensor whose output changes depending on whether door 102a or door 104a is open or closed.

[0049] The obstacle detection device detects when an object, such as a person, is trapped between a pair of doors 102a. Specifically, the obstacle detection device can be configured, for example, by a safety shoe installed between a pair of doors 102a and biased to protrude in the opening direction of the doors 102a, or by a microswitch that outputs a signal indicating that an object has been detected trapped between the pair of doors 102a when the safety shoe is pushed inward between the doors 102a.

[0050] The load sensor detects the load on the cage 102. Specifically, the load sensor can be implemented, for example, by a load cell. The load cell is installed, for example, between the bottom of the cage 102 and the cage frame. The buzzer outputs a buzzer sound according to the detection result of the load sensor. The buzzer outputs a buzzer sound when the load (mass) on the cage 102 exceeds a predetermined mass, such as the rated load (mass) applied to the cage 102.

[0051] The in-car control panel 102b is installed inside the elevator car. Specifically, it is installed in a location that is outside the car 102, beyond the inner wall surface of the car 102, such as behind the control buttons, and is not visible to the user. The in-car control panel 102b receives operation signals from each of the control buttons via signal lines.

[0052] The in-car control panel 102b and the car control board 112 are connected by a wired signal line. The exchange of signals between the in-car control panel 102b and the car control board 112 is not limited to wired (signal line) communication, but may also be done wirelessly (for example, by Wi-Fi®).

[0053] The in-car operation panel 102b determines which signal line the operation signal originated from based on the operation signal received via the signal line, and based on the determination, transmits the operation signal (car call signal) for the corresponding floor to the car control board 112 via the signal line.

[0054] The control panel 101 is connected to the cage control board 112 by a wired signal line (for example, a tail cord), and transmits and receives signals between the control panel 101 and the cage control board 112. The cage control board 112 receives an operation signal (cage call signal) from the cage control panel 102b via the signal line and transmits the operation signal to the control panel 101 via the tail cord.

[0055] The first measuring device 160 is retrofitted to a predetermined location within the elevator shaft HW or machine room. Specifically, for example, it is installed at the top of the elevator shaft HW as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, it may be installed at the bottom of the elevator shaft HW (near the buffer 103) or at a predetermined location within the elevator shaft HW (such as near the middle of the elevator shaft HW). Furthermore, there is no limit to one first measuring device 160; multiple devices may be installed.

[0056] The first measuring device 160 is preferably installed in a location that allows wireless communication with an external device (such as a management server computer 150) via a network (for example, the network NW shown in Figure 2). Since the first measuring device 160 is installed in a fixed location without being moved, it is always in a state where it can communicate wirelessly with an external device via the network.

[0057] The first measuring device 160 is a housing (box) equipped with a CPU 201, memory 202, communication interface 203, microphone 204, speaker 205, and various sensors 206 including a barometric pressure sensor, as described later in Figures 2 and 3. It can be made relatively compact in size to accommodate these components and does not require a large space for installation. The housing is fixed inside the elevator shaft HW or machine room using screws or magnets.

[0058] In this way, the first measuring device 160 can be retrofitted with simple installation work. Therefore, it can be easily installed on any type of elevator, regardless of the elevator model. Furthermore, replacing or removing (restoring to the original condition) the first measuring device 160 can be done just as easily as installation.

[0059] The second measuring device 170 is retrofitted to the outside of the car 102. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 1, it is installed on the ceiling panel of the car 102, near the upper car box 112. Depending on the structure of the elevator 100, the structure of the hoistway HW, the structure of the car 102, and the circumstances of retrofitting, the second measuring device 170 may be installed on the outside of the car 102, in a location other than on the ceiling panel of the car 102.

[0060] The second measuring device 170 is connected to the basket box 112 and is powered by power supplied from the basket box 112. While the second measuring device 170 is equipped with various sensors 206 as described later in Figure 2, instead of the second measuring device 170 having various sensors 206, it may acquire detection data from the various sensors provided by the basket box 112.

[0061] The second measuring device 170 is a housing (box) equipped with a CPU 201, memory 202, communication interface 203, microphone 204, speaker 205, and various sensors 206 including a barometric pressure sensor, as described later in Figures 2 and 3. Similar to the first measuring device 160, it can be made relatively compact enough to accommodate these components and does not require a large space for installation. The housing is fixed to the top of the cage 102, for example, using screws or magnets. Power is supplied from the cage top box 112 by inserting a power supply plug into the outlet of the cage top box 112.

[0062] In this way, the second measuring device 170 can be retrofitted with simple installation work. Therefore, it can be easily installed on any type of elevator, regardless of the elevator model. Furthermore, replacing or removing (restoring to the original condition) the second measuring device 170 can be done just as easily as the installation.

[0063] The elevator 100 may also be equipped with a remote monitoring device 140. The remote monitoring device 140 can be mounted, for example, in the housing that houses the control panel 101 of the elevator 100, or on the wall of the hoistway HW. The remote monitoring device 140 may be connected to the control panel 101. The remote monitoring device 140 is also connected to a management server computer 150 via a network such as the Internet (such as the network NW shown in Figure 3). The external device may be this remote monitoring device 140.

[0064] The remote monitoring device 140 acquires signals (control signals) output from the control panel 101 to each component of the elevator 100, generates notification information based on the acquired control signals, and transmits the generated notification information to the management server computer 150 on behalf of the control panel 101. The notification information includes information about the status of the elevator 100 and identification information of the elevator 100 that is the source of the notification information.

[0065] Information regarding the status of elevator 100 includes, for example, the direction of movement of the car 102, the floor to which the car 102 will move, whether or not the car 102 has stopped at the destination floor, and whether or not the motors that open and close the doors 102a and 104a are operating. Information regarding the status of elevator 100 also includes, for example, the floor to which the car 102 is currently located, and whether or not various safety devices are operating.

[0066] The remote monitoring device 140 is connected to, for example, the control panel 101 and acquires the output from a relay whose output (output state) changes in accordance with the control signal output from the control panel 101. In this case, the remote monitoring device 140 can acquire the control signal output from the control panel 101 from the relay.

[0067] Furthermore, the remote monitoring device 140 can be connected to the control panel 101 via contacts provided on the pins (wiring connecting the control panel 101 and the IC chip) of the IC chip provided on the control panel 101, corresponding to each component of the elevator 100. In this case, the contacts may be provided on the pins for signals input from the control panel 101 to the IC chip (wiring connecting the control panel 101 and the IC chip), or on the pins for signals output from the IC chip to the control panel 101 (wiring connecting the control panel 101 and the IC chip).

[0068] (Hardware configuration of elevator control system) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the first and second measuring devices for an elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, the second measuring device 170 is housed in a relatively compact enclosure (box) about the size of a commercially available Wi-Fi router and includes a CPU 201, memory 202, communication interface 203, microphone 204, speaker 205, and sensor 206.

[0069] The CPU 201 controls the entire second measuring device 170 by performing calculations using programs and data stored in the memory 202. The CPU 201 also has a clock that keeps track of the current time. The memory 202 stores various types of information, such as information about various conditions related to the program executed by the CPU 201, information about the relationship between atmospheric pressure and altitude (for example, the relationship between altitude and Pa when the temperature and reference pressure are constant), sound information collected by the microphone 204, and information about sound (voice) output by the speaker 205.

[0070] Instead of the CPU201, it can also be implemented using, for example, an LSI (Large Scale Integration) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0071] Memory 202 can be implemented using a non-volatile storage medium that retains stored information even when the power supply is interrupted. Specifically, memory 202 can be implemented using, for example, flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). Alternatively, memory 202 can be implemented using IC memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), or hard disk.

[0072] Furthermore, the memory may be a memory card that can be attached to and detached from the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 via a card slot (not shown) provided on the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170. The memory card can be an IC card such as an SD (Secure Digital) memory card to realize its function. The memory may also be an external USB memory device to realize its function.

[0073] The communication interface (I / F) 203 is a wireless communication interface that connects the first measuring device 160, the second measuring device 170, and the network NW. It controls the interface between the network and the internals of the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170, and controls the input of data from external devices (specifically, the management server computer 150, etc.) connected via the network, and the output of data to external devices. The network can be implemented by, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0074] Furthermore, the communication interface (I / F) 203 is a wireless communication interface that connects the first measuring device 160 and the first measuring device 170, and is responsible for the interface between the first measuring device 160 and the inside of the first measuring device 170, and controls the input and output of data between each device.

[0075] Furthermore, the communication interface (I / F) 203 is a wireless communication interface that connects the first measuring device 160, the first measuring device 170 and the remote monitoring device 140, and is responsible for the interface between the first measuring device 160, the first measuring device 170 and the remote monitoring device 140 and controls the input and output of data between each device.

[0076] The communication interface 203 can be implemented, for example, by a wireless interface using a LoRa (Long Range) communication system. This enables low-power communication between the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170.

[0077] The communication interface 203 can be implemented, for example, by a Wi-Fi wireless interface. This allows communication with the remote monitoring device 140 located at a short distance.

[0078] Furthermore, the communication interface 203 may also be a wireless communication interface such as a mobile phone network (e.g., LTE (Long Term Evolution), PHS (Personal Handy-phone System)). This allows communication with the management server computer 150 located at a distance. In addition, the communication interface 203 is not limited to a wireless communication interface; it may also be a wired communication interface.

[0079] Communication via the communication interface 203 may be performed periodically, such as at predetermined times or intervals, or at any time depending on the status of the communication line. The memory 202 described above may store information obtained through communication via the communication interface 203.

[0080] Microphone 204 collects ambient sounds, i.e., sounds generated outside the cage 102 and sounds (including voices) generated inside the cage 102. One microphone 204 may collect sounds both outside and inside the cage 102. Alternatively, multiple microphones 204 can be provided, allowing for the use of microphones that are well-suited for collecting sounds outside the cage 102 and microphones that are well-suited for collecting sounds inside the cage 102, respectively, and enabling them to be arranged within the enclosure for optimal sound collection.

[0081] Microphone 204 can be a moving-coil type microphone, specifically composed of a diaphragm, a moving coil, a magnet, etc. Alternatively, microphone 204 may be a ribbon type microphone, specifically composed of a ribbon made of a thin metal foil, such as aluminum, with folds, suspended between slits sandwiched between magnetic poles. Microphone 204 converts audio input as analog data into an electrical signal. Specifically, microphone 204 converts an analog audio signal input as analog data from analog to digital and generates audio data in digital format.

[0082] The speaker 205 outputs sound either outwards or inwards. A single speaker 205 may output sound both outwards and inwards from the cage 102. Alternatively, multiple speakers 205 may be provided, with some designated as speakers for sound outwards from the cage 102 and others for sound inwards from the cage 102, and their types and placement within the enclosure may be such that sound reaches either direction effectively.

[0083] Speaker 205 generates sound by vibrating a diaphragm in response to an electrical signal, which is an audio signal. Specifically, speaker 205 can be implemented as a dynamic speaker equipped with, for example, a magnet, speaker cone, voice coil, etc. Speaker 205 may also be a so-called directional speaker that generates sound in only one direction.

[0084] Sensor 206 consists of various sensors. These sensors may include, for example, a barometric pressure sensor, as well as an acceleration sensor, an infrared sensor, a capacitance sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a magnetic compass sensor, a GPS sensor, and the like.

[0085] The pressure sensor detects atmospheric pressure in the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170. It can also calculate the altitude (above sea level) at the set position of the pressure sensor from the detected atmospheric pressure value or from the change in atmospheric pressure value.

[0086] The acceleration sensor detects gravity, vibrations, and other motions and shocks acting on the second measuring device 170. For example, a frequency-varying acceleration sensor such as a quartz crystal accelerometer, which is low-noise and highly stable, can be used. Alternatively, a piezoelectric accelerometer, a capacitive accelerometer, or a piezoresistive accelerometer may also be used.

[0087] The gyro sensor detects the change in angle of the second measuring device 170. The gyro sensor detects the change in angle of the second measuring device 170 by, for example, measuring the angular velocity using the Coriolis force.

[0088] The ultrasonic sensor detects the distance from objects located around the second measuring device 170 (such as the walls or obstacles of the elevator shaft HW). The ultrasonic sensor detects the distance from objects located around the second measuring device 170 by, for example, utilizing the reflection of the emitted ultrasonic waves.

[0089] The magnetic compass sensor detects which direction (east, west, north, or south) the second measuring device 170 is facing. This allows the sensor to detect how much the direction of the second measuring device 170, which normally does not deviate from its original orientation, has shifted.

[0090] The GPS sensor determines the current positions of the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170. Specifically, the GPS sensor includes, for example, a GPS antenna, an RF (Radio Frequency) section, and a baseband section. The GPS antenna receives radio waves broadcast by GPS satellites. The RF section demodulates the unmodulated signal received by the GPS antenna into a baseband signal. The baseband section calculates the current positions of the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 based on the baseband signal demodulated by the RF section. The GPS sensor may also include a filter to remove unwanted components and amplifiers such as an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) ​​and a power amplifier PA (Power Amplifier).

[0091] The current positions of the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 can be determined by positioning based on radio waves transmitted from multiple GPS satellites. The baseband unit calculates the distance to each of the four GPS satellites and performs positioning by calculating the position where these distances intersect. Instead of GPS, which determines the geometric position between the GPS satellites and the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 based on radio waves received from GPS satellites, the current positions of the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 may be determined using satellite positioning systems such as Michibiki, GLONASS, or Galileo.

[0092] Although not shown in the diagram, the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 may also be equipped with batteries. By providing batteries, the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 can be driven for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply from the cage-top box 112 is interrupted due to a power outage or the like.

[0093] The battery supplies the power required for the operation of each component of the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170. The battery can be implemented as a secondary battery (rechargeable battery, storage battery), such as a lithium battery. The battery implemented as a secondary battery may be detachable from the second measuring device 170.

[0094] (Functional configuration of the first measuring device and the second measuring device) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the first and second measuring devices of an elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 3, the first measuring device 160 includes a control unit 301, a pressure measuring unit 302, an in-hoistway communication unit 303, and an external communication unit 304. The second measuring device 170 includes a control unit 351, a pressure measuring unit 352, an in-hoistway communication unit 353, and an external communication unit 354.

[0095] The control unit 301 of the first measuring device 160 and the control unit 351 of the second measuring device 170 can perform their functions, for example, by the CPU 201 shown in Figure 2 executing a program stored in the memory 202. The pressure measuring unit 302 of the first measuring device 160 and the pressure measuring unit 352 of the second measuring device 170 can perform their functions, for example by the sensor 206 shown in Figure 2, particularly the pressure sensor. Furthermore, the elevator shaft communication unit 303 and external communication unit 304 of the first measuring device 160, and the elevator shaft communication unit 353 and external communication unit 354 of the second measuring device 170 can perform their functions, for example by the communication I / F 203 shown in Figure 2.

[0096] In the first measuring device 160, the control unit 301 is responsible for the overall control of the first measuring device 160. The pressure measurement unit 302 measures the atmospheric pressure at the location where the first measuring device 160 is installed and outputs the measured pressure value to the control unit 301. The elevator shaft communication unit 303 handles communication within the elevator shaft with the second measuring device 170. Communication within the elevator shaft is performed via a wireless interface using a LoRa communication system or a Wi-Fi wireless interface. Wired communication (such as a communication cable) may also be used.

[0097] The external communication unit 304 communicates with external devices (such as the remote monitoring device 140, the management server computer 150, and the robot 300). The external communication unit 304 can communicate wirelessly with external devices via a network NW such as the Internet. Since the remote monitoring device 140 may be located near the first measuring device 160, such as in the elevator shaft HW or machine room, the external communication unit 304 may communicate with the remote monitoring device 140 via wired communication, a wireless interface using a LoRa communication system, or a wireless interface using Wi-Fi, without going through a network NW. Alternatively, the elevator shaft communication unit 303 may be used instead of the external communication unit 304 to communicate with the remote monitoring device 140.

[0098] The control unit 301 then transmits the pressure value information related to the pressure value output from the pressure measurement unit 302 to the second measuring device 160 via the elevator shaft communication unit 303. Specifically, for example, the pressure measurement unit 302 measures the pressure at the location where the first measuring device 160 is installed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second). It then outputs the pressure value measured at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second) to the control unit 301.

[0099] The control unit 301 outputs information regarding the atmospheric pressure value output from the atmospheric pressure measurement unit 302 ("first atmospheric pressure value information") at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second) to the elevator shaft communication unit 303. At the same time, the current time information held by the CPU 201 shown in Figure 2 may also be output to the elevator shaft communication unit 303 along with the first atmospheric pressure value information. Alternatively, the control unit 301 may store the first atmospheric pressure value information in the memory 202 shown in Figure 2, associated with the time information.

[0100] The elevator shaft communication unit 303 transmits the first atmospheric pressure value information and its time information to the second measuring device 170 (or its elevator shaft communication unit 353) at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second). In this way, the first atmospheric pressure value information can be transmitted to the second measuring device 170 in real time. However, the predetermined time interval at which atmospheric pressure is measured in the atmospheric pressure measurement unit 302 and the predetermined time interval at which the elevator shaft communication unit 303 transmits the information to the second measuring device 170 do not necessarily have to be the same. That is, the elevator shaft communication unit 303 may transmit multiple (for example, five) of the first atmospheric pressure value information measured in the atmospheric pressure measurement unit 302, for example, every second, to the second measuring device 170 at a time, for example, every five seconds. This reduces the power required for information transmission between the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170.

[0101] Thus, the predetermined time intervals at which the pressure measurement unit 302 measures atmospheric pressure and the predetermined time intervals at which the elevator shaft communication unit 302 transmits to the second measuring device 170 may be synchronized or asynchronous. Furthermore, the predetermined time intervals at which the pressure measurement unit 302 measures atmospheric pressure may be varied depending on the time of day and the condition of the elevator 100 (for example, the time interval for measuring atmospheric pressure may be longer during nighttime hours when usage is low, or shorter during times or situations when usage is high).

[0102] Similarly, the predetermined time interval at which the elevator shaft communication unit 303 transmits the first atmospheric pressure value information to the second measuring device 170 may be varied depending on the time of day and the condition of the elevator 100 (for example, the time interval for measuring atmospheric pressure may be longer because usage is less frequent at night. Conversely, the time interval for measuring atmospheric pressure may be shorter in situations or times of high usage).

[0103] Furthermore, the elevator shaft communication unit 303 receives information regarding the request to acquire the first atmospheric pressure value information transmitted from the second measuring device 170 ("request information"). Upon receiving this request information, the elevator shaft communication unit 303 outputs this request information to the control unit 301. Upon receiving this request information from the elevator shaft communication unit 303, the control unit 301 outputs to the elevator shaft communication unit 303 the latest atmospheric pressure value information output from the atmospheric pressure measurement unit 302 ("first atmospheric pressure value information"), along with the current time information.

[0104] The elevator shaft communication unit 303 then transmits the first atmospheric pressure value information and its time information to the second measuring device 170 (its elevator shaft communication unit 353). The latest transmitted first atmospheric pressure value information may be one or multiple (for example, five pieces of first atmospheric pressure value information, one for each second over a 5-second period). The number of pieces (how many seconds the information covers) may be included in the request information transmitted from the second measuring device 170.

[0105] Unlike the second atmospheric pressure information from the second measuring device 170, which will be described later, the first atmospheric pressure information is obtained from the first measuring device 160, which has a fixed position (height), so the atmospheric pressure changes little (almost none) in a short period of time. Therefore, one piece of first atmospheric pressure information is sufficient. However, considering measurement errors, etc., multiple pieces of first atmospheric pressure information can be obtained and used as a basis for a more accurate judgment.

[0106] The external communication unit 304 receives information ("request information") regarding a request to acquire first atmospheric pressure value information transmitted from an external device (remote monitoring device 140, management server computer 150, robot 300). This request information is requested by the external device to know the status of the cage 102. Upon receiving this request information, the external communication unit 304 outputs this request information to the control unit 301. When the control unit 301 receives this request information from the elevator shaft communication unit 303, it outputs information ("first atmospheric pressure value information") regarding the latest atmospheric pressure value output from the atmospheric pressure measurement unit 302, along with the current time information, to the elevator shaft communication unit 303. The elevator shaft communication unit 303 transmits the first atmospheric pressure value information and its time information to the second measuring device 170 (its elevator shaft communication unit 353).

[0107] Thus, the output of the first atmospheric pressure value information by the first measuring device 160 (transmission to the second measuring device 170) can be performed at predetermined time intervals, and can also be performed in response to a request from the second measuring unit 170 or a request from an external device.

[0108] Although the output of the first atmospheric pressure value information is described as being performed by transmitting it from the elevator shaft communication unit 303 to the second measuring device 170, it may also be transmitted from the external communication unit 304 to an external device. Specifically, for example, it may be requested by a management server computer 150 to determine whether the first atmospheric pressure value information is appropriate. The management server computer 150 can periodically determine whether the first atmospheric pressure value is appropriate (e.g., whether the first measuring device is functioning normally or is malfunctioning) based on the first atmospheric pressure value information obtained from the first measuring device 160.

[0109] In the second measuring device 170, the control unit 351 is responsible for the overall control of the second measuring device 170. The pressure measuring unit 352 measures the atmospheric pressure at a position outside the cage 102 in which the second measuring device 170 is installed, and outputs the measured pressure value to the control unit 351. The elevator shaft communication unit 353 performs communication within the elevator shaft with the first measuring device 160 (specifically, its elevator shaft communication unit 303).

[0110] The external communication unit 354 communicates with external devices (such as the remote monitoring device 140, the management server computer 150, and the robot 300) in the same manner as the external communication unit 304 of the first measuring device 160. The external communication unit 354 can communicate wirelessly with external devices via a network NW such as the Internet. Since the remote monitoring device 140 may be installed in the elevator shaft HW or machine room, the external communication unit 354 may communicate with the remote monitoring device 140 via wired communication or a wireless interface using a LoRa communication system or Wi-Fi, without using a network NW. Alternatively, the elevator shaft communication unit 353 may be used to communicate with the remote monitoring device 140 instead of the external communication unit 354.

[0111] In Figure 3, the first measurement unit 160 is equipped with an external communication unit 304, and the second measurement unit 17 is equipped with an external communication unit 354. However, for communication with an external device, it is sufficient to have either the external communication unit 304 of the first measurement unit 160 or the external communication unit 354 of the second measurement unit 170. This reduces the overall cost of combining the two measurement devices. Alternatively, by providing both the external communication unit 304 of the first measurement unit 160 and the external communication unit 354 of the second measurement unit 170, the two can be used interchangeably depending on the communication situation. For example, normally the external communication unit 354 of the second measurement device 170 is used, but if communication by the external communication unit 354 is unstable, the external communication unit 304 of the first measurement device 160 can be used. This allows for smoother and more reliable communication with the external device.

[0112] The control unit 351 determines the status of the elevator car 102 in the elevator shaft HW based on a first atmospheric pressure value (a first atmospheric pressure value related to the first atmospheric pressure value information measured by the first measuring device 160 and acquired from the first measuring device 160, i.e., transmitted at predetermined time intervals from the elevator shaft communication unit 303 of the first measuring device 160, or transmitted in response to a transmission request from the second measuring device 170) and an atmospheric pressure value measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement unit 352 ("second atmospheric pressure value"). The control unit 351 may also store the second atmospheric pressure value information and information related to the determination result in the memory 202 shown in Figure 2, associated with time information.

[0113] When comparing the first atmospheric pressure value with the second atmospheric pressure value, the second atmospheric pressure value is measured at the same time as the time information obtained along with the first atmospheric pressure value information. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the time information of the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 constantly synchronized.

[0114] The status of the elevator car 102 may be, for example, its position within the elevator shaft HW. The position of the elevator car 102 within the elevator shaft HW can be determined based on the difference between a first pressure value and a second pressure value. For example, if the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is small, it can be determined that the position of the elevator car 102 within the elevator shaft is at an altitude close to the first measuring device 160. More specifically, if the first measuring device 160 is located near the top of the elevator shaft HW, then "first pressure value > second pressure value" will be true, and the smaller the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value, the higher the elevator car 102 is located in the elevator shaft HW, and the larger the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value, the lower the elevator car 102 is located in the elevator shaft HW.

[0115] Furthermore, if the first measuring device 160 is located near the bottom of the elevator shaft HW, then "first pressure value < second pressure value" will occur. The smaller the difference between the first and second pressure values, the lower the elevator car 102 is located in the elevator shaft HW. Conversely, the larger the difference between the first and second pressure values, the higher the elevator car 102 is located in the elevator shaft HW.

[0116] Furthermore, if the first measuring device 160 is located near the middle of the elevator shaft HW, the smaller the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value, the closer the cage 102 is to the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW. The larger the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value, the further the cage 102 is to the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW. When "first pressure value > second pressure value", the cage 102 is located below the position of the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW. When "first pressure value < second pressure value", the cage 102 is located above the position of the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW.

[0117] Furthermore, the difference in atmospheric pressure values ​​allows us to determine the height within the elevator shaft HW where the elevator car 102 is located, thus determining which floor the elevator car 102 is situated on, or between which floors it is located.

[0118] While it is possible to determine the approximate height of the elevator car 102 within the elevator shaft HW using only the second pressure value, considering that atmospheric pressure changes depending on the weather, determining the position (height) of the elevator car 102 within the elevator shaft HW based on the difference between the first and second pressure values ​​allows for a more accurate determination.

[0119] The status of the cage 102 may also be determined, for example, based on the change in the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and may relate to whether the cage 102 is stationary or in motion. For example, the change in the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is obtained every second. If the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value does not change, or if the range of change, including the margin of error, is smaller than a predetermined range, it can be determined that the cage 102 is stationary.

[0120] Furthermore, if the difference changes, or if the range of change is greater than a predetermined range, it can be determined that the cage 102 is moving (up or down) within the elevator shaft HW. More specifically, if the first measuring device 160 is located near the top of the elevator shaft HW, then "first pressure value > second pressure value" will be true. If the change in the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is small, it can be determined that the cage 102 is moving up the elevator shaft HW. Conversely, if the change in the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is large, it can be determined that the cage 102 is moving down the elevator shaft HW.

[0121] Furthermore, if the first measuring device 160 is located near the bottom of the elevator shaft HW, then "first pressure value < second pressure value" will occur. If the change in the difference between the first and second pressure values ​​is large, it can be determined that the elevator car 102 is ascending the elevator shaft HW. Conversely, if the change in the difference between the first and second pressure values ​​is small, it can be determined that the elevator car 102 is descending the elevator shaft HW.

[0122] Furthermore, if the first measuring device 160 is located near the middle of the elevator shaft HW, if the change in the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is small, it is determined that the cage 102 is approaching the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW, and if the change in the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is large, it is determined that the cage 102 is moving away from the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW. In the case of "first pressure value > second pressure value", since the cage 102 is located below the position of the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW, if the change in the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is small, it is determined that the cage 102 is rising to approach the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW, and if the change in the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is large, it is determined that the cage 102 is descending to move away from the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW. Furthermore, in the case where "the first atmospheric pressure value < the second atmospheric pressure value," the cage 102 is located above the position of the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW. Therefore, if the change in the difference between the first and second atmospheric pressure values ​​is large, the cage 102 is rising away from the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW. Conversely, if the change in the difference between the first and second atmospheric pressure values ​​is small, the cage 102 is descending towards the first measuring device 160 in the elevator shaft HW.

[0123] Furthermore, the difference in atmospheric pressure values ​​indicates the height at which the elevator car 102 is stopped or moving within the elevator shaft HW, thus revealing which floor the elevator car 102 is stopped on, or between which floors it is stopped on. It also reveals which floor it is near, or between which floors it is moving.

[0124] Furthermore, if we only need to determine whether the cage 102 is stationary or moving, we can do so solely from the change in the second atmospheric pressure value. That is, if the second atmospheric pressure value decreases, we can determine that the cage 102 is rising, and if the second atmospheric pressure value increases, we can determine that the cage 102 is descending. However, because atmospheric pressure changes, the second atmospheric pressure value alone may not be sufficient to determine the more precise position (height) of the cage 102.

[0125] The control unit 351 may store information regarding the determination result of whether the cage 102 is stopped or moving, which is determined based on the change in the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value, in the memory 202 shown in Figure 2, in association with time information.

[0126] When an external device requests the output of the status of the elevator car 102, the control unit 351 determines the status of the elevator car 102 based on the first and second atmospheric pressure values, and outputs information regarding the determined status of the elevator car 102 to the external device using the external communication unit 354. Alternatively, the elevator shaft communication unit 353 may be used to output information regarding the status to the external device via the elevator shaft communication unit 303 and the external communication unit 304 of the first measurement unit 160.

[0127] The control unit 351 determines the status of the elevator car 102 based on the first and second atmospheric pressure values, and if it determines that the status of the elevator car 102 is abnormal, it outputs information regarding the status to an external device using the external communication unit 354. Alternatively, the hoistway communication unit 353 may be used to output information regarding the status to an external device via the hoistway communication unit 303 and the external communication unit 304 of the first measurement unit 160. The information regarding the status may include identification information of the elevator 100, etc.

[0128] An abnormal condition is, for example, when the elevator car 102 is positioned between floors in the elevator shaft HW and is stopped. In this case, it can be determined that an abnormal condition exists because there is a possibility that an occupant is trapped inside the elevator car 102. In such a situation, as will be described later, the microphone 204 shown in Figure 2 may be used to collect sound from inside the elevator car 102, and the abnormal condition may be determined based on the collected sound. Alternatively, an infrared sensor or other sensor among the sensors 206 shown in Figure 2 may be used to determine whether there is an occupant inside the elevator car, and based on that determination, it may be determined whether an entrapment has occurred.

[0129] In addition, if the first and second atmospheric pressure values ​​exceed the normal range, it may be considered an abnormal condition, as this may indicate some kind of malfunction or failure in elevator 100.

[0130] The control unit 351 determines the status of the elevator car 102 based on the first and second atmospheric pressure values. If the determined status of the elevator car 102 is that the car 102 is located between floors (between floors where the doors of the elevator car 102 cannot be opened or closed) in the elevator shaft HW, and the elevator car 102 is stopped, the control unit 351 determines that there is a possibility that an occupant is trapped inside the elevator car 102 and moves the elevator car 102 to the nearest floor (floor) from its current position. In this state, as will be described later, the control unit 351 may also collect sound from inside the elevator car 102 using the microphone 204 shown in Figure 2, and based on the collected sound and the detection results of the infrared sensor, if the microphone 204 picks up a predetermined sound or a sound similar to that sound, it may determine whether there is an abnormal state based on the picked-up sound. If it is determined that an entrapment has occurred, the control unit 351 may move the elevator car 102.

[0131] Specifically, the control unit 351, when it determines that the status of the elevator car 102 is such that the car 102 is located between floors in the elevator shaft HW and the car 102 is stopped, estimates the current position (height) of the car 102 based on the first and second atmospheric pressure values, and determines the floor closest to that current position. For example, if it is estimated that the car is stopped between the 3rd and 4th floors, it determines which of the 3rd or 4th floors is closer.

[0132] Then, a call signal for the floor it determines is nearby (for example, the 3rd floor) is sent to the in-car control panel 102b. Specifically, for example, by connecting separate signal lines (branch wiring) in the middle of the signal line (existing wiring) between the operation button 101 and the in-car control panel 102b, and sending a signal similar to the button's operation signal (car call signal) to the branch wiring for the 4th floor, the call signal can be sent (input) to the in-car control panel 102b. When the in-car control panel 102 receives this signal, it determines that there has been an operation to call the car to the 3rd floor and sends a signal to that effect to the car control board 112. The car control board 112, having received the signal, sends a signal regarding the car call operation to the 3rd floor to the control panel 101. As a result, the control panel 101 can perform the operation to move the car to the 3rd floor.

[0133] Alternatively, the control unit 351 may transmit a call signal directly to the cage control board 112 instead of transmitting it to the cage control panel 102b.

[0134] Furthermore, the control units 301 and 351 may transmit the judgment result, that is, information regarding the detected abnormality (including the pressing of the direct call button), to an external device using the external communication units 304 and 354.

[0135] The control units 301 and 351 may also use the speaker 205 shown in Figure 2 to output sound related to predetermined information either outwards from the cage 102 or inwards from the cage 102. The control units 301 and 351 may also use the speaker 205 to output audio related to information received by the external communication units 304 and 354 from an external device either outwards from the cage 102 or inwards from the cage 102. The control unit 301 also transmits information related to the audio collected by the microphone 204 to the external device 300 using the external communication units 304 and 354.

[0136] Furthermore, the control unit 351 may determine that a low-pressure system is approaching if both the first and second atmospheric pressure values ​​fall below a predetermined value, and may move the cage 102 to the top floor or an upper floor. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the cage 102 from being flooded due to heavy rain caused by the low-pressure system. In this way, when a low-pressure system approaches, the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 can determine and switch to flood avoidance mode.

[0137] In this flood avoidance mode, even during normal operation, if passengers disembark, the elevator will move to the top floor or a higher floor and stop. Similarly, when ridership decreases, such as late at night, the elevator will move to the top floor or a higher floor and stop. It is also possible to notify an external device that the elevator has entered flood avoidance mode, moved to the top floor or a higher floor, and stopped there. If both the first and second atmospheric pressure values ​​exceed predetermined values, this flood avoidance mode will be deactivated and normal operation will resume.

[0138] The external device may also be a robot 300. The robot 300 is, for example, a self-propelled autonomous transport robot that can move on its own without human intervention, actually board the elevator car 102 of the elevator 100, and move between floors of the building.

[0139] Specifically, let's consider a scenario where robot 300, currently on the 1st floor, moves to the desired 4th floor. First, information about the robot 300's current floor, i.e., the floor it wishes to board (the 1st floor), is input to the robot 300. This input of information about the desired floor to the robot 300 may be done manually by the operator using a touch panel (described later) or remotely via wireless communication. Furthermore, information about the robot 300's current floor may be pre-inputted into the robot 300, or the robot 300 itself may acquire this information.

[0140] When information regarding the desired floor (1st floor) is entered, the robot 300 transmits request information requesting the elevator car to move to that floor (1st floor) to the first measuring device 160 or the second measuring device 170 via the network NW, either directly or via the management server computer 150 or the remote monitoring device 140. If the information is transmitted to the first measuring device 160, it is transmitted to the second measuring device 170 via the elevator shaft communication units 303 and 353. This request information includes information regarding the desired floor (1st floor), as well as the ID information of the robot 300 and the ID information of the elevator car to be boarded.

[0141] When the second measuring device 170 receives the operation command information, it transmits information regarding the desired boarding floor (1st floor) to the in-car operation panel 102b or the car control board 112. The specific transmission method is as described above.

[0142] The signal transmitted to the in-car operation panel 102b is sent to the car control board 112. The car control board 112 transmits this information to the control panel 101. This allows the car to be moved to the first floor, so that the robot 300 can board the car on the first floor without having to manually operate button "1" on the operation buttons inside the car 102, or without having to operate the call button at the landing on the first floor.

[0143] After boarding the elevator car, the robot 300 similarly transmits request information to the second measuring device 170 requesting to move to the desired floor (4th floor). This request information may include information about the desired floor (4th floor), as well as the ID information of the robot 300 and the ID information of the elevator that will move the car.

[0144] When the control unit 351 of the second measuring device 170 receives request information from the robot 300, the second measuring device 170 transmits information regarding the desired boarding floor (1st floor) to the in-car operation panel 102b or the car control board 112. As a result, the robot 300, having boarded the car on the 1st floor, can travel to the 4th floor in the car and then disembark on the 4th floor, thus enabling it to travel from the 1st floor to the 4th floor without manual operation of control buttons.

[0145] In this example, the robot 300 transmits floor information, but it is not limited to the robot 300; a communication device such as a personal computer or smartphone with communication capabilities can be used instead. This allows for easy and reliable control of the elevator's movement, even when it is not possible to directly operate the call button at the elevator landing or the control buttons inside the elevator car.

[0146] Specifically, when floor information is transmitted using a computer or smartphone, the floor information is transmitted to the first measuring device 160 or the second measuring device 170 via the network NW, either directly or via the management server computer 150 or the remote monitoring device 140. If the information is transmitted to the first measuring device 160, it is transmitted to the second measuring device 170 via the elevator shaft communication units 303 and 353. This allows the elevator car to be moved to the desired floor, and the elevator can be controlled and moved to the target floor from a remote location.

[0147] (Procedure for processing by the elevator control system) Figures 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the first measuring device of an elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the basic operation of outputting atmospheric pressure value information from the first measuring device 160.

[0148] In the flowchart of Figure 4, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S401). Here, the system waits for the predetermined time to elapse (step S401: No), and if the predetermined time has elapsed (step S401: Yes), the elevator shaft communication unit 303 transmits the atmospheric pressure value information measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement unit 302 to the second measuring device 170 (step S402). Then, the system returns to step S401 and the processes of steps S401 and S402 are repeatedly executed. In this way, the first measuring device 160 can continuously transmit the first atmospheric pressure value to the second measuring device 170 at predetermined time intervals.

[0149] Furthermore, in the flowchart of Figure 5, it is determined whether or not a request for transmission of the first atmospheric pressure value information has been received from an external device or the second measuring device 170 (step S501). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the external communication unit 304 of the first measuring device 160 has received information regarding a transmission request transmitted from an external device, or whether or not the elevator shaft communication unit 303 of the first measuring device 160 has received information regarding a transmission request transmitted from the elevator shaft communication unit 353 of the second measuring device 170.

[0150] Here, the system waits for a transmission request (step S501: No), and if a transmission request is received (step S501: Yes), the elevator shaft communication unit 303 transmits the atmospheric pressure value information measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement unit 302 to the second measuring device 170 (step S502), and the series of processes ends. As a result, the first measuring device 160 can transmit the first atmospheric pressure value to the second measuring device 170 in response to a request from the second measuring device 170 or an external device.

[0151] In this way, the first measuring device 160 can transmit the first atmospheric pressure value information measured by the first measuring device 160 to the second measuring device 170 by either the processing procedure in the flowchart of Figure 4 or the processing procedure in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0152] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the first measuring device of an elevator according to an embodiment of this invention, and illustrates the basic operation of outputting status information of the elevator car 102 from the first measuring device 160.

[0153] In the flowchart of Figure 6, the elevator shaft communication unit 303 determines whether or not it has received status information of the elevator car 102 from the second measuring device 170 (step S601). Here, it waits for the status information to be received (step S601: No), and if the status information is received (step S601: Yes), the external communication unit 304 transmits the received status information to the external device (step S602), and the series of processes ends. As a result, the first measuring device 160 can transmit the status information regarding the status of the elevator car 102 determined by the second measuring device 170 to the external device.

[0154] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the second measuring device of the elevator according to this embodiment of the invention, and illustrates the basic operation of the second measuring device 170 for determining the status of the elevator car 102.

[0155] In the flowchart of Figure 7, the elevator shaft communication unit 353 of the second measuring device 170 determines whether or not it has received the first atmospheric pressure value information from the first measuring device 160 (its elevator shaft communication unit 303) (step S701). The first atmospheric pressure value information is transmitted from the first measuring device 160 to the second measuring device 170 in step S402 of the flowchart in Figure 4, or in step S502 of the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0156] Here, the system waits to receive the first atmospheric pressure information (step S701: No), and if the first atmospheric pressure is received (step S701: Yes), the system determines the status of the basket 102 based on the atmospheric pressure information received in the first atmospheric pressure information and the second atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure measurement unit 352 (step S702).

[0157] Next, it is determined whether or not to notify an external device of the status of the elevator car 102 determined in step S702 (step S703). If it is determined that the status should not be notified (there is no need to notify) (step S703: No), the process proceeds to step S705. On the other hand, if it is determined that the status should be notified (there is a need to notify) (step S703: Yes), the elevator shaft communication unit 353 transmits the status information of the elevator car 102 to the first measuring device 160 (step S704). The transmitted status information is received by the elevator shaft communication unit 303 of the first measuring device 160 in step S601 of the flowchart in Figure 6. After that, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0158] Next, based on the status of the cage 102 determined in step S702, a decision is made as to whether or not to move the cage 102 (step S705). If it is determined that the cage 102 should be moved (it does not need to be moved) (step S705: No), the series of processes ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cage 102 should be moved (it needs to be moved) (step S705: Yes), the control unit 351 generates a call signal and outputs the generated call signal to the cage operation panel 102b or the cage control board 112 (step S706). This ends the series of processes.

[0159] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the second measuring device of an elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the basic operation in which the second measuring device 170 requests first atmospheric pressure value information from the first measuring device 160.

[0160] In the flowchart of Figure 8, the second measuring device 170 determines whether a predetermined condition has been met (step S801). The predetermined conditions include when there is a request for information on the status of the elevator car 102 from an external device, when the value of the second atmospheric pressure exceeds the normal range, or when an earthquake or an abnormality in the operation of the elevator 100 is detected by other sensors.

[0161] Here, after waiting for a predetermined condition to be met (step S801: No), if the predetermined condition is met (step S801: Yes), the elevator shaft communication unit 353 transmits information regarding a request to transmit the first atmospheric pressure value to the first measuring device 160 (step S802). The transmitted information regarding the transmission request is received by the elevator shaft communication unit 303 of the first measuring device 160 in step S501 of the flowchart in Figure 5. This completes the series of processes.

[0162] As described above, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention comprises a first measuring device 160 that is retrofitted to a predetermined location in the hoistway HW or machine room and measures the atmospheric pressure at the predetermined location, and a second measuring device 170 that is retrofitted to the outside of the car 102 that moves in the hoistway HW and measures the atmospheric pressure at the location of the car 102, and is characterized in that the condition of the car 102 in the hoistway HW is determined based on the value of atmospheric pressure measured by the first measuring device 160 (hereinafter referred to as the "first atmospheric pressure value") and the value of atmospheric pressure measured by the second measuring device 170 (hereinafter referred to as the "second atmospheric pressure value").

[0163] According to the elevator 100 of this embodiment of the present invention, measuring devices (first measuring device 160, second measuring device 170) can be easily retrofitted and can be easily retrofitted to any type of elevator. By using the installed first measuring device 160 and second measuring device 170, information from the control panel 101 is not required. Therefore, the status of the elevator car 102 can be determined by air pressure independently of the control panel 101 and regardless of the type of elevator, and the determination result can be known remotely (by an external device).

[0164] Furthermore, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the invention is further characterized in that, when it determines that the condition of the car 102 is abnormal, it outputs information regarding the condition to an external device.

[0165] According to the elevator 100 of this embodiment of the present invention, abnormal conditions of the car 102 (operational abnormalities of the elevator 100) can be detected remotely, and a quick response can be taken, thus enabling safer operation of the elevator.

[0166] Furthermore, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the invention is further characterized in that, when a request for output of the status of the car 102 is received from an external device (remote monitoring device 140, management server computer 150, robot 300), it outputs information regarding the status to the external device (remote monitoring device 140, management server computer 150, robot 300).

[0167] According to the elevator 100 of this embodiment of the present invention, the status of the elevator 100 can be easily determined by an external device whenever it needs to know its status. This makes remote monitoring and remote diagnosis easier and more reliable. Furthermore, since the robot 300 using the elevator 100 can know the status of the car 102 in advance, the robot 300 can use the elevator 100 more efficiently.

[0168] Furthermore, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the status of the car 102 is determined based on the difference between a first pressure value and a second pressure value, and is the position of the car 102 in the hoistway HW.

[0169] According to the elevator 100 of this embodiment of the present invention, the position of the car 102 in the hoistway HW is determined based on the difference between a first atmospheric pressure value at a fixed position and a second atmospheric pressure value at the position of the car 102 moving in the hoistway HW. Therefore, the position can be determined more accurately without being affected by fluctuations in atmospheric pressure.

[0170] Furthermore, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention is further characterized in that the status of the car 102 is determined based on the change in the second atmospheric pressure value or the change in the difference between the first atmospheric pressure value and the second atmospheric pressure value, and is related to whether the car 102 is stopped or moving.

[0171] According to the elevator 100 of this embodiment of the present invention, the determination is made based on the amount of change caused by a change in the position of the car 102 moving in the hoistway HW, so it is possible to determine more accurately whether the car 102 is stopped or moving.

[0172] Furthermore, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention is further characterized in that, when the status of the car 102 is such that the car 102 is located between floors in the hoistway HW and the car 102 is stopped, it outputs information regarding the status to an external device (remote monitoring device 140, management server computer 150, robot 300).

[0173] According to the elevator 100 of this embodiment of the present invention, the car 102 does not normally stop between floors in the hoistway HW. In such cases, it is determined that there is an operational abnormality and an output is sent to an external device. This allows the external device to more quickly identify and address the operational abnormality, thereby ensuring safer operation of the elevator 100.

[0174] Furthermore, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the invention is further characterized in that, when the status of the car 102 is such that the position of the car 102 in the hoistway HW is between floors and the car 102 is stopped, the car 102 is moved to the floor closest to its current position.

[0175] According to the elevator 100 of this embodiment of the present invention, in normal operation, the car 102 does not stop between floors in the hoistway HW. In such cases, the system determines that there is an operational abnormality and outputs an error message to an external device. This allows for the automatic and rapid resolution of situations such as passengers being trapped inside the car 102, thereby ensuring safer operation of the elevator 100.

[0176] Furthermore, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention is further characterized in that a first measuring device 160 and a second measuring device 170 are connected in a communicative manner, the first measuring device 160 transmits a first atmospheric pressure value to the second measuring device 170 at predetermined time intervals, and the second measuring device 170 determines the status of the car 102 in the hoistway HW based on the received first atmospheric pressure value and a second atmospheric pressure value measured at the same time as the first atmospheric pressure value.

[0177] Furthermore, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention is further characterized in that a first measuring device 160 and a second measuring device 170 are connected in a communicative manner, the first measuring device 160 transmits a first atmospheric pressure value to the second measuring device 170 in response to a request from the second measuring device 170 or an external device (remote monitoring device 140, management server computer 150, robot 300), and the second measuring device 170 determines the status of the car 102 in the hoistway HW based on the received first atmospheric pressure value and a second atmospheric pressure value measured at the same time as the first atmospheric pressure value.

[0178] According to the elevator 100 of this embodiment of the present invention, a first measuring device 160 that measures the air pressure at a fixed height position and a second measuring device 170 that measures the air pressure at the height of the elevator car 102 operate in conjunction, making it possible to grasp the status of the elevator car 102 more quickly.

[0179] Furthermore, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention is further characterized in that the second measuring device 170 transmits information regarding the situation to the first measuring device 160, and the first measuring device 160 is connected to an external device (remote monitoring device 140, management server computer 150, robot 300) so as to be able to communicate with the external device, and transmits the information regarding the situation received from the second measuring device 170 to the external device.

[0180] Furthermore, the elevator 100 according to this embodiment of the invention is further characterized in that the first measuring device 160 is located in a position where it can communicate wirelessly with external devices (remote monitoring device 140, management server computer 150, robot 300) via a network NW.

[0181] According to the elevator 100 of this embodiment of the present invention, the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 operate in conjunction with each other, so the status of the elevator car 102 can be communicated to an external device more quickly and reliably.

[0182] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the first measuring device 160 transmits the first atmospheric pressure value information to the second measuring device 170, and the second measuring device 170 determines the status of the elevator car 102 based on the received first atmospheric pressure value information and the second atmospheric pressure value information measured by the second measuring device 170. Alternatively, the second measuring device 170 may transmit the second atmospheric pressure value information to the first measuring device 160, and the first measuring device 160 may determine the status of the elevator car 102 based on the received second atmospheric pressure value information and the first atmospheric pressure value information measured by the first measuring device 160. In that case, the status information is transmitted to an external device using the external communication unit 304. In addition, the call signal for the elevator car 102 is transmitted via the elevator shaft communication units 303 and 353, through the second measuring device 170, to the elevator car control panel 102b or the elevator car control board 112.

[0183] In yet another embodiment, both the first measuring device 160 and the second measuring device 170 may independently determine the status of the elevator car 102 based on the first and second atmospheric pressure information. This allows for a more accurate determination of the status of the elevator car 102. Furthermore, if there is a discrepancy between the two determinations, it can be determined that one of the devices is malfunctioning or that an abnormal condition has occurred in the elevator 100. [Industrial applicability]

[0184] As described above, the elevator according to this invention is useful for elevators that can determine the status of the car, and is particularly suitable for elevators that can be easily retrofitted regardless of the type of elevator, and can determine the status of the car without obtaining information from a control panel. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0185] 100 Elevators 101 Control Panel 102 baskets 102b In-car control panel 112 Cage control board 140 Remote monitoring device 150 Management Server Computers 160 First measuring device 170 Second measuring device 300 robots 301, 351 Control Unit 302, 352 Barometric pressure measurement section 303, 353 Elevator Shaft Communication Unit 304, 354 External Communications Department HW elevator shaft NW Network

Claims

1. A first measuring device, which is retrofitted to a predetermined location within the elevator shaft or machine room, measures the air pressure at that predetermined location. A second measuring device is retrofitted to the outside of the elevator car that moves within the elevator shaft, and measures the air pressure at the location of the car. Equipped with, An elevator characterized by determining the condition of the elevator car in the hoistway based on the atmospheric pressure value measured by the first measuring device (hereinafter referred to as the "first atmospheric pressure value") and the atmospheric pressure value measured by the second measuring device (hereinafter referred to as the "second atmospheric pressure value").

2. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that, when it is determined that the condition of the aforementioned car is abnormal, it outputs information regarding the condition to an external device.

3. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that, when an external device requests output of the status of the elevator car, it outputs information regarding the status to the external device.

4. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the status of the car is determined based on the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value, and is the position of the car in the hoistway.

5. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the status of the elevator car is determined based on the change in the second atmospheric pressure value or the change in the difference between the first atmospheric pressure value and the second atmospheric pressure value, and is a status relating to whether the elevator car is stopped or moving.

6. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the status of the elevator car is such that the car is located between floors in the hoistway and the car is stopped, information regarding the status is output to an external device.

7. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the status of the car is such that the car is located between floors in the hoistway and the car is stopped, the car is moved to the floor closest to its current position.

8. The first measuring device and the second measuring device are connected in a manner that allows them to communicate with each other. The first measuring device transmits the first atmospheric pressure value to the second measuring device at predetermined time intervals. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the second measuring device determines the condition of the elevator car in the hoistway based on the received first atmospheric pressure value and the second atmospheric pressure value measured at the same time as the first atmospheric pressure value.

9. The first measuring device and the second measuring device are connected in a manner that allows them to communicate with each other. The first measuring device transmits the first atmospheric pressure value to the second measuring device in response to a request from the second measuring device or an external device. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the second measuring device determines the condition of the elevator car in the hoistway based on the received first atmospheric pressure value and the second atmospheric pressure value measured at the same time as the first atmospheric pressure value.

10. The second measuring device transmits information regarding the situation to the first measuring device. The elevator according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the first measuring device is communicably connected to an external device and transmits information regarding the situation received from the second measuring device to the external device.

11. The elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that the first measuring device is installed in a position that allows wireless communication with an external device via a network.

Images