Elevator inspection system and elevator inspection method

The mobile terminal and elevator management device system allows for remote inspection and diagnostic operations of elevators, addressing the cost and equipment requirements of constant control center monitoring while ensuring effective inspection.

JP7675586B2Active Publication Date: 2025-05-13HITACHI LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021122167
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-07-27
Publication Date
2025-05-13
Estimated Expiration
2041-07-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing elevator inspection systems require constant monitoring by a control center, leading to increased costs and the need for dedicated equipment.

Method used

A mobile terminal and elevator management device system that allows for remote acquisition and analysis of elevator operation history data, determining inspection items, and instructing the elevator control panel to perform diagnostic operations when insufficient data is detected.

Benefits of technology

Enables proper elevator inspection without constant monitoring by a control center, reducing costs and maintaining inspection quality by generating inspection item data based on operation history and performing diagnostic operations as needed.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To enable inspection of an elevator appropriately even when the elevator is not constantly monitored by a control center.SOLUTION: An elevator management device 3 includes a communication control unit 31 communicating with a portable terminal 123 and a management control unit 30 determining an inspection item of an elevator 1 based on operation data D1 of the elevator received by the communication control unit 31 and transmitting inspection item data generated from the inspection item to the portable terminal through the communication control unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator inspection system and an elevator inspection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Elevator owners are required to carry out regular inspections and testing of their elevators, and generally, elevator owners outsource the inspection work to specialized maintenance personnel. Since on-site inspection work by maintenance personnel takes time, a method of carrying out inspection work by automatically running the elevator through diagnostic operations is also adopted.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic inspection system for elevators, which includes a monitoring device having a function of monitoring the operation status of the elevator via an elevator control unit, a function of automatically inspecting and testing predetermined items of the elevator in advance, and a function of being connected to multiple terminal devices and reporting to each terminal device via a communication means when an abnormality occurs in the monitoring results. According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, a worker can automatically inspect and test items that could not be performed before or items that ended abnormally by connecting a maintenance terminal device to the communication unit of the monitoring device and referring to the monitoring monitor automatic inspection status screen, inspection result display screen, or inspection record table screen on the monitoring screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-133621 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the monitoring device is connected to a control center that constantly monitors the elevator. However, if the monitoring device is configured to be constantly connected to the control center, dedicated devices and facilities are required, and the cost of maintenance services by the control center becomes high.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable appropriate inspection of elevators even when the control center does not constantly monitor the elevators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An elevator inspection system according to one aspect of the present invention is an elevator inspection system including a mobile terminal communicatively connected to a communication device that acquires elevator operation history data from a control device that controls elevator operation, and an elevator management device communicatively connected to the mobile terminal. The elevator management device of the elevator inspection system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication control unit that receives from the mobile terminal the operation history data that the mobile terminal acquires from the control device, a management control unit that determines inspection items for the elevator based on the elevator operation history data received by the communication control unit, and transmits inspection item data generated from the inspection items to the mobile terminal via the communication control unit; a data comparison unit that determines whether there is insufficient operation data for inspecting the elevator based on a comparison result between the operation history data and reference data, which is operation data acquired from an elevator that has been normally operated and is used as a reference for comparison; Equipped with When the data comparison unit determines that there is insufficient driving data, the management control unit instructs the control device via the mobile terminal to carry out driving to obtain the insufficient driving data.

[0008] An elevator inspection method according to one aspect of the present invention is an elevator inspection method using an elevator inspection system including a mobile terminal communicatively connected to a communication device that acquires elevator operation history data from a control device that controls elevator operation, and an elevator management device communicatively connected to the mobile terminal. Communication control unit However, a procedure for receiving operation history data acquired from a control device by a mobile terminal from the mobile terminal, and a procedure for determining whether or not an elevator is operated based on the received operation history data of the elevator A management control unit of the elevator management devicedetermining inspection items for the elevator, and transmitting inspection item data generated from the inspection items to the mobile terminal via a communication control unit; A data comparison unit determines that there is insufficient operation data for inspecting the elevator based on a comparison result between the operation history data and reference data, which is operation data acquired from an elevator that has been normally operated and is used as a reference for comparison; Including, When the data comparison unit determines that there is insufficient driving data, the management control unit instructs the control device via the mobile terminal to carry out driving to obtain the insufficient driving data. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to at least one aspect of the present invention, even when the elevator is not monitored by the control center, it is possible to appropriately perform inspection of the elevator. Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an elevator inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an elevator control panel and an elevator management device that constitute an elevator inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inspection tool screen that is displayed when logging in to an inspection tool according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an inspection tool screen when a diagnostic operation is performed on the elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inspection tool screen in a phase in which inspection results are transmitted to an elevator management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of an elevator inspection method using a mobile terminal in an elevator inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of an elevator inspection method by an elevator management device of an elevator inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, examples of modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various numerical values ​​in the embodiments are merely examples. In addition, in this specification and drawings, the same components or components having substantially the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0012] <Outline of elevator inspection system configuration> First, the configuration of an elevator system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an elevator inspection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the elevator inspection system 100 includes an elevator 1, an elevator control panel (an example of a control device) 2, and an elevator management device 3. The elevator management device 3 is provided in a maintenance center in a remote location, and centrally manages each elevator in multiple buildings, including the building in which the elevator 1 in the figure is provided.

[0014] [Elevator configuration] The elevator 1 includes a hoistway 11 and a car 12 that moves up and down in the hoistway 11. The hoistway 11 is a passageway provided in the upper and lower spaces of a building, and is dedicated to the elevator. An operation panel 121 including a destination floor button and the like is provided in the car 12. The destination floor button is a button into which a destination floor is input by a passenger in the car 12 or an elevator manager. When the operation panel 121 receives a button press, it generates a destination floor signal indicating the destination floor corresponding to the button and transmits it to the elevator control panel 2. The car 12 is also provided with a display panel 124 that displays the destination floor and the like, and various devices or apparatuses not shown.

[0015] A wireless device 122 is provided in the operation panel 121. The wireless device 122 (an example of a communication device) communicates with a mobile terminal 123 carried by the manager M of the elevator 1 who is in the car 12 via short-range wireless communication or the like.

[0016] The mobile terminal 123 is a terminal such as a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, and is operated by a manager M of the building (elevator 1). The mobile terminal 123 includes a control unit 1231 (an example of a terminal control unit), and the control unit 1231 performs, for example, the following processes. A process of acquiring operation data D1 (an example of operation history data) in which the operation history of the elevator 1 is recorded from a wireless device 122 installed in the car 12, and transmitting the operation data D1 to the elevator management device 3. A process of displaying the inspection content instructions described in the inspection item data received from the elevator management device 3 on the operation display unit (see FIG. 3 described later). A process to instruct elevator control panel 2 to perform diagnostic operation. A process of taking video images using a camera during the inspection of elevator 1.

[0017] When the wireless device 122 receives a request to acquire operation data D1 of the elevator 1 from the mobile terminal 123, it requests the elevator control panel 2 to transmit the operation data D1. When the wireless device 122 receives the operation data D1 from the elevator control panel 2, it transmits the received operation data D1 to the mobile terminal 123. The control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 that has received the operation data D1 from the wireless device 122 transmits this operation data D1 to the elevator management device 3 in the maintenance center via the communication network N.

[0018] The communication network N is, for example, a mobile communication network of the mobile terminal 123. Alternatively, the communication network N may be a wired network that connects the elevator management device 3 and the building. When the communication network N is a wired network, for example, a wireless network provided within the building can be used for communication between the mobile terminal 123 and the building.

[0019] The operation data D1 is historical information of signals related to the operation of the elevator 1, such as the stopping floors of the elevator 1, the number of times the elevator 1 has operated, the passenger weight of the car 12, the current values ​​of various devices or motors equipped in the elevator 1, operation control commands, etc.

[0020] [Elevator control panel configuration] The elevator control panel 2 includes a data storage unit 21, an operation control unit 22, a drive control unit 23, a communication control unit 24, and a data control unit 25.

[0021] Operation data D1 is stored in the data storage unit 21. The operation control unit 22 generates an operation command for the elevator 1 based on a destination floor signal transmitted from the operation panel 121 of the elevator 1, a call signal transmitted from a hall call device 131 installed in the hall 13, and the like. Then, the operation control unit 22 outputs the generated operation command to the drive control unit 23.

[0022] The drive control unit 23 drives and controls the hoist 26 in accordance with the operation command input from the operation control unit 22. The hoist 26 is connected to the car 12 and a counterweight (not shown) by a rope (not shown) or the like. The hoist 26 is driven based on the drive control by the drive control unit 23, so that the car 12 moves up and down in the elevator shaft 11 and moves to the destination floor (floor) indicated by the destination floor signal.

[0023] The communication control unit 24 controls the transmission and reception of various signals, data, etc. between the elevator 12 connected via the tail cord 125. The communication control unit 24 also controls the transmission and reception of various signals, data, etc. between the elevator 12 and the hall call device 131.

[0024] The data control unit 25 controls input / output operations of various signals or data between the operation control unit 22 and the data storage unit 21 or between the communication control unit 24 and the data storage unit 21 .

[0025] [Configuration of elevator control device] The elevator management device 3 in the maintenance center includes a control unit 30, a communication control unit 31, a data storage unit 32, and a data control unit 36. The control unit 30 (an example of a management control unit) includes a data comparison unit 33, an inspection content determination unit 34, and an inspection item data generation unit 35.

[0026] The communication control unit 31 is connected to the communication network N, receives driving data D1 transmitted from the mobile terminal 123 via the communication network N, and outputs the received driving data D1 to the data control unit 36. The communication control unit 31 also transmits inspection item data transmitted from an inspection item data generation unit 35, which will be described later, to the mobile terminal 123 via the communication network N.

[0027] The data storage unit 32 stores reference data D2 and inspection data D3 in addition to the operation data D1 of the elevator 1 received from the mobile terminal 123. The operation data D1 stored in the data storage unit 32 is replaced with operation data D11. The reference data D2 includes values ​​(normal values) of various signals acquired from the elevator 1 operating normally. The inspection data D3 (an example of inspection history information) includes history information of the inspection results of the elevator 1 by the manager M, transmitted from the mobile terminal 123.

[0028] The data comparison unit 33 compares the operation data D11 with the reference data D2 to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the elevator 1, and outputs the determination result to the inspection content determination unit 34. In addition, the data comparison unit 33 compares the operation data D11 with the reference data D2 to identify any operation data D11 that is insufficient for inspecting the elevator 1.

[0029] For example, if the building is a train station, the number of trips to the platform floor or ticket gate floor may be smaller than the number of trips to other floors. In such a case, the data comparator 33 performs a comparison to find that the operation data of the elevators installed in the station building lacks history information on trips to floors other than the platform floor or ticket gate floor.

[0030] In such a case, the control unit 30 instructs the elevator control panel 2 via the mobile terminal 123 to perform a diagnostic operation including movement to a floor where the number of stops (movement history) of the car 12 is small. The elevator control panel 2 performs control to move the car 12 to floors other than the platform floor or the ticket gate floor. Then, the elevator management device 3 obtains history information indicating that the car 12 has moved to floors other than the platform floor or the ticket gate floor from the elevator control panel 2 via the mobile terminal 123. In this way, the elevator management device 3 can obtain the status of the elevator 1 in an even and appropriate manner.

[0031] The inspection content determination unit 34 determines the inspection content of the elevator 1 based on the inspection data D3 and the determination result by the data comparison unit 33. That is, it determines the inspection items.

[0032] The inspection item data generation unit 35 generates diagnostic operation data that enables the operation control unit 22 to execute diagnostic operation of the elevator 1 based on the inspection contents determined by the inspection content determination unit 34, and outputs the inspection item data including the diagnostic operation data to the communication control unit 31. Note that the inspection item data also includes information on instructions for the inspection contents that the manager M should perform while the diagnostic operation of the elevator 1 is being executed.

[0033] The inspection item data is transmitted by the communication control unit 31 to the mobile terminal 123 via the communication network N. The mobile terminal 123 instructs the elevator control panel 2 to perform a diagnostic operation based on the contents described in the inspection item data, and displays information on the inspection items to be performed by the manager M, which is included in the inspection item data, on the screen of a display unit (not shown). Note that the operation reception of the instruction for the diagnostic operation and the display of the inspection items are performed via an inspection tool screen Sc1 of the mobile terminal 123, which will be described later with reference to Figs. 4 to 6.

[0034] The data control unit 36 ​​controls the storage of the driving data D1 received by the communication control unit 31 in the data storage unit 32, and the output of various data read from the data storage unit 32 to the data comparison unit 33 or the inspection content judgment unit 34.

[0035] <Example of computer hardware configuration> Next, the hardware configuration of each device for realizing the functions of the control system of the elevator inspection system 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG.

[0036] [Computer configuration applied to elevator control panels and elevator management devices] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the elevator control panel 2 and the elevator management device 3 which constitute the elevator inspection system 100. The calculator 50 is hardware used as a so-called computer.

[0037] The computer 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a display unit 504, an operation input unit 505, a non-volatile storage 506, and a network interface 507, all of which are connected to a bus B1.

[0038] The CPU 501 reads out program code of software for implementing each function according to this embodiment from the ROM 502, expands it in the RAM 503, and executes it. The computer 50 may include a processing device such as an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) instead of the CPU 501. Variables, parameters, etc. generated during the calculation process are temporarily written to the RAM 503.

[0039] The display unit 504 is, for example, a monitor configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays the results of processing performed by the computer 50, etc.

[0040] Operation input unit 505 is a block into which operations by a user are input, and is configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch sensor, etc. Display unit 504 and operation input unit 505 may be integrated into a touch panel. Calculator 50 may be configured without display unit 504 and operation input unit 505.

[0041] The non-volatile storage 506 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, etc. In addition to an operating system (OS) and various parameters, programs for operating the computer 50, etc. are recorded in the non-volatile storage 506. The programs may be stored in the ROM 502.

[0042] The program is stored in the form of a computer-readable program code, and the CPU 501 sequentially executes operations according to the program code. In other words, the ROM 502 or the non-volatile storage 506 is used as an example of a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium that stores a program executed by a computer.

[0043] For example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like is used for the network interface 507, and various data can be transmitted and received between the network interface 507 and an external device via a network or a communication line. The functions of the communication control unit 24 of the elevator control panel 2 and the communication control unit 31 of the elevator management device 3 are realized by the network interface 507.

[0044] [Computer configuration for mobile terminals] Next, a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 123 of the elevator inspection system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 123.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the computer 60 constituting the mobile terminal 123 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, an operation display unit 604, a non-volatile storage 605, a network interface 606, a short-range communication interface 607, and a camera 608, all of which are connected to a bus B2.

[0046] The CPU 601 reads out program code of software for implementing each function according to this embodiment from the ROM 602, expands it in the RAM 603, and executes it. The computer 60 may include a processing device such as an MPU instead of the CPU 601. Variables, parameters, etc. generated during the arithmetic processing are temporarily written to the RAM 603.

[0047] The operation display unit 604 is, for example, a touch panel in which a display panel as a display unit and a touch sensor as an operation input unit are integrally formed. Note that the display unit and the operation input unit may be configured separately.

[0048] As the non-volatile storage 605, for example, a HDD, an SSD, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, etc. In addition to the OS and various parameters, this non-volatile storage 605 records a program for operating the computer 60, a program constituting an inspection tool used by the manager of the elevator 1 when inspecting the elevator 1, etc. The program may be stored in the ROM 602.

[0049] The program is stored in the form of a computer-readable program code, and the CPU 601 sequentially executes operations according to the program code. In other words, the ROM 602 or the non-volatile storage 605 is used as an example of a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium that stores a program executed by a computer.

[0050] The network interface 606 is composed of, for example, an antenna for communicating with a mobile communication network and various wireless circuits, etc. The short-range communication interface 607 is composed of an antenna for short-range communication and various wireless circuits, etc. The camera 608 is composed of an image sensor and various signal processing circuits, etc.

[0051] <Inspection tool screen configuration> Next, the configuration of the inspection tool screen Sc1 of the inspection tool operating on the mobile terminal 123 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0052] First, a configuration of the inspection tool screen Sc1 displayed on the mobile terminal 123 when the administrator M logs in to the inspection tool will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inspection tool screen Sc1 displayed when logging in to the inspection tool (when user authentication is performed).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the inspection tool screen Sc1 in the user authentication phase has a status display section 101, a user information input section 102, an elevator information input section 103, an explanation display section 104, and a connect button Bn1.

[0054] Status display unit 101 displays information on the current status and information on the position (step) of the current status in the overall status in a pentagonal shape. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the current status is "Step.1 User Authentication", which is the first step in the overall status. With such a display, manager M of elevator 1 can easily visually grasp information on the status of the work he or she is currently performing and information on the number of steps to be performed until the entire process is completed.

[0055] The user information input unit 102 is provided with an input field Fd1 for an ID (Identification) code and an input field Fd2 for a password. The ID code (an example of user authentication information) is a code that is assigned to the manager M of the elevator 1 by a company that operates a maintenance center, etc., and is capable of identifying the manager M. The password (an example of user authentication information) is a password that the manager M should enter when logging in to the inspection tool. Note that, in the example shown in FIG. 4, an example is given in which the code that can identify the manager M is an ID code, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any information other than an ID code may be used as long as it is capable of identifying the manager M.

[0056] When the control unit 1231 (see FIG. 1) of the mobile terminal 123 accepts the input of the ID code and password by the manager M, the control unit 1231 authenticates the user. That is, the control unit 1231 judges whether the input ID code and password match the ID code and password that are associated with the manager M and managed in advance. If the user authentication is successful, the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 starts a wireless connection with the wireless device 122. On the other hand, if the user authentication is not successful, the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 does not establish a wireless connection with the wireless device 122. The user authentication process may be performed in the elevator management device 3 instead of the mobile terminal 123.

[0057] The elevator information input unit 103 is provided with a manufacturing code input field Fd3. The manufacturing code is the manufacturing code of the elevator 1. The manufacturing code input field Fd3 is configured as a text box that accepts manual input by the manager M. The manufacturing code input field Fd3 may be configured in the form of a list box or radio buttons that allow one to be selected from a plurality of candidates. Alternatively, the manufacturing code input field Fd3 may display in advance the manufacturing code of the elevator 1 that is managed in association with the user information input to the user information input unit 102. Furthermore, the information to be input to the input field Fd3 may be information other than the manufacturing code as long as it is information that can identify the elevator 1.

[0058] The explanation display unit 104 displays an explanation of operations that the manager M should perform on this screen, such as the contents to be input into the user information input unit 102 and the elevator information input unit 103. By displaying in this manner, the manager M can operate the inspection tool without hesitation.

[0059] The connection button Bn1 is a button that accepts an instruction to start a connection between the mobile terminal 123 and the wireless device 122 (see FIG. 1) of the elevator 1. When detecting that the manager M has pressed the connection button Bn1, the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 starts a wireless connection with the wireless device 122 and acquires operation data D1 of the elevator 1 from the wireless device 122 via the established wireless communication. Then, the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 transmits the acquired operation data D1 to the elevator management device 3 via the communication network N (see FIG. 1).

[0060] Next, a configuration of the inspection tool screen Sc1 used by the manager M to input an instruction to cause the elevator 1 to perform a diagnostic operation will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inspection tool screen Sc1 when causing the elevator 1 to perform a diagnostic operation.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, the inspection tool screen Sc1 when performing diagnostic operation on the elevator 1 has a status display section 101, an inspection item selection section 105, an inspection content display section 106, a diagnostic operation button Bn2, and a video capture button Bn3.

[0062] The status display section 101 indicates that the current status is "Step 3 Inspection item / diagnostic operation", which is the third step in the overall status.

[0063] The inspection item selection unit 105 has the fields "Item," "Content," and "Selection." The "Item" field displays the name of each inspection item for the elevator 1, such as "Inspection A," "Inspection B," "Inspection C," etc. The "Content" field displays the inspection content for each inspection item displayed in "Item." The "Selection" field is configured in the form of a checkbox, allowing the manager M to select the inspection item for which he or she wishes to perform diagnostic operation.

[0064] The inspection content display unit 106 displays, in order of implementation (chronological order), the contents of the inspection that the manager M should visually perform corresponding to each inspection item displayed in the inspection item selection unit 105. The inspection contents include, for example, checking for the occurrence of vibrations or abnormal noises, checking for the occurrence of abnormalities in the operation of the elevator 1, etc. The inspection content display unit 106 displays the inspection contents corresponding to the inspection item selected in the inspection item selection unit 105.

[0065] The diagnostic operation button Bn2 is a button that accepts an instruction to start a diagnostic operation for performing an inspection corresponding to an inspection item. When detecting that the manager M has pressed the diagnostic operation button Bn2, the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 transmits an instruction to the wireless device 122 to perform a diagnostic operation for inspecting the inspection item selected in the inspection item selection unit 105 via wireless communication with the wireless device 122. The instruction to perform the diagnostic operation is transmitted to the elevator control panel 2 via the wireless device 122.

[0066] The video capture button Bn3 is a button that accepts an instruction to capture a video image by the camera 608 (see FIG. 3). When detecting that the manager M has pressed the video capture button Bn3, the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 starts the camera 608 to capture an image of the operating state of the elevator 1 during diagnostic operation, etc. Then, the video image data obtained by the capture is transmitted to the elevator management device 3 via the communication network N (see FIG. 1).

[0067] The instruction to take a video is included in the inspection item data transmitted from the elevator management device 3, and is displayed on the inspection content display unit 106. For example, when the elevator management device 3 determines, based on the operation data D1 transmitted from the mobile terminal 123, that there is a suspected abnormality in the hoist 26 or the drive system related to the movement of the car 12, etc., the instruction to take a video is displayed on the inspection content display unit 106. At this time, the elevator management device 3 includes, in the inspection items, an instruction to record vibrations, abnormal sounds, operating conditions, etc. in a video during diagnostic operation of the elevator 1, and transmits the inspection item data including the inspection items to the mobile terminal 123.

[0068] The manager M can photograph the state of the elevator 1 during diagnostic operation by pressing the video capture button Bn3 on the inspection tool screen Sc1 of the mobile terminal 123. Note that, in the present embodiment, an example has been given in which an instruction to capture a video is transmitted from the elevator management device 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. An instruction to capture a still image, rather than a video, may be transmitted from the elevator management device 3 as inspection item data.

[0069] Next, a configuration of the inspection tool screen Sc1 displayed in a phase in which the mobile terminal 123 transmits the inspection result (an example of the inspection result data) to the elevator management device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inspection tool screen Sc1 in the phase in which the inspection result is transmitted to the elevator management device 3.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the inspection tool screen Sc1 has a status display section 101, an inspection result display section 107, and a result transmission button Bn4.

[0071] The status display section 101 indicates that the current status is "Step 4 Check and send inspection details", which is the last step in the overall status.

[0072] The inspection result display unit 107 has the following items: "Item", "Result", "Inspection entry column", and "Video". In the "Item" item, the name of each inspection item of the elevator 1, such as "Inspection A", "Inspection B", "Inspection C", etc., is displayed.

[0073] The "Result" field displays the inspection item and the status of the inspection, either "OK" or "NG." The "Inspection Entry Column" field displays comments on the inspection contents made by the manager M who inspected the elevator 1. The manager M can freely enter comments in the "Inspection Entry Column."

[0074] In the "Attachment" item, the word "Attachment" is displayed, indicating that a video taken during the inspection is attached. Manager M can also check the contents of the attached video by pressing the button marked "Attachment."

[0075] The send result button Bn4 is a button that accepts an instruction to send the inspection results to the elevator management device 3. When detecting that the manager M has pressed the send result button Bn4, the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 sends the inspection results to the elevator management device 3 via the communication network N. The information obtained by the diagnostic operation of the elevator 1, the information obtained by the visual inspection by the manager M, and the video images, if any, are transmitted from the mobile terminal 123 to the elevator management device 3 in association with each other.

[0076] <Elevator inspection method using elevator inspection system> Next, an elevator inspection method by the elevator inspection system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the elevator inspection method by the mobile terminal 123 of the elevator inspection system 100, and Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the elevator inspection method by the elevator management device 3 of the elevator inspection system 100.

[0077] [How to inspect elevators using mobile devices] First, the procedure of the elevator inspection method using the mobile terminal 123 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. When the control unit 1231 (see Fig. 1) of the mobile terminal 123 accepts an inspection tool start-up operation by the manager M, it starts the inspection tool (step S1). Next, the control unit 1231 accepts input of user authentication information from the manager M (step S2). In the example shown in Fig. 4, an ID code and a password are input as user authentication information by the manager M into the user information input unit 102 of the inspection tool screen Sc1.

[0078] Next, the control unit 1231 judges whether the user authentication information is correct or not (step S3). If it is judged that the user authentication information is incorrect in step S3 (if the judgment in step S4 is NO), the control unit 1231 judges whether the user authentication information has been input three or more times (step S4).

[0079] If it is determined in step S4 that the user authentication information has not been input three or more times (if step S4 is judged as NO), the control unit 1231 returns to step S2 and continues the process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the user authentication information has been input three or more times (if step S4 is judged as YES), the control unit 1231 stops the operation of the inspection tool and initializes the user authentication information (step S5).

[0080] If the user authentication information is input three or more times, since it is assumed that unauthorized use by persons other than the administrator M will occur, the control unit 1231 initializes the user authentication information. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized use by persons other than the administrator M. After completing the initialization of the user authentication information, the control unit 1231 displays a message on the inspection tool screen Sc1 prompting the administrator M to re-register the user authentication information. Alternatively, the control unit 1231 may send a message to the email address or the like of the administrator M prompting the administrator M to re-register the user authentication information.

[0081] To reissue the user authentication information of administrator M, administrator M can request the maintenance center to do so, for example, by accessing a web page (not shown) for registering user authentication information or by calling a telephone consultation service.

[0082] The number of times to input the user authentication information is "three times" is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Any number of times may be set depending on the balance between the convenience of the inspection tool provided by the mobile terminal 123 and the security against loss, etc.

[0083] If it is determined in step S3 that the user authentication information is correct (YES in step S3), the control unit 1231 starts a communication connection with the wireless device 122 (see FIG. 1) of the elevator 1 (step S6). Next, the control unit 1231 acquires operation data D1 of the elevator 1 from the wireless device 122 (step S7). Next, the control unit 1231 transmits the acquired operation data D1 to the elevator management device 3 via the communication network N (step S8).

[0084] Next, the control unit 1231 judges whether or not the communication control unit 24 has received the inspection item data transmitted from the elevator management device 3 (step S9). If it is judged in step S9 that the communication control unit 24 has not received the inspection item data (if the judgment in step S9 is NO), the control unit 1231 repeats the judgment in step S9.

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the communication control unit 24 has received the inspection item data (if step S9 is determined as YES), the control unit 1231 transmits an instruction for diagnostic operation based on the inspection item data to the elevator control panel 2 (step S10). The process of step S10 is executed when the manager M presses the diagnostic operation button Bn2 on the inspection tool screen Sc1 in Fig. 5. When the diagnostic operation of the elevator 1 is started in step S10, the manager M carries out an inspection of the inspection items displayed in the inspection content display unit 106 on the inspection tool screen Sc1 in Fig. 5.

[0086] Next, the control unit 1231 judges whether or not the inspection of all the inspection items has been performed (step S11). If it is judged in step S11 that the inspection of all the inspection items has not been performed (if the judgment in step S11 is NO), the control unit 1231 judges whether or not the occurrence of a serious abnormality has been detected during the diagnostic operation (step S12). The serious abnormality judged in step S12 is, for example, an abnormality that interferes with the diagnostic operation.

[0087] If an abnormality occurs in elevator 1 during diagnostic operation, operation control unit 22 of elevator control panel 2 detects the abnormality and notifies mobile terminal 123 of the occurrence of the abnormality via wireless device 122. Then, if control unit 1231 of mobile terminal 123 receives a notification of the occurrence of a serious abnormality from wireless device 122, step S12 is judged as YES.

[0088] If it is determined in step S12 that the occurrence of a serious abnormality has not been detected (if step S12 is a NO judgment), the control unit 1231 returns to step S10 and continues the process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the occurrence of a serious abnormality has been detected (if step S12 is a YES judgment), the control unit 1231 notifies the elevator management device 3 of the occurrence of the serious abnormality and transmits an instruction to the elevator control panel 2 to stop the diagnostic operation (step S13). Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, even if the elevator control panel 2 detects a non-serious abnormality during the inspection, the mobile terminal 123 notifies the elevator management device 3 of the detection of the occurrence of the abnormality.

[0089] If it is determined in step S11 that inspection of all the inspection items has been performed (if YES is determined in step S11), the control unit 1231 transmits the inspection result to the elevator management device 3 (step S14).

[0090] After the process of step S5, after the process of step S13, or after the process of step S14, the control unit 1231 receives the determination result of the inspection result from the elevator management device 3 (step S15). After the process of step S15, the elevator inspection method by the mobile terminal 123 of the elevator inspection system 100 ends.

[0091] [Elevator inspection method using elevator management device] Next, an elevator inspection method by the elevator management device 3 of the elevator inspection system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the elevator inspection method by the elevator management device 3.

[0092] First, the control unit 30 (see FIG. 1) of the elevator management device 3 determines whether or not the communication control unit 31 has received the operation data D1 transmitted from the mobile terminal 123 (step S21). If it is determined in step S21 that the communication control unit 31 has not received the operation data D1 (if the determination in step S21 is NO), the control unit 30 repeats the determination in step S21.

[0093] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the communication control unit 31 has received the operating data D1 (if step S21 is determined to be YES), the data control unit 36 ​​(see Figure 1) of the elevator management device 3 stores the operating data received by the communication control unit 31 in the data storage unit 32 (step S22).

[0094] Next, the data comparison unit 33 of the elevator management device 3 compares the operation data D1 received from the mobile terminal 123 with the reference data D2 read from the data storage unit 32 (step S23). Next, the inspection content determination unit 34 of the elevator management device 3 determines the inspection content of the elevator 1 based on the comparison result of step S23 and the past inspection data D3 read from the data storage unit 32 (step S24).

[0095] Next, the inspection item data generation unit 35 of the elevator management device 3 generates inspection item data based on the inspection content determination result in step S24 (step S25). Next, the communication control unit 31 of the elevator management device 3 transmits the inspection item data generated in step S25 to the mobile terminal 123 via the communication network N (step S26). The manager M who operates the mobile terminal 123 inspects the elevator based on the inspection items displayed on the mobile terminal 123. Then, the manager M inputs the inspection results into the mobile terminal 123.

[0096] Next, the control unit 30 of the elevator management device 3 judges whether or not the communication control unit 31 has received the inspection result transmitted from the mobile terminal 123 (step S27). If it is judged in step S27 that the communication control unit 31 has not received the inspection result (if the judgment in step S27 is NO), the control unit 30 repeats the judgment in step S27.

[0097] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that the communication control unit 31 has received the inspection result (if step S27 is determined as YES), the control unit 30 of the elevator management device 3 determines the inspection result received in step S27, and causes the communication control unit 31 to transmit the determination result to the mobile terminal 123 (step S28). As the inspection result, the control unit 30 can transmit the determination result of whether the operating state of the elevator 1 is good or bad, an explanation of any concerns if there are any, an explanation of the progress of past concerns, an explanation of the response if a maintenance worker has been arranged, and the like. After the processing of step S28, the elevator inspection method by the elevator management device 3 ends.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the inspection item data generating unit 35 of the control unit 30 of the elevator management device 3 of the elevator inspection system 100 determines the inspection items of the elevator 1 based on the elevator operation data D1 received by the communication control unit 31 from the mobile terminal 123, and transmits the inspection item data generated from the inspection items to the mobile terminal 123 via the communication control unit 31. Therefore, in this embodiment, the manager M of the elevator 1 who operates the mobile terminal 123 can properly inspect the elevator 1 based on the inspection item data received by the mobile terminal 123. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the control center does not constantly monitor the elevator, it is possible to properly inspect the elevator.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, constant monitoring by the control center is not required, which can reduce the cost of purchasing devices and equipment required for constant monitoring, the communication cost for constant connection with the control center, the cost of a maintenance contract with the control center, etc. In other words, the introduction cost and operation cost of the elevator inspection system 100 according to this embodiment can be kept low.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since no dedicated devices or equipment are used for constant monitoring by the control center, the costs of replacing devices and equipment that arise when renovating the elevator inspection system 100 can also be reduced.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, inspection item data is generated based on the operation data D1 indicating the operation history of the elevator 1, and inspection is performed based on the inspection item data, so that the quality of the inspection of the elevator 1 can also be maintained.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the inspection item data includes diagnostic operation data for executing diagnostic operation of the elevator 1 based on the inspection items. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if continuous monitoring by the control center is not performed, diagnostic operation of the elevator 1 can be easily performed.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inspection item data includes instructions on the inspection contents that can be performed by the manager M of the building (elevator 1) who operates the mobile terminal 123. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even the manager M who does not have specialized knowledge of the elevator 1 can inspect the elevator 1 by himself. This reduces the number of times that maintenance personnel are dispatched, thereby saving the cost of maintenance services.

[0104] In the present embodiment, the inspection instructions indicate a plurality of inspection items in the order of inspection. Therefore, even if the manager M does not have specialized knowledge, he or she can properly inspect the elevator 1 according to the inspection instructions.

[0105] In this embodiment, the inspection content determination unit 34 of the control unit 30 of the elevator management device 3 determines the inspection items based on the comparison result between the operation data D1 and reference data D2, which is operation data acquired from a normally operated elevator and used as a reference for comparison. According to this embodiment, when there is operation data D1 that is missing for inspecting the elevator 1, it is possible to identify it, and to cause the elevator 1 to perform a diagnostic operation to obtain the missing operation data D1.

[0106] Therefore, according to this embodiment, regardless of the type of business (such as the station building mentioned above) in which the building in which the elevator 1 is installed is used, inspection item data that matches the operating tendencies of the elevator 1 based on that type of business can be generated and the inspection item data can be transmitted to the mobile terminal 123.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inspection content determination unit 34 of the control unit 30 of the elevator management device 3 determines the inspection items based on the operation data D1 of the elevator 1 and the inspection data D3 including the inspection history information of the elevator 1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the inspection items that are more suited to the current state of the elevator 1 are determined based on the history of the inspections performed in the past.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 of the elevator management device 3 generates inspection item data that instructs photographing of the inspection points determined to require photographing. Then, the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 transmits data of moving images (or still images) photographed based on the inspection item data to the elevator management device 3. Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, the elevator management device 3 can inspect the elevator 1 in more detail based on the moving image data of the points requiring inspection photographed by the mobile terminal 123.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 accepts input of authentication information of the manager M, and when the authentication information matches pre-registered authentication information, performs control to connect to the wireless device 122. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent unauthorized access to the elevator inspection system 100 by a person other than the manager M using the mobile terminal 123.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an abnormality occurring in the elevator 1 is notified by the wireless device 122, the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 performs control to notify the elevator management device 3 of the occurrence of the abnormality. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if an abnormality occurs in the elevator 1, the information is reliably transmitted to the elevator management device 3.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 1231 of the mobile terminal 123 detects an input indicating the end of the inspection work by the manager M, the control unit 1231 controls to transmit information on the results of the inspection to the elevator management device 3. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the elevator management device 3 can acquire the contents of the inspection performed by the manager M without omission.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 30 of the elevator management device 3 receives information on the inspection result transmitted from the mobile terminal 123, it judges whether the state of the elevator 1 is good or bad based on the contents of the inspection, and transmits the judgment result to the mobile terminal 123. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the manager M can grasp the inspection result of the elevator 1.

[0113] For example, if an inspection results in an explanation of progress information regarding a concern discovered during a previous inspection, administrator M will be able to keep a close eye on the future progress of the concern, which may make it possible to prevent an abnormality from occurring in the first place.

[0114] Furthermore, when the control unit 30 of the elevator management device 3 dispatches a maintenance worker to the building as a result of judging the inspection contents, the control unit 30 can notify the mobile terminal 123 of the judgment result as well as a notification of the dispatch of the maintenance worker and the response contents after the arrival of the maintenance worker. In this case, the manager M can properly grasp that the maintenance worker is coming and the response contents when the maintenance worker arrives.

[0115] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other applications and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0116] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been given in which the mobile terminal 123 acquires the operation data D1 stored in the elevator control panel 2 via the wireless device 122, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the elevator control panel 2 has a communication function, the mobile terminal 123 may directly communicate with the elevator control panel 2 to acquire the operation data D1.

[0117] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been given in which the wireless device 122 is provided inside the car 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. The wireless device 122 may be installed at any position in the landing 13 of the elevator 1. For example, by installing the wireless device 122 on the top floor or ground floor of the elevator 1, or a reference floor set for each building, it is possible to facilitate access by the manager M to the installation position of the wireless device 122.

[0118] Furthermore, for example, by installing the wireless device 122 at the landing 13, it becomes possible to cause the elevator 1 to perform continuous diagnostic operations for a long period of time, without the need for the manager M to board the car 12. Furthermore, when the wireless device 122 is installed at the landing 13, it becomes possible to safely perform diagnostic operations for checking the operation signal of a safety device that detects an abnormality in the elevator 1, without the manager M boarding the car 12.

[0119] When the wireless device 122 is installed at the platform 13, a process may be performed to notify the manager M of the location of the wireless device 122 via the mobile terminal 123 in case the manager M forgets which floor of the building the platform on which the wireless device 122 is installed. Such a process can be realized, for example, by transmitting the location of the wireless device 122 to the mobile terminal 123 via the short-range wireless communication when the wireless device 122 is present within the connection allowable range of the mobile terminal 123 for short-range wireless communication.

[0120] In addition, for example, the above-described embodiment examples provide detailed and specific descriptions of the configurations of the devices and systems in order to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described.

[0121] In addition, the control lines or information lines indicated by arrows in Figure 1 are those considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily show all control lines or information lines in the product. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are connected to each other.

[0122] In addition, in this specification, the processing steps describing chronological processing include not only processing that is performed chronologically in the order described, but also processing that is not necessarily performed chronologically but is performed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or processing by objects).

[0123] In addition, each component of the elevator inspection system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in any hardware as long as each hardware can transmit and receive information to and from each other via a network. In addition, the processing performed by a certain processing unit may be realized by a single piece of hardware, or may be realized by distributed processing using multiple pieces of hardware. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1... elevator, 2... elevator control panel, 3... elevator management device, 21... data storage unit, 22... operation control unit, 23... drive control unit, 24... communication control unit, 25... data control unit, 30... control unit, 31... communication control unit, 32... data storage unit, 33... data comparison unit, 34... inspection content judgment unit, 35... inspection item data generation unit, 36... data control unit, 100... elevator inspection system, 121... operation panel, 122... wireless device, 123... mobile terminal

Claims

1. An elevator inspection system comprising: a mobile terminal communicatively connected to a communication device that acquires operation history data of the elevator from a control device that controls the operation of the elevator; and an elevator management device communicatively connected to the mobile terminal, The elevator management device includes: a communication control unit that receives the driving history data acquired by the mobile terminal from the control device from the mobile terminal; a management control unit that determines inspection items for the elevator based on the operation history data of the elevator received by the communication control unit, and transmits inspection item data generated from the inspection items to the mobile terminal via the communication control unit; a data comparison unit that determines whether there is insufficient operation data for inspecting the elevator based on a comparison result between the operation history data and reference data, which is operation data acquired from the elevator during normal operation and used as a comparison standard; When the data comparison unit determines that there is insufficient driving data, the management control unit instructs the control device via the mobile terminal to perform driving to obtain the insufficient driving data. Elevator inspection system.

2. The inspection item data includes diagnostic operation data for causing the control device to execute a diagnostic operation of the elevator based on the inspection items, The missing operation data is operation data for a floor having a small movement history of the elevator car, When the data comparison unit determines that there is operation data for a floor with a small movement history of the elevator car, the management control unit instructs the control device via the mobile terminal to perform a diagnostic operation including movement to the floor. The elevator inspection system of claim 1 .

3. The inspection item data includes instructions for inspection contents that can be performed by the elevator manager who operates the mobile terminal. The elevator inspection system of claim 1 .

4. The inspection instructions include a plurality of inspection items in the order of their execution. The elevator inspection system of claim 3.

5. The management control unit determines the inspection items based on the operation history data and inspection history information that is a history of the inspection items. The elevator inspection system of claim 1 .

6. The management control unit generates the inspection item data instructing the photographing of the inspection points determined to require photographing, The mobile terminal includes a terminal control unit that transmits image data of the inspection location photographed based on the inspection item data to the elevator management device. The elevator inspection system of claim 1 .

7. The mobile terminal includes a terminal control unit that receives input of authentication information of the administrator and controls connection to the communication device when the authentication information matches pre-registered authentication information. The elevator inspection system of claim 3.

8. The terminal control unit, when notified of an abnormality occurring in the elevator by the communication device, controls to notify the elevator management device of the occurrence of the abnormality.

8. The elevator inspection system of claim 7.

9. When the terminal control unit detects an input of the end of the inspection work by the manager, the terminal control unit controls to transmit inspection result data including the result of the inspection work to the elevator management device.

8. The elevator inspection system of claim 7.

10. When the management control unit receives the inspection result data from the mobile terminal, the management control unit judges whether the state of the elevator is good or bad based on the inspection result data, and transmits the result of the judgment to the mobile terminal.

10. The elevator inspection system of claim 9.

11. A communication device capable of communicating with the control device and the mobile terminal, The communication device is installed in the elevator car and / or at the elevator landing. An elevator inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. An elevator inspection method using an elevator inspection system including: a mobile terminal communicatively connected to a communication device that acquires operation history data of the elevator from a control device that controls the operation of the elevator; and an elevator management device communicatively connected to the mobile terminal, a step in which a communication control unit of the elevator management device receives from the mobile terminal the operation history data acquired by the mobile terminal from the control device; A management control unit of the elevator management device determines inspection items for the elevator based on the received operation history data of the elevator, and transmits inspection item data generated from the inspection items to the mobile terminal; a data comparison unit determining that there is insufficient operation data for inspecting the elevator based on a comparison result between the operation history data and reference data, which is operation data acquired from a normally operated elevator and used as a comparison standard; When the data comparison unit determines that there is insufficient driving data, the management control unit instructs the control device via the mobile terminal to perform driving to obtain the insufficient driving data. Elevator inspection methods.

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