Elevator control device and elevator control method

Abstract

To detect sensor malfunctions early. [Solution] The elevator control device of the embodiment includes a control unit that registers a call for a destination based on detection by any of the multiple sensor units integrated with each of the multiple push buttons or on operation of any of the multiple push buttons, and transmits information regarding the call registration to a control panel that controls the elevator car; a determination unit that determines that a sensor unit is malfunctioning when a call registration is made based on operation of any of the multiple push buttons and detection by any of the multiple sensor units has not occurred more than a first threshold number of times; and a communication unit that transmits a message to the control panel indicating a malfunction when the determination unit determines that a sensor unit is malfunctioning.

Claims

1. A plurality of destination display units are provided inside the elevator car as it moves along the elevator shaft, each displaying a destination for the elevator car. A plurality of push buttons are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of destination target display units, and the user can perform an operation on a predetermined destination target display unit by pressing the button. Multiple sensor units are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple destination target display units, and are integrated with each of the multiple push buttons. The sensor unit has a detection range of a predetermined area outward from the front of the push button and detects, without contact, an operation of a predetermined destination target display unit by the user. An operation panel having the plurality of destination target display units, the plurality of sensor units, and the plurality of push buttons, A control unit that, based on detection by any of the plurality of sensor units or operation on any of the plurality of push buttons, registers a call for the destination and transmits information regarding the call registration to the control panel that controls the elevator car, When a call registration is performed based on an operation on any of the aforementioned push buttons, if detection by any of the aforementioned sensor units has not occurred more than a first threshold number of times, the determination unit determines that the sensor unit is malfunctioning. When the determination unit determines that the sensor unit is malfunctioning, the communication unit transmits a message to the control panel indicating that the unit is malfunctioning. An elevator control device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The connection between the sensor unit and the control unit, and the connection between the push button and the control unit are separate systems. The elevator control device according to claim 1.

3. Each of the aforementioned plurality of sensor units has a detection range that is set from a position a predetermined distance outward from the front surface of the push button, The control unit maintains the detection state in each of the plurality of sensor units, even if detection ceases within a predetermined distance from the front surface after the initial detection. The elevator control device according to claim 1.

4. Each of the aforementioned plurality of sensor units has a detection range that is set from a position a predetermined distance outward from the front surface of the push button, If a push button is pressed within a predetermined time period from the time the sensor unit first detects something and then stops detecting anything, and a call registration is performed based on an operation on one of the multiple push buttons, then it is determined that detection occurred by one of the multiple sensor units, and the sensor unit is functioning normally. The elevator control device according to claim 1.

5. The control unit, when it determines that the sensor unit is malfunctioning, disables detection from all sensor units. The elevator control device according to claim 1.

6. The determination unit further determines that a push button is malfunctioning if, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the call registration was made, any of the multiple push buttons has been pressed less than or equal to the second threshold number of times. The communication unit further transmits a message to the control panel indicating a malfunction of the push button when the determination unit determines that the push button is malfunctioning. The elevator control device according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned control panel is a main control panel located inside the elevator car. The aforementioned destination is the destination floor. An elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aforementioned control panel is a wheelchair control panel located inside the elevator car. The aforementioned destination is the destination floor. An elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The aforementioned control panel is a main control panel installed at the boarding area, which is the place where passengers waiting to board the elevator car wait. The aforementioned destination is the direction of the destination. An elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. The communication unit, when it determines that there is a malfunction, transmits a message indicating the malfunction to a monitoring center connected to the elevator control device via a network. An elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. The control panel includes a display unit, The control panel further comprises an audio output unit, When the control unit determines that a malfunction has occurred, it notifies at least one of the display unit and the audio output unit of the malfunction. An elevator control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. An elevator control method performed by an elevator control device, The elevator control device is A plurality of destination display units are provided inside the elevator car as it moves along the elevator shaft, each displaying a destination for the elevator car. A plurality of push buttons are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of destination target display units, and the user can perform an operation on a predetermined destination target display unit by pressing the button. Multiple sensor units are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple destination target display units, and are integrated with each of the multiple push buttons. The sensor unit has a detection range of a predetermined area outward from the front of the push button and detects, without contact, an operation of a predetermined destination target display unit by the user. The operation panel comprises the plurality of destination target display units, the plurality of sensor units, and the plurality of push buttons. The steps include: registering a call for a destination based on detection by any of the multiple sensor units or operation on any of the multiple push buttons, and transmitting information regarding the call registration to the control panel that controls the elevator car; When a call registration is made based on an operation on any of the aforementioned push buttons, if detection by any of the aforementioned sensor units has not occurred more than a first threshold number of times, the step of determining that the sensor unit is malfunctioning, If a malfunction is detected in the aforementioned sensor unit, the control panel is notified of the malfunction. An elevator control method including [a specific feature / method].

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