Elevator equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides an elevator system that can detect situations in which a worker on top of the elevator car may come into contact with a structure within the elevator shaft. [Solution] The elevator system comprises a car 40 positioned to move along a predetermined upward and downward direction within the elevator shaft 10, a detection means for detecting when a worker's body on the car 40 enters a predetermined target area, and an output means for outputting a detection signal when the detection means detects that a worker's body on the car 40 has entered the target area. The target area is set on a plane perpendicular to the upward and downward direction of the car 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elevator device.

Background Art

[0002] In an elevator operation warning system that issues a warning to a maintenance worker (operator) working inside a hoistway, a self-powered car beacon mounted on an elevator car (riding car), a self-powered counterweight beacon mounted on a counterweight, and a portable device carried by a maintenance worker that receives signals transmitted from the car beacon and the counterweight beacon and issues a warning to the maintenance worker every time the elevator car or the counterweight approaches are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the elevator device as shown in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to notify a worker on the car that the counterweight is approaching, it is not possible to detect that the situation is such that the worker may come into contact with other structures in the hoistway, and there is a possibility that the worker on the car may come into contact with the structures in the hoistway.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems. The object is to provide an elevator device capable of detecting a situation in which a worker on the car may come into contact not only with the counterweight but also with other structures in the hoistway.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The elevator system according to this disclosure comprises a car that is movable in a predetermined direction of vertical movement within the elevator shaft, a detection means for detecting when the body of a worker on the car enters a predetermined target area, and an output means for outputting a detection signal when the detection means detects that the body of a worker on the car has entered the target area, wherein the target area is set in a plane perpendicular to the direction of vertical movement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The elevator device described herein has the effect of detecting situations in which a worker on top of the elevator car may come into contact not only with the counterweight but also with other structures in the elevator shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the elevator device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration on top of the elevator car according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration on top of the elevator car according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration on top of the elevator car according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of a configuration in which a camera is installed on top of the elevator car according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of a configuration in which a camera is installed on top of the elevator car according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of a configuration in which a camera is installed on top of the elevator car according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of a configuration in which a camera is installed on top of the elevator car according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9]This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of an elevator device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of setting the target area for an elevator system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This diagram schematically shows another configuration example of the elevator device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an elevator system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a configuration that realizes the functions of the control device for the elevator system according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments for implementing the elevator device relating to this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are simplified or omitted as appropriate. For convenience, the positional relationships of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state in the following description. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, and any combination of embodiments, any modification of any component of each embodiment, or any omission of any component of each embodiment is possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an elevator system. Figures 2 to 4 are diagrams showing examples of configurations on the elevator car. Figures 5 to 8 are diagrams showing examples of configurations in which a camera is installed on the elevator car. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the elevator system. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting the target area of ​​the elevator system. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the elevator system. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the elevator system. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration that realizes the functions of the control device of the elevator system.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator apparatus according to this embodiment includes a car 40 and a counterweight 50. Each of the car 40 and the counterweight 50 is guided by a guide rail (not shown) and moves up and down in the hoistway 10 of the elevator. That is, each of the car 40 and the counterweight 50 is arranged to be movable along a preset vertical direction within the hoistway 10 of the elevator.

[0012] A machine room 20 is provided at the top of the hoistway 10. A hoisting machine 31 and a control device 100 are installed in the machine room 20. A pit 11 is provided at the bottom of the hoistway 10. A buffer 12 is installed in the pit 11.

[0013] One end of a main rope 34 is connected to the upper end of the car 40. The other end of the main rope 34 is connected to the upper end of the counterweight 50. The middle part of the main rope 34 is wound around the sheave 32 and the deflecting sheave 33 of the hoisting machine 31. In this way, the car 40 and the counterweight 50 are suspended in a chain-like manner so as to move up and down in opposite directions within the hoistway 10 by the main rope 34. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the main rope 34 suspends the car 40 and the counterweight 50 in a 1:1 roping method within the hoistway 10.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows an example above the car 40, that is, above the car, of the elevator apparatus according to this embodiment. The car 40 includes a car cabin in which users board and a car frame that supports the car cabin. An upper beam 41 of the car frame is arranged above the car. The main rope 34 is connected to the upper beam 41 of the car frame via a rope shackle 35.

[0015] In the elevator device according to this embodiment, an operator may ride on top of the car 40 to perform maintenance and inspection work. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, a fence 42 is installed on top of the car. Other examples of the fence 42 installed on top of the car are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIGS. 2 to 4 each show a different example of the fence 42 installed on top of the car. As shown in these figures, the fence 42 on top of the car is installed so as to surround three sides of the car 40 except for the entrance / exit side.

[0016] All operations related to the operation of the elevator device according to this embodiment are controlled by the control device 100. In particular, as described above, in the elevator device, an operator may ride on top of the car to perform maintenance and inspection work. For this reason, the control device 100 can implement at least two operation modes: a normal operation mode and a maintenance / inspection operation mode. The normal operation mode is an operation mode when performing normal operation of transporting users and the like by the car 40. The maintenance / inspection operation mode is an operation mode when an operator rides on top of the car 40 to perform maintenance and inspection work. In particular, in the maintenance / inspection operation mode, the running of the car 40 is operated by a dedicated operation panel installed on top of the car. And, calling registration and the running of the car 40 by the operation panel in the car 40 and the operation panels installed at each landing are prohibited. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the car 40 from running inadvertently when the operator on top of the car does not intend it.

[0017] The elevator device according to this embodiment includes a camera 60. The camera 60 is installed at the installation position when an operator rides on top of the car to perform maintenance and inspection work. The installation position of the camera 60 is set to a position where the camera 60 can photograph the entire area on top of the car from above the car 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, an elongated rod-shaped or columnar support portion 61 is provided at a corner on top of the car. And, the upper end of this support portion 61 is the installation position of the camera 60. In this case, the camera 60 may be made rotatable with respect to the support portion 61 so that the camera 60 can photograph the entire area on top of the car from above the car 40.

[0018] Alternatively, for example, a device equipped with a support part 61, a hook 62, and a mounting bracket 63, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, may be used to install the camera 60. The support part 61 is a long, slender rod-shaped or columnar member. A hook 62 is provided on one end of the support part 61. A mounting bracket 63 is provided on the other end of the support part 61. The other end of the support part 61 is fixed to the railing 42 on the cage using the mounting bracket 63, for example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8, the other end of the support part 61 may be fixed to the end of the cage using the mounting bracket 63. The camera 60 is then attached to the hook 62, thereby installing the camera 60 in the installation position. A work light to illuminate the worker's hands, etc., may also be attached to the hook 62 along with the camera 60. The camera 60 and the work light may also be provided as an integrated unit. Furthermore, for example, the camera 60 may be attached to a rope shackle 35 or the main rope 34.

[0019] In this way, the camera 60 is positioned in the installation location by the support part 61, etc. However, when the camera 60 is in the installation location, the camera 60 protrudes above the elevator car 40 by the support part 61, etc. Therefore, when the elevator car 40 moves up or down in this state, the camera 60, etc. may interfere with the top of the hoistway 10 or other structures within the hoistway 10. For this reason, it is preferable to remove the camera 60 and support part 61, etc. during normal operation of the elevator, and to use the support part 61, etc. to install the camera 60 in the installation location when a worker is on top of the car to perform maintenance and inspection work.

[0020] Furthermore, the support section 61 may be made extendable and retractable, for example, using a telescopic structure. In this case, the support section 61 is retracted during normal operation of the elevator, and when a worker is on the car to perform maintenance and inspection work, the support section 61 is extended to install the camera 60 in the installation position. The extension and retraction of the support section 61 may be done manually by the worker or automatically. When the extension and retraction of the support section 61 is performed automatically, the support section 61 may be extended or retracted in conjunction with the operating mode of the elevator device. That is, the support section 61 is retracted during normal operation mode, and when switching from normal operation mode to maintenance and inspection operation mode, the support section 61 is automatically extended to move the camera 60 to the installation position. Then, when switching from maintenance and inspection operation mode to normal operation mode, the support section 61 is automatically retracted to move the camera 60 from the installation position.

[0021] The extendable support section 61 is an example of a means of moving the camera 60 between a shooting position and a storage position. The shooting position is the position of the camera when the support section 61 is extended, and is the position from which the camera 60 shoots from above the elevator car 40. The storage position is the position of the camera 60 when the support section 61 is retracted.

[0022] In this way, when a worker is on the elevator car performing maintenance and inspection work, the camera 60 photographs the area on top of the car from its installation position. The image captured by the camera 60 (hereinafter also referred to as the "captured image") is input from the camera 60 to the control device 100. As shown in Figure 9, the control device 100 includes an operation control unit 110, a detection processing unit 120, and an output unit 130 as its functions.

[0023] The operation control unit 110 controls the operation of the elevator. This operation control includes, for example, call registration control in response to operations on an operation panel (not shown), and travel control of the elevator car 40 by controlling the operation of the hoisting machine 31 and brakes (not shown). The travel control of the elevator car 40 is mainly performed to make the elevator car 40 respond to registered calls. The operation control unit 110 also switches the operating mode of the elevator, that is, switching from normal operation mode to maintenance / inspection operation mode and vice versa.

[0024] The detection processing unit 120 performs detection processing to detect when the body of a worker on the cage enters the target area. In the configuration example described here, the detection processing unit 120 is an image processing unit that uses the image captured by the camera 60 to detect when the body of a worker on the cage enters the target area.

[0025] The target area is predetermined on a plane perpendicular to the aforementioned upward and downward direction of the elevator car 40. Next, an example of setting the target area will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a view of the top of the elevator car 40, looking along the upward and downward direction. In the example shown in this figure, the area inside the railing 42 on top of the car is the work area (safety area) where the workers on top of the car are located. The area outside the railing 42 installed on top of the car is set as the target area.

[0026] The detection processing unit 120 of the control device 100 first detects the worker's body in the image (captured image) captured by the camera 60. At this time, the detection processing unit 120 detects the position of each part of the worker's body in the captured image. The worker may wear gloves, wristbands, shoes, helmets, hats, vests, jackets, etc., with distinctive colors, patterns, etc. In this case, the detection processing unit 120 can detect the positions of the worker's hands, feet, head, chest, etc., by detecting the distinctive colors, patterns, etc., in the captured image. In this way, gloves, wristbands, shoes, helmets, hats, etc., with distinctive colors, patterns, etc., can be used as markers to detect the extremities such as both hands and feet, which are particularly likely to enter the target area, or important parts such as the head and chest, with greater accuracy and reliability.

[0027] Furthermore, the detection processing unit 120 detects the target area in the captured image. For example, the detection processing unit 120 identifies the target area in the captured image by detecting the boundary between the target area and the safety area in the captured image. In the example of setting the target area shown in Figure 10 above, the fence 42 on top of the cage is the boundary between the target area and the safety area. Therefore, the target area in the captured image can be identified by detecting the position of the fence 42 in the captured image. In this case, the boundary between the target area and the safety area, in this example the fence 42, may be given the characteristic colors, patterns, etc., mentioned above, to enable more accurate and reliable detection of the position of the fence 42 in the captured image.

[0028] The detection processing unit 120 determines whether at least a part of the worker's body is within the target area in the captured image. If the detection processing unit 120 determines that at least a part of the worker's body is within the target area in the captured image, it detects that the worker's body, which is on the cage, has entered the target area.

[0029] The camera 60 and detection processing unit 120 configured as described above constitute a detection means for detecting when a worker's body on the elevator car 40 enters a pre-set target area. The detection means may also use sensors other than the camera 60 to detect when a worker's body on the elevator car enters the target area. In this case, the detection means may include, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a weighing device, etc.

[0030] If the detection means includes an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and an optical sensor, for example, at least one of these sensors is installed at the boundary between the target area and the safety area (in the example shown in Figure 10, the fence 42 on the cage). The detection processing unit 120 then detects, when the sensor installed at the boundary between the target area and the safety area detects an object (human body), that at least a part of the human body of a worker assumed to be in the safety area has crossed the boundary and entered the target area.

[0031] Furthermore, if the detection means includes a weighing device, the weighing device is installed near the boundary between the target area and the safety area. In the example shown in Figure 10, for example, the weighing device is installed on the basket outside the fence 42. In this way, the weighing device can detect when a worker steps outside the fence 42.

[0032] The output unit 130 outputs an intrusion detection signal when the detection processing unit 120 detects that the body of a worker on the elevator car 40 has entered the target area. The detection signal indicates that the intrusion of a worker on the elevator car into the target area has been detected. In this disclosure, the intrusion detection signal is also simply referred to as the detection signal.

[0033] With the elevator system configured as described above, it is possible to detect when a worker's body on top of the elevator car 40 enters a target area set in a plane perpendicular to the elevator car's vertical direction, and output an intrusion detection signal. This allows for the detection of a situation where the worker on top of the car may come into contact not only with the counterweight 50 but also with other structures in the elevator shaft 10.

[0034] The intrusion detection signal output from the output unit 130 is input to the operation control unit 110. When the operation control unit 110 receives the intrusion detection signal output from the output unit 130, it stops the operation of the elevator car 40. In this way, if a worker on the elevator car enters the target area outside the safety area, the elevator car 40 is stopped, preventing the worker on the elevator car from coming into contact with structures or other objects in the elevator shaft 10.

[0035] The intrusion detection signal output from the output unit 130 may be input to the notification device 200. The notification device 200 notifies workers on the elevator car. The notification device 200 is installed, for example, in the elevator shaft 10 and on the elevator car, or both. The notification device 200 is equipped with either a speaker that emits sound or a lamp that emits light, or both. If the notification device 200 is equipped with a speaker, when an intrusion detection signal is input, the notification device 200 emits a warning sound from the speaker to alert workers on the elevator car. The warning sound emitted at this time may be, for example, a buzzer sound, a message, or both. If the notification device 200 is equipped with a lamp, when an intrusion detection signal is input, the notification device 200 lights up or flashes the lamp to alert workers on the elevator car. The lamp of the notification device 200 may be a rotating light.

[0036] The intrusion detection signal output from the output unit 130 may be transmitted to a mobile terminal 300. The mobile terminal 300 is carried by the worker and is, for example, a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. The mobile terminal 300 is equipped with at least one of a speaker, a display, or a lamp. If the mobile terminal 300 is equipped with a speaker, when an intrusion detection signal is input, the mobile terminal 300 will emit a warning sound from the speaker to alert the worker on the elevator car. The warning sound emitted at this time may be, for example, a buzzer sound, a message, or a combination of both. If the mobile terminal 300 is equipped with a display, when an intrusion detection signal is input, the mobile terminal 300 will display a message or the like on the display to alert the worker on the elevator car. If the mobile terminal 300 is equipped with a lamp, when an intrusion detection signal is input, the mobile terminal 300 will turn on or flash the lamp to alert the worker on the elevator car.

[0037] The notification device 200 and the portable terminal 300 described above are examples of notification means that notify a worker on the elevator car 40 when a detection signal is output from the output means. By providing such notification means, it is possible to inform a worker on the elevator car that there is a possibility of contact not only with the counterweight 50 but also with other structures in the elevator shaft 10.

[0038] The elevator system according to this embodiment may further include a communication device 410, as shown in Figure 9. The communication device 410 is for the control device 100 to communicate with the outside of the elevator. When an intrusion detection signal is output from the output unit 130, the communication device 410 transmits a notification signal to the monitoring center 420. The monitoring center 420 is a base for monitoring the elevator. The monitoring center 420 is generally located in a different location from the building in which the elevator is installed. However, the monitoring center 420 may be located within the building in which the elevator is installed.

[0039] Such a communication device 410 is an example of a notification means that notifies the monitoring center when a detection signal is output from the output means. By providing such a notification means, it is possible to notify the outside that there is a situation in which a worker on the elevator car may come into contact not only with the counterweight 50 but also with other structures in the elevator shaft 10. Alternatively, the output unit 130 of the control device 100 may directly transmit an intrusion detection signal to the monitoring center 420 without the communication device 410. In this case, the intrusion detection signal functions as a notification signal, and the output unit 130 also serves as the notification means.

[0040] If the detection means includes a camera 60, the output unit 130 may further output the image captured by the camera 60. In this case, the output unit 130 may output the image captured by the camera 60 along with an intrusion detection signal when the detection processing unit 120 detects that the body of a worker on the cage has entered the target area, or it may output the image captured by the camera 60 continuously or periodically, regardless of whether the detection processing unit 120 has detected anything.

[0041] One possible output destination for the image captured by the camera 60 from the output unit 130 is, for example, a portable terminal 300 carried by the worker. In this case, by displaying the image captured by the camera 60 on the display of the portable terminal 300, the worker can objectively understand their own condition. Another example of an output destination for the image captured by the camera 60 from the output unit 130 is a monitoring center 420. In this case, by displaying the image captured by the camera 60 on a monitor or the like at the monitoring center 420, the worker's condition can be monitored and understood externally.

[0042] In the elevator system according to this embodiment, the target area may include multiple areas. In the example shown in Figure 10, a first target area and a second target area are set as the target area. The first target area is set to be adjacent to the aforementioned safety area and to surround the outside of the safety area. The second target area is set to be adjacent to the first target area and to surround the outside of the first target area. In this way, as viewed from a worker in the safety area on top of the elevator car, the target areas are set in the order of the first target area and the second target area from the inside out.

[0043] In the illustrated example, the boundary between the first target area and the second target area is set to be the outer edge of the elevator car 40 in the plane perpendicular to the aforementioned vertical direction. In this way, the detection processing unit 120 can identify the second target area in the captured image by detecting the outer edge of the elevator car 40 in the image captured by the camera 60. At this time, the boundary between the first target area and the second target area, in this example the outer edge of the elevator car 40, may be given the aforementioned characteristic colors, patterns, etc., to enable more accurate and reliable detection of the position of the outer edge of the elevator car 40 in the captured image.

[0044] In this case, the detection processing unit 120 distinguishes and detects whether at least a part of the worker's body is within the first target area in the captured image, and whether it extends beyond the first target area into the second target area. The output unit 130 then outputs a first intrusion detection signal when the detection processing unit 120 detects that the worker's body on the elevator car 40 has entered the first target area. The output unit 130 also outputs a second intrusion detection signal when the detection processing unit 120 detects that the worker's body on the elevator car 40 has entered the second target area.

[0045] In this case, the notification device 200 should have different notification methods for when it receives a first intrusion detection signal and when it receives a second intrusion detection signal. The notification methods include, for example, the type and volume of the buzzer sound emitted from the speaker, the content and volume of the message, or the color and flashing speed of the lamp that lights up. The same applies to notifications made by the portable terminal 300 carried by the worker.

[0046] In this way, the system can detect intrusions of workers on the elevator car into the target area in stages, and output detection signals in stages in response to these staged detections. Then, in response to the staged detection signals, it is possible to provide staged notifications to the workers on the elevator car or to send staged alerts to the monitoring center 420. Note that the number of detection target areas and detection stages are not limited to two; three or more detection target areas can be set, and detection can be performed in three or more stages.

[0047] Furthermore, in the elevator system according to this embodiment, the detection processing unit 120 may detect whether the state in which the worker's body on the elevator car has entered the aforementioned target area has continued for a preset first reference time or longer. When the detection processing unit 120 detects that the state in which the worker's body on the elevator car has entered the aforementioned target area has continued for a preset first reference time or longer, the output unit 130 may output a continuous intrusion detection signal. In this case, the notification device 200 may have different notification methods when it receives a normal intrusion detection signal and when it receives a continuous intrusion detection signal. The same applies to notifications from the portable terminal 300 carried by the worker.

[0048] Furthermore, in the elevator system according to this embodiment, the detection processing unit 120 may detect whether the state in which the worker's body on the elevator car remains motionless continues for a preset second reference time or longer. When the detection processing unit 120 detects that the state in which the worker's body on the elevator car remains motionless continues for a preset second reference time or longer, the output unit 130 may output a motionless detection signal. In this case, the notification device 200 may provide different notification methods when it receives an intrusion detection signal and when it receives a motionless detection signal. The same applies to notifications provided by the portable terminal 300 carried by the worker.

[0049] Furthermore, the communication device 410 should notify the monitoring center 420 when either or both of the continuous intrusion detection signal and the immobility detection signal are output from the output unit 130. If a worker on the elevator car is in the target area, or if a worker on the elevator car remains motionless for a certain period of time or longer, it is possible that a serious situation has occurred in which the worker is unable to move their body of their own volition, such as a part of the worker's body being trapped between the elevator shaft 10 and a structure, or the worker being unconscious. In such cases, notifying the monitoring center 420 allows other personnel to be dispatched to the scene from the outside to confirm the situation and provide assistance. Also, as mentioned above, by transmitting images taken by the camera 60 to the monitoring center 420, the monitoring center 420 can also confirm the situation on site.

[0050] In the configuration example described above, the elevator system was a 1:1 roping system. However, the elevator system according to this disclosure is not limited to a 1:1 roping system, and other roping systems may be adopted. For example, the elevator system may be a 2:1 roping system as shown in Figure 11. In this case, as shown in the figure, both ends of the main rope 34 are connected to the top of the hoistway 10 by rope fasteners. A pair of car suspension wheels 36 are provided at the bottom of the elevator car 40. A counterweight suspension wheel 51 is provided at the top of the counterweight 50. The main rope 34 is wrapped around the car suspension wheel 36, the sheave 32 of the hoisting machine 31, and the counterweight suspension wheel 51 in order from one end. In the illustrated example, the hoisting machine 31 is located in the middle or lower part of the hoistway 10. Therefore, the middle portion of the main rope 34 is further wrapped around a fixed pulley 38 provided at the top of the hoistway 10, thereby changing its direction.

[0051] Even in elevators with a 2:1 roping system, detection means such as the camera 60 described above can detect when a worker's body on top of the car enters the target area, and a detection signal can be output from the output means. However, in 1:1 roping, the camera 60 could be installed on the rope shackle 35 or main rope 34 connected to the top of the elevator car 40, but this is not possible in 2:1 roping. When installing the camera 60 in an elevator with a 2:1 roping system, it is preferable to use a support part 61 or the like as shown in Figures 5 to 8.

[0052] Next, an example of the operation of the elevator device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 12. First, in step S1, when the operating mode of the elevator is switched from normal operation mode to maintenance / inspection operation mode, in step S2, the control device 100 extends the support part 61 to move the camera 60 from the storage position to the shooting position. In the following step S3, the control device 100 causes the camera 60 to take an image of the elevator car 40. After step S3, the control device 100 then performs the process in step S4.

[0053] In step S4, the detection processing unit 120 uses the image taken in step S3 to determine whether the worker's body on the elevator car 40 has entered the target area. If the worker's body on the elevator car 40 has not entered the target area, the control device 100 returns to step S3 and continues processing. On the other hand, if the worker's body on the elevator car 40 has entered the target area, the control device 100 then performs the processing in step S5. In step S5, the output unit 130 outputs an intrusion detection signal. Then, in step S6, the notification device 200, which has received the intrusion detection signal, notifies the worker on the elevator car 40. After step S6, the control device 100 returns to step S3 and continues processing.

[0054] Figure 13 shows an example of a configuration that realizes the functions of the control device 100 in this embodiment. The functions of the control device 100 are realized, for example, by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may include a processor 101 and a memory 102. The processing circuit may also include dedicated hardware 103. A part of the processing circuit may be formed as dedicated hardware 103, and the processing circuit may further include a processor 101 and a memory 102. In the example shown in the figure, a part of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 103. Also, in the example shown in the figure, the processing circuit further includes a processor 101 and a memory 102.

[0055] A processing circuit that is partly a dedicated hardware component 103 may include, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. If the processing circuit includes at least one processor 101 and at least one memory 102, the functions of the control device 100 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0056] The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 102. The processor 101 reads and executes the programs stored in memory 102 to realize the functions of each part. The processor 101 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. Examples of memory 102 include non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, and DVDs.

[0057] In this way, the processing circuit of the control device 100 can realize each function of the control device 100 through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. If the processing circuit of the control device 100 includes at least a processor 101 and a memory 102, the processor 101 executes a program stored in the memory 102 of the control device 100, and the hardware and software of the control device 100 work together to realize the functions of each part of the control device 100. It should be noted that the elevator system is not limited to a configuration in which the operation is controlled by a single control device 100. The elevator system may be controlled by the operation of multiple devices working together.

[0058] In this disclosure, you may combine any of the embodiments, configurations, and modifications as you see fit, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Examples of various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) A car positioned within the elevator shaft so as to be movable along a predetermined direction of ascent and descent, A detection means for detecting when the human body of a worker on the aforementioned elevator car enters a pre-defined target area, The system includes an output means that outputs a detection signal when the detection means detects that the body of a worker on the elevator car has entered the target area. The aforementioned target area is an elevator device set in a plane perpendicular to the direction of upward and downward movement. (Note 2) The detection means is A camera that takes pictures from above the aforementioned elevator car, The elevator device according to Appendix 1, further comprising an image processing unit that uses images captured by the camera to detect when the body of a worker on the elevator car enters the target area. (Note 3) The output means is an elevator device as described in Appendix 2, which further outputs the image captured by the camera. (Note 4) The elevator device according to either Appendix 2 or Appendix 3, further comprising a means for moving the camera between a shooting position that captures images from above the elevator car and a storage position. (Note 5) The aforementioned target area includes a first target area and a second target area set outside the first target area. The detection means detects that the worker's body on the elevator car has entered the first target area and has entered the second target area. The output means is When the detection means detects that the body of the worker on the elevator car has entered the first target area, it outputs a first detection signal. An elevator device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the detection means outputs a second detection signal when it detects that the body of a worker on the elevator car has entered the second target area. (Note 6) The elevator device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, further comprising control means for stopping the operation of the elevator car when the detection signal is output from the output means. (Note 7) The elevator device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, further comprising a notification means for notifying a worker on the elevator car when the detection signal is output from the output means. (Note 8) The elevator device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, further comprising a notification means for notifying a monitoring center when the detection signal is output from the output means. (Note 9) The detection means further detects that the state in which the worker's body on the elevator car has entered the target area continues for a predetermined first reference time or longer, The elevator device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, wherein the output means outputs a continuous intrusion detection signal when the detection means detects that the state in which the body of a worker on the elevator car has entered the target area has continued for a first reference time or longer. (Note 10) The detection means further detects that the state in which the worker's body on the elevator car remains motionless continues for a predetermined second reference time or longer. The elevator device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, wherein the output means outputs a motionless detection signal when the detection means detects that the body of the worker on the elevator car remains motionless for a period of time equal to or longer than the second reference time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 10 Elevator 11 Pit 12 Buffer 20 Machine room 31 Hoisting machine 32 Tug-of-War 33. Vehicles that are deflected 34 Main rope 35 Rope Shackles 36. Cage-type trolley 38 Fixed pulley 40 car 41 Upper beam 42 fences 50 counterweights 51 Weight-lifting cart 60 Cameras 61 Support part 62 hooks 63 Mounting bracket 100 Control device 101 Processors 102 memory 103 Dedicated Hardware 110 Operation Control Unit 120 Detection Processing Unit 130 Output section 200 notification devices 300 mobile devices 410 Communication equipment 420 Monitoring Center

Claims

1. A car positioned within the elevator shaft so as to be movable along a predetermined direction of ascent and descent, A detection means for detecting when the human body of a worker on the aforementioned elevator car enters a pre-defined target area, The system includes an output means that outputs a detection signal when the detection means detects that the body of a worker on the elevator car has entered the target area. The aforementioned target area is an elevator device set in a plane perpendicular to the direction of upward and downward movement.

2. The detection means is A camera that takes pictures from above the aforementioned elevator car, The elevator device according to claim 1, further comprising an image processing unit that uses an image captured by the camera to detect when the body of a worker on the elevator car enters the target area.

3. The elevator device according to claim 2, wherein the output means further outputs an image captured by the camera.

4. The elevator device according to claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a means for moving the camera between a shooting position that captures images from above the elevator car and a storage position.

5. The aforementioned target area includes a first target area and a second target area set outside the first target area. The detection means detects that the worker's body on the elevator car has entered the first target area and has entered the second target area. The output means is When the detection means detects that the body of the worker on the elevator car has entered the first target area, it outputs a first detection signal. The elevator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection means outputs a second detection signal when it detects that the body of a worker on the elevator car has entered the second target area.

6. The elevator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising control means for stopping the operation of the elevator car when the detection signal is output from the output means.

7. The elevator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a notification means for notifying a worker on the elevator car when the detection signal is output from the output means.

8. The elevator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a notification means for notifying a monitoring center when the detection signal is output from the output means.

9. The detection means further detects that the state in which the worker's body on the elevator car has entered the target area continues for a predetermined first reference time or longer, The elevator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output means outputs a continuous intrusion detection signal when the detection means detects that the state in which the body of a worker on the elevator car has entered the target area has continued for a first reference time or longer.

10. The detection means further detects that the state in which the worker's body on the elevator car remains motionless continues for a predetermined second reference time or longer. The elevator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output means outputs a motionless detection signal when the detection means detects that the body of the worker on the elevator car remains motionless for a period of time equal to or longer than the second reference time.

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