Elevator

Abstract

Provided is an elevator that can prevent an operation unit from detecting an unintended operation by a visually impaired person as a non-contact operation. [Solution] The elevator is equipped with an operation panel having an information section formed in an uneven manner on the panel surface to display information, and a processing device for processing operations on the operation panel, the operation panel being operated non-contact by bringing a hand close to it and equipped with an operation section which detects the operation, a push button which is pressed, and a contact detection section which detects contact with the panel surface, and the processing device executes disable control which disables operation on the operation section when the contact detection section detects continuous contact for a first set time or longer.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present specification relates to an elevator. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an elevator is equipped with an operation panel and a processing device that processes operations on the operation panel (for example, Patent Document 1). The operation panel is operated in a non-contact manner by bringing a hand close to it, and is equipped with an operation unit that detects the operation, a push button that is pressed, and an information unit (for example, Braille) formed in an uneven shape on the panel surface to display information.

[0003] However, visually impaired people touch the surface of the operation panel to touch the information section. As a result, the hands or arms of the visually impaired people are positioned close to the surface of the operation panel, and the operation section may detect the operation by the visually impaired people as a non-contact operation. Therefore, the operation section may detect an unintended operation by the visually impaired people as a non-contact operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-76600 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an elevator that can prevent the operation unit from detecting an unintended operation by a visually impaired person as a non-contact operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The elevator is A control panel having an information section formed in a concave-convex shape on a panel surface to display information; A processing device that processes operations on the operation panel, The operation panel includes: an operation unit that detects a non-contact operation performed by bringing a hand close to the operation unit; A push button that is operated by pressing; a contact detection unit that detects contact with the surface of the board, The processing device executes invalidation control to invalidate an operation on the operation unit when the contact detection unit detects the contact continuously for a first set time or longer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an elevator according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an internal view of an elevator car according to the embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a front view of a first car operating panel according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] Enlarged cross-sectional view of line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of an elevator according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a front view of a second car operating panel according to another embodiment; [Figure 7] A front view of a hall operating panel according to still another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a front view of a main part of a first car operating panel according to still another embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In each drawing, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged or reduced relative to the actual dimensions in order to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings may not be consistent. Note that in each drawing, some of the components may be omitted in order to facilitate understanding.

[0009] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. The number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one. In addition, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of an elevator will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the elevator, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the elevator.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, an elevator 1 includes a car 2 for people (passengers) to ride in, and a processing device 3 that controls each part of the elevator 1. The elevator 1 may also include, for example, as in this embodiment, a car drive unit 4 that runs the car 2, and a car rail 5 that guides the car 2. The drive method of the car drive unit 4 is not particularly limited.

[0012] The elevator 1 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a car rope 6 having a first end connected to the car 2, a counterweight 7 connected to a second end of the car rope 6, and a counterweight rail 8 that guides the counterweight 7. The car drive unit 4 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a sheave 4a around which the car rope 6 is wound, a drive source 4b (e.g., a motor) that rotates the sheave 4a, and a braking unit 4c that brakes the sheave 4a.

[0013] That is, the car drive unit 4 may be a hoist and the elevator 1 may be driven by a rope type drive system. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured, for example, such that the car drive unit 4 is a hydraulic device and the elevator 1 is driven by a hydraulic type drive system, or may be configured, for example, such that the car drive unit 4 is a linear motor and the elevator 1 is driven by a linear motor type drive system.

[0014] In addition, in this embodiment, the first end of the car rope 6 is connected to the car 2, and the second end of the car rope 6 is connected to the counterweight 7, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which both ends of the car rope 6 are fixed to the upper part or the lower part of the hoistway X1, and the car rope 6 is wound around the sheaves of the car 2 and the counterweight 7, respectively, thereby connecting the car rope 6 to the car 2 and the counterweight 7, respectively.

[0015] In addition, the elevator 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that the hoist, which is the car drive unit 4, is disposed inside the machine room X2, but is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the elevator 1 may be configured such that the machine room X2 is not provided and the hoist is disposed inside the hoistway X1.

[0016] In each figure, the first direction D1 is the first horizontal direction D1, the second direction D2 is the second horizontal direction D2 which is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1, and the third direction D3 is the up-down direction D3 which is perpendicular to each of the horizontal directions D1 and D2, and is the lifting direction in which the car 2 and the counterweight 7 rise and fall.

[0017] The elevator 1 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a landing door 9 that opens and closes the entrance to the landing X3, and a landing operating panel 10 that is arranged at the landing X3. The car 2 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a car chamber 2a in which a person gets on, a car door 2b that moves between an open position that opens the entrance to the car chamber 2a and a closed position that closes it, and a door drive unit 2c that performs an operation of opening and closing the car door 2b.

[0018] As a result, the door drive unit 2c moves the car door 2b, which opens and closes the entrance to the car chamber 2a. The car door 2b opens and closes the entrance to the car chamber 2a, so that the hall door 9 of the hall X3 where the car 2 is stopped may be configured to open and close the entrance to the hall X3 in conjunction with the car door 2b.

[0019] 1 and 2, the elevator 1 includes a first car operation panel (also referred to as a "main car operation panel") 11 arranged inside the car chamber 2a of the car 2. The elevator 1 may also include, for example, as in this embodiment, a second car operation panel (also referred to as a "sub car operation panel") 12 arranged inside the car chamber 2a of the car 2, and a car handrail 13 arranged inside the car chamber 2a of the car 2 and extending in the first lateral direction D1.

[0020] The processing device 3 processes operations on the operation panels 9, 11, and 12. Although not particularly limited, for example, the processing device 3 may be configured to control the travel of the car 2 and the opening and closing of the car door 2b based on information input to the operation panels 9, 11, and 12.

[0021] 3, the first car operation panel 11 is equipped with a push button 14 that is pressed, an operation section 15 that is operated in a non-contact manner by bringing a hand close to it and detects the operation, and a first information section 16 and a second information section 17 that are formed in an uneven shape on the panel surface to display information. Furthermore, the first car operation panel 11 may be equipped with, for example, a display section (e.g., a monitor) 25 that displays information, and a sound section (e.g., a speaker) 26 that sounds the information, as in this embodiment.

[0022] The push buttons 14 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, a destination floor push button 14 that is pushed to register the destination floor of the car 2, a door open push button 14 that is pushed to open the car door 2b, a door close push button 14 that is pushed to close the car door 2b, and an emergency push button 14 that is pushed to report an emergency to the outside. Generally, the push buttons 14 are called contact buttons.

[0023] The operation unit 15 may include, for example, a destination floor operation unit 15 that is operated by bringing a hand close to it in a non-contact manner in order to register the destination floor of the car 2, as in this embodiment, and a door opening operation unit 15 that is operated by bringing a hand close to it in a non-contact manner in order to open the car door 2b. Generally, the operation unit 15 is called a non-contact button.

[0024] In this embodiment, the operation unit 15 is integrated with the push button 14, i.e., the non-contact button is integrated with the contact button. Specifically, the destination floor push button 14 and the destination floor operation unit 15 are integrated, and the door opening push button 14 and the door opening operation unit 15 are integrated.

[0025] In this manner, in this embodiment, operation units 15 corresponding to some of the multiple push buttons 14 are provided. Specifically, a destination floor operation unit 15 corresponding to the destination floor push button 14 and a door opening operation unit 15 corresponding to the door opening push button 14 are provided, but operation units 15 corresponding to the door closing push button 14 and the emergency push button 14 are not provided. The information input by pressing the push button 14 is the same as the information input by non-contact operation of the operation unit 15.

[0026] However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, an operation unit 15 corresponding to all of the push buttons 14 may be provided. For example, the operation unit 15 may be provided with a door close operation unit 15 that is operated in a non-contact manner to close the car door 2b, and the door close push button 14 and the door close operation unit 15 may be integrated into one configuration. Also, for example, the operation unit 15 may be provided with an emergency operation unit 15 that is operated in a non-contact manner to notify the outside in the event of an emergency, and the emergency push button 14 and the emergency operation unit 15 may be integrated into one configuration.

[0027] 3 and 4, the first car operating panel 11 may include, for example, a plate 18 having an opening into which the push button 14 is fitted, a holding portion 19 that movably holds the push button 14 relative to the plate 18, and a force application portion 20 that applies force to the push button 14. Although not particularly limited, the force application portion 20 may be, for example, a spring, rubber, or other elastic material.

[0028] The first information section 16 may be configured, for example, as in this embodiment, as Braille that displays the operation of the car 2 by operating the push button 14. And, the first information section 16 may be formed in an uneven shape on the surface of the plate 18 near the push button 14, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0029] Also, the second information section 17 may be configured, for example, as in this embodiment, as a raised number or a raised mark that indicates the operation of the car 2 by operating the push button 14. And, the second information section 17 may be formed in an uneven shape on the surface of the push button 14, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0030] The first car operation panel 11 includes a button detection unit 21 that detects a push operation on the push button 14. Although not particularly limited, the button detection unit 21 may be, for example, a sensor such as a contact sensor or a proximity sensor. Furthermore, the first car operation panel 11 may include, for example, an operation output unit 22 that outputs that the car 2 is operating based on an operation, as in this embodiment. Although not particularly limited, the operation output unit 22 may be, for example, a light source such as an LED or a lamp.

[0031] The operation unit 15 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an operation detection unit 15a that detects a non-contact operation of bringing a hand close to the operation unit 15, and an operation display unit 15b that displays a position where the non-contact operation of bringing a hand close should be performed and the operation content of the car 2 by the operation. Although not particularly limited, the operation detection unit 15a may be a sensor such as a photoelectric sensor or a thermal sensor. Also, although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the second information unit 17 also serves as the operation display unit 15b.

[0032] For example, as in this embodiment, the operation unit 15 may set the area from the operation display unit 15b that is equal to or greater than the first distance W1 and equal to or less than the second distance W2 in the first horizontal direction D1 as the detection area, and set the area between the operation display unit 15b and the detection area as the non-detection area. As a result, the operation unit 15 detects a hand (human body) that is present in the detection area as a non-contact operation, and does not detect a hand (human body) that is present in the non-detection area as a non-contact operation.

[0033] Although not particularly limited, the first distance W1 may be, for example, 5 mm to 6 mm, and the second distance W2 may be, for example, 60 mm to 65 mm. Note that a region farther away in the first horizontal direction D1 than the detection region of the operation display unit 15b, that is, a region farther away from the operation display unit 15b in the first horizontal direction D1 than the second distance W2, is a non-detection region.

[0034] 4 illustrates the configuration of the destination floor push button 14, the destination floor operation unit 15, and its associated parts 17-22, but the configuration of the door open push button 14, the door open operation unit 15, and its associated parts 17-22 may be the same as the configuration of the destination floor push button 14, the destination floor operation unit 15, and its associated parts 17-22, for example, as in this embodiment. Also, the configuration of the door close push button 14 and its associated parts 17-22 and the configuration of the emergency push button 14 and its associated parts 17-22 may be the same as the configuration of the destination floor push button 14 and its associated parts 17-22, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0035] The first car operating panel 11 is provided with a contact detection unit 23 that detects contact with the panel surface. The contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the panel surface based on a change in the electrostatic capacitance of the panel surface. Although not particularly limited, the contact detection unit 23 may be configured to be, for example, a capacitance sensor that detects a change in the electrostatic capacitance of the plate 18.

[0036] For example, the contact detection unit 23 may be a self-capacitance type electrostatic capacitance sensor that detects that a hand (human body) has come into contact with the plate 18 when the electrostatic capacitance of the plate 18 increases. Also, for example, the contact detection unit 23 may be a mutual capacitance type electrostatic capacitance sensor that detects that a hand (human body) has come into contact with the plate 18 when the electrostatic capacitance of the plate 18 decreases.

[0037] For example, the plate 18 may be formed of a conductor (e.g., metal) and the conductor may constitute an electrode and a dielectric. Also, for example, the plate 18 may be provided with an electrode formed of a conductor and a dielectric formed of a non-conductor (e.g., glass, resin).

[0038] 5, the processing device 3 may include, for example, as in this embodiment, an acquisition unit 31 that acquires each piece of data, a storage unit 32 that stores each piece of data, a calculation unit 33 that calculates each piece of data, and a control unit 34 that controls the elevator 1. The processing device 3 may be configured, for example, as one device, or may be configured, for example, as a plurality of devices that can communicate with each other.

[0039] For example, the units 33 and 34 of the processing device 3 may be realized by a processor in one computer, i.e., one processor executing a process. Specifically, for example, the units 31, 32, 33, and 34 of the processing device 3 may be provided in one device.

[0040] Also, for example, the units 33 and 34 of the processing device 3 may be realized by processors in a plurality of computers, i.e., a plurality of processors executing processes in a distributed manner. Specifically, for example, the units 31, 32, 33, and 34 of the processing device 3 may be provided in a distributed manner in a plurality of devices that can communicate with each other.

[0041] The processing device 3 is a computer equipped with a processor such as a CPU and an MPU (e.g., a calculation unit 33, a control unit 34), a memory such as a ROM and a RAM (e.g., an acquisition unit 31, a storage unit 32), various interfaces (e.g., an acquisition unit 31), etc. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, and the various units 33 and 34 of the processing device 3 are realized by the cooperation of the software and hardware.

[0042] The acquisition unit 31 and the memory unit 32 "store" not only the case where the data is stored until it is deleted by inputting a data deletion instruction or the like, but also the case where the data is temporarily stored for use in calculations by the calculation unit 33 and then deleted after the calculations by the calculation unit 33 are completed.

[0043] The calculation unit 33 may, for example, be equipped with an operation determination unit 33a that determines an operation on the operation unit 15 based on detection by the operation detection unit 15a of the operation unit 15, and an invalidity determination unit 33b that determines whether the operation on the operation unit 15 is invalid based on detection by the contact detection unit 23, as in this embodiment.

[0044] The operation determination unit 33a may be configured to determine that a non-contact operation has been performed on the operation unit 15 when the operation detection unit 15a of the operation unit 15 continuously detects a non-contact operation of bringing a hand close for a reference time. Although not particularly limited, the reference time may be, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 seconds.

[0045] The configuration of the elevator 1 according to this embodiment is as described above, and next, the control of the elevator 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that the following control is provided as an example to help understand the control of the elevator 1, and is not intended to limit the control of the elevator 1.

[0046] First, the operational control of car 2 will be described.

[0047] For example, the car 2 operates when the button detection unit 21 detects a push operation on the push button 14. Specifically, the car 2 rises or falls when the button detection unit 21 detects an operation on the destination floor push button 14 and the destination floor is registered, and the car door 2b opens or closes when the button detection unit 21 detects an operation on the door-open push button 14 or the door-close push button 14.

[0048] Also, for example, the operation detection unit 15a detects a non-contact operation on the operation unit 15, and the operation determination unit 33a determines that a non-contact operation has been performed on the operation unit 15, whereby the car 2 operates. Specifically, when the operation determination unit 33a determines that a non-contact operation has been performed on the destination floor operation unit 15 and the destination floor is registered, the car 2 ascends or descends, and when the operation determination unit 33a determines that a non-contact operation has been performed on the door-open operation unit 15, the car door 2b performs an opening operation.

[0049] For example, the operation output unit 22 may output when a destination floor is registered by an operation on the destination floor push button 14 or the destination floor operation unit 15. Also, for example, the operation output unit 22 may output when the car door 2b is opening or closing by an operation on the door open push button 14, the door close push button 14, or the door open operation unit 15.

[0050] Next, the control for disabling a non-contact operation on the operation unit 15 will be described.

[0051] A visually impaired person, for example, touches the information units 16, 17 to obtain information on the push button 14. Therefore, the visually impaired person touches the panel surface of the first car operation panel 11 before touching the information units 16, 17. Therefore, when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the panel surface, the invalidation determination unit 33b invalidates the operation on the operation unit 15. This makes it possible to prevent the operation unit 15 from detecting an unintended operation by the visually impaired person (for example, an operation to touch the information units 16, 17) as a non-contact operation.

[0052] Then, when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the board surface continuously for a first set time or more, the invalidation determination unit 33b causes the control unit 34 to execute invalidation control to invalidate operations on the operation unit 15. This makes it possible to prevent the operation unit 15 from detecting an unintended operation by a visually impaired person as a non-contact operation. Although not particularly limited, the first set time may be, for example, 0.5 seconds to 2.0 seconds.

[0053] It should be noted that visually impaired persons often operate the first car operating panel 11 when the car 2 is stopped. In addition, for example, when the distance between the panel surface and peripheral equipment including a conductor (for example, car door 2b, elevator equipment arranged outside the car 2 and inside the elevator shaft X1, etc.) changes, the capacitance of the panel surface may change. This makes it possible to suppress changes in the capacitance of the panel surface due to the relationship with the peripheral equipment by bringing the distance relationship between the panel surface and the peripheral equipment into a steady state.

[0054] For example, when the car 2 stops traveling, the distance relationship between the panel surface and the elevator equipment becomes steady, so that it is possible to suppress changes in the capacitance of the panel surface in relation to the elevator equipment. Also, for example, when the operation of the car door 2b stops, the distance relationship between the panel surface and the car door 2b becomes steady, so that it is possible to suppress changes in the capacitance of the panel surface in relation to the car door 2b.

[0055] Therefore, when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the panel surface continuously for a first set time or more in a state where the car 2 stops traveling and the car door 2b is in the open position (i.e., in a state where the distance relationship between the panel surface and the peripheral devices is steady), the invalidation determination unit 33b causes the control unit 34 to execute invalidation control to invalidate the operation on the operation unit 15. This makes it possible to prevent invalidation control from being executed due to erroneous detection by the contact detection unit 23.

[0056] However, there is a high possibility that an unintended operation by a visually impaired person will be detected as a non-contact operation by the operation unit 15 immediately before the invalid control is started. Therefore, when the invalid control is executed, the invalid determination unit 33b invalidates the operation on the operation unit 15 from the start of the invalid control until the second set time.

[0057] This can further prevent the operation unit 15 from detecting an unintended operation by a visually impaired person as a non-contact operation. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, operations on the destination floor operation unit 15 from the start of the invalidation control until before the second set time are retroactively invalidated (for example, a registered destination floor is invalidated), whereas operations on the door-open operation unit 15 from the start of the invalidation control until before the second set time are not retroactively invalidated.

[0058] The second set time may be longer than the first set time, as in the present embodiment. This makes it possible to reliably disable operations on the operation unit 15 during the first set time and the period immediately before it, in response to the extremely high possibility that touches on the board surface detected by the touch detection unit 23 during the first set time and the period immediately before it are unintended operations by a visually impaired person.

[0059] Although not particularly limited, the second set time may be, for example, the first set time plus 0.5 to 3.0 seconds. Note that the second set time may be, for example, shorter than the first set time, or may be, for example, the same as the first set time.

[0060] Furthermore, when a visually impaired person operates the first car operating panel 11, the visually impaired person is often the only person inside the car 2, and as a result, it takes a long time for the visually impaired person to press the push button 14. Therefore, when the invalid control is executed, the control unit 34 keeps the car door 2b in the open position until the button detection unit 21 detects a push operation. As a result, the car door 2b is kept in the open position and the car 2 is kept stopped from traveling until the visually impaired person presses the push button 14.

[0061] Therefore, for example, even if it takes a long time for a visually impaired person to press the push button 14, the car 2 will remain stopped from traveling until the visually impaired person presses the push button 14. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent the car 2 from starting to travel against the desire of the visually impaired person.

[0062] The configuration for invalidating the operation on the operation unit 15 is not particularly limited. For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to invalidate the detection of the operation detection unit 15a even though the operation detection unit 15a detects a non-contact operation (even though the detection of the operation detection unit 15a itself is valid). Also, for example, the detection of the operation detection unit 15a itself may be invalidated by stopping the power supply to the operation detection unit 15a.

[0063] Then, when the visually impaired person finishes operating the first car operation panel 11, the visually impaired person stops contacting the panel surface of the first car operation panel 11. Therefore, after the invalid control is executed, if the contact detection unit 23 does not detect contact with the panel surface of the first car operation panel 11 continuously for a third set time or longer, the control unit 34 ends the invalid control.

[0064] As a result, when the first car operating panel 11 is no longer in contact with the panel surface, the invalid control is ended, so that the invalid control can be ended appropriately. Although not particularly limited, the third set time may be, for example, 5 seconds to 10 seconds.

[0065] Furthermore, when a visually impaired person presses the push button 14, the operation of the first car operating panel 11 by the visually impaired person is terminated. Therefore, when the button detection unit 21 detects a push operation after the invalid control is executed, the control unit 34 terminates the invalid control. As a result, when the push button 14 is pressed, the invalid control is terminated, so that the invalid control can be terminated appropriately.

[0066] [1] As described above, the elevator 1 according to the present embodiment has the following features: An operation panel (in this embodiment, a first car operation panel) 11 having information sections 16, 17 formed in a concave-convex shape on the panel surface to display information; A processing device 3 for processing operations on the operation panel 11, The operation panel 11 is an operation unit 15 that detects a non-contact operation performed by bringing a hand close to the operation unit; A push button 14 that is pressed; A contact detection unit 23 for detecting contact with the surface of the board, the processing device 3 executes invalidation control to invalidate an operation on the operation unit 15 when the contact detection unit 23 detects the contact continuously for a first set time or more; This configuration is preferred.

[0067] According to this configuration, when the contact detection unit 23 detects continuous contact with the panel surface for a first set time or longer, invalidation control is executed, and the operation on the operation unit 15 is invalidated. This makes it possible to prevent the operation unit 15 from detecting an unintended operation by a visually impaired person as a non-contact operation.

[0068] [2] In addition, in the elevator 1 described in [1] above, as in this embodiment, The processing device 3 invalidates an operation on the operation unit 15 when the contact detection unit 23 detects the contact. This configuration is preferred.

[0069] According to this configuration, when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the board surface, the operation on the operation unit 15 is invalidated. This makes it possible to further prevent the operation unit 15 from detecting an unintended operation by a visually impaired person as a non-contact operation.

[0070] [3] In addition, in the elevator 1 of the above [1] or [2], as in this embodiment, When the processing device 3 executes the invalidation control, it invalidates the operation on the operation unit 15 from the start of the invalidation control until a second set time. This configuration is preferred.

[0071] According to this configuration, when the invalidation control is executed, the operation on the operation unit 15 is invalidated from the start of the invalidation control until the second set time. This makes it possible to further prevent the operation unit 15 from detecting an unintended operation by a visually impaired person as a non-contact operation.

[0072] [4] In addition, in any one of the elevators 1 described above in [1] to [3], as in this embodiment, The processing device 3 ends the invalidation control when the contact detection unit 23 does not continuously detect the contact for a third set time or more after the invalidation control is executed. This configuration is preferred.

[0073] According to this configuration, if the contact detection unit 23 does not detect contact with the board surface continuously for a period of time equal to or longer than the third set time after the invalid control is executed, the invalid control is terminated. As a result, the invalid control is terminated when there is no more contact with the board surface, so that the invalid control can be terminated appropriately.

[0074] [5] In addition, in any one of the elevators 1 described above in [1] to [4], as in this embodiment, The operation panel (in this embodiment, the first car operation panel) 11 includes a button detection unit 21 that detects a push operation on the push button 14, When the button detection unit 21 detects the pressing operation after the invalidation control is executed, the processing device 3 ends the invalidation control. This configuration is preferred.

[0075] According to this configuration, when the button detection unit 21 detects a push operation after the invalid control is executed, the invalid control is terminated. As a result, when the push button 14 is pressed, the invalid control is terminated, so that the invalid control can be appropriately terminated.

[0076] [6] In addition, the elevator 1 according to any one of the above items [1] to [5] may be configured as follows: Equipped with 2 cages, The operation panel (in this embodiment, a first car operation panel) 11 is disposed inside the car 2, The processing device 3 executes the invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 continuously detects the contact for a first set time or more in a state in which the traveling of the car 2 is stopped. This configuration is preferred.

[0077] According to this configuration, while the car 2 is stopped, visually impaired people often operate the operation panel (in this embodiment, the first car operation panel) 11, and in a state where the car 2 is stopped, the contact detection unit 23 detects continuous contact with the panel surface for a first set time or more, and the invalid control is executed. This makes it possible to prevent the invalid control from being executed due to erroneous detection by the contact detection unit 23.

[0078] [7] In addition, in the elevator 1 described in [6] above, as in this embodiment, The operation panel (in this embodiment, the first car operation panel) 11 includes a button detection unit 21 that detects a push operation on the push button 14, When the processing device 3 executes the invalid control, the processing device 3 maintains the stop of the travel of the car 2 until the button detection unit 21 detects the push operation. This configuration is preferred.

[0079] According to this configuration, since it takes time for a visually impaired person to press the push button 14, when the invalid control is executed, the car 2 is kept stopped from traveling until the button detection unit 21 detects a push operation on the push button 14. As a result, the car 2 is kept stopped from traveling until the visually impaired person presses the push button 14.

[0080] [8] In addition, the elevator 1 according to any one of the above items [1] to [7] may be configured as follows: Equipped with 2 cages, The operation panel (in this embodiment, a first car operation panel) 11 is disposed inside the car 2, The car 2 is provided with a car door 2b that is movable between an open position and a closed position, The contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the board surface based on a change in capacitance of the board surface, The processing device 3 executes the invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 detects the contact continuously for a first set time or more in a state where the car door 2b is located at the open position. This configuration is preferred.

[0081] According to this configuration, the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the panel surface based on a change in the capacitance of the panel surface. However, the cage door 2b affects the capacitance of the panel surface, and the capacitance of the panel surface may change depending on the position of the cage door 2b. Therefore, when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the panel surface continuously for a first set time or longer while the cage door 2b is in the open position, the invalid control is executed. This makes it possible to prevent the invalid control from being executed due to an erroneous detection by the contact detection unit 23.

[0082] The elevator 1 is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and is not limited to the above-mentioned effects. Of course, various modifications can be made to the elevator 1 without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, it is of course possible to arbitrarily select one or more of the configurations, methods, etc. of the various modified examples described below and adopt them in the configurations, methods, etc. of the embodiment described above.

[0083] (A) In the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the first car operating panel 11 is configured to include the information units 16 and 17, the operating unit 15, the push button 14, and the contact detection unit 23. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0084] (A-1) For example, the second car operation panel 12 may be configured to include information units 16, 17, an operation unit 15, a push button 14, and a contact detection unit 23. As an example of such a configuration, the second car operation panel 12 may be configured as shown in Fig. 6. The configuration of the second car operation panel 12 in Fig. 6 will be described below.

[0085] The second car operation panel 12 in Figure 6 comprises information sections 16, 17 formed in an uneven shape on the panel surface to display information, an operation section 15 which is operated non-contact by bringing a hand close to it and which detects the operation, a push button 14 which is pressed, a plate 18 having an opening into which the push button 14 is fitted, a button detection section 21 which detects the pressing of the push button 14, and a contact detection section 23 which detects contact with the panel surface of the second car operation panel 12.

[0086] When the contact detection unit 23 detects continuous contact with the surface of the second car operation panel 12 for a first set time or longer, the processing device 3 executes invalidation control to invalidate operation on the operation unit 15. The second car operation panel 12 also includes a display unit 25 that displays information and a sound generation unit 26 that sounds the information.

[0087] The push buttons 14 include a destination floor push button 14 that is pushed to register the destination floor of the car 2, a door open push button 14 that is pushed to open the car door 2b, a door close push button 14 that is pushed to close the car door 2b, and an emergency push button 14 that is pushed to report to the outside in the event of an emergency. The operation unit 15 includes a destination floor operation unit 15 that is operated in a non-contact manner by bringing a hand close to it to register the destination floor of the car 2, and a door open operation unit 15 that is operated in a non-contact manner by bringing a hand close to it to open the car door 2b.

[0088] The operation unit 15 is integrated with the push button 14, i.e., the non-contact button is integrated with the contact button. Specifically, the destination floor push button 14 and the destination floor operation unit 15 are integrated, and the door opening push button 14 and the door opening operation unit 15 are integrated.

[0089] (A-2) For example, the hall operating panel 10 may be configured to include information units 16, 17, an operation unit 15, a push button 14, and a contact detection unit 23. As an example of such a configuration, the hall operating panel 10 may have a configuration shown in Fig. 7. The configuration of the hall operating panel 10 in Fig. 7 will be described below.

[0090] The hall operating panel 10 in Figure 7 comprises information sections 16, 17 formed in an uneven shape on the panel surface to display information, an operation section 15 which is operated in a non-contact manner when a hand is brought close to it and which detects the operation, a push button 14 which is pressed, a plate 18 having an opening into which the push button 14 is fitted, a button detection section 21 which detects the pressing of the push button 14, and a contact detection section 23 which detects contact with the panel surface of the hall operating panel 10.

[0091] Then, when the contact detection unit 23 detects continuous contact with the surface of the hall operating panel 10 for a first set time or more, the processing device 3 executes invalidation control to invalidate operation on the operating unit 15. Note that the hall operating panel 10 may include, for example, a display unit that displays information and a sound generating unit that sounds the information.

[0092] The push buttons 14 include an upper call push button 14 that is pushed to call a car 2 moving upward, and a lower call push button 14 that is pushed to call a car 2 moving downward. The operation unit 15 includes an upper call operation unit 15 that is operated in a non-contact manner by bringing a hand close to it in order to call a car 2 moving upward, and a lower call operation unit 15 that is operated in a non-contact manner by bringing a hand close to it in order to call a car 2 moving downward.

[0093] The operation unit 15 is integrated with the push button 14, i.e., the non-contact button is integrated with the contact button. Specifically, the upper call push button 14 and the upper call operation unit 15 are integrated, and the lower call push button 14 and the lower call operation unit 15 are integrated.

[0094] (B) In the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the push button 14 and the operation unit 15 are integrated, that is, the contact button and the non-contact button are integrated. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0095] For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the push button 14 and the operation unit 15 may be arranged separately. That is, the push button 14 and the operation display unit 15b of the operation unit 15 may be separate and configured to be separated. Note that the operation display unit 15b in Fig. 8 displays the position where a non-contact operation should be performed by bringing the hand close, and the operation content of the car 2 resulting from that operation is displayed on the second information unit 17.

[0096] (C) In addition, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the operation panel 11 is configured to include a first information section 16 which is Braille formed in an uneven manner near the push button 14, and a second information section 17 which is a raised number or a raised mark formed in an uneven manner on the surface of the push button 14. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0097] For example, the operation panel 11 may be configured to include a first information section 16 formed in an uneven shape near the push button 14, but not to include a second information section 17 formed in an uneven shape on the surface of the push button 14. In addition, for example, the operation panel 11 may be configured to include a second information section 17 formed in an uneven shape on the surface of the push button 14, but not to include a first information section 16 formed in an uneven shape near the push button 14.

[0098] Also, for example, first information section 16 formed in an uneven pattern near push button 14 may be a raised number or a raised mark. Also, for example, second information section 17 formed in an uneven pattern on the surface of push button 14 may be Braille.

[0099] (D) In ​​addition, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 3 is configured to disable operation on the operation unit 15 when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the surface of the operation panel 11. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to enable (not disable) operation on the operation unit 15 until disable control is executed when the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the surface of the operation panel 11.

[0100] (E) In addition, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 3 is configured to invalidate operations on the operating unit 15 from the start of the invalid control until before the second set time when the invalid control is executed. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to enable (not invalidate) operations on the operating unit 15 before the start of the invalid control when the invalid control is executed.

[0101] (F) In addition, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 3 is configured to end the invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 does not detect contact with the surface of the operation panel 11 continuously for a period of time equal to or longer than the third set time after the invalid control is executed, and to end the invalid control when the button detection unit 21 detects a push operation after the invalid control is executed. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0102] For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to end the invalidating control when a predetermined time (e.g., 5 to 10 seconds) has elapsed after the invalidating control has been executed. Also, for example, the processing device 3 may be configured to end the invalidating control when the car door 2b is positioned to the closed position after the invalidating control has been executed. Also, for example, the processing device 3 may be configured to end the invalidating control when the car 2 starts traveling after the invalidating control has been executed.

[0103] For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to maintain the invalid control (not terminate the invalid control) even if the contact detection unit 23 does not detect contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 continuously for a third set time or more after the invalid control is executed. Also, for example, the processing device 3 may be configured to maintain the invalid control (not terminate the invalid control) even if the button detection unit 21 detects a push operation after the invalid control is executed.

[0104] (G) In addition, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 3 is configured to maintain the car door 2b in the open position and maintain the stoppage of the car 2 travelling until the button detection unit 21 detects a push operation when the processing device 3 executes the invalid control. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0105] For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to, when executing the invalid control, move the car door 2b to the closed position while maintaining the stop of the travel of the car 2 until the button detection unit 21 detects a push operation. Also, for example, the processing device 3 may be configured to start the travel of the car 2 after executing the invalid control, even if the button detection unit 21 does not detect a push operation.

[0106] (H) In addition, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 3 is configured to execute invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 detects continuous contact with the surface of the operation panel 11 for a period of time equal to or longer than the first set time while the car 2 is stopped. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0107] For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to execute the invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 detects continuous contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a first set time or more, regardless of the traveling state of the car 2. In other words, the processing device 3 may be configured to execute the invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 detects continuous contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a first set time or more while the car 2 is traveling.

[0108] (I) In addition, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the processing device 3 is configured to execute the invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 detects continuous contact with the surface of the operation panel 11 for a period of time equal to or longer than the first set time with the car door 2b in the open position. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0109] For example, the processing device 3 may be configured to execute the invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 detects continuous contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a first set time or more, regardless of the position of the car door 2b. That is, the processing device 3 may be configured to execute the invalid control when the contact detection unit 23 detects continuous contact with the panel surface of the operation panel 11 for a first set time or more with the car door 2b positioned at the closed position.

[0110] (J) In addition, in the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the contact detection unit 23 is configured to detect contact with the surface (plate 18) of the operation panel 11 based on a change in the electrostatic capacitance of the plate 18. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0111] For example, the contact detection unit 23 may be configured to detect contact with the panel surface (push button 14) of the operation panel 11 based on a change in the electrostatic capacitance of the push button 14. Also, for example, the contact detection unit 23 may be configured to detect contact with the panel surface (plate 18, push button 14) of the operation panel 11 based on a change in the electrostatic capacitance of each of the plate 18 and the push button 14.

[0112] (K) In the elevator 1 according to the above embodiment, the contact detection unit 23 detects contact with the surface of the operation panel 11 based on a change in capacitance of the surface of the operation panel 11, that is, is a capacitance sensor. However, the elevator 1 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0113] The contact detection unit 23 may be, for example, a resistive touch sensor or touch panel, an infrared touch sensor or touch panel, or an ultrasonic touch sensor or touch panel. The contact detection unit 23 may be, for example, a camera. The contact detection unit 23 may be, for example, a capacitive touch panel fixed to the surface of the plate 18.

[0114] (L) For example, the order of execution of each process of the operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the methods, controls, and devices shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings may be arbitrary, as long as the result of a previous process is not used in a subsequent process. For example, even if the description uses "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that the processes must be executed in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1... elevator, 2... car, 2a... car room, 2b... car door, 2c... door drive unit, 3... processing device, 4... car drive unit, 4a... sheave, 4b... drive source, 4c... braking unit, 5... car rail, 6... car rope, 7... counterweight, 8... weight rail, 9... landing door, 10... landing operation panel, 11... first car operation panel, 12... second car operation panel, 13... car handrail, 14... push button, 15... operation unit, 15a... operation detection unit, 15b... operation table display unit, 16...first information unit, 17...second information unit, 18...plate, 19...holding unit, 20...force application unit, 21...button detection unit, 22...operation output unit, 23...contact detection unit, 25...display unit, 26...sound generation unit, 31...acquisition unit, 32...storage unit, 33...calculation unit, 33a...operation determination unit, 33b...invalidation determination unit, 34...control unit, D1...first horizontal direction, D2...second horizontal direction, D3...vertical direction, X1...hoistway, X2...machine room, X3...landing

Claims

1. A control panel having an information section formed in a concave-convex shape on a panel surface to display information; A processing device that processes operations on the operation panel, The operation panel includes: an operation unit that detects a non-contact operation performed by bringing a hand close to the operation unit; A push button that is operated by pressing; a contact detection unit that detects contact with the surface of the board, The processing device executes invalidation control to invalidate an operation on the operation unit when the contact detection unit detects the contact continuously for a first set time or more, in an elevator, When the processing device executes the invalidation control, it retroactively invalidates operations on the operating unit from the start of the invalidation control to a second set time before the start of the invalidation control.

2. A control panel having an information section formed in a concave-convex shape on the surface of the panel to display information; A processing device that processes operations on the operation panel, The operation panel includes: an operation unit that detects a non-contact operation performed by bringing a hand close to the operation unit; A push button that is operated by pressing; a contact detection unit that detects contact with the surface of the board, The processing device executes invalidation control to invalidate an operation on the operation unit when the contact detection unit detects the contact continuously for a first set time or more, in an elevator, Equipped with a basket, The operation panel is disposed inside the car, The processing device executes the invalid control when the contact detection unit detects the contact continuously for a first set time or more in a state in which the travel of the car is stopped, The operation panel includes a button detection unit that detects a push operation on the push button, An elevator in which, when the processing device executes the invalid control, the processing device maintains the stop of the car's travel until the button detection unit detects the push operation.

3. A control panel having an information section formed in a concave-convex shape on the surface of the panel to display information; A processing device that processes operations on the operation panel, The operation panel includes: an operation unit that detects a non-contact operation performed by bringing a hand close to the operation unit; A push button that is operated by pressing; a contact detection unit that detects contact with the surface of the board, The processing device executes invalidation control to invalidate an operation on the operation unit when the contact detection unit detects the contact continuously for a first set time or more, in an elevator, Equipped with a basket, The operation panel is disposed inside the car, the car includes a car door movable between an open position and a closed position; The contact detection unit detects contact with the board surface based on a change in capacitance of the board surface, The processing device executes the invalid control when the contact detection unit detects the contact continuously for a first set time or longer with the car door positioned at the open position.

4. An elevator as described in claim 1, wherein the second set time is longer than the first set time.

5. The elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing device invalidates an operation on the operating unit when the contact detection unit detects the contact.

6. An elevator as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing device terminates the invalid control when the contact detection unit does not detect the contact continuously for a third set time or more after the invalid control is executed.

7. The operation panel includes a button detection unit that detects a push operation on the push button, The elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing device terminates the invalid control when the button detection unit detects the push operation after the invalid control is executed.

Images